The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.

A vibrant account of the day’s events with explanation and reaction from those involved.

Some French cities have been given the power to implement partial curfews to protect people and shops, says PM Sébastien Lecornu. We have the latest, and we hear from students and teachers. A new wave of synthetic drugs is sweeping across the United States, raising fear of a worsening drug crisis. We speak to the BBC's Quentin Sommerville and hear his report from the frontlines in South Side, Chicago, where communities are battling the crisis. Selena Gomez has said vaping nicotine has changed the way her voice sounds. We speak to our music correspondent. Presenter: Rahul Tandon. (Photo: Debris remains in the street as clashes between riot police and demonstrators continue for the second day during nationwide protests against the high cost of living in Paris, France, 18 October 2026. Credit: Mohammed Badra/EPA)

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