Humanity Unplugged Podcast

More than 2,000 people were arrested in a weekend of riots, looting, and violent clashes across France. Protesting students were joined by trade unions and Yellow Vest protesters, bringing more than 500,000 people onto the streets. How will President Macron handle this daunting challenge in the final leg of his presidency? Palki Sharma tells you.

There are no US ground troops deployed in Haiti, though US warships are stationed off the coast as a show of force. The US supports and provides resources to the international Multinational Security Support (MSS) gang-suppression mission.

Gains exclusive access to Erik Prince's operation in Haiti as security forces battle gangs that control much of Port-au-Prince. Nick Paton Walsh examines the private security tycoon’s bid to succeed where others have failed.

Over 2,000 individuals were arrested during a weekend marked by riots, looting, and violent confrontations across France. Protesting students joined forces with trade unions and Yellow Vest demonstrators, rallying over 500,000 people onto the streets. How will President Macron tackle this significant challenge in the final phase of his presidency? Palki Sharma reports.

Across Europe, from France to Italy and Spain to Portugal, young people are mobilizing in significant numbers to protest against their governments. What is driving this rising wave of unrest in one of the wealthiest regions of the world? Palki Sharma outlines the four primary factors behind this growing rebellion.

What we know about the mass shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Perry Street: the timeline, the police response, the coroner's findings, and what remains unknown.

On October 9, 2026, police in Erie, PA, responded to a ShotSpotter alert at a home on Perry Street near East 7th. Nine people died, including two young children and the suspected shooter. Early reports described a standoff, but the city later corrected that account. This video walks through what authorities have confirmed and what they haven't.

The Timeline

• Before 4:53 PM: Muffled gunfire was captured inside the residence by neighborhood surveillance video. Investigators believe all victims inside the home were already deceased before police were notified.
• 4:53 PM: A nearby ShotSpotter activation was triggered by gunfire outside the home. The gunman, Matthew Stone Sr., emerged from the house, called out to two women who had just arrived at the scene, and shot them fatally on the sidewalk. He then retreated into the house.
• 4:55 PM: The first Erie police officer arrives on the scene, followed by additional units.

The Police Response

• Rapid Arrival: Officers arrived in less than two minutes after the ShotSpotter alert. Within five minutes, eight officers had surrounded the home.
• Standoff Clarification: Initial reports suggested an active standoff. However, Chief Rick Lorah later clarified that no shots were fired, no cries for help were heard, and no movement was seen inside after officers arrived.
• Tactical Entry: After securing a search warrant, a SWAT team entered the residence and discovered the bodies.
• Evidence Collected: Investigators recovered a registered .40 caliber handgun, a partially full magazine, an empty magazine, and several cell phones belonging to the victims.

A 28-year-old researcher at an anti-plague laboratory in Russia has died after developing severe pneumonia, prompting quarantine and medical monitoring of nearly 200 people who may have come into contact with her. Russian authorities say there is no confirmed plague outbreak and have described the illness as pneumonia of unknown origin. But questions about possible laboratory exposure, conflicting reports, and concerns about transparency have fuelled speculation. Here is what we know, and what remains unconfirmed.

The U.S. is closely monitoring a potential case of pneumonic plague in Russia after a laboratory worker who studied the disease fell ill and died. Russian authorities insist there is no cause for alarm, but officials have imposed quarantines and other measures at several medical facilities in Siberia. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Annie Jacobsen, author of "Biological War: A Scenario."

You asked; we are here to answer. With many of our news desk reporters and editors working remotely because of floodwaters or wading through inundated streets to reach the newsroom, we are working nonstop to deliver real-time updates as the situation develops.

Here is what we know about the flood crisis in the capital:

What does a disaster declaration allow? 

The disaster zone declaration is a legal mechanism that allows national and local authorities quicker access to emergency funds and equipment. Part of Thailand’s broader disaster management framework, it is intended to ensure affected residents receive timely assistance and relief operations are coordinated efficiently to minimise damage.

Which Bangkok districts are worst affected?

Eastern fringe areas remain severely inundated, with many residents stranded in their homes with limited access to essential supplies. The hardest hit part of the capital is Lat Krabang, where there are up to 40,000 victims. Districts such as Bang Kapi, Khannayao, Lak Si and Saphan Sung continue to face high water levels. By contrast, central business corridors like Sukhumvit and Silom-Sathorn sit on higher, better-drained ground

Indonesia is facing a major volcanic emergency after reports said at least six volcanoes were erupting at the same time. Ash has risen as high as 50,000 feet and drifted roughly 150 kilometres, affecting areas as far as Jakarta. Eight airports have been shut down, and more than 2,000 flights have been delayed or cancelled. Ash has also blanketed roads and vehicles, forcing some schools to close and residents to wear masks. The largest eruption is coming from Anak Krakatau, in the Sunda Strait.

Southern Ohio is facing a major 5-day flood disaster after days of relentless rainfall, with up to 7 inches of rain triggering dangerous flash flooding. Multiple water rescues were reported, a hospital was surrounded by floodwaters, and major roads and highways were closed across the region. Watch for the latest Southern Ohio flood updates, road closures, flood warnings, and weather conditions.

On August 11, 2026, a severe derecho storm caused a massive two-week blackout in Gary, Indiana. Thousands of residents were left without power until most of the service was restored by August 26, 2026.

The storm brought straight-line winds of 70 to 100 mph, striking northwest Indiana and causing power outages for over 370,000 NIPSCO customers. While nearby towns quickly regained power, Gary remained in the dark for a significantly longer period.

Officials and residents attributed the prolonged blackout to aging equipment, inadequate maintenance, and historical underfunding of the power infrastructure.

The impact on residents was profound. Grocery stores closed, gas stations ran out of fuel, and schools had to shut down. People who relied on medical equipment, such as breathing machines and oxygen, faced significant health risks. Additionally, families lost hundreds of dollars in spoiled food due to the hot summer weather.

In response to the blackout, authorities launched an investigation to determine the root causes and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.

Public outrage erupted as Mayor Eddie Melton and community members expressed their frustration with the utility company’s slow response and poor communication. In response to the mounting concerns, Indiana Governor Mike Braun called for an official investigation into the power company’s equipment and repair schedules. By late August, crews managed to restore the data. Electricity was restored to 99% of customers, but discussions on recovery and repairs are still ongoing.

Nepal Floods LIVE Coverage: Nepal continues to battle a devastating flood crisis, with rescue and relief operations underway across several affected regions. CNN-News18 is on the ground, bringing you the latest visuals and updates from the flood-affected areas.

The disaster has caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, roads, and bridges and cutting off several communities. Rescue teams and security forces are working to evacuate stranded people and reach areas that remain difficult to access.

Nepal police said Friday morning that the country’s death toll had risen to 538, up from 390 a day earlier, with 1,500 people missing, including 90 Americans. 

Global food inflation is expected to accelerate to roughly 5% in early 2027, driven by a compounding mix of extreme weather, geopolitical conflict, and fertilizer shortages. Severe empty-shelf shortages are expected to primarily affect vulnerable, import-dependent emerging markets rather than the United States.

Major Drivers for 2027

• The Super El Niño: A historically strong El Niño climate pattern is underway, bringing severe heat, drought, and flooding that threaten global crop yields. [1, 2, 3]

• Fertilizer and Energy Disruptions: Ongoing geopolitical conflict and shipping constraints around the Council on Foreign Relations Analysis choke point in the Strait of Hormuz have severely restricted the international trade of fertilizers and natural gas inputs. [1, 2]

• Climateflation: Extreme heatwaves in Europe and other key agricultural regions have already erased millions of tonnes of grain from baseline forecasts, shifting macroeconomic pressures directly onto harvest yields

Regional Impacts

• Global South & Emerging Markets: Regions in South Asia, East Africa, and parts of Latin America face acute food insecurity risks and heightened vulnerability to price volatility.

• United States: Agricultural buffers, large domestic production, and existing stock reserves make widespread physical shortages unlikely. However, consumers will likely face sticky, elevated grocery bills and persistent food inflation.