Today: Economic protests rock France, and US midterm spending reaches a fever pitch

Today as it Happened on Monday, October 19, 2026: France is reeling from some of its worst rioting in years after nationwide protests erupted into deadly violence and looting over the weekend, with more than 2,000 people arrested. President Emmanuel Macron is promising to address protesters' concerns while warning that those responsible for the looting and destruction will be held accountable. France's Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu held an emergency meeting Monday as the government grapples to address the violence, which saw police clash with protesters, often using tear gas and water cannons to try to disperse the crowds. In the Russia-Uk (Source: Scripps News | Region: Paris, France)