Daily briefing · Sunday, October 18

Hurricane Trudy brings warnings to western Mexico

Hurricane Trudy had sustained winds of 105 mph early Sunday, with its center about 135 miles west-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico. The National Hurricane Center’s 09:00 UTC advisory maintained a hurricane warning from Manzanillo to Cabo Corrientes. Forecasters expected the center to remain near the coast through Sunday evening, with rapid weakening beginning that night. Rainfall of four to eight inches was forecast in parts of Michoacán, Colima and Jalisco, with isolated totals around twelve inches. That rain could cause flooding and mudslides, especially on steep terrain. Storm surge, damaging waves and rip currents were also concerns. Hurricane Trudy Advisory Number 20

France assesses damage after nationwide demonstrations

French authorities reported about 1,800 arrests Sunday as cities assessed damage from fires and looting during and after Saturday’s cost-of-living demonstrations. Limoges’s 19th-century town hall was damaged by fire, while shops in several cities were pillaged. The interior ministry estimated 550,000 participants nationwide; the CGT union put the figure at 800,000. Those estimates cover the broader protests, which included peaceful demonstrations, rather than only people involved in violence. Authorities said investigations were continuing to identify those responsible for criminal acts. France counts cost of violent protests, 1,800 arrested

IMF chief calls for help as debt squeezes poorer countries

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva called Saturday for help for low-income countries facing higher energy bills and debt payments as the institution’s annual meetings closed in Bangkok. She said debt repayments had risen from 8% to 14% of government revenue in recent years. That is six additional dollars of repayments for every $100 collected, leaving less room for other spending unless revenue or financing changes. Georgieva identified debt restructuring, revenue collection and access to investment as areas for assistance. Low-income oil-importing countries are particularly exposed to rising fuel costs. IMF chief cites ‘optimism and worry’ as Bangkok meetings close

Clinician review matters in recovery-app findings

Monitoring through recovery apps was associated with fewer serious surgical complications in research released Saturday for the Anesthesiology meeting. The review combined 38 studies involving 7,507 patients and found a 22% lower relative risk of major complications and a 15% lower risk of readmission. Readmission benefits appeared only when clinicians reviewed patients’ submissions and could respond. Overall complication rates did not significantly fall. The distinction suggests monitoring may help teams catch problems before they worsen, rather than prevent every problem. The conference findings do not establish that every recovery app works equally well. Mobile app monitoring may reduce serious complications after surgery, new study finds

Mantis shrimp eye pigments act as reversible switches

Researchers studying mantis shrimp eyes have identified proteins that switch reversibly between stable states when exposed to different colors of light. The study, explained Saturday, examined 17 visual proteins from the eye’s central band. Four were reversible switches; two were activated by red light and deactivated by blue. That lets a second light signal reset the pigment without an external cellular regeneration process. The finding could inform tools for controlling cell signals with light, although those applications remain undeveloped and the proteins’ precise role in shrimp behavior needs testing. Red-sensitive pigments in mantis shrimp eyes act as reversible light switches

Academy Museum gala honors Theron, Carpenter and Domingo

Charlize Theron, John Carpenter and Colman Domingo were honored at the Academy Museum’s sixth annual gala in Los Angeles Saturday. Theron received the Icon Award, Carpenter the Luminary Award and Domingo the Vantage Award. Taylor Swift gave a special performance. The fundraiser was co-chaired by Tom Ford, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw. Alongside the awards and celebrity arrivals, the evening supported the museum’s work to preserve and present cinema. The Best Dressed Stars From the 2026 Academy Museum Gala · Academy Museum Gala 2026 red carpet: See all the celebrity looks