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October 5: School book bans and Taliban arrest warrants
In U.S. schools
PEN America reports a record 11,982 school book bans during the 2025-26 school year, up from 6,870 the year before. The free-speech organization says the removals covered 7,370 distinct titles, with some books banned more than once.
In Afghanistan
The International Criminal Court has disclosed arrest warrants for Taliban education minister Habibullah Agha and higher education minister Neda Mohammad Nadim over alleged persecution of women, girls and other targeted groups. The warrants were issued on September 9, 2025, and remained sealed until October 5, 2026.
In currency markets
The euro fell to a 17-month low against the dollar on Monday amid mounting government debt across Europe. By mid-afternoon on the U.S. East Coast, it was trading at roughly one dollar and twelve cents, after slipping below that level earlier in the day.
Among European Greens
The Green Party of England and Wales has adopted a policy declaring Zionism a form of racism, drawing objections from fellow European Greens. The European Green Party says the motion contradicts its policy. A co-leader of Germany's Greens called it intolerable and unacceptable, saying it conflicts with the German party's belief in Israel's right to exist.
In public health
The United States is monitoring the death of a worker at a Russian plague research institute in the Irkutsk region. Reports that she died from pneumonic plague remain unconfirmed. Russian health authorities say she had pneumonia whose cause had not been identified, and officials say they found no evidence linking her illness to materials she handled at work.
Officials say the Siberian hospital where she reportedly died is under quarantine and has stopped accepting new patients. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday there was no cause for alarm at this time. The U.S. is urging Russia to share information with international partners.
At the IRS
A Treasury watchdog report flagged dozens of IRS employees for suspicious access to the private tax records of 30 taxpayers, including government officials, business leaders and entertainers. The watchdog also found that 22 employees were not fired.
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