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Zelensky urges support for US Russia sanctions paused by Trump

Donald Trump paused a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said easing pressure could encourage Moscow to continue the war and urged US supporters to back the measures.

“The decision to undo all of this, to block all of it, seems wrong to me”
Volodymyr ZelenskyPresident of Ukraine

Katie Zacharia removed as White House press secretary after five days

Katie Zacharia is out as White House press secretary after five days. Her brief tenure followed a criticized briefing and questions about her legal credentials.

Ritchie Torres Announces Bill to Protect Digital Game Ownership

The New York lawmaker’s proposed Power To The Players Act would direct the FTC to protect buyers’ rights to own, play and transfer games, including after servers shut down.

No Kings rallies urge early voting as some protesters endorse Democrats

Thousands of No Kings events across the US urged people to vote early in the November midterms. In Alexandria, some protesters openly backed Democrats, despite organizers’ rules against partisan campaigning.

Meta says No Kings Instagram suspension was an error

Meta said an automated system mistakenly suspended the No Kings Instagram account during a nationwide day of early-voting events. The group says it wants a fuller explanation.

Rubio visits Uzbekistan and India to build US ties in the region

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a business delegation to Uzbekistan before travelling to India, aiming to strengthen commercial and security ties as questions arise about his diplomatic priorities.

Rubio says Trump is reviewing Russia sanctions waiver for up to 60 days

Rubio says Trump paused key Russia-related sanctions and tariffs for up to 60 days to assess economic effects. He also denies the White House deliberately restricted Ukraine’s Starlink access.

Trump has paused key sanctions and tariffs tied to Russian energy while his administration reviews their economic effects.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the review could take up to 60 days, though Trump has not announced a final decision.

The measures were intended to pressure Russia over its war in Ukraine and included penalties for countries buying Russian energy.

The pause comes as energy prices rise and global supplies face disruption, including from the war with Iran.

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Trump pauses Russia sanctions, drawing criticism from both parties

Trump suspended planned sanctions on Russia and countries that buy its oil and gas. Democrats and Republicans say the move could weaken pressure on Moscow.

Trump signed into law legislation allowing tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from countries that continued buying Russian oil and gas.

Trump signed an executive order suspending the restrictions, saying the waiver was in the US national interest.

US lawmakers from both parties and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised the waiver.

Congress is in recess, limiting immediate opportunities to challenge Trump’s decision.

Trump faces criticism over Republican midterm strategy

With Republicans fighting to keep control of Congress, Trump is questioning campaign spending and strategy while his aides face blame and polling points to a difficult election.

Election date
November 3, 2026
Trump’s recent campaign stops
Texas, New York, Tennessee, Ohio, Alaska, Arizona, Maryland and Montana
Recent West Coast swing
Wasilla, Alaska; Las Vegas; Bullhead City, Arizona; Kalispell, Montana
House races shifted toward Democrats
18, according to the Cook Political Report

Federal agents search Ilhan Omar’s home before US midterm elections

Federal agents searched the Washington-area home of Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar as part of an ongoing investigation. The raid, less than three weeks before the midterms, drew criticism from Omar and Democratic leaders.

Omar and critics of the investigation Trump administration and investigators

Purpose

Omar has called the search an abuse of power and political intimidation; critics say the investigation targets a political opponent.

The investigation concerns possible false information or fraud in immigration paperwork; the Justice Department said it would investigate cases where facts support denaturalisation.

Evidence and process

Omar has denied wrongdoing.

The warrant listed conspiracy, false statements on immigration paperwork and immigration fraud as potential crimes; the evidence presented to approve the search was not clear.

Musk gives $276 million to Republican groups for 2026 midterms

Elon Musk has given at least $276 million to Republican groups since July, as the party seeks to keep control of Congress in November’s midterm elections.

World

Two killed, including a child, after vehicle drives through Kansas soccer game

A vehicle drove through a soccer game at Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, killing a child and an adult and injuring others. The driver is in custody as police investigate.

“This is a tragedy”
Aaron MosesWichita police captain

Austrian Airlines flight diverts to Sofia after bomb threat

An Austrian Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to Vienna made an emergency landing in Sofia after a bomb threat. The 51 passengers and six crew were evacuated while the plane was searched.

Fire destroys Limoges town hall during protests in France

A fire during protests in Limoges destroyed much of the historic town hall and caused its bell tower to collapse. Demonstrations against rising living costs and other concerns also turned violent in several French cities.

11 taken to hospital after tasting water at Grolsch brewery

Eleven visitors and tour guides were taken to hospital after tasting brewing water at the Grolsch brewery in Enschede. The water may have contained a corrosive chemical.

Egypt seeks parliament's approval to defend Saudi Arabia if asked

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt could take defensive action to protect Saudi Arabia if requested. Egypt's parliament announced an emergency session to consider authorising it.

Israeli settlers attack European diplomats and French mayor in West Bank

Masked settlers attacked a European diplomatic convoy and assaulted French mayor Bernard Baudoux in Taybeh. The violence came during the Palestinian olive harvest and days before Israeli elections.

Trump defends Russian diesel deal as critics warn it could fund war

Trump says the US is still sharing intelligence with Ukraine while defending a deal to bring Russian diesel to global markets. Critics say easing restrictions could help finance Russia’s war.

President Donald Trump says the US is still sharing intelligence with Ukraine and working with Kyiv and Moscow to end the war.

He also defended an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to send diesel to global markets.

The deal is expected to supply 300,000 tonnes in October, 500,000 in November and one million in December.

Russia says it could increase supplies further, while Trump says the deal should lower fuel prices.

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Storm floods parts of Spain as woman dies near Barcelona

A powerful Mediterranean storm caused flooding and transport disruption across Spain, and a woman who fell into a stream near Barcelona was found dead. More heavy rain is forecast.

Torrential rain hit parts of Catalonia, and a woman fell into a swollen stream in Cabrera de Mar.

Emergency teams began searching for the woman after receiving a report at about 19:40.

The Catalan fire service said the woman had been found dead in the sea.

AEMET warned of extraordinary danger from torrential rain in Valencia and Mallorca.

France arrests more than 1,800 after protests turn violent

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said more than 1,800 people were arrested after protests against the cost of living ended in clashes, fires and looting across France.

Detentions
More than 1,800 people
Protest date
October 17, 2026
Protest turnout
About 550,000 people, including 110,000 in Paris
Injuries
About 500 police, firefighters and paramedics, according to Nunez

Ukrainian drone attack sets fires at St Petersburg oil sites, killing one

A Ukrainian drone attack hit oil facilities and other sites in St Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region. Local authorities said one person was killed, while reports differed on the number of injured.

Ukraine Russia

Reason for energy strikes

Ukraine says its strikes on Russian oil facilities are retaliation for Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure and are intended to weaken Moscow’s war revenue.

Russia says it targets facilities used by Ukraine’s military; the sources do not give a specific Russian explanation for the St Petersburg attack.

Protest at Istanbul Mall Over Claims About Klodya Medina

A group of about 20 to 25 people protested against Klodya Medina at Istanbul’s İstinyePark mall. Police and medical teams were called after a verbal dispute escalated.

Business

US stocks fall as AI debt worries and oil prices rise

Major US stock indexes fell Friday as investors sold AI and chip stocks over debt concerns and rising oil prices. The Nasdaq dropped 2.15%, while the chip index fell for an eighth straight session.

“High oil prices, in particular, tend to weigh on the price/earnings multiple of stocks, and so I think you have investors looking to be cautious into the weekend rather than take more risk.”
Rob HaworthSenior investment strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management

Fed chief says AI could boost growth but may push prices higher first

Kevin Warsh said AI investment could raise demand and inflation in the near term, while making economies more productive over time. He gave no signal on the Fed’s next rate decision.

KFC to replace Pepsi with Coca-Cola at US restaurants in 2027

KFC will start replacing Pepsi with Coca-Cola at its US restaurants in January 2027, with the change expected to be complete by spring. The switch ends a relationship of about 40 years.

Investors question whether AI demand can support CoreWeave’s debt

Investors are scrutinizing whether CoreWeave can generate enough cash to fund its data centre expansion and repay debt, despite strong demand and a large backlog.

JPMorgan blocks outside AI agents from making transactions on customer accounts

JPMorgan Chase is blocking outside AI agents from logging in and acting on customer accounts, citing security risks. Approved connections can still provide limited, read-only information.

Evercore appoints co-presidents for the first time

Evercore has appointed co-presidents for the first time as part of a leadership reshuffle.

U.S. budget deficit reaches $1.99 trillion, highest in five years

The U.S. federal budget deficit rose 12% to $1.99 trillion in fiscal 2026, the largest in five years. Spending grew faster than revenue.

The U.S. federal government ran a $1.99 trillion deficit in fiscal 2026, which ended on Sept.

30.

A deficit means the government spent more than it collected in revenue.

The shortfall was 12% higher than the $1.78 trillion deficit in fiscal 2025 and the largest since 2021.

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Benchmark partners say the firm will keep its deliberate investing pace

Benchmark’s five partners said they plan to keep making only a few new investments each year, despite a fast-moving venture market. The firm has also expanded its funds to $2 billion.

TechCrunch interviewed four Benchmark partners, three of whom are no longer with the firm.

Benchmark announced $2 billion across two funds.

Benchmark’s five partners discussed the firm’s investing approach at TechCrunch Disrupt.

Warren Buffett’s Three Children Step In to Distribute His Wealth

Buffett, whose wealth is estimated at $150 billion, has promised to give it away before he dies. His three children are stepping in to help spread it around.

Estimated wealth
$150 billion
People involved
Warren Buffett and his three children
Promise
Buffett has said he will give away his wealth before he dies

Netflix to cut about 1,000 jobs in biggest layoffs since 2022

Netflix plans to cut roughly 6% of its workforce, or about 1,000 jobs. Product, technology, legal and human resources teams will be most affected.

Netflix leadership Analysts and critics

Purpose of layoffs

Netflix says the cuts will help it focus resources and invest in growth.

Critics question whether layoffs will address the company’s underlying growth and engagement concerns.

Business outlook

Co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters said the business is strong and remains on track to deliver its full-year forecast.

Analysts point to slowing U.S. and Canada revenue growth and concerns about Netflix’s future growth.

US wholesale inflation rose 6.3% in September as fuel costs surged

US producer prices rose 6.3% from a year earlier in September, driven largely by higher fuel costs. The increase could add pressure on shoppers and the Federal Reserve.

Science & Tech

Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at hundreds of French supermarkets

Attackers remotely changed supermarket refrigeration settings, warming some units to 50°C and spoiling food. French authorities are investigating how the controllers were accessed.

“Attacking equipment that is essential to the preservation of fresh products and the food supply of the French people is extremely serious and unprecedented. It is unacceptable.”
Dominique SchelcherCoopérative U chief executive

Apple may launch touchscreen MacBook Pro models in early November

Apple is expected to unveil redesigned MacBook Pro models with OLED touchscreens in late October, with store availability possibly starting November 6. Apple has not confirmed the products or dates.

Apple unveils HomeView, a family-focused smart home display

Apple introduced HomeView, a smart display that personalizes its screen for up to six people and controls compatible home devices. It goes on sale November 13, with prices starting at £299/$299.

PS6 memory costs could exceed $680 per console, insider claims

A hardware insider claims the PlayStation 6’s RAM and storage could cost more than $680 per console. That could push the full price above $1,000, though Sony has not announced a price.

Tesla shows Roadster prototype using air thrusters to jump and flip

Tesla demonstrated a Roadster prototype using compressed-air thrusters at a Texas event. Elon Musk said production is expected in 2028, but the flying model is not approved for public roads.

Cyberattack on Swiss software firm may expose pension and security data

A cyberattack on PK Softech may have exposed data held for Publica and other pension funds. Swiss authorities warn that federal security staff could face risks, but the scale of the leak is unknown.

Five South Korean bank chiefs to face questions over cyberattacks

The heads of South Korea’s five largest banks are due before lawmakers on Oct. 19 to answer questions about cyberattacks, leaked customer data and security oversight.

The heads of South Korea’s five largest banks will face lawmakers at a National Assembly hearing on Oct.

19.

The hearing follows cyberattacks and customer-data leaks at several banks, including Shinhan, KB Kookmin and Hana.

Shinhan reported 27,527 customer records exposed through a service used by outside loan agents.

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Anthropic proposes rules for blocking dangerous AI models in the US

Anthropic is circulating a draft bill that would let US authorities block an AI model only over severe, imminent risks and with a judge’s approval.

The Trump administration banned Anthropic from the Pentagon.

Washington forced Anthropic to suspend its most advanced models for nearly three weeks.

Anthropic said that without a strong federal law, states should retain full authority to legislate.

Anthropic confirmed it was circulating a draft AI bill among US lawmakers.

Japan plans mission to collect samples from Mars moon Phobos

Japan plans to launch its MMX spacecraft on October 19 UTC to study Mars’ moons and collect a sample from Phobos. The sample is due back on Earth in 2031.

Mission
Martian Moons eXploration (MMX)
Target for sample collection
Phobos
Launch site
Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
Spacecraft instruments
13

Amazon wildfires surge as Brazil investigates possible deliberate burning

Fire counts in Brazil’s Amazon have tripled since the first round of voting, and authorities are investigating whether some blazes were deliberately set. Smoke has disrupted daily life in parts of the region.

Lula’s government Bolsonaro-aligned critics

Fire responsibility

Environment Minister João Paulo Capobianco said indications point to a premeditated effort to start fires.

Bolsonaro-aligned politicians have used the fires to criticize Lula’s government, with Tarcísio de Freitas saying the Workers Party “disappeared” while the Amazon burned.

Government response

Lula said the federal government was sending resources to support firefighting efforts.

Local politicians have accused authorities of failing to act, while some have claimed credit for firefighting efforts.

CaixaBank redesigns its business app to allow more online services

CaixaBank has overhauled its app for companies and small businesses, allowing customers to apply for loans and arrange products such as card terminals and insurance without visiting a branch.

Sports

Skattebo gets no touches as Giants lose to Saints

Cam Skattebo had no carries or targets in the Giants’ 34-27 loss to New Orleans after fumbling four times this season. Coach John Harbaugh said the lack of action was not planned.

“It was not by design for him not to carry the ball”
John HarbaughGiants head coach

NFL says Steelers-Saints game in Paris remains scheduled amid unrest

The NFL says the Steelers-Saints game at Stade de France on Oct. 25 remains scheduled as protests over living costs and schools continue in France.

Maryland fires defensive coordinator Ted Monachino after fifth straight loss

Maryland dismissed defensive coordinator Ted Monachino after a 37-30 loss to Rutgers. Aazaar Abdul-Rahim will take over defensive play-calling as interim coordinator.

Bears Plan to Start Caleb Williams Against Falcons

Chicago plans to start quarterback Caleb Williams against Atlanta on Sunday after he missed three games with a hamstring injury.

Week 7 upsets scramble the college football playoff picture

Five of the AP poll’s top seven teams lost on Saturday, leaving no clear playoff favorite. Miami and Ohio State lead one projection, while several SEC teams face uncertain paths.

A.J. Brown’s status for Patriots-Jets game remains uncertain

The Patriots receiver returned to practice after missing four games with a high-ankle sprain. He says it is unclear whether he will play against the Jets on Sunday.

Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson ejected after apparent spitting incident

C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected from Buffalo's game against Las Vegas before halftime after an apparent spitting incident. The NFL could consider further discipline.

Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected during Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas.

The incident happened just before halftime, after an altercation with Raiders players.

Accounts differ on whom he appeared to spit toward: one says tight end Brock Bowers, while another says Raiders offensive linemen, including center Tyler Linderbaum.

The officials penalized him and disqualified him, and the teams were tied 13-13 at halftime.

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Texans beat Jaguars 34-31 with a field goal as time expires

Houston beat Jacksonville at Wembley when Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked a 49-yard field goal as time ran out. The Texans earned their second straight win after starting the season 0-4.

The Texans and Jaguars played at Wembley Stadium in London.

Cam Little made a 60-yard field goal to tie the score at 31-31.

Ka’imi Fairbairn made a 49-yard field goal to give Houston a 34-31 win.

Rams kicker Blake Grupe doubtful to return after knee injury

Blake Grupe injured his knee making a tackle during his Rams debut. Los Angeles said he is doubtful to return, leaving its kicking duties to punter Ethan Evans.

Field goal
Grupe made a 44-yard kick in the opening quarter.
Injury
Knee injury while attempting a kickoff tackle.
Opponent
Arizona Cardinals
Backup kicking option
Punter Ethan Evans practiced placekicking on the sideline.

Auburn stuns No. 1 Georgia 27-24 on last-second field goal

Alex McPherson's 34-yard field goal as time expired gave Auburn a 27-24 upset win over top-ranked Georgia in Athens. Auburn recovered from a 14-point deficit.

Falcons linebacker Kendal Daniels taken to hospital with neck injury

Rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels was taken off the field after a collision in the Falcons’ game against the Bears. Atlanta said he was alert and had movement in all his extremities.

Entertainment

SNL UK mocks Shane Gillis over jokes about women and an on-air swear

SNL UK co-host Ania Magliano mocked Shane Gillis during Weekend Update for comments about women’s gym clothes and an accidental swear on US SNL.

“Oh, Shane. You’re not allowed to say that, you stupid fucking cunt.”
Ania MaglianoSNL UK Weekend Update co-host

Growing Pains Actress Betty McGuire Dies at 100

Betty McGuire, best known for playing Kate Malone on Growing Pains, died of natural causes on October 8 at age 100. She also appeared on Broadway and worked with a tenants’ rights group.

Dame Sarah Storey eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing

Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey and dance partner Julian Caillon were eliminated in Week 4 after losing a dance-off to Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu.

Joe Manganiello reveals more details of Ben Affleck’s canceled Batman film

The unmade film would have cast Deathstroke as its main villain, targeting Batman and killing Commissioner Jim Gordon, according to actor Joe Manganiello.

James McAvoy says Split is the only film that regularly pays him residuals

McAvoy says he still regularly receives residual payments from 2016’s Split, but rarely gets meaningful checks from his other films. The horror film made about $278 million worldwide.

Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte dies at 34; co-stars pay tribute

RJ Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad and advocated for disability rights, died in Texas on October 12. His representative said suicide was the cause of death.

Street Fighter opens at No. 1 worldwide with $51.1 million

The Street Fighter movie earned $51.1 million worldwide in its opening weekend, including $31 million in the US and Canada. Its audience rating is stronger than its critics’ score.

The Street Fighter movie opened at No.

1 worldwide, earning an estimated $51.1 million in its first weekend.

It made $31 million in the United States and Canada and $20.1 million in other markets.

The film adapts Capcom’s fighting game series and features actors including Cody Rhodes as Guile and Roman Reigns as Akuma.

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Cindy Crawford and family pay tribute to Presley Gerber after his death

Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber and Kaia Gerber shared a tribute to Presley, who died at 27 in a Santa Monica rehab facility. Officials have not determined his cause of death.

Presley Gerber died at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica at age 27.

E! News reported that the family shared its statement on Cindy Crawford’s Instagram.

Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter reported on the family’s tribute.

Les Classels singer Gilles Girard dies at 84

Gilles Girard, singer with Quebec rock group Les Classels, has died at 84. His son announced his death but did not give a cause.

Age
84
Group
Les Classels
Son
Sam Girard
Group activity
Mainly 1964–1971

Old Clip of Choi Kang-hee Calling Director Park Her Father Resurfaces

Choi Kang-hee’s account of director Park Chan-hong comforting her after her father died has resurfaced amid online debate about his family relationships.

Online critics Choi Kang-hee

Aspect

Some questioned why Park had several women call him “Dad” and whether this was appropriate.

Choi said Park’s words after her father’s death deeply moved and comforted her.

Aspect

Some online commenters questioned the “adopted daughter” relationships.

Choi described Park as a father figure to many and said Park Jin-hee also called him “Dad.

Actress Georgina Cates Dies at 51

The British actress, known for 2point4 Children and films including An Awfully Big Adventure and Clay Pigeons, died on May 6. No cause of death has been announced.

Health

Africa CDC says over $700 million in Congo Ebola funds is unaccounted for

Africa CDC says financial information from aid groups leaves more than $700 million in donor funding for Congo’s Ebola response unaccounted for. Congo’s outbreak has spread to an eighth province.

“it was too early to speak of embezzlement”
Jean KaseyaAfrica CDC director general

Antonella Elia to have surgery to remove a mass near an ovary

The Italian TV personality said she will have surgery at Rome’s Gemelli hospital to remove a suspicious mass near an ovary, and urged people to keep up with medical checks.

Blood antibody patterns may signal IBD up to a decade before diagnosis

A study found blood antibody patterns linked to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis years before diagnosis, but the findings need confirmation and are not ready for clinical use.

Radiologist says Pink October overlooks environmental causes of breast cancer

Amélie Cadier-Loriaud argues that breast cancer awareness month focuses too much on individual responsibility and too little on environmental and political factors that shape health.

Jean-Claude Van Damme turns 66 and focuses on mobility and flexibility

The Belgian actor says he now uses lighter weights and focuses on mobility, flexibility and careful technique after injuries led him to change his training.

Chicago communities confront a rise in powerful synthetic drugs

Communities in Chicago's South Side are battling synthetic drugs, including the animal tranquilliser tranq, as US authorities warn the drug crisis could worsen.

Pope Leo begins gradual return to duties after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo appeared in St. Peter’s Square five days after surgery to remove part of his right lung, saying he would gradually resume his duties.

Pope Leo returned to a public event in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday, five days after lung surgery.

Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung to take out a cancerous tumor; doctors diagnosed lung adenocarcinoma.

The 71-year-old pope was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Saturday, and doctors said he could manage normal daily activities independently.

Leo said he would gradually resume his duties after thanking people for their prayers.

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Sheinbaum vows changes to Mexico’s public health system

Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged problems with medicine deliveries, staffing and hospital care, and said her government would modernize health system processes without adding funds.

IMSS workers rejected an overall pay increase offer of 6.8%.

Sheinbaum met for about three hours with directors of 13 hospitals in Quintana Roo, who cited a shortage of specialists.

At an event in Umán, Yucatán, Sheinbaum promised to modernize the public health system and announced a team to transform processes.

Sheinbaum said she would give an account of her hospital visits at her regular morning press conference.

High ultra-processed food intake linked to signs of brain damage

A Canadian study found adults who ate the most ultra-processed food were more likely to have silent signs of brain injury, but their thinking and memory test scores were not lower.

Participants
8,783 Canadian adults aged 35 to 69
Brain injury likelihood
About 40% higher in the highest-intake group than the lowest-intake group
Injury prevalence
11.3% in the highest-intake quarter; 8.1% in the lowest-intake quarter
Body fat
The highest-intake group had about 1.7 percentage points more body fat

India caps trade margins on 137 cancer drugs, with new prices from November 9

India’s drug price regulator has capped trade margins on 137 cancer medicines at 30%. Prices are expected to fall by up to 70% from November 9, depending on each drug’s current price.

Government and NPPA K.M. Gopakumar, Working Group on Access to Medicines and Treatments

Aim and likely effect

The measure is aimed at making cancer treatment more affordable and improving access to anti-cancer medicines.

The price cap alone will not bring down the cost of treatment, as hospitals may charge high prices for other items and services.

Two sisters turn a biological-age test into a look at their lives

Deb and Michelle agreed to compare results from a $399 test that claims to measure biological aging. They hoped it might shed light on how their different lives and health have affected them.