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TSE review found no alleged fake news in Janones's WhatsApp channel

A technical team at Brazil’s top electoral court found no copies of the alleged fake news in André Janones’s WhatsApp channel. A temporary order to suspend it was later reversed.

“absurda”
Kassio Nunes MarquesTSE president

At least three trans women elected to state assemblies in Brazil

Sofia Favero and Natasha Ferreira won their first terms, while Dani Balbi was re-elected. A fourth seat depends on a court decision about Linda Brasil’s candidacy.

Lula campaign accuses Meta of limiting its posts before Brazil runoff

Lula’s campaign says Meta restricted the reach of his posts and alleges election interference. Meta denies the charge, and Brazil’s electoral court has given it 48 hours to explain.

PT president says Lula will debate Flávio directly

The president of the PT said Lula will take part in debates to confront Flávio directly. No debate dates or other details were provided.

Brazil launches system to block phones in prisons without court orders

Brazil has launched a program to block identified phones and radio signals in prisons without needing a court order. Prison authorities will identify devices, and the telecom regulator will carry out the blocks.

Brazil’s election court orders removal of misleading video about Lula rally

The TSE ordered Flávio Bolsonaro and allies to remove posts within 24 hours after a video from Chile was presented as showing drug use at a pro-Lula rally in São Paulo.

Datafolha to publish new Lula–Flávio Bolsonaro runoff poll on Thursday

Datafolha is due to release a new poll on the presidential runoff between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro on Thursday, Oct. 15. Its previous poll put Bolsonaro ahead, 52% to 48%.

Datafolha is set to publish a new poll on Brazil’s presidential runoff between Lula of the Workers’ Party and Flávio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party.

The results are due Thursday, Oct.

15, from 6:30 p.m.

The survey was conducted from Oct.

Read full story →

Flávio Bolsonaro visits his father for the first time since July

Senator and presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro visited his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, in Brasília after a judge restored contact, with political activity during visits still barred.

Alexandre de Moraes prohibited Flávio from visiting Jair Bolsonaro for 90 days.

The 90-day prohibition ended.

Moraes authorized contact between Flávio and Jair to resume, with restrictions.

Flávio visited his father at about 9:40 a.m.

Allies seek cabinet posts as Flávio Bolsonaro considers naming ministers early

After Flávio Bolsonaro led the first-round vote against Lula, allied parties began seeking posts in a possible government. He is considering naming two or three ministers before the runoff.

Early appointments
Flávio is considering announcing two or three ministers before the second round
Republicanos
Discussed the possibility of naming two ministers
União Brasil and PP
Each have discussed seeking two ministries
Agriculture Ministry
Flávio promised the ruralist caucus would choose the minister

Brazil election court halts union newspaper comparing Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro

Brazil’s election court chief ordered a petroleum workers’ union to stop distributing a newspaper comparing presidential candidates Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro, after a complaint from Bolsonaro’s campaign.

Kassio Nunes Marques, president of the Superior Electoral Court Unified Oil Workers’ Union and Unified Federation of Oil Workers

Purpose of the newspaper

The publication went beyond discussion of policies relevant to workers and became a campaign instrument.

It aimed to inform Brazilians about political proposals for Petrobras and the country.

Electoral fairness

The publication treated the candidates disproportionately and could undermine equality in the election.

The order was an attack on freedom of expression and the public’s right to information.

Brazil's Senate resumes debate on ending the six-day workweek

The Senate resumes debate on a proposal for a five-day workweek and 40 weekly hours. A first vote is planned for Wednesday, as government and opposition dispute the timetable.

World

Six Flags closes nine coasters after fatal incident in Georgia

One person died and several were injured in an incident involving a coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Six Flags closed nine similar rides at six parks while authorities investigate.

“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today”
Six Flags spokespersonCompany spokesperson

Saudi-led coalition tells civilians to leave Yemen oil site in Sanaa

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Sanaa ahead of a planned operation. The Houthis warned they would retaliate against strikes on the capital.

Hezbollah announces housing aid of up to $14,000 for displaced families

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible families whose homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel up to $14,000 in Beirut and $12,000 elsewhere in Lebanon.

Eight people injured in stabbing at Incheon supermarket

A man stabbed eight people at a supermarket in Incheon, South Korea. Police detained the suspect and are investigating the attack.

Nuremberg airport reopens after plane makes emergency landing

Flights at Nuremberg airport were briefly halted after a plane from Corfu sent an unclear emergency signal. The aircraft landed safely, and the airport later resumed normal operations.

Truck ends up on Merwedebrug cycle path despite heavy-vehicle ban

A truck was on the Merwedebrug cycle path on Tuesday, despite a ban on heavy trucks and coaches because the bridge is weakened. Rijkswaterstaat inspectors were on their way.

Drones hit two ships off Bulgaria; one sinks and 11 crew are missing

Two cargo ships were hit by drones in the Black Sea off Bulgaria. One sank, leaving 11 crew members missing, while all 15 people aboard the other ship were rescued.

Drones struck two cargo ships off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast overnight on October 13.

One ship sank, and five crew members were rescued, while 11 others remained missing as search efforts continued.

The other ship, the Ukrainian-owned Chelsea 3, was hit by three drones, and all 15 crew members were evacuated; five had minor injuries.

The attacks came a week after two other commercial ships were hit in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, with one sinking and its crew presumed dead.

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Spanish royals visit Ceuta after deadly migration crisis

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited Ceuta to show support for residents after a mass border crossing from Morocco. They are due to travel to Melilla on Wednesday.

More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, according to Africanews; SCMP and AP reported about 80,000 crossings in July and more than 140 deaths.

More than 350 police officers and soldiers took part in an operation to clear the last major informal settlement at El Guano.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia began their first visit to Ceuta.

The royal couple are due to travel to Melilla.

France boards Russia-linked tanker in Indian Ocean

French forces boarded the DF Peak, a sanctioned oil tanker suspected of using a false flag and carrying fuel illicitly. The vessel is being escorted to Réunion for further checks.

Vessel
DF Peak
Location
More than 450 nautical miles south of Réunion
Flag
Benin
EU sanctions status
Listed among the EU-sanctioned ships

Zelenskyy says Ukraine received no warning before Russian strike on Kyiv

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s partners gave no early warning before five Russian ballistic missiles hit civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. He said warnings can help save lives.

A senior Ukrainian official U.S. counterparts

Advance warning

The Ukrainian official said, “They say they didn't cut it off, but they didn't warn us (about the attack) either.

U.S. counterparts said they had not cut off intelligence sharing; the official said they were told the Americans “just didn't see (the launch)...

Possible explanation

The official called the explanation “a weak excuse” and said the incident might have been “a game” to test Ukraine's reaction.

The sources report no evidence that the incident resulted from a deliberate decision to withhold intelligence.

MI5 chief warns of rising threats from Russia, Iran and AI

MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum said the service is devoting more resources to state threats than during the Cold War, citing Russia, Iran and emerging risks from AI.

Business

Rising interest rates add pressure to France’s strained public finances

Global borrowing costs are rising, and France faces particular pressure because of its high debt, weak growth and uncertainty over elections. An economist urges closer European cooperation.

“France is not Greece, and repeating the mistakes of the 2010s would be costly for everyone”
Anton BrendeEconomist

Shinhan Financial agrees to buy 77% of Lotte Insurance for 693.3 billion won

Shinhan Financial will buy a 77.04% stake in Lotte Insurance from JKL Partners for 693.3 billion won. It plans to seek approval to acquire the remaining shares and combine the insurer with Shinhan EZ Insurance.

McDonald’s Germany sets October 27 end date for classic McRib

McDonald’s Germany says the classic McRib is expected to leave its menu after October 27, 2026. A new Sweet Heat version is available as a limited-time offer.

Robert Hall and Michael Woodford win 2026 economics prize

The two U.S. economists won the prize for work underpinning models that help governments and central banks stabilize economies and respond to shocks.

China approves Visa to prepare a domestic bank card clearing business

China’s central bank approved Visa’s preparations to establish a local bank card clearing organisation. Visa has one year to complete the preparations.

IMF raises 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1% but warns of risks

The IMF raised its forecast for global growth in 2026 to 3.1%, citing strong AI investment, but warned that energy shocks, debt and risks tied to the AI boom could weaken the outlook.

Ex-Ilva workers extend strike as protests disrupt fuel supplies

Unions extended the strike at Italy’s former Ilva steelworks by 48 hours to oppose planned shutdowns. Protests have also disrupted fuel supplies, prompting warnings at four Puglia airports.

Workers at Italy’s former Ilva steelworks extended their strike by 48 hours on Tuesday, after it began the day before.

The unions are protesting plans to shut production at the Taranto plant and suspend operations in Genoa and Novi Ligure.

The planned shutdowns follow a court decision to close Taranto’s most important, and most polluting, production area by October 28.

The state-run steel company is under extraordinary administration, and the government has been trying to sell it to private companies.

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Valencia launches working group to improve funding for startups and businesses

The Valencian Entrepreneurship Council has launched a group to identify funding needs and propose ways to help local startups and businesses grow.

Mónica Payá chaired the first meeting of the funding and investment working group.

A second meeting is planned at CEEI Valencia.

A third meeting is planned at CEEI Valencia.

Kaz Hirai says he ignored Sony executives while leading PlayStation

Kaz Hirai says he often went his own way when Sony executives gave him orders as PlayStation president, but later sought to unify Sony's divisions as CEO.

PlayStation presidency
2007–2012, according to Eurogamer
Sony CEO succession
Hirai succeeded Howard Stringer in 2012, according to Kotaku
Sony CEO departure
2018 according to Eurogamer; 2019 according to Kotaku
Advisory role
Continued until 2024, according to Kotaku

Norway fines Microsoft-owned Xandr $9.6 million over Grindr data

Norway’s data protection authority fined Xandr $9.6 million over the handling of Grindr users’ sensitive data. Xandr has three weeks to appeal.

IMF cuts Argentina’s 2026 growth forecast to 2.1%

The IMF lowered its 2026 growth forecast for Argentina to 2.1% and raised its inflation and unemployment estimates. It expects slower growth in 2027 as well.

Science & Tech

Apple announces HomePod mini 2 with Siri AI and new sound features

Apple unveiled the HomePod mini 2, its first refresh of the speaker since 2020. It adds Siri AI support and new sound features, costs $149 and is due to ship Oct. 30.

“HomePod mini 2 brings together Siri AI, gorgeous new colors, and incredible audio.”
Kaiann DranceApple vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

Apple unveils smart home devices made with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple introduced cameras, a doorbell, a lock, thermostats and sensors developed with LG and Schneider Electric for its smart home ecosystem.

Dutch organisations develop MyCheck digital identity wallet

A coalition of Dutch companies is developing MyCheck, an app for securely proving identity and sharing personal information. Users choose what details to share.

Evidence does not show Yandex strikes reduced Russian disinformation bots

Ukrainian strikes knocked Yandex data centres offline, but claims that they sharply reduced Russian disinformation bots rely on misread or unverified data.

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.

Ledger links CryptoBilis wallet implants to confirmed crypto thefts

Ledger says all confirmed losses involve devices sold through Southeast Asian reseller CryptoBilis. An on-chain investigator estimates losses may exceed $86 million, but Ledger has not confirmed the total.

Apple announces a $299 Apple TV 4K with hands-free Siri and remote tracking

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, built-in microphones for hands-free Siri and a remote with Find My. It goes on sale Nov. 13 for $299.

Apple announced a new Apple TV 4K at a smart home-focused event on Oct.

13.

The streaming box looks much like its predecessor, last updated in 2022, but has an A19 chip and Wi-Fi 7 support.

Built-in microphones let users talk to Siri hands-free, without speaking into the remote or a HomePod.

Read full story →

Anthropic warns AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models could soon copy themselves across vulnerable internet-connected devices. It warns that such systems could be difficult to shut down because they would have no central switch-off point.

Anthropic released a report on the risks of autonomous AI replication.

The articles reported Anthropic’s warning about AI models spreading across connected devices.

Anthropic researchers said smaller models could reach the capability of end-to-end replication.

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

NASA’s Perseverance rover has driven 28.10 miles on Mars, passing the record held by Opportunity. The rover is continuing its exploration of ancient terrain.

Record distance
45.22 kilometers (28.10 miles)
Previous record
Opportunity: 45.16 kilometers (28.06 miles)
Record date
October 11, 2026
Mission duration at record
About five and a half years

Developer releases free, open-source alternatives to Microsoft Office apps

Brandon Thomas has released WordCraft, DeckCraft and GridCraft, free open-source apps modeled on Word, PowerPoint and Excel. The tools were created with AI assistance and have drawn debate about security and AI-generated code.

Critics of the apps Supporters of the apps

AI-generated code

Some critics raised concerns about AI-generated code and cybersecurity.

Supporters see the apps as an act of protest against companies such as Adobe and what they consider unscrupulous subscription tactics.

Scientists call for stronger safeguards against AI hacking

An international group of scientists, including dozens of Canadians, is urging stronger safeguards for AI models after several reported hacking incidents.

Sports

Rams tackle Alaric Jackson punches Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb after OT loss

After Buffalo beat Los Angeles 37-34 in overtime, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson punched Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb during a postgame exchange at midfield.

“It's just emotions, you know what I mean? Emotional game. It was a close game,”
Bradley ChubbBills linebacker

Penix says he hopes to play next week after rib injury

Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left the Falcons’ overtime loss to Baltimore with a rib injury. He said he hopes to return next week, but further tests are planned.

Dolphins and Browns lead NFL teams relying on rookies

After five weeks, Miami had 14 first-year contributors, while Cleveland rookies had played 1,401 snaps. The Ravens, Giants and Chargers also ranked among the top five teams in rookie playing time.

Jordan Love and Drake Maye rise in Week 6 fantasy projections

Jordan Love and Drake Maye move up in Week 6 fantasy football projections, while several players lose ground. Four teams are on bye, lowering projected scores and tightening lineup choices.

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw ejected after headbutting Seahawks player

Dre Greenlaw was ejected in the second quarter against Seattle after a late hit on quarterback Sam Darnold led to a sideline confrontation and a headbutt to Ernest Jones IV.

NFL playoff projections shift after the season’s first five weeks

Early projections put the Patriots and 49ers among the stronger playoff contenders, while the Cowboys and Chargers face weaker odds. The 14-team postseason begins in January.

Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson expected to miss weeks with ankle sprain

Henderson has a high-ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks, but he does not need surgery. He was injured in New England’s win over the Raiders.

Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson has a high-ankle sprain after leaving New England’s win over the Raiders with an ankle injury.

A high-ankle sprain affects the ligaments above the ankle and can take time to heal.

He is expected to miss multiple weeks, but does not need surgery.

Henderson had 42 carries for 163 yards and a touchdown in four appearances this season.

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Marvin Harrison Jr. trade to Houston becomes official after physical

Harrison passed his physical and is now a Houston Texan. The Texans sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick for the receiver and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Reports emerged that Arizona was trading Harrison, but his destination was initially unknown.

Houston beat the Tennessee Titans 26-3, and head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the trade after the game.

Harrison passed his Texans physical, making the trade official.

Bills beat Rams 37-34 in overtime as Josh Allen earns first OT win

Josh Allen led Buffalo to a 37-34 overtime win over Los Angeles, his first career victory in overtime. The Bills improved to 4-1, while the Rams fell to 2-3.

Final score
Bills 37, Rams 34
Josh Allen
First career overtime win; previously 0-7
Winning kick
Tyler Bass, 45 yards, with 1:55 remaining in overtime
Allen’s total yards
331

Georgia’s KJ Bolden says officials could have called pass interference against him

Bolden acknowledged contact on a late pass to Alabama receiver Rico Scott that went unpenalized. Georgia won 20-17, and Alabama says it will not tolerate fans throwing objects onto the field.

KJ Bolden Kalen DeBoer

Pass interference call

Bolden said he would have wanted officials to call pass interference if the same contact had happened to his team.

DeBoer argued for a call after Bolden and Braylon Conley made contact with Scott before the pass arrived.

Josh Allen retakes lead in NFL MVP betting odds

Josh Allen is back as the betting favorite for NFL MVP after a strong Monday night performance, with Brock Purdy close behind. Denzel Boston is now favored for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Entertainment

Selma Blair charged with assault after flight incident in New York

Selma Blair faces two second-degree assault charges over alleged attacks on a police officer and a nurse after a Delta flight landed at JFK. She was released on bail and has a court hearing scheduled for January.

“This was not an intentional assault.”
Shawn BarnesBlair’s lawyer

GTA 6 PC release reportedly planned for early 2027

Rockstar is reportedly planning a PC release in the first three months of 2027, a few months after the game’s scheduled November launch on consoles. The company has not confirmed a PC version.

Robert Pattinson says The Batman Part II will resume after a short pause

Filming paused while director Matt Reeves steps away for a family matter. Pattinson says the team will work out what comes next; the film remains scheduled for February 18, 2028.

Carmelo Hayes returns on Raw and joins 946 in attack on The Bloodline

Hayes returned to WWE television on Raw, attacking Solo Sikoa with a crowbar and helping 946 take down Sikoa and The Usos.

Keri Russell says she and Matthew Rhys had sex on ‘The Americans’ set

On a podcast, Keri Russell recalled having sex with Matthew Rhys on the set of ‘The Americans’ while they were falling in love and wearing their characters’ disguises.

Voice actor Kenichi Suzumura’s agency to close in March 2027

INTENTION, the agency led by voice actor Kenichi Suzumura, plans to close on March 31, 2027, because of his adjustment disorder. The agency says it will support its talents through the closure.

Thélyson Orélien denies using AI to write novel, admits plagiarism

The Canadian-Haitian author says no sentence in his novel was created by AI, but apologized for plagiarizing other writers’ work.

Thélyson Orélien denies that AI wrote any sentence of his novel, “C’était ça ou mourir.”

The Canadian-Haitian writer says he used tools for research but wrote the book himself.

He apologized and accepted responsibility for plagiarizing texts by established authors after moving to Canada.

He says he began writing the novel in Quebec in 2017 and finished a first draft in 2019.

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Hillary Clinton and Kara Swisher to launch political podcast

Hillary Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher will launch High Stakes on Oct. 14 with Vox Media. They plan to discuss political issues ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

Clinton guest-hosted Swisher’s podcast “Pivot.

High Stakes” is set to premiere as the third episode of “On With Kara Swisher.

The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled to take place.

God of War Laufey Collector Box Costs $149.99 and Excludes the Game

Sony’s U.S. collector box for God of War Laufey costs $149.99 and includes merchandise, but no game disc or download code. It is due out with the game on Feb. 16, 2027.

U.S. price
$149.99
Included items
Light-up Faye statue, 51-card Oracle deck and mini artbook
Game included
No disc or digital download code
Release date
Feb. 16, 2027

Xbox CEO reportedly says new game ideas are vital to the company’s future

Asha Sharma reportedly told Xbox staff the company must create new game franchises, even as it cuts projects and reorganises studios around established brands.

Xbox leadership Critics of Xbox’s recent restructuring

New games

Sharma reportedly said Xbox must create enduring new intellectual property and find new ways to reach audiences.

The articles argue that studio departures, project cancellations and a focus on major franchises conflict with that goal.

Company strategy

Sharma reportedly said Xbox is backing its strongest franchises.

Critics say the recent changes appear to prioritize established brands over creative risks and new ideas.

Critics praise Paul Bettany’s new take on Vision in ‘VisionQuest’

Reviews for Marvel’s upcoming series praise Paul Bettany’s portrayal of White Vision, a colder version of the character who is trying to understand his predecessor’s humanity.

Health

Italy to allocate €8 million over two years for heat plan

Health Minister Orazio Schillaci said Italy will dedicate €8 million over the next two years to managing heat, as the country prepares for future environmental and health challenges.

“Today we officially close the management of the 2026 heat, looking to the future. We have increased resources: in the next two years, 8 million euros will be dedicated to heat management.”
Orazio SchillaciItaly’s health minister

Tokat suspends classes as thousands seek care for stomach symptoms

Schools and education centres in Tokat city were closed for one day for disinfection after a surge in people seeking care for nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. Officials advised against using tap water for drinking or cooking while tests are pending.

Bat bites and scratches rise sharply across parts of NSW

NSW Health says 43 people were assessed after bat bites or scratches in two weeks, up from 10 in the same period last year. Authorities urge people not to touch bats.

Gates and Wellcome Leap launch $100 million stillbirth prevention initiative

The Gates Foundation and Wellcome Leap will invest $100 million to test tools aimed at halving stillbirths worldwide over the next decade. The first country partner is expected to be announced in the coming months.

Wales expands RSV vaccine offer to some adults aged 65 to 74

Wales is offering the RSV vaccine to higher-risk adults aged 65 to 74 this autumn, alongside existing offers to people aged 75 and over and pregnant women.

WHO estimates more than 800 million children have unsafe blood lead levels

The WHO says more than 800 million children have unsafe levels of lead in their blood, and is launching a week-long campaign to raise awareness and promote prevention.

France’s flu and COVID vaccination campaign starts October 13

France’s annual flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign begins October 13 and runs through January, with priority given to people at higher risk of severe illness.

France’s annual vaccination campaign against seasonal flu and COVID-19 starts on October 13 and is due to end in January 2027.

Health authorities are prioritising older people, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.

About 15 million flu vaccine doses will be available to doctors, pharmacists, nurses and midwives, around one million more than last season.

COVID-19 vaccination remains reimbursed for everyone, including people outside the priority groups.

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World Health Summit calls for more funding for pandemic prevention

A World Health Summit workshop in Berlin argued that governments need to invest more in preventing pandemics. The discussion came as a major Ebola outbreak continues in eastern Congo.

A World Health Summit workshop on preventing the next pandemic was held in Berlin.

The World Bank-hosted Pandemic Fund awarded US$499.6 million to 20 projects.

Lancet commission warns nuclear war and malicious AI could threaten humanity by 2100

A Lancet commission says nuclear conflict and malicious uses of AI carry a small but non-zero risk of human extinction this century. It lists 15 other major health threats that policy could help reduce.

Commission
35 experts
Threats identified
17
Assessment period
75 years, through 2100
Nuclear conflict and malicious AI
The assessment says both carry risks of extinction in the next 75 years.

Man dies after allergic reaction to ant bites while fishing in Goiás

Jorge Alves Lopes died after ants bit him while he was fishing in São João da Paraúna, Goiás. His family said he was allergic to the ants.

Nearly 65% of Brazilian cities fall short on second-dose measles vaccination

From January to August 2026, 3,589 of Brazil’s 5,570 cities had average coverage below the 95% target for the second measles vaccine dose. The country recorded 52 imported cases by October 5, with no deaths.