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Trump’s plan to import Russian diesel draws bipartisan criticism

Trump says the U.S. will import Russian diesel to ease fuel prices. Lawmakers from both parties say the plan could help finance Russia’s war in Ukraine and may violate U.S. law.

“it’s illegal, immoral, wrong”
Angus KingU.S. senator from Maine

Former DOGE staff raise at least $500 million for private firms

At least two dozen former DOGE staff have moved into private businesses, and firms they co-founded or invested in have raised at least $500 million.

Katie Zacharia begins term as White House press secretary

Katie Zacharia is starting her term as White House press secretary. President Trump said she will hold an introductory news conference Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

Supreme Court to hear Trump’s dispute with watchdog group over DOGE

The Supreme Court is set to hear Donald Trump’s dispute with a watchdog group over DOGE. No details of the case or hearing date are provided.

Supreme Court to hear DOGE’s bid to withhold internal documents

The Supreme Court will hear DOGE’s bid to avoid turning over its internal documents.

Judge orders halt to taxpayer-funded ads promoting Trump

A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from airing taxpayer-funded ads promoting the president and ordered it to cancel the remaining advertising purchase.

Federal agents search Ilhan Omar’s Washington home

Agents searched the home of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Omar called the search political intimidation; no charges against her were announced.

Federal agents searched the Washington home of Ilhan Omar, a Democratic member of Congress from Minnesota.

The Justice Department said the search was carried out under a court-authorised warrant as part of an ongoing criminal investigation, but did not name Omar or explain the investigation.

News reports linked the search to a fraud inquiry about immigration paperwork filed by Omar’s late father when she was a child; officials have not confirmed that link.

Omar, who came to the United States from Somalia as a child, said the search was an attempt to target political opponents.

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Elon Musk gives more than $276 million to Republican groups since July

Musk has donated more than $276 million to Republican groups since July, making him the biggest known donor of the 2026 midterm elections. The largest share went to a group backing Republican Senate candidates.

Musk said he planned to do less political spending in the future.

Musk gave more than $276 million to Republican groups.

News outlets reported the newly disclosed donations, ahead of a federal filing deadline.

Political committees are due to report their third-quarter finances.

Republicans face elections as they seek to hold their congressional majorities.

Los Angeles moves to make some nitrous oxide sales a crime

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a ban on cannabis and tobacco retailers selling or distributing nitrous oxide. The mayor plans to sign it, and violations could bring jail time.

Council vote
Unanimous approval
Penalty
Up to $1,000 fine, six months in jail, or both
Ordinance sponsors
Imelda Padilla and Eunisses Hernandez
State legislation
SB 758 and SB 936

US archbishop urges Catholic soldiers to avoid planned Hasan execution

Archbishop Timothy Broglio told Catholic service members to seek exemption from the planned firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan, which the Pentagon wants to livestream in December.

Archbishop Timothy Broglio Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Purpose of public broadcast

Broglio questioned the value of broadcasting the execution and said it could harm the military’s reputation.

Hegseth said making the event public would help people understand the serious consequences of such acts.

Participation by Catholic service members

Broglio urged Catholics assigned to the firing squad to request exemption because participation would violate Church teaching.

Hegseth described using military members to carry out the execution; the sources do not state his view on religious exemptions.

Tillis says Trump’s Russian diesel deal may break the law

Senator Thom Tillis says Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel may violate US law. Tillis says the move could affect his support for year-end funding.

World

EU adds €25 million for migration cooperation in eastern Libya

The EU has signed an additional €25 million for border management, search-and-rescue and anti-smuggling work in eastern Libya, as it seeks to curb irregular migration to Europe.

“Libya remains the top country of departure for illegal crossings to the EU”
Ursula von der LeyenEuropean Commission president

African Union holds Kigali talks to advance eastern DRC peace process

Three former African presidents met Rwandan officials and regional representatives in Kigali to discuss security, refugee protection and cooperation as fighting continues in eastern DRC.

Oil and gas eruption in eastern Niger causes severe environmental incident

An oil and gas eruption at a Nigerien oil site has been under way since September 25. Two workers were injured, and authorities say it is only partly contained.

Climate activists protest African Energy Week in Cape Town

Greenpeace Africa and Extinction Rebellion campaigners protested in Cape Town against new oil and gas exploration in Africa. Police removed the protesters.

AKA and Tibz murder trial adjourned as defence challenges firearm evidence

The trial over the 2023 murders of rapper AKA and businessman Tibz in Durban was adjourned as the defence challenged evidence linking a firearm to one accused.

G-24 urges cheaper financing as developing economies face high debt costs

G-24 chair Taiwo Oyedele said developing economies face high borrowing costs and debt risks, and urged the IMF and World Bank to offer vulnerable countries more affordable financing.

Attacks push Kaduna residents from homes and drive up city rents

Kidnappings and attacks are driving residents from communities outside Kaduna, Nigeria, into the city, where demand for apartments has pushed rents higher.

Repeated kidnappings and attacks are driving residents from communities outside Kaduna into areas they consider safer within the city.

Some homeowners have left properties they spent years building, while others are trying to sell at prices they consider too low.

Rents have risen as more people seek homes in the city; some three-bedroom apartments along Gwamna Road now cost 3 million to 3.5 million naira, up from 1.2 million to 1.5 million.

These newer communities had offered lower-income residents a way to buy land and build homes gradually.

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At least 72 gold miners killed in strike near Sudan-Egypt border

A Sudanese rights group says air strikes killed at least 72 gold miners near the Egypt-Sudan border. It blamed Egypt, which has not commented, but the claim has not been independently verified.

Reports described earlier strikes on mining sites in the same border region, followed by a large-scale Egyptian security operation.

Air strikes hit artisanal gold-mining sites in the Sudanese border region.

Emergency Lawyers reported at least 72 deaths and said the toll was provisional.

At least 139 migrants dead after boat capsizes off Djibouti

A boat carrying 305 people from Djibouti to Yemen capsized near Obock. At least 139 people died, 84 are missing and 82 survived.

Deaths
At least 139, including 15 children
Missing
84 people
People aboard
305
Location
Near Guhere, north of Obock, Djibouti

Egypt’s Baha’i community faces a shortage of burial space

Cairo’s last remaining cemetery for Egypt’s Baha’i community is nearly full, while requests for burial grounds in other cities have been rejected, according to community members.

Baha’i community and rights advocates Egyptian government

Burial capacity

Community members say their last remaining burial place is quickly running out of room.

The government has said there are sufficient burial sites to meet the needs of all citizens.

Requests for new sites

Community members say requests for grounds in Alexandria and Port Said were rejected without clear written explanations.

The government response cited in the article says it does not impose restrictions on personal belief or religious affiliation.

Sánchez confirms Moroccan warships entered Ceuta waters in July

Pedro Sánchez confirmed that Moroccan warships entered waters near Ceuta on 30 and 31 July, as large numbers of migrants arrived from Morocco. Spain sent naval ships to the area.

Business

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.

“There is no industrial reason to treat the plants in the North this way when the market requires their products: an agreement on international markets for the supply of raw materials would be enough and the problem would not exist”
Silvia SalisMayor of Genoa

Dangote refinery extends Nigerian IPO deadline to October 27

The Lagos refinery has extended its IPO by two weeks, to October 27, to give more people a chance to buy shares.

Getty Images plans Chapter 11 restructuring and move to private ownership

Getty Images has secured up to $533 million from the Getty family and Koch Equity Development to restructure its debt and go private through a Chapter 11 process expected to finish by year-end.

IMF warns an AI market correction could threaten global financial stability

The IMF says high AI company valuations, rising borrowing and links between firms could make a market correction spread across global markets. It also flags government borrowing costs and cyberattacks as risks.

Allyant named a Leader in Gartner’s 2026 digital accessibility ranking

Allyant says it was named a Leader in Gartner’s 2026 Magic Quadrant for Digital Accessibility. The evaluation covers tools and services for making websites, software, mobile apps and documents accessible.

Markel Canada launches insurance offering for contractors and trades businesses

Markel Canada has launched a package insurance offering for contractors and trades businesses, combining several types of coverage with legal and risk-management resources.

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.

Shinhan Financial agreed to buy a 77.04% stake in Lotte Insurance from JKL Partners for 693.3 billion won.

The deal was announced in South Korea on October 13.

The purchase gives Shinhan control of a major non-life insurer, ranked seventh in the industry and serving 3.34 million customers.

Shinhan already owns Shinhan EZ Insurance, a digital insurer that reported a net loss of 18.2 billion won in the first half of this year.

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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.

Articles reported on a customer newsletter announcing October 27 as the classic McRib’s last sale date.

McDonald’s Germany listed both the classic McRib and McRib Sweet Heat in its burger overview.

The classic McRib is scheduled to stop being available.

Whitbread says UK tax rises led it to cut planned hotel investment

Whitbread says higher UK taxes led it to scale back planned hotel investment that could have created jobs. Its chief executive is calling for help with business rates and other costs.

Whitbread hotel estate
842 hotels
Revenue
£1.57 billion for the six months to August 27
Revenue change
Up 2% year on year
Adjusted pre-tax profit
£287 million for the half-year

Hong Ra-hee to give Lee Jae-yong Samsung shares worth about 2.6 trillion won

Hong Ra-hee plans to transfer 11.158 million Samsung Electronics shares to chairman Lee Jae-yong, worth about 2.6 trillion won. The transfer is scheduled for November 12.

Netflix wins exclusive Spain rights to 2030 World Cup

Netflix will stream all 104 matches of the 2030 World Cup in Spain. A public broadcaster will show one match each matchday for free, including every Spain match, both semifinals and the final.

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's vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

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.

GitLab fixes maximum-severity flaw that could let attackers run server code

The flaw could let attackers run code on affected GitLab servers without logging in. GitLab urges users of self-managed systems to install patched versions.

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.

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.

Honeybee stingers keep pumping venom after detaching from the insect

Researchers at Macquarie University filmed detached honeybee stingers pumping venom into a gel that mimics skin. Their findings reveal how the stinger’s tiny valves and lancets keep the venom flowing.

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.

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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.

Apple unveiled the Apple Home Collection in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.

Availability of the lineup is scheduled to begin.

Some accessories are expected to launch.

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

The Foschini Group says a cyberattack affected systems at Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles in the UK. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders may be delayed.

Affected brands
Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles
Incident identified
Sunday, 11 October 2026
Stores
Remained open
Other UK brands
Inside Story and White Stuff were unaffected

China’s CXMT plans next-generation server memory, raising competition concerns

Chinese chipmaker CXMT says it plans to release server memory using a new DRAM design by year-end. Experts say mass-production quality and yields remain unproven.

CXMT and its supporters Skeptics of CXMT’s production readiness

Technology strategy

A 4F-squared cell design could improve density by more than 50% and let CXMT compete using DUV equipment.

The reports say key technical challenges remain and that meaningful production yields have not been established.

Timing and impact

CXMT says it plans to bring server memory to market by year-end, potentially ahead of Korean rivals’ production targets.

Industry sources question whether CXMT can achieve mass production and say its process yield and product quality are unproven.

Sony Announces Japan-Only Midnight Black PlayStation 5

Sony will release a matte-black PS5 Digital Edition in Japan on Nov. 19 for ¥55,000. Buyers will need a separate disc drive to play physical games.

Sports

Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs to lead Test series 1-0

Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, taking a 1-0 series lead and strengthening their position atop the World Test Championship standings.

“a few of the guys need to step up”
Shukri ConradSouth Africa coach

Ayush Mhatre suffers Grade 4 hamstring tear

Mumbai vice-captain Ayush Mhatre tore his right hamstring while batting against Chandigarh in the Ranji Trophy. He is expected to be out for about a month.

Australia ends South Africa’s unbeaten Test run in Durban

Australia beat South Africa in Durban, ending the hosts’ unbeaten run. Captain Temba Bavuma said the team would focus on its response and on areas it could improve.

Australia beats South Africa by 214 runs to lead series 1-0

Josh Hazlewood took six wickets as Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs in Durban, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Thomas Rew earns first England call-up for Australia T20 series

The 18-year-old Somerset wicketkeeper-batter and fast bowler Eddie Jack have received their first England call-ups for next month’s T20 series in Australia.

Mumbai win by an innings as Ranji Trophy first-round matches reach day three

Mumbai beat Chandigarh by an innings and 155 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets for Saurashtra and KL Rahul fell for one for Karnataka.

Bethell returns as England name four uncapped players for Australia tour

Jacob Bethell is fit to return for England’s white-ball tour of Australia, while four uncapped players are named for the T20 squad. The tour runs from 13 November to 2 December.

Jacob Bethell is back in England’s squad for the white-ball tour of Australia after recovering from knee surgery.

The Warwickshire player had been out since injuring his knee in July and is included for the three one-day internationals and five T20s.

England named four uncapped players for the T20 squad: Thomas Rew, Eddie Jack, James Coles and Henry Crocombe.

Rew is an 18-year-old Somerset wicketkeeper-batter, while Jack is a 21-year-old Hampshire fast bowler.

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Ollie Pope withdraws from Afghanistan Premier League draft

England batter Ollie Pope has withdrawn from the draft for the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League, amid debate over the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls. David Willey and Will Smeed have also pulled out, according to reports.

The ECB stopped arranging bilateral cricket with Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power.

BBC Sport reported that Pope had withdrawn from the APL draft independently of Rob Key’s view.

The APL draft was scheduled to take place.

The inaugural Afghanistan Premier League was scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates.

Litton century gives Bangladesh a 479-run lead over Afghanistan

Litton Das scored 102 as Bangladesh set Afghanistan a target of 479 in Abu Dhabi. Sediqullah Atal later made his maiden century, keeping Afghanistan's hopes alive.

Litton Das
102 runs off 117 balls
Bangladesh second innings
372 for seven declared
Target for Afghanistan
479 runs
Afghanistan at stumps
132 for three

Australia need six wickets to beat South Africa in Durban Test

South Africa begin day five at 102 for four, chasing 421 against Australia. Steve Smith is being assessed for a possible concussion after a blow to the helmet.

Australia South Africa

Match position

Australia need six wickets to win.

South Africa are 4-102 and need 319 more runs to reach 421.

Immediate aim

Australia are seeking to take the remaining wickets and win the first Test.

South Africa are pursuing the target at the start of day five.

Shaun Pollock proposes pink balls in day Tests to reduce lost play

Shaun Pollock says pink balls could let daytime Test cricket continue in fading light. Ashwell Prince argues that traditional Tests should keep using the red ball.

Entertainment

Monique Smit says she sometimes misses brother Jan amid estrangement

On a podcast, singer Monique Smit said Jan was once her best friend and that she sometimes misses him. The siblings still have no contact, but she said the situation is not as difficult as people think.

“Jan was my very best friend.”
Monique SmitSinger

Raye manually reviews ticket sign-ups after 1.8 million apply for 5,000 seats

Raye says AI bots and scalpers overwhelmed sign-ups for her Royal Albert Hall show in London. Her team is manually selecting fans for presale access, with remaining tickets due to go on general sale.

Ego Nwodim mocks Shane Gillis’s joke about women’s gym clothes

After Shane Gillis joked that women at the gym “dress like whores” on SNL, former cast member Ego Nwodim responded with a gym selfie and a pointed caption.

Bryan Cranston mourns Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte, who died at 34

Cranston paid tribute to Mitte, who played his son on Breaking Bad, remembering his acting and disability advocacy. Accounts differ on whether his death was officially confirmed as suicide.

The Social Reckoning opens to $5.5 million, far below its predecessor

Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to The Social Network took in $5.5 million in its domestic opening weekend, against a reported production budget of about $30 million to $42 million.

IDFA to open with film following Myanmar resistance recruits

The 39th International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam will open with “White Tiger Column,” following young recruits as they train with Myanmar’s resistance movement. The festival runs Nov. 12 to 22.

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.

Actor Selma Blair faces two assault charges after an incident on a Delta flight from Los Angeles to New York.

The charges say she allegedly kicked a police officer taking her to hospital and later kicked a nurse in Queens.

She was arraigned in Queens on two counts of second-degree assault and has pleaded not guilty, according to one account.

A judge set bail at $20,000 cash or a $60,000 bond, and she was released.

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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.

Orélien says he began writing the novel in Quebec.

Orélien says he completed a first draft.

Orélien was in France for a promotional tour.

Orélien returned to Canada, interrupting the tour.

He denied that AI created any sentence in the novel and acknowledged responsibility for plagiarism.

TNA ends Max Caster’s run after Riyadh attack reference at Bound for Glory

TNA said Max Caster will no longer wrestle for the company after his entrance rap at Bound for Glory referred to attacks in Riyadh. TNA apologized and removed the segment from replays and social media.

Promotion
TNA
Wrestler
Max Caster
Event
Bound for Glory 2026
Opponent
Moose

Collin Gosselin alleges abuse by mother Kate ahead of memoir release

Collin Gosselin says his mother, Kate, physically and emotionally mistreated him as a child. His memoir, “In the Shadow of Eight,” is due out Oct. 13.

Collin Gosselin Kate Gosselin

Alleged treatment

Collin says his mother dragged him by the ear and mistreated him and his siblings.

Kate previously said reports of abuse were unfounded.

His placement in an institution

Collin says he was removed from the home and placed in an institution, with little contact with his family.

Kate said he was sent for treatment for educational and social challenges and that the decision was the best thing she could do for him.

RimWorld moves to its own engine, with faster performance and saves intact

Update 1.7 moves RimWorld from Unity to Ludeon Studios’ Waylith Engine. The studio says it runs two to four times faster, and existing saves and most mods still work.

Health

Muscle and liver cells may retain benefits of past exercise

Research suggests muscle and liver cells retain a memory of exercise after training stops. This may help people regain fitness faster when they return to exercise.

“At the cellular level, you probably weren’t.”
ResearchersExercise physiologists

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.

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.

Drinking water helps prevent dehydration but does not directly lower blood sugar

A diabetes educator says water can help prevent dehydration from worsening high blood sugar, but it does not lower glucose or replace prescribed treatment.

Epilepsy Drug Shows Promise for Osteoarthritis in Early Tests

Yale researchers found that lacosamide reduced pain and supported cartilage repair in mouse tests and human cartilage cells. The drug still needs testing in people with osteoarthritis.

More than 20,000 people in Yakutia received remote health monitoring

Since the start of 2026, 20,051 people with chronic conditions in Yakutia have had their health monitored remotely using devices that send medical data to health workers.

Sixth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

A 39-year-old unvaccinated woman in Franklin County is the sixth person reported to have died in Pennsylvania amid the state’s largest measles outbreak in three decades.

A 39-year-old woman in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, has been reported as the state’s sixth measles-related death in less than two months.

The woman was unvaccinated and had underlying medical conditions, the county coroner’s office said.

The coroner’s spokesperson said the probable cause was an acute cardiac event that may have resulted from measles complications.

Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,136 measles cases and 219 hospitalizations, with two-thirds of cases in adults.

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Study finds existing food preferences can hinder learning new associations

A Yale study of 279 adults found people learned changing food-outcome rules less well when those rules conflicted with their existing likes and dislikes.

Researchers recruited participants in two cohorts and asked them to rate images of snack foods.

The study was reported by News-Medical and Infobae.

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.

Funding
€8 million
Duration
Next two years
Announced by
Orazio Schillaci
Event
Heatwaves and health – Summer 2026 report and future prospects

Exercise may improve mood and quality of life during menopause, study finds

A review of 12 trials involving more than 1,000 women found that aerobic exercise and activities such as yoga were linked to better mood or quality of life during menopause.

Asti healthy ageing project presented as European good practice

A health authority in Asti presented its Communit-Action project in Vilnius, where it was recognised as a European good practice for supporting healthy and active ageing.