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Trump’s Russian diesel deal draws bipartisan criticism in Congress

Trump says he struck a deal with Putin to import Russian diesel to lower U.S. fuel prices. Lawmakers say it could support Russia’s war in Ukraine and violate U.S. law.

“The harm to the Ukrainians is real”
William Taylorformer U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and Atlantic Council senior fellow

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.

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.

Trump’s plan to import Russian diesel draws bipartisan criticism

Trump says Russia will supply diesel to help ease high fuel prices, but seven senators say the plan conflicts with a 2022 ban on Russian energy imports.

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.

Trump says he may meet North Korea's Kim in November

Trump said he may meet Kim Jong Un during a November trip to Asia, which includes stops in Manila and Shenzhen. No meeting has been confirmed.

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.

Read full story →

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.

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.

Funding raised
At least $500 million
Former staffers identified
At least two dozen
DOGE operating period
January 20 to July 4, 2025
DOGE claimed savings
$215 billion

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

MI5 chief warns Iran and Russia are stepping up threats to Britain

MI5 chief Ken McCallum said Iran is seeking to target harder sites, including military locations, while Russia is increasing hybrid operations against Ukraine’s allies. He also warned that AI could help terrorists develop biological weapons.

“The incident at RAF Fairford “is not unique. There have been other examples, not just in the U.K. but around the world,”
Ken McCallumMI5 Director General

Zelensky says Russian strikes violated Trump’s proposed energy ceasefire

Zelensky says Russian attacks hit Ukrainian energy facilities after Trump announced a mutual pause in such strikes. Russia has not confirmed agreeing to the ceasefire.

Russian drone strike on Rivne university injures 20

A Russian drone struck a building at Rivne State University of the Humanities in western Ukraine on Oct. 13, injuring 20 people. The university’s Department of Musical Arts building burned down.

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.

Zelenskyy says Ukraine received no warning before Russian missile strike on Kyiv

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said partners gave Ukraine no early warning before five Russian ballistic missiles hit civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. Russian strikes also killed four people in Kharkiv, he said.

Bus and tram collide in Marseille, leaving four people injured

A bus and a tram collided in Marseille’s 4th arrondissement on Tuesday morning. Four people were taken to hospital with minor injuries, and an investigation is under way.

Two Turkish citizens detained in Germany over fire at Polish Starlink station

German police detained two Turkish citizens suspected of setting fire to a Starlink station in central Poland. Polish officials say they will face sabotage charges in Poland.

German police detained two Turkish citizens over a fire at a Starlink station in Masovia, central Poland, in late September.

Polish officials say the suspects will face charges of sabotage and acting for a foreign intelligence service, and will be tried in Poland.

The station, owned by state telecommunications company Exatel, carries internet traffic through Poland, including to Ukraine.

The fire was intended to disrupt internet access, including for Ukraine’s military, according to Polish officials, but the station remained operational.

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Court orders new hearing in case over passport error that stopped family’s Thailand trip

A passport error listing a child’s sex incorrectly stopped a Krasnodar family from travelling to Thailand. A court overturned earlier rulings and sent the compensation case back for a new hearing.

The passport of the family’s minor daughter was issued with incorrect information about her sex.

Officials seized the passport, and the family could not pass passport control or use its paid tickets to Thailand.

The district court rejected the mother’s claim, and the appeal court upheld that decision.

The Fourth Cassation Court overturned the earlier rulings and sent the case back for a new hearing.

Polish foreign minister says a European army could form by 2030

Radosław Sikorski said a joint European force could be formed by 2030, possibly limited to the Baltic states and the eastern flank.

Proposed timeline
By 2030
Potential initial scope
Baltic countries and Europe’s eastern flank
Speaker
Radosław Sikorski, Poland’s foreign minister
Venue
Warsaw Security Forum

Trump’s diesel deal with Russia draws anger from European allies

A U.S. diesel agreement with Russia has angered European officials. Ukraine’s president questioned Washington’s motives, while European allies said they would maintain pressure on Moscow.

Trump and the U.S. European allies and Ukraine

Agreement

The U.S. reached a diesel agreement with Russia.

European officials recoiled from the agreement, and Ukraine called it “a gift” to Putin.

Response to Moscow

Not stated.

Allies vowed to keep pressure on Moscow.

Suspect in Sandra’s killing held after conviction for earlier partner’s murder

Antoine Moïse has been charged and held in custody over Sandra’s killing near Toulouse. Her family says it did not know he had previously been convicted of murdering a former partner.

Business

Australia’s watchdog sues 12 egg suppliers over alleged cartel conduct

The ACCC has launched Federal Court proceedings against Sunny Queen and 11 other egg suppliers, alleging they coordinated production and supply decisions since at least October 2020.

“This alleged conduct is extremely serious.”
Gina Cass-GottliebACCC chair

James Packer says Australia tends to tear down entrepreneurs

James Packer said Australia tends to tear down entrepreneurs after what was described as the Firmus fiasco.

Business News subscription page outlines Western Australia-focused services

Business News describes its subscriptions, research tools and newsletters for people tracking Western Australia’s business market.

Defence-sector player involved in Federal Court peace talks

A defence-sector player is involved in peace talks at the Federal Court, but no further details are provided.

Australian shares pare early losses as mining and tech stocks fall

Australian shares recovered some ground after early losses, while mining and technology stocks fell.

Business News AU page lists an At Close of Business podcast for October 12

Business News AU published a page titled “At Close of Business podcast October 12 2026.” The page provides no details about the podcast’s subject or guests.

Treasury Wine sells Rosemount label back to the Oatley family

Treasury Wine Estates has sold Rosemount and two smaller wine labels to the Oatley family, which founded Rosemount. The sale price was not disclosed.

Treasury Wine Estates has sold the Rosemount wine brand back to the Oatley family.

Rosemount was founded by the family, and Treasury Wine is Australia’s biggest winemaker and owns Penfolds.

The sale also includes two smaller labels, Ingoldby Wines and Secret Stone.

Treasury Wine’s predecessor bought the business 25 years ago, during a boom in the wine industry.

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Adidas sues White Fox over four-stripe clothing designs

Adidas alleges Australian retailer White Fox used four parallel stripes that resemble its trademark. White Fox says the stripes are decorative, and the case is due to be heard next year.

The three-stripe design dates back to Adidas’ foundation.

Adidas trademarked the design.

Adidas sued Pacific Brands over four-stripe shoe designs, and a court found some designs deceptively similar.

Adidas asked White Fox to remove the garments and stop using the four-stripe design, according to Adidas.

The case is expected to be heard in the Federal Court of Australia.

Toyota agrees to $750 million settlement over diesel filter defects

Toyota Australia has agreed to settle two class actions over defective diesel particulate filters in HiLux, Prado and Fortuner vehicles. The Federal Court must approve the settlement.

Proposed settlement
$750 million
Affected vehicles
264,170 HiLux, Prado and Fortuner vehicles
Affected acquisition period
October 1, 2015–April 23, 2020
Engines
2.4-litre 2GD-FTV and 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel

Western Australia leads the nation in visitor recovery

Western Australia is reported to be leading the nation in visitor recovery, but no figures or details are given.

MUA calls for Fremantle plan to be revisited amid Westport controversy

The MUA is demanding a review of a plan for Fremantle amid controversy over Westport. The details of the plan and dispute are not provided.

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

Apple reportedly plans HomeView smart home hub for November

Apple is expected to unveil its Siri-focused HomeView display on October 13 and begin shipping it around mid-November. A new Apple TV and HomePod mini are also expected.

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.

NASA’s Perseverance rover sets record with 45.2km driven on Mars

Perseverance has driven 45.2km on Mars, surpassing the previous record held by NASA’s Opportunity rover. NASA says the rover’s autonomous navigation system handles more than 90% of its driving.

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.

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 →

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

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.

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

Bills beat Rams 37-34 in overtime for Josh Allen’s first OT win

Buffalo beat Los Angeles 37-34 in overtime after Josh Allen led a late drive and Tyler Bass kicked the winning field goal. It was Allen’s first career overtime victory.

“Guys kept chipping away, defense kept going out there making plays, special teams was big tonight”
Josh AllenBills quarterback

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.

Titans stick with Cam Ward as they face a 2027 quarterback decision

Tennessee coach Robert Saleh says Cam Ward will not be benched after the Titans fell to 0-5. His early numbers raise questions about whether the team may draft another quarterback in 2027.

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.

Rams lose to Bills and look to reset before facing Cardinals

The Rams lost 37-34 to the Bills, leaving them 2-3 despite gaining 454 yards. Puka Nacua said the team must regroup and define its identity before hosting Arizona.

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.

49ers lead Week 6 NFL power rankings as several 0-5 teams struggle

The 49ers remain No. 1 in one Week 6 ranking, while the Vikings rise and the 0-5 Chargers, Titans and Dolphins sit near the bottom.

Two Week 6 rankings assess the NFL after five weeks of the 2026 season.

One list keeps the San Francisco 49ers at No.

1, with the Kansas City Chiefs second and the Jacksonville Jaguars third.

The other ranking also puts the 49ers at the top and highlights the strength of the NFC West.

Read full story →

Jaguars left tackle Anton Harrison to have knee surgery

Anton Harrison will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee after an injury against Philadelphia. His absence could last three to five weeks or the rest of the regular season.

Harrison injured his knee during Jacksonville’s 19-17 win over Philadelphia in London.

Reports said Harrison was set to have arthroscopic knee surgery, with his recovery timeline still uncertain.

Harrison is expected to have surgery when the Jaguars return from London.

The Jaguars are scheduled to play Houston at Wembley Stadium, with Walker Little expected to start at left tackle.

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.

Suspension
One game without pay
Teams
San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks
Players involved
Dre Greenlaw and Ernest Jones IV
Game result
San Francisco won 32-29

Rams' limited investment in special teams faces renewed scrutiny

After another overtime loss, coach Sean McVay again criticized the Rams' special teams. The team has ranked near the bottom in several measures of investment in that unit.

Two players ejected after opening-kickoff fight in London

Jacksonville’s Bryan Thomas Jr. and Philadelphia’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr. were ejected after fighting during the opening kickoff. A 90-yard Jaguars return for a touchdown was called back because of penalties.

Entertainment

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.

“a striking example of documentary cinema”
IDFAFestival organizer

Ben Affleck calls Justice League reshoots the low point of his career

Ben Affleck says the Justice League reshoots were a low point in his career, criticizing how Zack Snyder was replaced after stepping away from the film.

‘Goldfish’ and ‘A Chronicle of Minor Things’ lead Busan project awards

Indonesian project ‘Goldfish’ won three awards at Busan’s Asian Project Market, while Indian project ‘A Chronicle of Minor Things’ won two.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey arrives on home formats November 17

The Odyssey will be released digitally and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on November 17, with more than 90 minutes of bonus features.

A list compares Japanese films with Western remakes

The list argues that Western remakes of Japanese films often lose qualities of the originals, citing horror, science fiction and drama.

A scene in Ben Affleck’s Animals draws attention to AI use in filmmaking

A scene in Ben Affleck’s Netflix thriller Animals has gone viral for an implausible effect. Affleck has acknowledged using AI during production, but has not detailed how.

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.

The Social Reckoning, Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to The Social Network, opened in US cinemas with $5.5 million in domestic ticket sales.

The film reportedly cost about $30 million to $42 million to make.

Its opening was far below The Social Network’s $22.6 million domestic opening, and reviews for the new film have been mixed.

The story focuses on social media’s effects on democracy and teenagers, with Mikey Madison playing whistleblower Frances Haugen and Jeremy Allen White playing Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz.

Read full story →

Apple announces Vision Pro horror film Remnants for October 16

Remnants, a horror film by writer and director Ti West, will be released exclusively on Apple Vision Pro on October 16 in Apple’s immersive video format.

Apple announced Remnants, according to the articles published that day.

Remnants is scheduled to premiere exclusively on Vision Pro.

Godzilla Minus Zero brings Godzilla and King Ghidorah back to theaters

The sequel’s trailer hints at a new monster threat, while its filmmakers describe recording Godzilla and King Ghidorah’s roars outdoors. The film opens in Japan on Nov. 3 and the US on Nov. 6.

Director
Takashi Yamazaki
Japanese theatrical release
November 3
US theatrical release
November 6
Previous film's worldwide box office
$114 million for Godzilla Minus One

Antonio Banderas to Play Hernán Cortés in AI-Heavy Film

Antonio Banderas will star as Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés in a film expected to use substantial AI. Filming has begun in Paris, with more planned in Spain.

Supporters of the casting Critics concerned about the age difference

Casting

Fans are excited to see a Spanish actor play a Spanish conquistador.

Some have concerns about the age difference between Banderas and Cortés.

Age

Banderas is 66, and the article says he may be de-aged using AI.

Cortés was 36 in 1521.

Marion Cotillard to lead jury at 2026 Marrakech Film Festival

The French actor will chair the jury at the 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival in November. The jury will choose the Étoile d’Or from films in the international competition.

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.

Read full story →

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.