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Japan’s prime minister plans to question Agriculture Minister Yanagi by phone

The prime minister said she wants Agriculture Minister Yanagi to explain by phone tonight about an issue involving a shuttle bus.

“I want to receive a report by phone by the end of tonight”
Prime Minister TakaichiJapan’s prime minister

Japan PM says he may dismiss farm minister if illegality is found

Japan's prime minister said he would not hesitate to dismiss the farm minister if illegality is found.

Takaichi to finalize Japan’s foreign resident policy by March

Takaichi plans to finalize Japan’s foreign resident policy by March, taking population projections into account as the country balances its need for foreign workers with a shrinking population.

Japan considers including railways in defense-related spending

Japan is considering counting railway upgrades as defense-related spending in revisions to three security documents due by year-end. The goal is to help move supplies and equipment during emergencies.

Debate over agriculture minister's future continues as LDP seeks to calm tensions

Discussion in Japan's upper house over Agriculture Minister Yanagi's future is drawing attention as the LDP tries to ease tensions. Discontent remains inside and outside the party.

Oita to begin collecting lodging tax in June 2027

Oita Prefecture will charge guests a nightly tax based on room rates from June 1, 2027, with revenue intended to support tourism and local municipalities.

Komeito’s new chief calls for political realignment

Komeito leader Okamoto said he wants the party to unite lawmakers who share similar values and serve as a focal point for political realignment.

Komeito leader Okamoto called for political realignment.

He said he wants the party to become a rallying point for lawmakers with similar values.

His goal is to build a bloc of like-minded lawmakers.

The statement describes a political aim, not a completed alliance.

Read full story →

Farm minister Kazuo Yana accused of election violation

Opposition parties questioned the prime minister about newly appointed farm minister Kazuo Yana’s January election campaign, amid accusations of an election violation.

Kazuo Yana’s election campaign took place.

Opposition parties questioned the prime minister about the campaign and her policies.

Japanese lawmakers divided over nuclear submarine study in security documents

Lawmakers are split on whether Japan's security documents should include a study of nuclear submarines. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the public understands the need for discussion.

Country
Japan
Defense minister
Shinjiro Koizumi
Publication date
October 13, 2026
Security issue
Study of nuclear submarines in security documents

Ichikawa mayor admits giving wrong reason for denying mosque prayers in park

Ichikawa Mayor Koh Tanaka acknowledged that he wrongly said a former neighbor moved because of the mosque. The city had denied the mosque permission to hold holiday prayers in a municipal park.

Ichikawa city government Gyotoku mosque congregation

Permission

The city denied permission, saying it could not be certain the event would not interfere with public use of the park.

The congregation sought permission to hold group prayers in the park for an Islamic holiday.

Japan seeks tenfold increase in Cabinet public relations budget

The Takaichi administration requested 7.2 billion yen for public relations in fiscal 2027, about 10 times the previous year's budget. Critics warn the spending could promote the government rather than provide balanced information.

World

Simon and Rachel leave five dead and six missing in Mexico

Storms Simon and Rachel caused deaths and flooding along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Simon remained offshore, with heavy rain and possible flooding still forecast.

“We heard a loud noise that sounded like ocean waves, but really loud,”
Johana NuriuluEnsenada resident

Storms threaten south-central Brazil with winds of up to 90 km/h

Storms are expected across parts of south-central Brazil on Tuesday, with winds reaching up to 90 km/h and heavy rain forecast in Paraná.

Teenager wakes in coffin during family wake in Guatemala

Yuleidy Ixcotoyac, 15, began moving during her wake in El Jocote, Guatemala, after her family believed she had died. She had not been examined by a doctor.

Hurricane Simon weakens to Category 3 but threatens Mexico’s Pacific coast

Simon weakened from Category 4 to Category 3 as it moved parallel to Mexico’s Pacific coast, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and flooding. Authorities issued high alerts and closed Puerto Vallarta’s airport temporarily.

Brazilian law allows protective orders based on a woman’s account

Brazil’s Maria da Penha Law allows women seeking urgent protection from property-related abuse to request protective measures without first presenting a full set of evidence or hiring a lawyer.

South Korea plans $300,000 in aid for quake-hit Panama

South Korea plans to provide Panama with $300,000 in humanitarian aid after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake damaged homes, schools and health facilities.

Hurricane Simón forecast to reach Sinaloa as a Category 1 storm

Simón is forecast to reach the Mazatlán area on Thursday as a Category 1 hurricane. Authorities have issued alerts as it moves toward Sinaloa and Nayarit.

Hurricane Simón is moving northwest across the Pacific coast of Mexico and was a Category 3 storm near Jalisco on Monday, October 12.

The National Meteorological Service forecasts that it will weaken and reach the Mazatlán area in Sinaloa as a Category 1 hurricane around midnight on Thursday, October 15.

Heavy rain and dangerous waves are expected in southern Sinaloa and northern Nayarit on Wednesday.

The storm has already caused damage in Guerrero and Colima, including flooding, landslides and damage to homes and businesses.

Read full story →

Gang kidnaps three officials in Morelos to secure member's release

Pueblos Unidos seized three officials in Morelos after authorities detained a senior gang member. Officials released the suspect, and the gang later freed the three employees.

The attorney-general’s office arrested a Pueblos Unidos member in a raid targeting extortion.

Pueblos Unidos seized three office employees and held them hostage.

The office released the detained suspect to protect its staff.

The gang released all three employees; one was taken to hospital with a gunshot wound and was stable.

Argentina asks international tribunal to halt UK-authorized oil activity near Falklands

Argentina has asked an international tribunal to halt British-authorized hydrocarbon activity near the Falkland Islands, which Britain controls and Argentina claims.

Tribunal
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Filing date
October 13, 2026
Target area
Northern Falklands Basin continental shelf
Territory
The UK controls the Falkland Islands, which Argentina claims

China sanctions ministers from Paraguay and Belize over Taiwan ties

China imposed sanctions on Paraguay’s communications minister and Belize’s foreign minister for supporting their countries’ diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The measures include asset freezes and entry bans.

China Taiwan government

Taiwan's status

China says Taiwan is one of its provinces and has no right to the trappings of a state.

Taiwan's government strongly rejects China's view.

Diplomatic ties

China sanctioned the ministers over support for Paraguay's and Belize's diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Paraguay and Belize maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

10-year-old girl dies after drowning at water park in Ceará

A 10-year-old girl died after drowning at a water park in the interior of Ceará on Sunday. Staff treated her at the site and took her to hospital, where she died.

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.

Read full story →

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Read full story →

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.

Wrestling Observer dated the attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to this day.

Caster performed an entrance rap referencing the Riyadh attacks before his match against Moose at Bound for Glory.

TNA announced Caster would no longer wrestle for the promotion and said it had removed the segment from replays and social media.

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.

Sign-ups
1.8 million
Venue capacity
5,000 seats
Venue
Royal Albert Hall, London
Show date
23 October 2026

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.

Julianne Moore’s son Caleb Freundlich marries Kibriyaá Morgan

Caleb Freundlich and Kibriyaá Morgan have married after dating for nine years. His mother, actor Julianne Moore, shared the news on Instagram.

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.