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White House officials question Zacharia’s future after brief first briefing

Katie Zacharia’s first White House briefing lasted about 15 minutes, including roughly 5½ minutes of questions. Officials questioned how long she would remain in the role, though some said she deserved more time.

“I am going to end it because President Trump is heading out to Marine One for our historic trip to Alaska, and we can ask him all of the questions out there”
Katie ZachariaWhite House press secretary

Trump to campaign in Alaska as Republicans face a tight Senate race

Trump plans to travel to Alaska to campaign as Republicans face a tight Senate race there. Alaska has become a crucial battleground this fall.

Musk gives $276 million to Republican groups for 2026 midterms

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

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.

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.

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.

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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Talarico says flu caused campaign absence as false clinic rumor spreads

Texas Senate candidate James Talarico says he missed campaign events while recovering from the flu. An Ohio mental health facility denied claims that he was treated there.

Talarico spoke by video at a business council event and said he had been diagnosed with the flu.

Talarico was absent from the campaign trail, according to AP.

Rhein Amacher said he called the Ohio facility; Talarico also attended a Kacey Musgraves concert in Dallas, according to Straits Times.

Talarico discussed the rumors in interviews, and the Lindner Center of Hope said he had never received treatment there.

Talarico returned to a public event at the Austin City Limits music festival, according to AP and Daily Mail.

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.

Court
Supreme Court
Agency
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
Plaintiff
Nonprofit watchdog group
Law
Federal Freedom of Information Act

GOP groups pull planned spending from two vulnerable House districts

Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. and a House GOP super PAC are redirecting planned spending from districts held by Tom Kean and Marianette Miller-Meeks to other races. Recent polling has raised concerns about the incumbents’ chances.

GOP groups Kean campaign source

Spending plans

MAGA Inc. and the Congressional Leadership Fund are pulling planned spending from the districts and redirecting it to other races.

A source close to Kean’s campaign said the race was fully funded for the final stretch.

Race outlook

The groups’ moves followed polling that suggested the incumbents’ re-election chances had weakened.

The campaign source said Kean’s race was fully funded and cited reservations about the Democratic opponent’s broadcast spending.

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.

World

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.

“(We) deeply apologize for causing great concern to the public”
Justice ministrySouth Korean government ministry

Fire at plastic recycling plant in Nara; workers escape unharmed

A fire broke out at a waste-plastic recycling plant in Nara, Japan, on Oct. 13. Workers evacuated safely, and firefighters were still battling the blaze hours later.

North Korean hackers target Ukrainian experts for wartime intelligence

The Kimsuky hacking group used fake invitations and research requests to target Ukrainian experts, possibly seeking information about the war and North Korean troops in Russia.

Trump says he may meet Kim Jong Un during Asia trip in November

Donald Trump said he may meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a November trip to Asia, which includes a summit in China. No meeting has been confirmed.

Australian study finds rising sexual and family violence against children

A University of Sydney study found child sexual assaults rose between 2014 and 2024, with a sharp increase among teenage boys after 2021. Researchers called for a more coordinated response.

Philippines rejects China’s call to restore military communication channels

The Philippine military said it would not restore direct communication with China before maritime operations, arguing the channels did not build trust. Beijing has warned their absence could increase the risk of miscalculation.

Japan and US to review off-duty rules after Okinawa killing

Japan and the United States will review rules for US troops’ off-base conduct after a Marine was arrested on suspicion of killing a woman in Okinawa.

A US Marine was arrested on suspicion of killing an Okinawan woman at a hotel in Naha, the prefectural capital.

He has denied the allegations, and the case remains under investigation.

Japan and the United States have begun talks to review rules for troops off base and consider ways to prevent similar incidents.

The discussions will cover the military’s liberty policy, education and joint patrols by US forces and Japanese police.

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Chinese courts sentence three Myanmar crime group leaders to death

Courts in Fujian sentenced three leaders of crime groups operating in Myanmar to death. The case involved scam operations and the deaths of four Chinese citizens.

The Wei crime group and the Henry crime group carried out crimes from compounds in Laukkai, in Myanmar’s Kokang region, according to China News Service.

The trial was held, according to SCMP.

Courts in Fujian province announced sentences for 61 defendants in the Wei syndicate cases.

Australia seeks to stop online broadcast of planned US execution

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia will try to keep online footage of Nidal Hasan’s scheduled execution from being available in the country, though regulators’ powers are uncertain.

Prisoner
Nidal Malik Hasan
Scheduled execution
December 3
Location
Fort Hood, Texas
Planned method
Firing squad

US strategists debate ending ambiguity over Taiwan

A small group of US strategists is urging Washington to rule out military intervention in a Taiwan conflict, challenging a policy designed to deter both China and Taiwan from changing the status quo.

Realist strategists seeking to rule out intervention US strategic ambiguity

Policy

They want the United States to rule out military intervention over Taiwan to reduce the risk of a catastrophic war.

The policy leaves open whether the United States would intervene militarily.

Purpose

Not stated.

The policy was designed to deter Beijing from using force while preventing Taipei from formally declaring independence.

North Korea says tactical missile test upgraded a key weapons component

North Korea said it test-fired a tactical ballistic missile on Oct. 12, claiming the test confirmed an upgrade to a key component of its weapons systems.

Business

McDonald’s Switzerland brings back The Prime for its 50th anniversary

The burger, created by TV chef René Schudel, won a fan vote and is returning to McDonald’s restaurants across Switzerland for a limited time, while stocks last.

Henry Schirmer to become Cofra CFO in January 2027

Cofra has named Henry Schirmer as its next CFO, starting 1 January 2027, subject to regulatory approval. He will succeed Florian Brenninkmeyer.

Swiss milk production remains high despite difficult summer conditions

Swiss milk production was still 1–2% above last year in October. Good-quality feed may be helping cows produce more, while the industry says it has less money to manage a surplus this winter.

“It surprised us that in October we were also above the high level of the previous year.”
Stefan KohlerHead of the Swiss Milk Industry Organisation

UBS customers receive overnight activation-code texts after technical problem

A UBS customer received two texts asking her to use an activation code after midnight. The bank reportedly told her the messages were linked to a technical problem.

UBS veteran Claudio Scarfone to retire at the end of October

Claudio Scarfone, a UBS executive who worked with independent wealth managers for more than 25 years, will retire at the end of October 2026.

Flexbase’s Aargau data centre and battery face financing and permit questions

Flexbase is building a data centre in Laufenburg, Switzerland, alongside a huge battery. The project faces questions over its financing, technology and missing permits for the battery and grid connection.

Givaudan's third-quarter organic growth accelerates to 8.6%

The Swiss fragrance and flavour maker reported faster growth in the third quarter, with its flavour business recovering and fragrance sales continuing to lead.

Swiss maker Givaudan reported faster growth in the third quarter of 2026.

The company makes flavours and fragrances, and reported revenue of 5.89 billion Swiss francs for the first nine months, up 2.6% from a year earlier.

Organic growth reached 8.6% in the third quarter, compared with 3.6% in the first half and analysts’ 4.7% expectation.

Its flavour business showed signs of recovery, growing 3.5% organically in the quarter after 0.5% in the first half, though North America remained difficult.

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More vacant homes point to slight easing in Zurich rental market

Zurich’s vacancy rate rose from 0.48% to 0.52% in 2026, as lower net migration and more construction eased pressure. The market remains tight.

The vacancy rate in the canton of Zurich was 0.48 percent, while the Swiss rate was 1.01 percent.

Zurich’s vacancy rate rose to 0.52 percent, while the national rate fell to 0.93 percent.

ZKB published its real estate barometer for the third quarter of 2026.

ZKB’s Ursina Kubli expects the mortgage reference rate to rise again.

Bank Syz appoints new private banking head and chief operating officer

Marc Brodard will lead private banking at Bank Syz, while Martin Freiermuth becomes COO, overseeing operations, technology and security.

Private banking head
Marc Brodard
Chief operating officer
Martin Freiermuth
Brodard’s reporting line
Philippe Turrian, head of wealth management
Freiermuth’s reporting line
CEO Nicolas Syz

NZZ editor succession reportedly pits Mark Dittli against Benedict Neff

A Swiss media outlet says Mark Dittli is a contender to lead the NZZ, while alleging that outgoing editor Eric Gujer favors Benedict Neff. The claims have not been confirmed here.

Mark Dittli Benedict Neff

Suitability

Inside Paradeplatz presents Dittli as a candidate with business experience from founding The Market.

The article says Gujer wants Neff, an NZZ editor, installed as his successor.

Political profile

The article says Zimmermann portrayed Dittli as left-wing because he briefly led Republik in 2018.

The article describes Neff as aligned with Gujer, but gives no account of Neff’s own political views.

Schweiter names Stefan Boenders as its new CFO

Stefan Boenders will become CFO of Schweiter Technologies on November 1, 2026, succeeding Urs Scheidegger, who is leaving at the end of December.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Norway’s data protection authority fined Xandr a record 92 million kroner for sharing Grindr users’ sensitive data with advertisers without verifying consent. Xandr has three weeks to appeal.

DDoS attack disrupts Canonical websites for more than four hours

A second DDoS attack this year disrupted Canonical’s public websites for a little over four hours. Launchpad and the Snap Store stayed online, and no one claimed responsibility.

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.

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.

Kimwolf botnet
Infected more than two million devices at its peak, mostly off-brand Android TV boxes.
Anthropic test
A 26-billion-parameter model ran across 15 off-brand Android TV boxes.
Test speed
The boxes collectively ran inference at 0.39 tokens per second.
GLM-5.2 trials
Spread to all 8 nodes in 4 of 5 trials.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Deebo Samuel expected to miss multiple weeks with hamstring injury

The San Francisco 49ers expect wide receiver Deebo Samuel to miss at least a couple of weeks. Nick Bosa could return from a calf injury against Washington in Week 6.

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.

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.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has officially joined the Houston Texans after passing his physical on Monday.

The 24-year-old wide receiver was traded from the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him fourth overall in the 2024 draft.

Houston sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick, and received Harrison and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Harrison reunites with quarterback C.J. Stroud, his former teammate at Ohio State.

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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.

Henderson injured his ankle during New England’s win over the Raiders.

ProFootballTalk reported that Henderson had a high-ankle sprain and was expected to miss multiple weeks.

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

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.

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

Four Beatles films planned for release across April 2028

Sam Mendes’ four Beatles films are planned for release a week apart in April 2028. Producer Pippa Harris says viewers can watch them across the month, rather than all in one day.

“The idea at the moment is the films will come out in 2028, and we want people to be able to experience them in the cinema during the same period.”
Pippa HarrisProducer and Neal Street Productions co-founder

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.

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.

Trailer for Expelled from Paradise Film Reveals Its Theme Song

A trailer for the anime film Rakuen Tsuihō -Expelled from Paradise- Kokoro no Resonance revealed the film’s theme song.

A new ‘Sense and Sensibility’ adaptation heads to theaters

Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles star in a new film adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, which is heading to theaters.

Nicolas Cage says he will probably not work with Amazon again over AI

Cage said he refused to sign an AI waiver for Prime Video’s Spider-Noir and will probably not work with Amazon again. He also said he may join True Detective for another season.

‘The Social Reckoning’ opens with $5.5 million in domestic ticket sales

Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to ‘The Social Network’ earned $5.5 million in US theaters on its opening weekend, far below the earlier film’s $22 million debut.

Aaron Sorkin’s ‘The Social Reckoning’ opened to $5.5 million in US ticket sales over the weekend, far below expectations.

The film follows the 2010 hit ‘The Social Network,’ which opened with $22 million, and focuses on whistleblower Frances Haugen’s leaks about Facebook.

The new film received mixed-to-negative reviews, with a 55% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a B- CinemaScore from opening-weekend audiences.

Its weaker start may reflect both its darker subject and the absence of the original film’s director, David Fincher, and star Jesse Eisenberg.

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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.

IDFA’s 39th edition is scheduled to open in Amsterdam with White Tiger Column.

The festival is scheduled to run and screen 253 titles from 80 countries.

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.

Title
Remnants
Writer and director
Ti West
Release date
October 16, 2026
Setting
Woldmere Castle

Tom Cruise’s Digger could lose about $245 million at the box office

The satire has made about $35 million worldwide so far, and analysts say Warner Bros could lose around $245 million. The studio disputes the reported break-even figure.

Warner Bros. Hollywood analysts

Break-even estimate

Warner Bros. told Variety the film needs $300 million to break even.

Analysts said it needs about $350 million to break even.

Live-action ‘Moana’ remake starts streaming on Disney+ Oct. 21

Disney’s live-action ‘Moana’ remake will begin streaming on Disney+ on Oct. 21, with Catherine Laga’aia making her film debut as Moana.

Health

Higher physical activity linked to slower decline in Parkinson’s study

A study following 294 people with Parkinson’s for up to seven years linked higher activity levels with slower declines in thinking and movement. It does not prove exercise caused the difference.

“Our study found physical activity may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition.”
Dong-Woo Ryustudy author, University of Cincinnati

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.

Mexico’s military health system faces medicine supply pressure

Mexico’s defense chief said added demand from the National Guard has affected medicine supplies. He cited higher supply figures than official documents reported for prescription filling.

Beam shares early data on rare-disease gene-editing therapy

Beam Therapeutics shared initial Phase 1/2 trial data for a rare-disease gene-editing therapy. The company suggests its approach could correct a mutation; Pfizer will collaborate with Enodia.

Heal Italia proposes national plan for precision medicine

A Heal Italia white paper proposes a national strategy to bring precision medicine into Italy’s public health service, with a plan to strengthen care in the south.

Suki raises $90 million to develop AI agents for healthcare tasks

Healthcare AI company Suki raised $90 million in Series E financing. It plans to build AI agents for tasks such as referrals and prior authorizations and expand features offered through technology partners.

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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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.

In the mouse protocol, the researchers trained mice for four to eight weeks.

The mice then had a period with no exercise.

The researchers trained the mice again to examine how cells recalled earlier exercise.

Large study finds abrupt shifts in health markers at menopause

A study of more than one million women found sudden changes in several health markers around menopause. Researchers say the findings are observational and need further study.

Study population
More than one million women
Lab tests analyzed
More than 300 million
Study cohorts
United States and Israel
US dataset
52 of 90 lab tests showed statistically significant sudden changes

US man nearly dies after eating large amounts of beetroot

An 82-year-old man in the US developed a dangerous blood disorder after eating nearly three kilograms of cooked beetroot each week while taking heart medication.

Four medical staff suspended after cannula found in woman’s abdomen

Two assistant professors and two postgraduate students at Kakinada Government General Hospital were suspended for one month after a cannula was found in a woman’s abdomen following surgery.