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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.

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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.

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

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

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

“This is absolutely unacceptable: yet another attack in close proximity to Bulgaria’s territorial waters”
Rumen RadevBulgarian prime minister

Nuremberg airport suspends flights after aviation emergency alert

Nuremberg airport in Germany suspended flights after an unclear aviation emergency was reported. Police said an aircraft landed safely, and the cause is under investigation.

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.

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.

Hezbollah to offer up to $14,000 to Lebanese families with destroyed homes

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible Lebanese families whose primary homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel, with payments spread over a year.

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.

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.

MI5 chief Ken McCallum warned of growing state threats to Britain in a speech in London on Tuesday.

He said Iran had shifted towards targeting harder sites, including military locations, although he could not discuss an investigation into a suspected plot involving RAF Fairford.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Tehran was highly likely to be behind that suspected plot, but Iran has denied involvement.

McCallum said Iran-linked operations had led to more than 50 arrests over the past year.

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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.

A man attacked people with knives while moving on an escalator in the supermarket building.

Shoppers subdued the suspect, and police arrested him.

France boards Russia-linked tanker in Indian Ocean

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

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

UK says Iran was highly likely behind RAF Fairford security incident

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard almost certainly directed a suspected plot near RAF Fairford. Britain has sanctioned two people and says further sanctions may follow.

UK government Iranian government

Responsibility

Burnham said the incident was highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by the IRGC.

Iran rejected any suggestion it was involved and called the accusation unfounded and malicious speculation.

Evidence

British authorities cited their assessment and said investigators found accelerants but no viable explosives in vans.

Iran called on Britain to present evidence supporting its allegations.

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.

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.

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.

“In the canton of Zurich, after rising pressure, the first signs of easing are emerging. There is no all-clear, but the market is moving away from maximum scarcity.”
Ursina KubliHead of real estate research at ZKB

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.

S&P cuts Zurich’s outlook to negative, keeps top credit ratings

S&P lowered Zurich’s outlook from stable to negative but kept its AAA long-term and A-1+ short-term ratings. It cited rising debt, spending and investment plans.

S&P Global Ratings has changed its outlook for the city of Zurich from stable to negative.

It has not lowered the city’s credit ratings, which remain AAA for long-term debt and A-1+ for short-term debt.

The agency says rising spending and a large investment programme could make it harder for Zurich to control deficits and debt.

It projects that debt could reach about 90% of the city’s current revenue by 2028, up from 63% in 2023.

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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.

Givaudan recorded organic growth of 3.6%; Taste & Wellbeing grew by 0.5%.

Organic growth reached 8.6%, with Taste & Wellbeing up 3.5% and Fragrance & Beauty up 13.5%.

Sales totalled 5.89 billion Swiss francs, with organic growth of 5.2%.

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's vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

SpaceXSI bundles X Premium, Grok and Cursor in one subscription

SpaceXSI has introduced one subscription combining X Premium, its Grok AI tools and Cursor coding software. Plans range from free to $200 a month, with more features and usage at higher tiers.

Googlebook faces criticism over missing apps and unfinished features

Commentators say Google’s Android-based laptop platform has app gaps and incomplete phone integration, making its premium price hard to justify against established laptops.

Apple is expected to unveil new smart-home products

Apple is expected to announce smart-home devices at an event today, including a home hub with a screen. The products are expected to rely on its updated Siri assistant.

Apple’s ‘Welcome Home’ event is expected to focus on smart home devices

Apple’s October 13 event in New York is expected to feature a new smart home hub, plus refreshed Apple TV and HomePod Mini devices.

Apple may add Siri microphones and a speaker-equipped remote to Apple TV 4K

Apple has reportedly tested built-in microphones for Siri and a speaker to help locate the remote. A new Apple TV 4K is expected to be announced October 13 and go on sale October 30.

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 has unveiled a collection of smart home devices made with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.

The products include cameras, a video doorbell, a door lock, thermostats and sensors, and are designed to work with Apple's HomeView display and Home app.

The devices are meant to help people monitor and manage their homes, with features such as motion alerts, delivery detection and temperature controls.

The LG lock can detect a nearby iPhone or Apple Watch and unlock automatically, while it also appears to offer keypad entry.

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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.

Reports described Apple’s planned “Welcome home” product launch and expected devices.

Apple is expected to announce HomeView at its product event.

The updated Apple TV and HomePod mini are expected to begin shipping, according to GSMArena.

HomeView is expected to ship; GSMArena reports a mid-November release, while 9to5Mac says sometime in November.

Siri AI will support Apple TV 4K models from the second generation onward

Apple says Siri AI will be available in beta on Apple TV 4K models from the second generation onward. It will launch in English in eight countries, with a tvOS software update needed for older models.

Compatible models
Apple TV 4K, 2nd generation or later
Beta software
tvOS 27.2
Launch language
English
Launch markets
United States, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the United Kingdom

Tech writer recommends Firefox Focus for private, quick browsing

After more than a decade using Chrome, a tech writer says Firefox Focus is better suited to quick browsing because it blocks trackers and clears sessions with one tap.

Dutch tax agency cancels Microsoft 365 cloud rollout

The Netherlands’ Tax and Customs Administration has dropped its planned Microsoft 365 public-cloud rollout and will move toward on-premises and European open-source services.

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.

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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

K-pop Groups Face Backlash for Covering BTS’s “Dynamite”

A cover of BTS’s “Dynamite” at Music Bank in Barcelona drew criticism online, with fans saying the vocals fell short of the original.

“The number one reason K-Pop is dying is the decline in vocal ability.”
@aina0660Social media commenter

Hirosaki launches a new manga

Hirosaki is launching a new manga titled The Heroic Tale of the Villainous Prince. Further details are not provided.

SSS-Class Revival Hunter Premiere Called Worst Seen at NYCC 2026

A reviewer described the SSS-Class Revival Hunter premiere at New York Comic Con 2026 as the worst premiere they had seen there.

Voice Actor Manaka Iwami Announces Marriage and Birth of First Child

Voice actor Manaka Iwami announced that she is married and has had her first child.

Junji Itō’s “The Hanging Balloons” to Get a Thai Film Adaptation

Junji Itō’s short manga “The Hanging Balloons” is being adapted into a Thai film. No release or production details are provided.

South Korea lets registered music companies rate their own videos

A new law lets registered entertainment agencies and platforms assign age ratings to music videos and release them without waiting for government review. The system includes oversight to protect minors.

Red Riding Hood: A Detective Story Opens With a Question About Murder

The first episode of Red Riding Hood: A Detective Story asks what murder in a children's story would look like.

Red Riding Hood: A Detective Story begins by asking what murder in a children's story would look like.

The question combines the idea of a children's tale with a detective story.

The episode's focus is how murder might fit that kind of story.

The available details do not say who the characters are or what happens in the episode.

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MAMA Song of the Year criteria draw criticism over Hwasa and BTS

After the 2026 MAMA nominations were announced, fans questioned the Song of the Year criteria, saying its global-reach weighting could disadvantage Hwasa and favor BTS.

Nominations for the 2026 MAMAs were announced, and the Song of the Year criteria were reported.

Fans posted criticism of the criteria and compared predictions for Hwasa’s “Good Goodbye” and BTS’s “SWIM.

Koreaboo published its article about the criticism.

The Coppersmith's Bride Manga to End in Three Chapters

The Coppersmith's Bride manga is set to conclude after three more chapters.

Chapters remaining
3
Report date
October 13, 2026
Outlet
Anime News Network

Lisa’s comments about singing in a documentary draw online mockery

A clip of BLACKPINK’s Lisa discussing her fears about singing has spread online, prompting mockery and debate about her abilities and training.

Critics of Lisa’s singing Fans defending Lisa

Responsibility for her singing

Some users rejected claims that YG Entertainment was to blame for Lisa’s singing.

Some fans said Lisa was speaking about her past as a trainee.

Interpretation of her comments

Some users treated the clip as an admission that she could not sing.

Fans said her comments referred to her earlier trainee period.

FES☆TIVE apologizes after festival performance is stopped

FES☆TIVE said its set at a festival in Gunma was stopped at the organizers’ decision after dangerous audience behavior. The group apologized and said it plans another event soon.

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.