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Alberta referendum advance polls set to open this week

Elections Alberta says it is ready to deliver the referendum as advance polls are set to open this week.

Former rivals Notley and Kenney to appear together before separation vote

Former political rivals Notley and Kenney are set to attend an event ahead of a vote on separation.

Carney urges Alberta to stay in Canada ahead of separation vote

Albertans vote on October 19 on whether to begin the process of holding a binding referendum on leaving Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney is urging them to remain in the country.

“A week from today, Albertans will have the opportunity to make an important decision about their future, whether to remain part of Canada or begin a long and uncertain process through which Alberta could separate from Canada.”
Mark CarneyCanadian prime minister

Canada’s military faces aging equipment and years of neglect

Canada’s military faces aging equipment and concerns about readiness as the country plans billions of dollars in new defence spending.

Retired general says Canada lacks staff for two fighter fleets

Canada is considering adding Swedish Gripen fighters to its planned F-35 purchase. A retired air force lieutenant general says running both programs would stretch personnel.

Benchmark Canada compares more than 40 measures of the country’s performance

The Macdonald-Laurier Institute has launched Benchmark Canada, a project that compares more than 40 measures of Canada’s performance with those of countries facing similar issues.

Kenney and Notley to oppose Alberta leaving Canada at event

Former Alberta premiers Jason Kenney and Rachel Notley will speak at an Edmonton event opposing separation, days before voters decide on 10 referendum questions.

Former Alberta premiers Jason Kenney and Rachel Notley will unite against separation at an event in Edmonton.

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is hosting them on Tuesday.

The former political rivals led opposing parties: Kenney’s United Conservative Party defeated Notley’s NDP government in 2019.

Albertans will vote on 10 referendum questions on Monday.

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Alberta advance voting opens for 10-question referendum

Advance voting runs Tuesday to Saturday ahead of Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum on 10 questions about immigration, constitutional issues and the province’s future in Canada.

The Government of Canada listed the Pacific Link pipeline as a project of national interest.

Elections Alberta advised voters to mail special ballots by this date to ensure they arrived by the return deadline.

Advance voting for the Alberta referendum takes place.

The deadline for Elections Alberta to receive mail-in ballots is 5 p.m.

Alberta referendum voting day takes place.

Carney urges Alberta to stay in Canada ahead of referendum vote

Mark Carney urged Albertans to stay in Canada in a video filmed at his former high school, a week before voters decide whether to pursue a binding referendum on leaving.

Video location
St. Francis Xavier High School, Edmonton
Ballot questions
10
Polls on staying in Canada
70 per cent or more of Albertans reportedly wanted to stay
Vote timing
The following Monday, according to the article

Poll finds broad Canadian support for closer ties with the EU

Nearly eight in 10 Canadians surveyed supported or somewhat supported associate EU membership if it boosted trade and defence co-operation. The EU has no such legal membership category now.

Supporters of closer EU ties Critics of formal EU membership

Purpose

Supporters favour associate membership to increase co-operation on trade and defence.

Heubner said the poll may reflect frustration with the United States, not a genuine desire for formal EU ties.

Sovereignty

Associate membership would stop short of full EU membership.

Heubner said EU membership involves giving up political power and decision-making in key areas; Nanos said Canadians do not want to give up sovereignty to diversify the economy.

Brandon seeks a way to deal with long-vacant downtown buildings

Brandon’s abandoned McKenzie Seeds building has resisted repeated redevelopment efforts. The city says vacant properties create safety risks, but its options are limited when owners keep paying property taxes.

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

EU and China agree to cap Chinese hybrid imports at 350,000 a year

The EU and China agreed to limit Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports to 350,000 cars a year. The cap is expected to start in December and rise by 6% annually.

“We will continue the dialogue on some products … this is by no means the end of the story”
EU officialUnnamed official

Former Crowne Plaza in Tseung Kwan O reopens as Royal Garden Kowloon East

Sun Hung Kai Properties has reopened the former Crowne Plaza as Royal Garden Kowloon East after transforming it into an urban resort aimed at a new generation of Hong Kong tourists.

China’s central bank adds 23 tonnes of gold to reserves

The People’s Bank of China increased its gold holdings by 23 tonnes in September, the largest monthly rise in three years, as it reduced exposure to US dollar assets.

Visa gets approval for China card business ahead of Trump-Xi summit

Visa has received approval for a card business in China ahead of a planned summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

China car sales fall 28% in September as domestic demand stays weak

Retail sales of passenger cars in China fell 28% from a year earlier in September, despite a small rise from August. The industry association does not expect a strong recovery in October.

Fuyao founder urges Chinese firms expanding overseas to respect local rules

Cao Dewang, founder of Fuyao Glass, told Chinese investors to respect local laws, regulations and culture when expanding overseas. He pointed to the company’s experience in the United States.

Roche signs obesity drug licensing deal with China's Rona Therapeutics

Roche agreed to license an obesity drug asset from China's Rona Therapeutics in a deal valued at up to $1.16 billion, or about $1.2 billion. Up to $100 million is due upfront and in near-term milestone payments.

Roche agreed to license an obesity drug asset from China's Rona Therapeutics in a deal announced on October 13.

Reuters valued the agreement at up to $1.16 billion, while another account described it as a $1.2 billion deal.

Roche will pay up to $100 million upfront and in near-term milestone payments.

The agreement is Roche's seventh deal involving China this year.

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Glass Breakages Could Disrupt BOE’s OLED iPad Display Plans

Repeated glass breakages at BOE’s Chengdu factory could delay or prevent the company from winning Apple iPad display orders. BOE has not identified the cause.

Repeated glass breakages began at BOE’s new OLED factory, according to the report.

BOE apparently began Apple’s panel qualification process.

A report anticipated new OLED iPad Air models in the first half of 2027, with Samsung Display as the primary panel supplier.

China agrees to curb hybrid car exports to the EU

China agreed to cut millions of hybrid car exports to the EU over four years, easing trade tensions after negotiations in Beijing.

Export period
Four years
Next-year shipment reduction
Up to 700,000 vehicles
Negotiation location
Beijing
EU trade chief
Maros Sefcovic

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel closes for major renovation with no reopening date

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel closed all operations on October 12 for a major renovation. Disney has not announced when it will reopen; the resort’s two other hotels remain open.

Ola Dimensions raises hundreds of millions of RMB in fourth funding round

Chinese home-robot startup Ola Dimensions has raised hundreds of millions of RMB, its fourth funding round in roughly six months. It plans to target makers and developers before mainstream consumers.

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.

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Apple unveils smart home devices made with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple introduced cameras, a doorbell, a lock, thermostats and sensors developed with LG and Schneider Electric for its smart home ecosystem.

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

Availability of the lineup is scheduled to begin.

Some accessories are expected to launch.

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

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

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

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.