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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

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.

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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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.

Rialto became the first city to restrict certain sales of nitrous oxide.

State lawmakers passed SB 758, restricting nitrous oxide sales by tobacco and cigarette retailers.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 758 and SB 936.

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved the city measure.

The ordinance is expected to take effect about a month later.

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.

Total donations since July
More than $276 million
Senate Leadership Fund
$158 million
America PAC
More than $76 million
Federal political giving, 2025-26 cycle
Roughly $366 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.

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

German letter prices could rise by up to 20.35% in 2027

Germany’s regulator has proposed allowing the Deutsche Post to raise letter prices by up to 20.35% from January 2027. A standard domestic letter could cost €1.14, but final prices are not set.

“Wenn die Kosten unter anderem aufgrund der zunehmenden Digitalisierung auf weniger Briefe zu verteilen sind, steigen die Preise”
Klaus MüllerPresident of the Federal Network Agency

Trade Republic plans a fee-free German retirement account with 51 ETFs

Trade Republic says its planned German retirement account will have no fees for 51 selected ETFs, as competition builds ahead of a planned 2027 launch.

Germany’s debt is forecast to reach 78.25% of GDP by 2030

Germany’s Stability Council forecasts rising debt and deficits, with debt reaching 78.25% of economic output by 2030, well above the EU’s 60% limit.

HyEx founders leave Die Höhle der Löwen without an investment

The founders of HyEx pitched a product meant to correct botched hyaluronic acid treatments, but all investors eventually declined their offer.

Volkswagen chief calls for European support as automaker restructures

Oliver Blume says European policymakers should create conditions for Volkswagen’s restructuring to succeed as Chinese automakers expand in Europe. The company is also cutting jobs and may close up to four German factories.

Dax opens nearly unchanged above 25,000 as chip stocks fall

The Dax opened little changed at 25,207 points, while chip stocks came under pressure. Investors are watching the start of the earnings season, led by major US banks.

Volkswagen vehicle deliveries fall 14.3% in the third quarter

Volkswagen delivered about 1.9 million vehicles worldwide from July to September, down 14.3% from a year earlier, as sales in China fell sharply.

Volkswagen delivered about 1.9 million vehicles worldwide from July to September, 14.3% fewer than in the same period a year earlier.

The German carmaker, based in Wolfsburg, also reported a 9% fall in deliveries during the first nine months of the year.

China was the main pressure point: deliveries there fell 38.5% in the third quarter amid a shrinking market, price pressure and competition from local manufacturers.

Growth in Europe and South America was not enough to offset that decline.

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EU investigates XXXLutz’s planned takeover of Porta

The European Commission is examining whether XXXLutz’s planned purchase of German furniture retailer Porta could reduce competition and harm customers or suppliers.

The Commission started an investigation into whether the companies had taken steps toward the takeover before receiving approval.

The planned transaction was registered with the Commission in Brussels.

The Commission announced concerns about possible competition harm and expanded its investigation.

The deadline for the Commission to make a decision.

IMF raises Germany's 2026 growth forecast to 1.3%

The IMF now expects Germany's economy to grow 1.3% in 2026, up from its earlier forecast. It also raised its outlook for the eurozone and global growth.

Germany growth forecast, 2026
1.3%
Germany growth forecast, 2027
1.1%
Eurozone growth forecast, 2026
1.1%
Global growth forecast, 2026
3.1%

Germany shifts toward tougher trade measures against China

Germany’s leaders are backing a possible EU tool to restrict access to the single market over unfair trade practices, as pressure on German industries from Chinese competition grows.

Germany and its supporters China

Trade measures

Germany’s leaders are seeking a tool to restrict single-market access if unfair practices continue.

China’s Commerce Ministry warned Europe would “suffer the consequences” if it adopted the proposed plan.

Trade Republic plans fee-free retirement account ahead of 2027 launch

Trade Republic plans to offer a retirement investment account with no account or savings-plan fees when Germany’s new system starts in 2027. Its CEO says savers should invest for themselves rather than rely on bank advisers.

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

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.

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 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.

“That's the beautiful thing about football: You get another drive.”
Josh AllenBills quarterback

FIU visits Jacksonville State in a key Conference USA game

Florida International visits Jacksonville State on Oct. 13 with both teams unbeaten in Conference USA play. The winner could improve its chances of reaching the conference title game.

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.

Model backs Penn State and Auburn against the spread in Week 7

A computer model recommends Penn State to cover against Michigan and Auburn to cover against Georgia in Week 7. It simulates each FBS game 10,000 times.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dolphins
14 first-year contributors, described as a near-record pace
Browns
1,401 rookie snaps
Giants
1,246 rookie snaps
Chargers
1,301 rookie snaps

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.

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.

Entertainment

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.

“Simply put, my whole life that I lived was a lie,”
Collin Gosselinmemoir author and former reality TV star

Silvia Salis says assisted fertility led to her son’s birth

The mayor of Genoa says she and her husband, Fausto Brizzi, turned to assisted fertility after a year of trying for a child. Their son Eugenio was born in 2023 and has his mother’s surname.

Sean Lennon says he and Julian received equal inheritances

Sean Lennon said he and his half brother Julian inherited the same amount from their father, John Lennon, with Julian’s trust slightly larger by a negligible amount.

Prithvi Shaw and Akriti Agarwal reconcile after calling off engagement

Actor Akriti Agarwal said she and Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw have chosen to be together again, weeks after ending their engagement. She said outside opinions influenced her decision.

Sean Combs returned to Fort Dix after reported head injury

Sean “Diddy” Combs was taken by ambulance from a New Jersey prison for treatment of a reported head injury and later returned. His listed release date is now March 2, 2028.

Jai Arrow and Berina Colakovic hold second wedding in Sicily

South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow and Berina Colakovic held an intimate wedding ceremony in Sicily after marrying in Sydney in July. The couple celebrated with 65 guests.

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.

Caleb Freundlich and Kibriyaá Morgan are married after nine years together.

Freundlich is the son of actor Julianne Moore and director Bart Freundlich, and Morgan is his longtime partner.

Moore shared the news on Instagram on October 12, posting a video of the newlyweds dancing after their ceremony.

The couple met while studying at Davidson College and announced their engagement in August 2024.

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Harry Styles urges people to look after each other after ICE shooting

At a Madison Square Garden show, Styles named Oscar Belgal, who was shot by an ICE agent in the Bronx while his five-year-old son was in the car. Belgal survived and is being held in detention.

NME reported that Belgal was shot in his car while his five-year-old son was in the back seat.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani held a press conference and condemned the shooting and the agents’ tactics, according to Billboard.

Styles spoke about Belgal at night 21 of his Madison Square Garden residency, according to Billboard.

Billboard published its report on Styles’ speech.

NME published its report on Styles’ tribute.

Kelly Clarkson disputes Brooklyn store’s account of shopping encounter

Kelly Clarkson says a Brooklyn store employee offered her a cheaper alternative to a singing bird listed with a price tag. The store says the bird is a wall fixture and was not for sale.

Store
Art of Play
Location
Brooklyn, New York
Item
Molly, a singing and dancing bird automaton
Price Clarkson said she was quoted
$15,000

Russell Brand’s London trial begins with jury selection

Brand denies seven charges of rape and sexual offences involving six women. Jury selection began at Southwark Crown Court, with prosecutors expected to open their case on Wednesday.

Russell Brand Prosecutors and accusers

Charges

Brand has pleaded not guilty and denies wrongdoing.

Prosecutors allege he committed rape, sexual assault and indecent assault against six women.

Tobey Maguire officiates ex-wife Jennifer Meyer’s Hawaii wedding

Jewellery designer Jennifer Meyer married music executive Geoff Ogunlesi in Hawaii on October 10. Her former husband, Tobey Maguire, officiated the ceremony weeks after their divorce was finalised.

Health

Europa Donna calls for consistent care for metastatic breast cancer in Italy

Europa Donna Italia is urging breast care centres across Italy to follow specific quality standards and provide coordinated support for women with metastatic breast cancer.

“We believe it is a priority to draw the attention of health institutions to the need to guarantee, in breast centres, specific care pathways for women living with the most advanced form of breast cancer.”
Rosanna D’AntonaPresident of Europa Donna Italia

Family sues after 21-year-old dies following ankle fracture treatment

Dale Alice Martin died at a Connecticut hospital in April 2025 after receiving multiple painkillers for a broken ankle. Her family alleges excessive medication and a lack of monitoring, and has sued the hospital.

Woman says she woke from surgery to find it had not been done

A woman in Wales says she woke after surgery to discover the procedure had not been carried out. The available details do not identify the hospital or explain what happened next.

Pinerolo hospital is Piedmont’s only public centre using TESAR for abdominal diastasis

Pinerolo hospital is the only centre in Piedmont using the minimally invasive TESAR technique for abdominal diastasis in Italy’s public health service.

Agenas chief says Italy’s health system is changing, but care access remains uneven

Agenas director Angelo Tanese said Italy’s health services are changing, but new treatments for metastatic breast cancer are not equally easy to access across the country.

SIMATS chancellor says sustainable healthcare must be affordable and accessible

At The Hindu Sustainability Dialogues 2026, SIMATS chancellor N.M. Veeraiyan said sustainability requires quality healthcare to be accessible and affordable for everyone.

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.

Asti’s local health authority launched Communit-Action in September 2025 to support active, healthy ageing.

The project was presented in Vilnius at the third transnational meeting of the European ActAge programme, after an invitation from FinPiemonte.

It was recognised as a European good practice for combining prevention, social participation and local resources.

The project uses a “positive health” approach, treating older people as active members of their communities rather than only as recipients of care.

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Dutch minister to end 13-week pregnancy scan from 2028

The Netherlands will stop offering the 13-week pregnancy scan from 1 January 2028. Health Minister Sophie Hermans said the trial will not continue, citing concerns about inaccurate results.

The 13-week scan began being offered as part of a scientific study.

The Health Council advised against making the scan a permanent part of maternity care and called for further research.

Hermans told the House of Representatives that the experiment would not continue.

The 13-week scan will no longer be available.

Nurse who treated Bradford fire victims to retire after 44 years

Angela O’Neill, believed to be the last nurse still working at her trust who treated victims of the 1985 Bradford City fire, will retire on 31 October.

Length of service
44 years
Fire date
11 May 1985
Deaths
56 spectators
Injured
At least 265 people

Doctors say patients should feel free to seek a second opinion

A physician says patients should not feel awkward about seeking a second opinion and can ask their primary care provider to help navigate specialist advice.

678 children and pregnant women in Yakutia receive glucose monitors

Yakutia says 324 children and 354 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes had continuous glucose monitors by October 1, 2026. The devices track glucose levels and alert users to changes.