Explore

Jump to a category

Politics

Anne Aly says she received 19 death threats in a week

Australia’s small business minister says she received 19 death threats on social media in a week after an opposition MP called for her to be “stoned in the square” in parliament.

“This past week alone, I’ve had 19 death threats on my social media.”
Anne Alysmall business minister

Former students allege unsafe practices at Sydney private school

Former students told a NSW parliamentary inquiry that pupils shared beds with teachers and described an incident in which the school principal was seen naked.

Victorian Liberals replace Croydon candidate over legal dispute

The Victorian Liberal Party has dropped Grant Hutchinson as its candidate for Croydon, citing new information about his ongoing legal dispute. Toby Wooldridge will contest the seat instead.

WA education minister and universities disagree over merger plan

Western Australia’s education minister, Tony Buti, and the state’s universities are at odds over a proposed merger. The available information does not explain the plan or what happens next.

Victorian firefighters’ union threatens legal action over $644 levy

The union says it may take members to court to recover a $644 levy for legal costs. The levy is funding its ongoing dispute with Fire Rescue Victoria over a workplace agreement.

Protester linked to anti-coal group restrained in NSW parliament

A protester linked to anti-coal group Rising Tide jumped into the NSW parliament chamber during Question Time on Tuesday. MPs forcibly restrained him.

Australian PM brokered pause in ATO credit card payments

Australia’s prime minister personally arranged a pause in credit card payments to the Australian Taxation Office. The source provides no details on who is covered or how long the pause will last.

Australia’s prime minister personally brokered a pause in credit card payments to the Australian Taxation Office, or ATO.

The ATO is the country’s tax authority, but the available details do not identify who is covered by the pause.

They also do not explain how long the pause will last or what conditions apply.

The headline indicates the pause concerns credit card payments to the tax office, not a wider change to tax obligations.

Read full story →

Chalmers warns of a year of economic strain and rising One Nation support

Treasurer Jim Chalmers forecast continued economic strain and urged progressives not to dismiss One Nation supporters as Labor prepares to introduce a 30 per cent tax on trusts.

NSW Right faction Labor MPs discussed potential backlash over the government’s economic policies.

Albanese rejected suggestions of a midterm slump and sought to reassure Labor MPs.

Chalmers warned of a year of economic strain and urged progressives not to sneer at One Nation supporters.

Labor is due to introduce its 30 per cent tax on trusts.

Former NSW and federal MP Bruce Baird farewelled at Sydney funeral

Family, former colleagues and people he helped as an asylum seeker advocate gathered at St Andrew’s Cathedral to honour Baird, who died aged 84.

Age
84
Funeral venue
St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney
Death date
October 2, 2026
Federal seat
Cook, from 1998 to 2007

Greens senator backs military aid to Ukraine, challenging party leader

Sarah Hanson-Young said Australia should provide military aid to Ukraine if needed to defend its sovereignty, while Greens leader David Shoebridge opposes it.

Sarah Hanson-Young David Shoebridge

Military aid

She supports providing military aid if Ukraine needs it to defend itself from Russia’s invasion.

He opposes military aid unless it is backed by a United Nations Security Council resolution.

Approach

She said Australia should provide humanitarian and diplomatic support, but not leave people to fend for themselves.

He described the Greens as a party of peace and non-violence and said it does not support military aid to Ukraine.

Josh Frydenberg leaves door open to return to Australian politics

Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has not ruled out a political comeback, but Liberal colleagues say the party must focus on rebuilding and supporting leader Angus Taylor.

World

Simon and Rachel leave five dead and six missing in Mexico

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

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

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

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

Teenager wakes in coffin during family wake in Guatemala

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hurricane Simón forecast to reach Sinaloa as a Category 1 storm

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

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

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

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

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

Read full story →

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

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

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

Pueblos Unidos seized three office employees and held them hostage.

The office released the detained suspect to protect its staff.

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

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

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

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

China sanctions ministers from Paraguay and Belize over Taiwan ties

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

China Taiwan government

Taiwan's status

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

Taiwan's government strongly rejects China's view.

Diplomatic ties

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

Paraguay and Belize maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

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

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

Business

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.

Read full story →

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

Apple reportedly plans HomeView smart home hub for November

Apple is expected to unveil its Siri-focused HomeView display on October 13 and begin shipping it around mid-November. A new Apple TV and HomePod mini are also expected.

GitLab fixes maximum-severity flaw that could let attackers run server code

The flaw could let attackers run code on affected GitLab servers without logging in. GitLab urges users of self-managed systems to install patched versions.

Ledger links CryptoBilis wallet implants to confirmed crypto thefts

Ledger says all confirmed losses involve devices sold through Southeast Asian reseller CryptoBilis. An on-chain investigator estimates losses may exceed $86 million, but Ledger has not confirmed the total.

NASA’s Perseverance rover sets record with 45.2km driven on Mars

Perseverance has driven 45.2km on Mars, surpassing the previous record held by NASA’s Opportunity rover. NASA says the rover’s autonomous navigation system handles more than 90% of its driving.

Scientists call for stronger safeguards against AI hacking

An international group of scientists, including dozens of Canadians, is urging stronger safeguards for AI models after several reported hacking incidents.

Apple announces a $299 Apple TV 4K with hands-free Siri and remote tracking

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, built-in microphones for hands-free Siri and a remote with Find My. It goes on sale Nov. 13 for $299.

Apple announced a new Apple TV 4K at a smart home-focused event on Oct.

13.

The streaming box looks much like its predecessor, last updated in 2022, but has an A19 chip and Wi-Fi 7 support.

Built-in microphones let users talk to Siri hands-free, without speaking into the remote or a HomePod.

Read full story →

Apple unveils smart home devices made with LG and Schneider Electric

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

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

Availability of the lineup is scheduled to begin.

Some accessories are expected to launch.

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

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

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

Honeybee stingers keep pumping venom after detaching from the insect

Researchers at Macquarie University filmed detached honeybee stingers pumping venom into a gel that mimics skin. Their findings reveal how the stinger’s tiny valves and lancets keep the venom flowing.

Sony Announces Japan-Only Midnight Black PlayStation 5

Sony will release a matte-black PS5 Digital Edition in Japan on Nov. 19 for ¥55,000. Buyers will need a separate disc drive to play physical games.

Sports

Bills beat Rams 37-34 in overtime for Josh Allen’s first OT win

Buffalo beat Los Angeles 37-34 in overtime after Josh Allen led a late drive and Tyler Bass kicked the winning field goal. It was Allen’s first career overtime victory.

“Guys kept chipping away, defense kept going out there making plays, special teams was big tonight”
Josh AllenBills quarterback

Dolphins and Browns lead NFL teams relying on rookies

After five weeks, Miami had 14 first-year contributors, while Cleveland rookies had played 1,401 snaps. The Ravens, Giants and Chargers also ranked among the top five teams in rookie playing time.

Titans stick with Cam Ward as they face a 2027 quarterback decision

Tennessee coach Robert Saleh says Cam Ward will not be benched after the Titans fell to 0-5. His early numbers raise questions about whether the team may draft another quarterback in 2027.

Marvin Harrison Jr. trade to Houston becomes official after physical

Harrison passed his physical and is now a Houston Texan. The Texans sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick for the receiver and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Rams lose to Bills and look to reset before facing Cardinals

The Rams lost 37-34 to the Bills, leaving them 2-3 despite gaining 454 yards. Puka Nacua said the team must regroup and define its identity before hosting Arizona.

Penix says he hopes to play next week after rib injury

Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left the Falcons’ overtime loss to Baltimore with a rib injury. He said he hopes to return next week, but further tests are planned.

49ers lead Week 6 NFL power rankings as several 0-5 teams struggle

The 49ers remain No. 1 in one Week 6 ranking, while the Vikings rise and the 0-5 Chargers, Titans and Dolphins sit near the bottom.

Two Week 6 rankings assess the NFL after five weeks of the 2026 season.

One list keeps the San Francisco 49ers at No.

1, with the Kansas City Chiefs second and the Jacksonville Jaguars third.

The other ranking also puts the 49ers at the top and highlights the strength of the NFC West.

Read full story →

Jaguars left tackle Anton Harrison to have knee surgery

Anton Harrison will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee after an injury against Philadelphia. His absence could last three to five weeks or the rest of the regular season.

Harrison injured his knee during Jacksonville’s 19-17 win over Philadelphia in London.

Reports said Harrison was set to have arthroscopic knee surgery, with his recovery timeline still uncertain.

Harrison is expected to have surgery when the Jaguars return from London.

The Jaguars are scheduled to play Houston at Wembley Stadium, with Walker Little expected to start at left tackle.

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw ejected after headbutting Seahawks player

Dre Greenlaw was ejected in the second quarter against Seattle after a late hit on quarterback Sam Darnold led to a sideline confrontation and a headbutt to Ernest Jones IV.

Suspension
One game without pay
Teams
San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks
Players involved
Dre Greenlaw and Ernest Jones IV
Game result
San Francisco won 32-29

Rams' limited investment in special teams faces renewed scrutiny

After another overtime loss, coach Sean McVay again criticized the Rams' special teams. The team has ranked near the bottom in several measures of investment in that unit.

Two players ejected after opening-kickoff fight in London

Jacksonville’s Bryan Thomas Jr. and Philadelphia’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr. were ejected after fighting during the opening kickoff. A 90-yard Jaguars return for a touchdown was called back because of penalties.

Entertainment

Selma Blair charged with assault after flight incident in New York

Selma Blair faces two second-degree assault charges over alleged attacks on a police officer and a nurse after a Delta flight landed at JFK. She was released on bail and has a court hearing scheduled for January.

“This was not an intentional assault.”
Shawn BarnesBlair’s lawyer

God of War Laufey Collector Box Costs $149.99 and Excludes the Game

Sony’s U.S. collector box for God of War Laufey costs $149.99 and includes merchandise, but no game disc or download code. It is due out with the game on Feb. 16, 2027.

IDFA to open with film following Myanmar resistance recruits

The 39th International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam will open with “White Tiger Column,” following young recruits as they train with Myanmar’s resistance movement. The festival runs Nov. 12 to 22.

The Social Reckoning opens to $5.5 million, far below its predecessor

Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to The Social Network took in $5.5 million in its domestic opening weekend, against a reported production budget of about $30 million to $42 million.

Bryan Cranston mourns Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte, who died at 34

Cranston paid tribute to Mitte, who played his son on Breaking Bad, remembering his acting and disability advocacy. Accounts differ on whether his death was officially confirmed as suicide.

RimWorld moves to its own engine, with faster performance and saves intact

Update 1.7 moves RimWorld from Unity to Ludeon Studios’ Waylith Engine. The studio says it runs two to four times faster, and existing saves and most mods still work.

Thélyson Orélien denies using AI to write novel, admits plagiarism

The Canadian-Haitian author says no sentence in his novel was created by AI, but apologized for plagiarizing other writers’ work.

Thélyson Orélien denies that AI wrote any sentence of his novel, “C’était ça ou mourir.”

The Canadian-Haitian writer says he used tools for research but wrote the book himself.

He apologized and accepted responsibility for plagiarizing texts by established authors after moving to Canada.

He says he began writing the novel in Quebec in 2017 and finished a first draft in 2019.

Read full story →

TNA ends Max Caster’s run after Riyadh attack reference at Bound for Glory

TNA said Max Caster will no longer wrestle for the company after his entrance rap at Bound for Glory referred to attacks in Riyadh. TNA apologized and removed the segment from replays and social media.

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

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

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

Raye manually reviews ticket sign-ups after 1.8 million apply for 5,000 seats

Raye says AI bots and scalpers overwhelmed sign-ups for her Royal Albert Hall show in London. Her team is manually selecting fans for presale access, with remaining tickets due to go on general sale.

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

Collin Gosselin alleges abuse by mother Kate ahead of memoir release

Collin Gosselin says his mother, Kate, physically and emotionally mistreated him as a child. His memoir, “In the Shadow of Eight,” is due out Oct. 13.

Collin Gosselin Kate Gosselin

Alleged treatment

Collin says his mother dragged him by the ear and mistreated him and his siblings.

Kate previously said reports of abuse were unfounded.

His placement in an institution

Collin says he was removed from the home and placed in an institution, with little contact with his family.

Kate said he was sent for treatment for educational and social challenges and that the decision was the best thing she could do for him.

Julianne Moore’s son Caleb Freundlich marries Kibriyaá Morgan

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

Health

Muscle and liver cells may retain benefits of past exercise

Research suggests muscle and liver cells retain a memory of exercise after training stops. This may help people regain fitness faster when they return to exercise.

“At the cellular level, you probably weren’t.”
ResearchersExercise physiologists

France’s flu and COVID vaccination campaign starts October 13

France’s annual flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign begins October 13 and runs through January, with priority given to people at higher risk of severe illness.

World Health Summit calls for more funding for pandemic prevention

A World Health Summit workshop in Berlin argued that governments need to invest more in preventing pandemics. The discussion came as a major Ebola outbreak continues in eastern Congo.

Drinking water helps prevent dehydration but does not directly lower blood sugar

A diabetes educator says water can help prevent dehydration from worsening high blood sugar, but it does not lower glucose or replace prescribed treatment.

Epilepsy Drug Shows Promise for Osteoarthritis in Early Tests

Yale researchers found that lacosamide reduced pain and supported cartilage repair in mouse tests and human cartilage cells. The drug still needs testing in people with osteoarthritis.

More than 20,000 people in Yakutia received remote health monitoring

Since the start of 2026, 20,051 people with chronic conditions in Yakutia have had their health monitored remotely using devices that send medical data to health workers.

Sixth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

A 39-year-old unvaccinated woman in Franklin County is the sixth person reported to have died in Pennsylvania amid the state’s largest measles outbreak in three decades.

A 39-year-old woman in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, has been reported as the state’s sixth measles-related death in less than two months.

The woman was unvaccinated and had underlying medical conditions, the county coroner’s office said.

The coroner’s spokesperson said the probable cause was an acute cardiac event that may have resulted from measles complications.

Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,136 measles cases and 219 hospitalizations, with two-thirds of cases in adults.

Read full story →

Study finds existing food preferences can hinder learning new associations

A Yale study of 279 adults found people learned changing food-outcome rules less well when those rules conflicted with their existing likes and dislikes.

Researchers recruited participants in two cohorts and asked them to rate images of snack foods.

The study was reported by News-Medical and Infobae.

Italy to allocate €8 million over two years for heat plan

Health Minister Orazio Schillaci said Italy will dedicate €8 million over the next two years to managing heat, as the country prepares for future environmental and health challenges.

Funding
€8 million
Duration
Next two years
Announced by
Orazio Schillaci
Event
Heatwaves and health – Summer 2026 report and future prospects

Exercise may improve mood and quality of life during menopause, study finds

A review of 12 trials involving more than 1,000 women found that aerobic exercise and activities such as yoga were linked to better mood or quality of life during menopause.

Asti healthy ageing project presented as European good practice

A health authority in Asti presented its Communit-Action project in Vilnius, where it was recognised as a European good practice for supporting healthy and active ageing.