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Japan’s prime minister plans to question Agriculture Minister Yanagi by phone

The prime minister said she wants Agriculture Minister Yanagi to explain by phone tonight about an issue involving a shuttle bus.

“I want to receive a report by phone by the end of tonight”
Prime Minister TakaichiJapan’s prime minister

Japan considers including railways in defense-related spending

Japan is considering counting railway upgrades as defense-related spending in revisions to three security documents due by year-end. The goal is to help move supplies and equipment during emergencies.

Japan PM says he may dismiss farm minister if illegality is found

Japan's prime minister said he would not hesitate to dismiss the farm minister if illegality is found.

Takaichi to finalize Japan’s foreign resident policy by March

Takaichi plans to finalize Japan’s foreign resident policy by March, taking population projections into account as the country balances its need for foreign workers with a shrinking population.

Debate over agriculture minister's future continues as LDP seeks to calm tensions

Discussion in Japan's upper house over Agriculture Minister Yanagi's future is drawing attention as the LDP tries to ease tensions. Discontent remains inside and outside the party.

Oita to begin collecting lodging tax in June 2027

Oita Prefecture will charge guests a nightly tax based on room rates from June 1, 2027, with revenue intended to support tourism and local municipalities.

Komeito’s new chief calls for political realignment

Komeito leader Okamoto said he wants the party to unite lawmakers who share similar values and serve as a focal point for political realignment.

Komeito leader Okamoto called for political realignment.

He said he wants the party to become a rallying point for lawmakers with similar values.

His goal is to build a bloc of like-minded lawmakers.

The statement describes a political aim, not a completed alliance.

Read full story →

Farm minister Kazuo Yana accused of election violation

Opposition parties questioned the prime minister about newly appointed farm minister Kazuo Yana’s January election campaign, amid accusations of an election violation.

Kazuo Yana’s election campaign took place.

Opposition parties questioned the prime minister about the campaign and her policies.

Japanese lawmakers divided over nuclear submarine study in security documents

Lawmakers are split on whether Japan's security documents should include a study of nuclear submarines. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the public understands the need for discussion.

Country
Japan
Defense minister
Shinjiro Koizumi
Publication date
October 13, 2026
Security issue
Study of nuclear submarines in security documents

Ichikawa mayor admits giving wrong reason for denying mosque prayers in park

Ichikawa Mayor Koh Tanaka acknowledged that he wrongly said a former neighbor moved because of the mosque. The city had denied the mosque permission to hold holiday prayers in a municipal park.

Ichikawa city government Gyotoku mosque congregation

Permission

The city denied permission, saying it could not be certain the event would not interfere with public use of the park.

The congregation sought permission to hold group prayers in the park for an Islamic holiday.

Japan seeks tenfold increase in Cabinet public relations budget

The Takaichi administration requested 7.2 billion yen for public relations in fiscal 2027, about 10 times the previous year's budget. Critics warn the spending could promote the government rather than provide balanced information.

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

Break-in reported at business building in Drensteinfurt-Walstedde

Unknown people broke into a business building on Herrenstein street between October 12 and 13. Police are asking witnesses to come forward.

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.

Nuremberg airport reopens after plane makes emergency landing

Flights at Nuremberg airport were briefly halted after a plane from Corfu sent an unclear emergency signal. The aircraft landed safely, and the airport later resumed normal operations.

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.

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 stabbed eight people at a supermarket in Incheon, a city west of Seoul, on Tuesday.

Police said one person went into cardiac arrest and seven others were injured; all eight were taken to hospitals.

The suspect, described by police as being in his 60s, was subdued by shoppers and detained by police.

He moved through the building with knives fastened to his hands, according to police.

Read full story →

Truck ends up on Merwedebrug cycle path despite heavy-vehicle ban

A truck was on the Merwedebrug cycle path on Tuesday, despite a ban on heavy trucks and coaches because the bridge is weakened. Rijkswaterstaat inspectors were on their way.

The Merwedebrug was closed to heavy trucks and coaches because of its weakened structure.

A truck ended up on the bridge’s cycle path.

The truck was still on the cycle path, and Rijkswaterstaat road inspectors were on their way to guide the driver.

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
Suspected plot site
RAF Fairford, western England
Arrests
Seven men were arrested and released on bail under investigation.
Iran-linked operations
More than 50 arrests over the past year, according to McCallum.

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.

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.

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.

Audi deliveries fell 19.7% in the third quarter

Audi delivered 314,905 cars in the third quarter, down 19.7% from a year earlier, as declines in China and the US weighed on sales.

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.

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.

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.

Science & Tech

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.

“Stores are open as normal but some of our brand's website capabilities may not be available as the investigation continues.”
TFG LondonUK fashion business

Trellix launches on-premises AI tool for security investigations

Trellix announced an AI security tool that runs inside an organization’s own systems, investigates alerts and provides explanations for its findings.

Only 25% of cybersecurity teams use agentic AI for defense

A survey found that one quarter of cybersecurity teams actively use agentic AI, while many others are testing or considering it. Concerns include unreliable decisions, data security and cost.

Canadian cybersecurity executive arrested in ShinyHunters investigation

Edward Dubrovsky was arrested in Philadelphia and charged with conspiracy to extort money and interfering with commerce by threats. The FBI suspects he was involved with ShinyHunters.

Cyberattack disrupts internet services at St. Petersburg provider

SkyNet says a DDoS attack has disrupted its network since October 6, affecting internet and communication services. A Ukrainian hacking group claimed responsibility, but the company has not confirmed its claims about system access or disabled equipment.

Ridge Security launches on-site AI penetration testing system

Ridge Security announced RidgeOne, a system for running AI-powered security tests inside an organization’s own environment. In a company test, it found 32 verified issues without contacting an external AI service.

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.

GitLab fixed a maximum-severity security flaw that could let attackers run code on its servers without logging in.

The flaw affects Community Edition and Enterprise Edition, GitLab software used to manage software development and automated testing and deployment.

It stems from weak checks on specially crafted regular expressions in CI/CD configurations, which can trigger an integer overflow.

The vulnerability is rated 10.0 out of 10 and affects versions 19.2, 19.3 and 19.4 released before their respective fixes.

Read full story →

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.

Researchers had shown an implant in Ledger X devices by this date, according to BleepingComputer.

Ledger said it began investigating reports of cryptocurrency losses and asked CryptoBilis to stop selling and shipping its devices.

Ledger confirmed hardware tampering on at least one device, according to BleepingComputer.

Ledger said all confirmed cases involved devices sold through CryptoBilis and described the affected volume as limited.

Ledger again confirmed that all confirmed thefts involved devices sold through CryptoBilis.

Cyberattacks target refrigeration systems at more French supermarkets

After an attack disrupted Danfoss systems at hundreds of French stores, hackers targeted a Dixell-equipped supermarket near Bordeaux. Staff stopped the temperature rise before any goods had to be discarded.

Affected equipment
Dixell refrigeration systems
Location reported
Bordeaux region, France
Detection time
About 4 a.m.
Temperature setting reported
Frozen goods were set to 150 degrees instead of -22 degrees

Attackers target critical SonicWall SMA 1000 flaw days after disclosure

Researchers have detected attempts to exploit a maximum-severity flaw in SonicWall SMA 1000 appliances. SonicWall has released a hotfix and urges affected customers to install it.

SonicWall Defused and Previdian

Exploitation status

SonicWall said it had found no evidence that the flaw had been exploited.

The firms reported unauthenticated SSRF traffic or exploitation attempts against their sensors and decoys.

Preinstalled malware found on low-cost Android phones in more than 150 countries

Bitdefender found malware built into the firmware of low-cost MediaTek-based Android phones. It can install apps and cannot be removed by owners.

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

Penix says he hopes to play next week after rib injury

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

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw ejected after headbutting Seahawks player

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

Oregon slips in power ratings after narrow loss with backup quarterbacks

Oregon fell to 3-2 after a two-point loss despite seven turnovers and a switch to its third-string quarterback. It dropped in the power ratings, but not as far as expected.

Deebo Samuel expected to miss multiple weeks with hamstring injury

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

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.

Marvin Harrison Jr. trade to Houston becomes official after physical

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

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

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

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

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

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Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson expected to miss weeks with ankle sprain

Henderson has a high-ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks, but he does not need surgery. He was injured in New England’s win over the Raiders.

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

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

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.

49ers
No. 1 in ProFootballTalk’s Week 6 rankings; 5-0
Chiefs
No. 2 in ProFootballTalk’s rankings; 4-0
Jaguars
No. 3 in ProFootballTalk’s rankings; 4-1
Chargers
0-5

Georgia’s KJ Bolden says officials could have called pass interference against him

Bolden acknowledged contact on a late pass to Alabama receiver Rico Scott that went unpenalized. Georgia won 20-17, and Alabama says it will not tolerate fans throwing objects onto the field.

KJ Bolden Kalen DeBoer

Pass interference call

Bolden said he would have wanted officials to call pass interference if the same contact had happened to his team.

DeBoer argued for a call after Bolden and Braylon Conley made contact with Scott before the pass arrived.

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.

Entertainment

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.

“God of War Laufey game sold separately”
Polygon writerfreelance news writer

Monique Smit says she sometimes misses brother Jan amid estrangement

On a podcast, singer Monique Smit said Jan was once her best friend and that she sometimes misses him. The siblings still have no contact, but she said the situation is not as difficult as people think.

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.

Hillary Clinton and Kara Swisher to launch political podcast

Hillary Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher will launch High Stakes on Oct. 14 with Vox Media. They plan to discuss political issues ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

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.

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.

GTA 6 PC release reportedly planned for early 2027

Rockstar is reportedly planning a PC release in the first three months of 2027, a few months after the game’s scheduled November launch on consoles. The company has not confirmed a PC version.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19.

A report based on people familiar with Rockstar’s plans says the PC version could arrive between January and March 2027.

Rockstar has not announced a PC release, and the game is currently listed only for those consoles.

If the reported timing is accurate, PC players would wait only a few months after the console launch.

Read full story →

Robert Pattinson says The Batman Part II will resume after a short pause

Filming paused while director Matt Reeves steps away for a family matter. Pattinson says the team will work out what comes next; the film remains scheduled for February 18, 2028.

The film was initially slated for release.

News broke that Reeves had stepped away and production had been paused.

Pattinson commented that filming would pause briefly and the team would work out what happens next.

The film is currently scheduled for release.

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

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.

Selma Blair’s defense Prosecution and court

Intent

Her lawyer said the incident was not intentional and that missed medication, a head injury and altitude left her severely confused and disoriented.

Blair faces charges alleging she assaulted a police officer and a nurse; the allegations have not been established in court.

Celebrity treatment

Not stated.

Judge Kahn said Blair should not receive special treatment because she is a celebrity.

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.

Health

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.

“primary cause of death was a probable acute cardiac event due to possible complications of the measles.”
Franklin County coroner’s office spokespersonCoroner’s office spokesperson

Women describe side effects of hormones used for egg freezing

Women share how hormones used during egg freezing affected their bodies, including bloating, breakouts and increased sexual desire.

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.

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.

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.

Researchers say muscle and liver cells can retain signs of past exercise even after someone stops training.

In studies using mice, animals that exercised, took a break and trained again grew larger muscles than mice with no training history.

Their muscle cells also matched energy production to demand more effectively, and this ability remained during inactivity.

The researchers say liver cells also store exercise memories and release enzymes that help supply fuel to working muscles.

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.

Fertility doctors explain what happens after eggs are frozen

Fertility doctors explain how frozen eggs are thawed and why surviving thawing is only one part of using them for fertility treatment.

Outlet
CNN
Published
October 13, 2026
Video length
1:22

Alignment Healthcare sues over 2027 Medicare Advantage star ratings

Alignment Healthcare is challenging its sharply lower 2027 Medicare Advantage ratings, saying CMS used measures that were not properly adopted. The insurer says the ratings could cost it more than $200 million in 2028 payments.

Alignment Healthcare Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Star-rating methodology

Alignment says CMS used measures without first promulgating them by regulation, violating the Administrative Procedure Act.

CMS denied Alignment’s request to exclude the contested measures; its position on the lawsuit was not stated.

Requested outcome

Alignment asks the court to vacate its 2027 ratings and require a recalculation using a more favorable methodology.

CMS’s response to the requested court remedy was not stated.

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.