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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.

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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

South Coast Railway seeks passenger feedback at Gudivada meeting

South Coast Railway officials held a passenger meeting in Gudivada, where travellers raised concerns about train capacity, station facilities and cleanliness.

“It created a platform for the passengers and the members of Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (DRUCC), frontline staff, and the officers to interact and discuss various problems.”
A. Suresh ReddySenior Divisional Operations Manager

Athawale opens handicraft and handloom fair in Mysuru

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale opened the Shilpa Samagama Mela in Mysuru, where artisans from 12 states are showing handloom and handicraft products.

India and Czech Republic agree to expand defence industry ties

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Czech official Karel Havlíček agreed in New Delhi to deepen defence industrial cooperation, including through joint ventures and a bilateral committee.

Pakistan train derailment kills at least four, injures dozens

The Rehman Baba Express derailed in Punjab province while travelling from Karachi to Peshawar. At least four people were killed, and reported injury totals range from 17 to 30 or more.

Hyderabad man arrested over alleged murder of wife after quarrel

Police in Hyderabad arrested a 29-year-old man over the alleged murder of his wife in Balapur after a quarrel about a suspected relationship.

Foundation awards scholarships to 18 girls in Machilipatnam

The Sarada Gopala Ratnam Foundation awarded scholarships to 18 students at a girls’ college in Machilipatnam and donated six computers to the college.

Two bridges complete coastal road link to Koyಿಲанди harbour

Two bridges have completed a coastal road link between Kollam Angadi and Koyilandy harbour, giving nearby fishing communities a direct route without using the national highway.

Two bridges have completed a coastal road link to Koyilandy harbour in Kerala, connecting it with Kollam Angadi.

The route passes coastal communities and beaches, including Kollam, Arayankavu and Gurukulam beach.

The bridges cost ₹1.16 crore, funded by the Harbour Engineering department.

The road gives local fishing communities direct access to the harbour without using the national highway.

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Taliban suspend BBC FM broadcasts across Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has suspended BBC FM broadcasts nationwide, citing repeated violations without giving details. The BBC says it is working with authorities and will continue on other platforms.

The BBC's Afghan service began operating.

The Taliban retook power in Afghanistan.

Two US outlets were banned from operating in the country, according to the BBC.

Afghan authorities suspended BBC FM radio broadcasts across the country.

530 assistive devices distributed to 365 people in West Godavari

Union Minister of State Bhupathiraju Srinivas Varma distributed 530 assistive devices worth ₹1.10 crore to 365 people with disabilities in Palakollu, Andhra Pradesh.

Devices distributed
530
Recipients
365 persons with disabilities
Value of devices
₹1.10 crore
Location
Palakollu, West Godavari district

Police rescue five-year-old boy and arrest three in East Godavari kidnapping case

Police rescued a five-year-old boy in East Godavari district and arrested three people, including a 60-year-old woman, over his alleged kidnapping.

Dattatreya urges stronger livestock farming at Hyderabad awards ceremony

At an awards ceremony in Hyderabad, Bandaru Dattatreya called for more dairy, sheep and poultry farming to raise farmers’ incomes. The society honoured 22 people.

Business

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.

“two-part”
IMF reportEconomic outlook

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.

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.

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.

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.

Germany’s Federal Network Agency has proposed letting Deutsche Post raise letter prices by up to 20.35% from January 2027.

The proposal covers letters and postcards for 2027 and 2028, and also allows increases for parcels and business mail.

A standard domestic letter, now priced at 95 cents, could cost €1.14 if the increase is applied evenly.

The post office will choose how much to charge for each type of mail, but the regulator must approve the final prices.

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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’s delivery decline was 8.6 percent year on year.

Volkswagen delivered 1.89 million vehicles worldwide, 14.3 percent fewer than in the same period a year earlier.

Volkswagen delivered just over six million vehicles, down 9.0 percent year on year.

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.

Decision deadline
25 February 2027
Countries with retail competition concerns
Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia
Countries with supplier-market risks
Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland
Transaction registration
7 September 2026

Dutch court orders Prijsvrij to pay more than €60,000 to fired worker

A court in The Hague ruled that Prijsvrij unfairly dismissed an employee who ran the Rotterdam Marathon while on sick leave. It ordered the travel company to pay him more than €60,000.

Prijsvrij The employee

Reason for dismissal

The company accused him of misleading it about his health or driving despite reported vision problems.

He had told the company doctor he was training for a marathon and was unable to work because of illness.

Use of surveillance

The company had him observed by a private investigation firm after his extended sick leave.

The court considered the surveillance disproportionate and an intrusion into his and his family's privacy.

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.

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 vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

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.

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

NASA’s Perseverance rover has driven 28.10 miles on Mars, passing the record held by Opportunity. The rover is continuing its exploration of ancient terrain.

Norway fines Microsoft-owned Xandr $9.6 million over Grindr data sharing

Norway’s data protection authority fined Xandr a record 92 million kroner for sharing Grindr users’ sensitive data with advertisers without verifying consent. Xandr has three weeks to appeal.

Beats and Pokémon unveil special-edition Pill speaker for $149

The gray Beats Pill features Pikachu and Mimikyu artwork, custom packaging and three lanyard charms. It goes on sale October 15 for $149.

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.

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.

Anthropic warns AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models could soon copy themselves across vulnerable internet-connected devices. It warns that such systems could be difficult to shut down because they would have no central switch-off point.

Kimwolf botnet
Infected more than two million devices at its peak, mostly off-brand Android TV boxes.
Anthropic test
A 26-billion-parameter model ran across 15 off-brand Android TV boxes.
Test speed
The boxes collectively ran inference at 0.39 tokens per second.
GLM-5.2 trials
Spread to all 8 nodes in 4 of 5 trials.

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.

CXMT and its supporters Skeptics of CXMT’s production readiness

Technology strategy

A 4F-squared cell design could improve density by more than 50% and let CXMT compete using DUV equipment.

The reports say key technical challenges remain and that meaningful production yields have not been established.

Timing and impact

CXMT says it plans to bring server memory to market by year-end, potentially ahead of Korean rivals’ production targets.

Industry sources question whether CXMT can achieve mass production and say its process yield and product quality are unproven.

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.

Sports

Rams tackle Alaric Jackson punches Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb after OT loss

After Buffalo beat Los Angeles 37-34 in overtime, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson punched Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb during a postgame exchange at midfield.

“It's just emotions, you know what I mean? Emotional game. It was a close game,”
Bradley ChubbBills linebacker

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.

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.

Jordan Love and Drake Maye rise in Week 6 fantasy projections

Jordan Love and Drake Maye move up in Week 6 fantasy football projections, while several players lose ground. Four teams are on bye, lowering projected scores and tightening lineup choices.

NFL playoff projections shift after the season’s first five weeks

Early projections put the Patriots and 49ers among the stronger playoff contenders, while the Cowboys and Chargers face weaker odds. The 14-team postseason begins in January.

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.

Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson has a high-ankle sprain after leaving New England’s win over the Raiders with an ankle injury.

A high-ankle sprain affects the ligaments above the ankle and can take time to heal.

He is expected to miss multiple weeks, but does not need surgery.

Henderson had 42 carries for 163 yards and a touchdown in four appearances this season.

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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.

Reports emerged that Arizona was trading Harrison, but his destination was initially unknown.

Houston beat the Tennessee Titans 26-3, and head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the trade after the game.

Harrison passed his Texans physical, making the trade official.

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.

Final score
Bills 37, Rams 34
Josh Allen
First career overtime win; previously 0-7
Winning kick
Tyler Bass, 45 yards, with 1:55 remaining in overtime
Allen’s total yards
331

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.

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.

Entertainment

Brazilian axé singer Netinho dies at 60

Netinho, whose 1996 hit “Mila” helped make him a leading axé singer, died in Salvador after a return of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“Artista extraordinário, talentoso, sensível e inovador, Netinho construiu uma trajetória marcada pela alegria, pela música e por um carisma inconfundível”
Netinho's teamArtist's representatives

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.

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.

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.

Xbox CEO reportedly says new game ideas are vital to the company’s future

Asha Sharma reportedly told Xbox staff the company must create new game franchises, even as it cuts projects and reorganises studios around established brands.

Four Beatles films planned for release across April 2028

Sam Mendes’ four Beatles films are planned for release a week apart in April 2028. Producer Pippa Harris says viewers can watch them across the month, rather than all in one day.

Kacey Musgraves Fires Back at Kristi Noem Over Texas Senate Candidate

After James Talarico appeared at Musgraves’ Dallas concert, Kristi Noem criticized the singer’s support for him. Musgraves replied with a jab about Noem’s account of killing her dog.

Kacey Musgraves welcomed James Talarico at her Dallas concert over the weekend.

Talarico is a Democrat running for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas, where he is facing Republican Ken Paxton.

Kristi Noem criticized Musgraves for hosting Talarico and said she preferred country singer Ella Langley and Paxton.

Musgraves replied on X: “I don’t think you have a dog in this fight but if you did you would have shot it.”

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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.

Blair was detained after her Delta flight arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

A police officer accused Blair of kicking her while transporting her from the airport to an ambulance.

A nurse at the hospital accused Blair of kicking her in the chest.

Blair was arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault, and a judge set bail.

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.

Age
34
Breaking Bad role
Walter White Jr.
Seasons on the show
All five
Disability advocacy
Promoted awareness, inclusion and representation for people with disabilities

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.

AI-use accusers Thélyson Orélien

AI use in the novel

Orélien has been accused of using generative AI extensively to write the novel.

He says no sentence in the book was created by a machine.

Shakira ends Madrid residency after 13 shows and about 700,000 fans

Shakira closed her Madrid residency on Oct. 12 with guest performers including Maluma, Laura Pausini and Bizarrap. The 13 shows at Macondo Park drew about 700,000 people, according to Shakira.

Health

Higher physical activity linked to slower decline in Parkinson’s study

A study following 294 people with Parkinson’s for up to seven years linked higher activity levels with slower declines in thinking and movement. It does not prove exercise caused the difference.

“Our study found physical activity may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition.”
Dong-Woo Ryustudy author, University of Cincinnati

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.

Mexico’s military health system faces medicine supply pressure

Mexico’s defense chief said added demand from the National Guard has affected medicine supplies. He cited higher supply figures than official documents reported for prescription filling.

Beam shares early data on rare-disease gene-editing therapy

Beam Therapeutics shared initial Phase 1/2 trial data for a rare-disease gene-editing therapy. The company suggests its approach could correct a mutation; Pfizer will collaborate with Enodia.

Heal Italia proposes national plan for precision medicine

A Heal Italia white paper proposes a national strategy to bring precision medicine into Italy’s public health service, with a plan to strengthen care in the south.

Suki raises $90 million to develop AI agents for healthcare tasks

Healthcare AI company Suki raised $90 million in Series E financing. It plans to build AI agents for tasks such as referrals and prior authorizations and expand features offered through technology partners.

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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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.

In the mouse protocol, the researchers trained mice for four to eight weeks.

The mice then had a period with no exercise.

The researchers trained the mice again to examine how cells recalled earlier exercise.

Large study finds abrupt shifts in health markers at menopause

A study of more than one million women found sudden changes in several health markers around menopause. Researchers say the findings are observational and need further study.

Study population
More than one million women
Lab tests analyzed
More than 300 million
Study cohorts
United States and Israel
US dataset
52 of 90 lab tests showed statistically significant sudden changes

US man nearly dies after eating large amounts of beetroot

An 82-year-old man in the US developed a dangerous blood disorder after eating nearly three kilograms of cooked beetroot each week while taking heart medication.

Four medical staff suspended after cannula found in woman’s abdomen

Two assistant professors and two postgraduate students at Kakinada Government General Hospital were suspended for one month after a cannula was found in a woman’s abdomen following surgery.