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Politics

Xi sets priorities for China’s health system at national conference

Xi Jinping called for stronger disease prevention, medical services and health care coverage, saying China must make decisive progress toward its Healthy China goal during the 2026–2030 period.

“Prevention is the most economical and effective health strategy”
Xi JinpingChinese president and Communist Party general secretary

China’s health sector received 245.4 billion yuan in tax and fee relief

China says tax and fee policies cut costs for health and care services by 245.4 billion yuan from January to August 2026. Health equipment manufacturing and health services sales also grew.

China expands health services and sets 2035 goal for a healthy nation

China has expanded health care and prevention programs as part of its Healthy China strategy, with a national goal of building a healthy China by 2035.

China plans to recruit 35,700 civil servants for 2027

Online applications open from October 14 to 24 for central government agencies and their directly affiliated institutions. The written exam is scheduled for November 29.

China sets tougher protection plans for major archaeological sites

A national meeting in Zhengzhou set priorities for protecting major archaeological sites, including stronger monitoring and possible removal of poorly managed national archaeological parks.

China proposes faster export process for some civil aviation parts

China’s Commerce Ministry is seeking public feedback on draft rules that would let eligible aviation businesses register some exports and obtain an export document without applying for a licence for each shipment.

Beijing forum examines digital approaches to urban governance

More than 3,200 participants from over 70 countries and regions gathered in Beijing to discuss modern urban governance and the city’s system for handling public complaints.

The 2026 Beijing Forum on Swift Response to Public Complaints opened in Beijing on Monday for a two-day event.

More than 3,200 participants from over 70 countries and regions are taking part.

The forum’s theme is using digital tools to build a people-focused city.

Beijing began its public-complaints initiative in 2019 to respond to residents’ concerns and everyday problems.

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China updates its mineral resources catalogue with 174 mineral types

China has issued a new catalogue covering 174 mineral types and 119 subtypes, updating a classification system in place since 1994. It is intended to support resource management and planning.

China issued and implemented the previous mineral resources classification details.

China’s new Mineral Resources Law took effect, establishing special protection for strategic mineral resources.

The implementing regulations for the Mineral Resources Law took effect.

China published the updated Mineral Resources Catalogue.

China publishes 29 examples of redeveloping underused land

China’s Ministry of Natural Resources published 29 cases from 19 provincial-level regions showing ways to reuse idle and inefficiently used land. It plans to publish a new set of cases each year during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

Number of cases
29
Categories
6
Geographic coverage
19 provincial-level regions
Publisher
China’s Ministry of Natural Resources

Former Central South University president charged with bribery

Prosecutors in Anqing, Anhui, have charged Zhang Yaoxue with taking bribes while holding senior education and university posts. The case will be heard by the Anqing Intermediate People’s Court.

Headline describes a red ribbon creating a striking new scene

The headline refers to a “red ribbon” and a striking new scene, but the published text gives no details about what happened or where.

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.

Waterspout tornado confirmed in Georgian Bay

A tornado over Georgian Bay was captured on camera and confirmed as a waterspout tornado in Ontario.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

Three pilots reported seeing a possible drone while taking off or landing at the airport.

An emergency alert involving a flight from Corfu prompted the airport to suspend operations.

The aircraft landed safely, and police later gave the all-clear.

The airport resumed normal operations.

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.

Bridge
Merwedebrug on the A27
Vehicle
A truck
Restriction
Heavy trucks and coaches barred since mid-July because of weakened structure
Response
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.

Iran Britain

Involvement in Fairford incident

Iran denied involvement.

British authorities linked Tehran to the incident; Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran was highly likely or almost certainly behind it.

Hostile activity

Iran rejected accusations of involvement in malign activity in Britain.

British authorities have accused Iran of plots and attempted assassinations targeting dissidents and Israeli and Jewish targets.

Hostile acts

Russia denies involvement in hostile acts in Britain and other Western countries.

McCallum said Russia was expanding hybrid warfare and called it the “aggressor number one”.

Saudi Arabia reports new missile and drone threats as Riyadh airport stays shut

Saudi Arabia reported new incoming drones and missiles on Monday after deadly Houthi attacks. King Khalid International Airport remains closed while authorities check its safety.

Business

Believe appoints Viktoria Siniavskaia to lead EMEA

Believe named Viktoria Siniavskaia president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa as it reorganises leadership across the region.

“As Believe scales globally and strengthens its market positions, our next stage of growth requires a music organisation combining stronger regional leadership, greater strategic autonomy, and increased global alignment.”
Romain VivienBelieve global head of music

UK plans stronger protections for heating oil customers

The Government will strengthen regulation of the heating oil market after a review found customers were less protected than households on mains energy. A short-term code of conduct is also planned.

Bellway says first-time buyer scheme could lift annual homebuilding by 10%

Bellway chief executive Jason Honeyman says the proposed Your First Home scheme could help the builder return to 10,000 homes a year. Full details are expected on 28 October.

IMF projects UK to have lowest G7 borrowing by 2031

The IMF expects the UK to have the lowest annual borrowing in the G7 by 2031. It also forecasts the UK economy will grow at the group’s joint second-fastest rate this year.

IMF urges UK to stick with plans to repair public finances

The IMF told Chancellor John Healey to keep narrowing the UK deficit ahead of his 28 October budget. It raised its forecast for this year’s growth but expects a slight slowdown in 2027.

Jet2 will end Manchester flights to La Palma on October 30

Jet2 is withdrawing flights and holiday packages to La Palma after reviewing demand. Customers affected can rebook or receive a full refund.

London Stock Exchange owner in talks to buy credit specialist Octus

The owner of the London Stock Exchange is in talks to buy credit specialist Octus. No further details are available.

The London Stock Exchange’s owner is in talks to buy Octus, a credit specialist.

The talks involve two financial businesses, but no details of a possible deal are available.

The information provided does not say where Octus is based or describe its work in more detail.

The talks are about a potential acquisition, not a confirmed purchase.

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UK grocery inflation rises as shoppers turn to supermarket deals

UK supermarket prices were 2.5% higher than a year earlier, and shoppers spent more on promotions to manage grocery costs. Chocolate prices fell 3%.

Lidl led market-share gains, reaching 8.6% after sales rose by 7.1%.

Supermarket prices were 2.5% higher than a year earlier, and about 1.2 million households bought a pumpkin.

The Guardian and the Independent published reports on the figures.

UK car finance compensation payments delayed until 2027

The FCA says drivers will receive no car finance compensation before 2027 because lenders are challenging its scheme. A tribunal hearing is scheduled for 16 to 26 February.

Compensation payments
None before 2027
Lenders bringing challenges
Volkswagen Financial Services; Mercedes Benz Financial Services; Credit Agricole Auto Finance
Tribunal hearing
16 to 26 February
Potential individual complaints without a scheme
Up to 19 million

How to choose a UK investment platform

A guide compares UK investment platforms, their fees and features, and explains how investors can choose an account that fits their needs.

Guide compares six stocks and shares ISA platforms

A guide compares six UK stocks and shares ISA platforms, weighing fees, investment choice, ease of use, research and customer service.

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

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.

Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at hundreds of French supermarkets

Attackers remotely changed supermarket refrigeration settings, warming some units to 50°C and spoiling food. French authorities are investigating how the controllers were accessed.

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.

Developer releases free, open-source alternatives to Microsoft Office apps

Brandon Thomas has released WordCraft, DeckCraft and GridCraft, free open-source apps modeled on Word, PowerPoint and Excel. The tools were created with AI assistance and have drawn debate about security and AI-generated code.

Realme and OnePlus set ColorOS 17 update dates

Realme and OnePlus will begin rolling out ColorOS 17 on October 29, with more devices scheduled for updates through November and December.

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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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.

Anthropic released a report on the risks of autonomous AI replication.

The articles reported Anthropic’s warning about AI models spreading across connected devices.

Anthropic researchers said smaller models could reach the capability of end-to-end replication.

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.

Record distance
45.22 kilometers (28.10 miles)
Previous record
Opportunity: 45.16 kilometers (28.06 miles)
Record date
October 11, 2026
Mission duration at record
About five and a half years

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.

Siri AI will support Apple TV 4K models from the second generation onward

Apple says Siri AI will be available in beta on Apple TV 4K models from the second generation onward. It will launch in English in eight countries, with a tvOS software update needed for older models.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Josh Allen retakes lead in NFL MVP betting odds

Josh Allen is back as the betting favorite for NFL MVP after a strong Monday night performance, with Brock Purdy close behind. Denzel Boston is now favored for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Entertainment

Lee Seok Hoon says he met his wife on a 2011 TV show

Singer Lee Seok Hoon recalled meeting ballerina Choi Sun Ah on a variety show and asking for her number through his manager. The couple are marking their 10th wedding anniversary this year.

“That’s where I met my wife, and we’ve been very happily together since”
Lee Seok HoonSinger

Red Riding Hood: A Detective Story Opens With a Question About Murder

The first episode of Red Riding Hood: A Detective Story asks what murder in a children's story would look like.

SSS-Class Revival Hunter Premiere Called Worst Seen at NYCC 2026

A reviewer described the SSS-Class Revival Hunter premiere at New York Comic Con 2026 as the worst premiere they had seen there.

Chiikawa Pocket’s fourth official merchandise range goes on sale October 24

The new range features designs based on bento outfits and shopkeeper outfits, with items including T-shirts, bags, towels and character goods.

Dragon Ball Super panel at NYCC features voice actors and a familiar episode

A Dragon Ball Super panel at New York Comic Con featured the show's voice actors and an episode described as “not exactly” new.

Naruto Manga and Anime Crossover Announced at New York Comic Con

Masashi Kishimoto announced a new Naruto manga, Shadow Rising, and a four-episode crossover anime with Ninku. Release dates have not been announced.

Dengeki Daisy premiere praised for emotion and unusual directing choices

A headline describes Dengeki Daisy's premiere as emotionally gripping, while pointing to unusual directing choices. No details about the series or its release are provided.

Dengeki Daisy has had a premiere, but the available information does not say where or when it took place.

The headline describes the premiere as emotionally gripping.

It also points to unusual directing choices, without explaining what they were.

The information does not identify the people behind the series or say what it is about.

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Rosé to perform at LACMA’s 15th Art+Film Gala

Blackpink singer Rosé will perform at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles on Nov. 7. The annual fundraiser will honor artist Vija Celmins and filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.

Rosé attended the LACMA Art+Film Gala.

Rosé attended the gala again.

Rosé released the single “new trick.

The Hollywood Reporter reported that Rosé would perform at the gala.

The 15th annual Art+Film Gala is scheduled to take place.

Lee Jooyeon Says She Went on Many Dates During After School Days

The former After School member said she often went on dates at the Han River during her idol days, when she said there were few places to go.

Group
After School
Debut year
2009
Video release date
October 12
Dating location
Han River

MAMA Song of the Year criteria draw criticism over Hwasa and BTS

After the 2026 MAMA nominations were announced, fans questioned the Song of the Year criteria, saying its global-reach weighting could disadvantage Hwasa and favor BTS.

Hwasa supporters BTS supporters

Criteria

Some Hwasa supporters alleged that the criteria changed to favor BTS and undermine Hwasa.

The article does not report a response from BTS supporters.

Song performance

Supporters said “Good Goodbye” had a major impact in South Korea and had been predicted to win.

The article says that, after the nominations and criteria were released, some predictions put BTS’s “SWIM” in the lead.

Lisa documentary scene about online hate draws mixed reactions

A scene in BLACKPINK member Lisa’s newly released documentary shows hateful comments about her, prompting sympathy from some viewers and criticism from others.

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

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.

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.

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.

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Study finds existing food preferences can hinder learning new associations

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

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

The study was reported by News-Medical and Infobae.

Doctors plan aortic valve replacement with future procedures in mind

At a cardiology meeting in Milan, specialists said the first valve replacement should be planned around possible future procedures. New European guidelines lower the recommended age for TAVI to 70.

Annual TAVI procedures in Italy
More than 14,400
New guideline age
70, down from 75
Long-term planning horizon
20 or 30 years
Congress location
Milan

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.

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.