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Chungnam reviews emergency care for people with severe disabilities

Chungnam officials and disability family support centers met to review emergency care services and discuss ways to make support more reliable and accessible.

“This meeting was a meaningful opportunity to listen to voices from the field of emergency care services for people with severe disabilities and to seek ways forward together through public-private cooperation.”
Lee Hyeok-se, head of the Disability Policy DivisionProvincial official

Disability budget scheme helps children start football class in Naju

Children with disabilities and their caregivers used South Korea’s personal budget scheme to set up a local football class in Naju. The scheme lets participants choose some services for themselves.

Kim Min-seok criticizes shifting attacks on president and ruling party

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok criticized internal attacks over prosecution reform and the choice of a major-crimes investigation chief nominee, saying criticism should be made appropriately.

South Korea’s Gyeonggi governor says president’s post was not aimed at her

Kim? Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae said she did not think President Lee Jae-myung’s recent social media post was directed at her, despite speculation about its target.

South Korea fair-trade chief stands by criticism of conglomerates

At a parliamentary hearing, Fair Trade Commission chief Joo Byung-ki said he still believes conglomerates have helped create an exploitative economy, while denying he is politically biased.

Kim Young-hee becomes first North Korean defector to lead South Korea foundation

South Korea appointed Kim Young-hee as head of the North Korean Refugees Foundation, the first defector to hold the role since it was established in 2010.

South Korea creates semiconductor task force and India trade office

South Korea’s industry ministry will set up a senior-level team to support major semiconductor projects and a new office to expand cooperation with India, effective October 20.

South Korea’s industry ministry is creating a senior-level semiconductor task force to support major projects and strengthen the industry’s competitiveness.

The cabinet approved the changes on October 13, and they take effect on October 20.

The new team will handle semiconductor policy, advanced chip competitiveness and support for the industry’s supply chain, including materials, parts and equipment.

It will also help move forward major projects, including a planned semiconductor cluster in the country’s southwest, and carry out duties under a new semiconductor support law.

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South Korea extends family care support for some disabled people to 2028

South Korea has extended a temporary rule allowing family members to provide support services to people with the most severe developmental disabilities or rare diseases through December 31, 2028.

South Korea began temporarily allowing family members to provide activity support services to eligible people with the most severe developmental disabilities and rare diseases.

The Cabinet approved an amendment extending the temporary allowance.

The extended allowance is set to expire.

Bupyeong to turn tree waste into fuel and cut disposal costs

Bupyeong District will have a company collect tree waste for free and turn it into fuel for combined heat and power plants. The district expects to save about 39 million won a year.

Expected annual waste reused
About 300 tonnes
Expected annual disposal-cost savings
About 39 million won
Wood pellets
1 tonne can replace 604.65 kilograms of coal
Estimated emissions reduction
Using 1 tonne of wood pellets can cut carbon dioxide emissions by 1.48 tonnes

Kim Min-seok criticizes Joo Jin-woo over wordplay about South Korean president

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok criticized opposition lawmaker Joo Jin-woo for a comment mocking President Lee Jae-myung and renewed calls for suspending lawmakers who breach ethical standards.

Kim Min-seok Joo Jin-woo

Joo’s political remarks

Kim said Joo’s extreme wordplay was political conduct unlikely to last.

Joo’s view is not stated in the sources.

Complaint against President Lee

Kim called Joo’s complaint over Lee’s X post “slightly irrational” and said the confidential status applied until the meeting ended.

Joo accused Lee of leaking confidential information and filed a complaint, according to Yonhap.

South Korean committee votes to exclude Lee Jin-sook from commission audit

A National Assembly committee voted to exclude lawmaker Lee Jin-sook from its audit of the Broadcast Media and Communications Commission, after People Power Party members walked out.

World

Six Flags closes nine coasters after fatal incident in Georgia

One person died and several were injured in an incident involving a coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Six Flags closed nine similar rides at six parks while authorities investigate.

“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today”
Six Flags spokespersonCompany spokesperson

Saudi-led coalition tells civilians to leave Yemen oil site in Sanaa

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Sanaa ahead of a planned operation. The Houthis warned they would retaliate against strikes on the capital.

Hezbollah announces housing aid of up to $14,000 for displaced families

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible families whose homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel up to $14,000 in Beirut and $12,000 elsewhere in Lebanon.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Drones struck two cargo ships off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast overnight on October 13.

One ship sank, and five crew members were rescued, while 11 others remained missing as search efforts continued.

The other ship, the Ukrainian-owned Chelsea 3, was hit by three drones, and all 15 crew members were evacuated; five had minor injuries.

The attacks came a week after two other commercial ships were hit in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, with one sinking and its crew presumed dead.

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Spanish royals visit Ceuta after deadly migration crisis

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited Ceuta to show support for residents after a mass border crossing from Morocco. They are due to travel to Melilla on Wednesday.

More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, according to Africanews; SCMP and AP reported about 80,000 crossings in July and more than 140 deaths.

More than 350 police officers and soldiers took part in an operation to clear the last major informal settlement at El Guano.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia began their first visit to Ceuta.

The royal couple are due to travel to Melilla.

France boards Russia-linked tanker in Indian Ocean

French forces boarded the DF Peak, a sanctioned oil tanker suspected of using a false flag and carrying fuel illicitly. The vessel is being escorted to Réunion for further checks.

Vessel
DF Peak
Location
More than 450 nautical miles south of Réunion
Flag
Benin
EU sanctions status
Listed among the EU-sanctioned ships

Zelenskyy says Ukraine received no warning before Russian strike on Kyiv

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s partners gave no early warning before five Russian ballistic missiles hit civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. He said warnings can help save lives.

A senior Ukrainian official U.S. counterparts

Advance warning

The Ukrainian official said, “They say they didn't cut it off, but they didn't warn us (about the attack) either.

U.S. counterparts said they had not cut off intelligence sharing; the official said they were told the Americans “just didn't see (the launch)...

Possible explanation

The official called the explanation “a weak excuse” and said the incident might have been “a game” to test Ukraine's reaction.

The sources report no evidence that the incident resulted from a deliberate decision to withhold intelligence.

MI5 chief warns of rising threats from Russia, Iran and AI

MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum said the service is devoting more resources to state threats than during the Cold War, citing Russia, Iran and emerging risks from AI.

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.

Dutch organisations develop MyCheck digital identity wallet

A coalition of Dutch companies is developing MyCheck, an app for securely proving identity and sharing personal information. Users choose what details to share.

Evidence does not show Yandex strikes reduced Russian disinformation bots

Ukrainian strikes knocked Yandex data centres offline, but claims that they sharply reduced Russian disinformation bots rely on misread or unverified data.

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.

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.

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

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.

Critics of the apps Supporters of the apps

AI-generated code

Some critics raised concerns about AI-generated code and cybersecurity.

Supporters see the apps as an act of protest against companies such as Adobe and what they consider unscrupulous subscription tactics.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Carmelo Hayes returns on Raw and joins 946 in attack on The Bloodline

Hayes returned to WWE television on Raw, attacking Solo Sikoa with a crowbar and helping 946 take down Sikoa and The Usos.

Keri Russell says she and Matthew Rhys had sex on ‘The Americans’ set

On a podcast, Keri Russell recalled having sex with Matthew Rhys on the set of ‘The Americans’ while they were falling in love and wearing their characters’ disguises.

Voice actor Kenichi Suzumura’s agency to close in March 2027

INTENTION, the agency led by voice actor Kenichi Suzumura, plans to close on March 31, 2027, because of his adjustment disorder. The agency says it will support its talents through the closure.

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.

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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.

Clinton guest-hosted Swisher’s podcast “Pivot.

High Stakes” is set to premiere as the third episode of “On With Kara Swisher.

The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled to take place.

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.

U.S. price
$149.99
Included items
Light-up Faye statue, 51-card Oracle deck and mini artbook
Game included
No disc or digital download code
Release date
Feb. 16, 2027

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.

Xbox leadership Critics of Xbox’s recent restructuring

New games

Sharma reportedly said Xbox must create enduring new intellectual property and find new ways to reach audiences.

The articles argue that studio departures, project cancellations and a focus on major franchises conflict with that goal.

Company strategy

Sharma reportedly said Xbox is backing its strongest franchises.

Critics say the recent changes appear to prioritize established brands over creative risks and new ideas.

Critics praise Paul Bettany’s new take on Vision in ‘VisionQuest’

Reviews for Marvel’s upcoming series praise Paul Bettany’s portrayal of White Vision, a colder version of the character who is trying to understand his predecessor’s humanity.

Health

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.

“Water does not eliminate excess glucose from the blood.”
Megan Asterino-McGeeanDiabetes educator and nurse

Dietitians suggest three steps for making a more satisfying smoothie

Dietitians recommend choosing a suitable liquid, adding produce and checking for nutritional gaps. The right ingredients depend on whether the smoothie is a meal, snack or workout drink.

Oncologist says a varied fruit-rich diet may help lower cancer risk

Radiation oncologist Heather Zinkin says fruit’s fiber and plant compounds may help lower cancer risk. She recommends eating a variety, especially deeply colored fruits.

Why you may feel tired despite getting seven to nine hours of sleep

Pulmonologist Dr Shivani Swami says interrupted sleep and other health or lifestyle factors can leave people tired despite spending enough time in bed. She advises medical evaluation for persistent fatigue, especially with signs of sleep apnoea.

Fitness coach says bulky, hard-to-use gear can waste home gym money

Fitness coach Jacob Zemer says home gyms can start with bands, dumbbells and a bench. He warns that equipment taking up space and rarely used may be a poor investment.

Health feature says many Indians do not get enough protein

The feature says about 80% of Indians may not get enough protein and discusses whey protein as a supplement, including common concerns about how it is made.

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.

A review found exercise may ease some psychological symptoms of menopause in women aged 40 to 65.

Researchers from University College London analysed 12 trials involving more than 1,000 women.

Walking, dancing and other aerobic activities were linked to better mood and overall quality of life, while yoga and Pilates were linked to better psychological quality of life.

Menopause usually occurs between ages 45 and 55, as hormone levels fall and periods stop; mood changes, sleep problems and hot flushes are among its common symptoms.

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Dietz & Watson is redesigning cold cuts amid health concerns

As health concerns and falling deli-counter sales put pressure on cold cuts, Dietz & Watson says it is close to completing a line of redesigned products.

The World Health Organization classified cured meats as a Group 1 carcinogen.

Dietz & Watson began work on its goal of creating a nearly complete line of “clean” cold cuts.

Men's Health reported that the company was close to reaching that goal.

Orthopaedic specialist explains five common myths about arthritis

Dr Ankur Singh says smoking can raise arthritis risk, while exercise adapted to a person’s condition can help. He says evidence does not link knuckle cracking to osteoarthritis.

Specialist
Dr Ankur Singh
Myths addressed
5
Smoking
Can increase rheumatoid arthritis risk and worsen inflammation and disease progression
Ageing
Arthritis is not inevitable, Singh said

Upper lumbar spine problems may cause runners’ hip and knee pain

Pain in a runner’s hip, front thigh or knee may sometimes come from nerves in the upper lumbar spine, even when the back itself does not hurt.

Nutritionist advises against detox diets after Navratri

Nutritionist Roshni Sanghvi says people do not need a post-Navratri detox. She recommends balanced meals, more movement and leafy greens instead of crash diets.