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Federal agents search Ilhan Omar’s Washington home

Agents searched the home of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Omar called the search political intimidation; no charges against her were announced.

“The Trump administration’s raid on congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s home is deeply disturbing and raises serious questions about the continued corrupt weaponization of the federal government against [the president’s] adversaries”
US House Democratic leadersJoint statement

Judge orders halt to taxpayer-funded ads promoting Trump

A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from airing taxpayer-funded ads promoting the president and ordered it to cancel the remaining advertising purchase.

Trump says he is considering firing U.S. ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle

Trump said he is considering firing Kimberly Guilfoyle amid allegations that she sought $100,000 from a donor before her Senate confirmation hearing. Guilfoyle’s lawyers dispute the claims.

Kansas Senator Pays Six-Year-Old Campaign Bakery Bill

Sen. Roger Marshall paid $1,300 to a Kansas bakery after its owner said his campaign had left a $678.75 bill unpaid since 2020. The bakery owner confirmed the payment.

Texas Senate candidate James Talarico says flu caused campaign absence

James Talarico said he missed campaign events while recovering from the flu. A mental health clinic in Ohio denied claims that he was treated there.

Poll puts Democrats 7 points ahead on generic congressional ballot

A NewsNation-DDHQ poll found Democrats leading Republicans by 7 points on the generic congressional ballot.

Elon Musk gives more than $276 million to Republican groups since July

Musk has donated more than $276 million to Republican groups since July, making him the biggest known donor of the 2026 midterm elections. The largest share went to a group backing Republican Senate candidates.

Elon Musk has given more than $276 million to Republican political groups since July.

The donations make him the biggest known donor in the 2026 US midterm elections.

The largest contribution, $158 million, went to the Senate Leadership Fund, which supports Republican Senate candidates.

Musk also gave more than $76 million to America PAC, which is building a voter-turnout operation in competitive Senate and House races.

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US archbishop urges Catholic soldiers to avoid planned Hasan execution

Archbishop Timothy Broglio told Catholic service members to seek exemption from the planned firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan, which the Pentagon wants to livestream in December.

Nidal Hasan killed 13 people in a shooting attack at Fort Hood, Texas.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to livestream Hasan’s planned execution.

Pope Leo condemned the death penalty without referring specifically to Hasan’s case.

Broglio issued a statement urging Catholic service members assigned to the firing squad to seek exemption.

The execution is planned for this date, according to Al Jazeera.

Katie Zacharia begins term as White House press secretary

Katie Zacharia is starting her term as White House press secretary. President Trump said she will hold an introductory news conference Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

Press secretary
Katie Zacharia
Term begins
Monday, Columbus Day
First briefing
Tuesday
News conference time
9:30 a.m.

Trump’s plan to import Russian diesel draws bipartisan criticism

Trump says Russia will supply diesel to help ease high fuel prices, but seven senators say the plan conflicts with a 2022 ban on Russian energy imports.

Opponents of the deal Supporters of the deal

Legality

Seven senators say allowing Russian diesel imports runs counter to the 2022 ban on Russian energy imports and that the administration did not follow required procedures.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the administration is acting within its legal authorities.

Policy and impact

The senators say the US should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues its war against Ukraine.

Trump says lower prices for Americans are a priority, and Bessent says the deal is good for Americans.

Johnson says he would stay on as House GOP leader if party loses majority

House Speaker Mike Johnson says he intends to lead House Republicans even if they lose their majority in November, though he expects the party to keep control.

World

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.

“One person is in cardiac arrest and around seven others have been injured”
Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters officialOfficial

Emergency response for Christa Pike delayed by confusion after failed execution

911 recordings show more than half an hour passed before Tennessee prison officials confirmed a call for medical help after Christa Pike survived a lethal injection attempt.

Burnham says Iran’s Revolutionary Guard likely directed Fairford plot

The British prime minister said a suspected plot near RAF Fairford was likely coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by the IRGC. Iran denies involvement.

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.

Russia avoids Ukrainian energy targets in one night after ceasefire announcement

Russia hit no Ukrainian energy targets overnight into Tuesday, but attacked transport and logistics sites with missiles and drones. Ukrainian officials said four people were killed in Kharkiv.

Joseph Kabila leads new coalition with M23 rebels in DR Congo

Former president Joseph Kabila has launched a political and military coalition with M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. The group says it aims to unite resistance forces and may use force.

One dead and several injured in incident at Six Flags Over Georgia

One person died and several others were injured in an incident involving the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Authorities are investigating how it happened.

One person died and several others were injured in an incident involving the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Georgia.

The park is about 24 kilometres north-west of Atlanta.

Police have not said how the person died or what caused the injuries.

Witness accounts reported by some outlets say a person fell from the ride, but officials have not confirmed this.

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Nuremberg airport suspends flights after aviation emergency alert

Nuremberg airport in Germany suspended flights after an unclear aviation emergency was reported. Police said an aircraft landed safely, and the cause is under investigation.

Bild reported that three pilots separately saw an object during takeoff or landing, disrupting air traffic.

Nuremberg airport suspended flight operations after an aviation emergency alert.

Police said an aircraft had landed safely and that the cause was under investigation.

Japan and US to review off-duty rules after Okinawa killing

Japan and the United States will review rules for US troops’ off-base conduct after a Marine was arrested on suspicion of killing a woman in Okinawa.

Suspect
Devin Ballard, a US Marine stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma
Victim
Anna Yagi, 39
Location
A hotel in Naha, Okinawa
Arrest
Oct. 4, 2026

Germany Detains People Over Fire at Polish Starlink Station

German authorities have detained people in connection with a September fire at a Starlink station in Poland. Reports differ on whether the case now involves three or four detentions.

Poland Russia

Responsibility

Poland says Russian intelligence services were behind the fire.

Moscow says accusations of Russian involvement are baseless.

Nature of the incident

Poland describes the fire as sabotage aimed at disrupting internet services, including for Ukraine’s military.

Moscow calls the accusations the result of anti-Russian hysteria.

China opposes India naming 28 locations in Ladakh

China rejected India's move to give standardised names to 28 locations and geographical features in Ladakh, saying the areas belong to China. India says the naming is for official mapping and identification.

Business

IMF warns of risks from AI, rising bond yields and cyberattacks

The IMF says a downturn in AI investments, rising government bond yields and major cyberattacks could unsettle global markets. It urged authorities to limit excessive borrowing and strengthen cyber defenses.

“Uma correção no mercado de IA afetará a economia real”
Athanasios VamvakidisIMF deputy director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department

Apple’s Smartphone Share Reaches 22% as Global Shipments Fall

Apple’s share of global smartphone shipments hit a third-quarter record of 22%, even as its shipments fell and the market contracted 20% year over year.

European datacenter growth could raise electricity bills by 2035

Datacenters are expected to use a growing share of Europe’s electricity by 2035, putting pressure on power networks and potentially raising bills. Governments may respond with price caps, taxes or other restrictions.

IMF warns Latin America to watch inflation as growth slows

The IMF expects inflation in Latin America and the Caribbean to reach 4.2% this year and 4.1% next year, while regional growth is forecast to ease to 2.3% in 2026.

OneDosh Cardholders Can Withdraw Cash at Visa ATMs Worldwide

OneDosh says its cardholders can now withdraw cash at Visa ATMs worldwide.

IMF warns poorer countries may need spending cuts or debt restructuring

The IMF says low-income countries hit by higher energy costs may have to cut spending or restructure debt, while urging targeted support for those most affected.

IMF lifts 2026 global growth forecast as AI investment offsets energy shock

The IMF forecasts 3.1% global growth in 2026, as AI investment helps offset higher energy prices linked to the Middle East war. It warns that risks are growing and benefits are uneven.

The IMF raised its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1% as it released its outlook during meetings in Bangkok.

Strong investment in artificial intelligence is helping offset higher energy prices caused by the war in the Middle East.

The boost is strongest in advanced economies and countries that supply AI hardware, while many energy-importing countries are facing weaker growth.

Countries directly affected by the conflict are expected to suffer steep downturns, including Saudi Arabia, where the economy is forecast to shrink by 3.3%.

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Oil prices dip as expected Russian diesel supplies offset Gulf risks

Oil prices edged lower after rising nearly $2 a barrel on Monday. Traders weighed possible extra Russian diesel supplies against threats to Gulf shipping and energy infrastructure.

Brent futures settled at $106.65 a barrel, their highest close since September 15.

Iran-aligned Houthis struck Riyadh’s international airport, and tanker attacks were reported near the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent futures were down 61 cents to $106.04 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate was down 47 cents to $93.27.

European fintech sovereignty faces a public-interest problem

The debate over European financial sovereignty has been prominent in fintech this year, but the story argues that people do not care enough for the idea to work.

Outlet
Sifted
Published
13 October 2026
Region
Europe
Debate
European financial sovereignty has been a major fintech discussion this year

Global debt tops $365 trillion, increasing pressure on governments

Global debt exceeded $365 trillion in the first half of 2026, reaching 310% of global GDP. Rising interest costs and economic shocks are making it harder for governments to manage their debts.

Altcoins fall as crypto-market optimism fades

Alternative cryptocurrencies fell by as much as 10% in 24 hours as investors took profits and confidence in the wider crypto market weakened. Bitcoin held steady, raising its share of the market to 59.8%.

Science & Tech

Cyberattack overheats refrigeration systems in hundreds of French supermarkets

Hackers remotely changed Danfoss refrigeration settings, spoiling fresh and frozen food in hundreds of French supermarkets. French authorities have opened an investigation.

“The attack was probably launched around 11 p.m., but we only realised at 4 a.m., when our delivery driver saw that the storeroom was flooded.”
Charles DezonOwner of an Intermarché supermarket in Gradignan

Cyberattack Defrosts Refrigerators at Hundreds of French Supermarkets

A cyberattack remotely triggered defrosting at hundreds of French supermarket stores, spoiling fresh and frozen food and reportedly causing fires. French prosecutors have opened an investigation.

Hubble data point to a possible second-generation planet around a white dwarf

Researchers found unusually high niobium levels in Hubble data from white dwarf HS 0209+0832, suggesting a planet formed from material shed by a dying star. The finding needs confirmation.

GitLab urges self-managed users to patch critical code execution flaw

A critical flaw could let unauthenticated attackers run code on self-managed GitLab servers. GitLab has released fixes and urges administrators to upgrade immediately.

Google launches Fitbit Edge with GPS, health tracking and replaceable battery

The $179.99 Fitbit Edge adds a display, built-in GPS and expanded health tracking to Google’s fitness lineup. Preorders are open, with sales starting October 27.

Maynooth Researchers Build a DNA Computer That Needs No Continuous Power

Researchers at Maynooth University built a DNA-based computer that can perform calculations without continuous electricity. It can be reused for up to 25 calculations, though it is slower than silicon computers.

Epic Games shifts toward AI to speed up game development

CEO Tim Sweeney says Epic Games is reorganising to use AI more in game development. A Disney collaboration featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters is reportedly delayed.

Epic Games is making a major shift toward AI to speed up the development of its games, CEO Tim Sweeney said on Oct.

12.

The American company makes Fortnite and also provides its Unreal Engine development software to other studios.

Epic says it is moving developers into new roles to make greater use of AI, with Sweeney saying the aim is to help teams build more and better products.

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Meta unveils two AI models it says rival leading systems

Meta introduced Muse Wonder and Wonder Full, saying they perform comparably to models from OpenAI and Anthropic. The models are expected to be available through its Muse app for paid subscribers.

Meta invested US$14 billion in Scale AI and hired its co-founder Alexandr Wang.

Meta launched its Muse Spark model.

Meta launched Muse Code, a product for AI-assisted coding.

Meta launched the Muse agent app and revealed Muse Charm, a handheld AI hardware product, at its Connect developer conference.

Meta unveiled Muse Wonder and Wonder Full.

Cyberattack disrupts systems at TFG’s three UK fashion brands

The Foschini Group says a cyber incident affected IT systems at Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles in the UK. Stores remain open while the company investigates.

Affected brands
Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles
Unaffected UK brands
Inside Story and White Stuff
Stores
Open and trading
Other operations
TFG Africa and TFG Australia were not affected

Ahold Delhaize takes some systems offline after cyberattack

The grocery group says it disconnected some systems to contain a security issue. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders have been disrupted.

Shanghai robot debuts with a rated payload above five tons

Shanghai Chaifu Robotics unveiled its CR5000-3700 at an industry fair in Shanghai, demonstrating that it can lift a vehicle. Its performance in continuous industrial use remains to be proven.

Sports

Zheng Qinwen wins China Open for first title in two years

Zheng beat French Open champion Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 in Beijing to become the first Chinese woman to win the China Open. The victory ends a two-year title drought after elbow surgery.

“The feeling was incredible to win here in Beijing… in front of my home crowd is one of my dreams”
Zheng QinwenChina Open champion

De Minaur reaches Shanghai quarter-finals after beating Khachanov

Alex de Minaur beat Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-4 to reach the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals and move above Novak Djokovic in the ATP Race to Turin.

Nadal says Alcaraz is already a legend, not a prospect

Rafael Nadal said Carlos Alcaraz’s seven Grand Slam titles make it wrong to call him a prospect. Alcaraz lost to Zizou Bergs in the Shanghai Masters third round.

UN rights office condemns racist abuse aimed at Coco Gauff

The UN human rights office condemned racist abuse posted online against Coco Gauff after her match against Sun Xinran at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.

Rafa Jódar matches Djokovic’s run of five straight Masters 1000 last-16 appearances

At 20, Jódar has reached the last 16 in five consecutive Masters 1000 events, a feat last achieved by a player this young by Novak Djokovic in 2007. He could set a new age record in Paris.

Alexander Bublik smashes racket and drinks container at Shanghai Masters

Bublik smashed his racket and a drinks cooler after losing a close first set to Brandon Nakashima at the Shanghai Masters, then asked for medical attention.

Zizou Bergs defeats Carlos Alcaraz to reach Shanghai Masters fourth round

Belgian Zizou Bergs beat second seed Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in Shanghai, earning the biggest win of his career. Bergs will face either Valentin Vacherot or Tommy Paul next.

Zizou Bergs beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-5, 7-6 in the third round of the Shanghai Masters on Monday.

The 39th-ranked Belgian defeated the second-seeded Spaniard, who had won the Japan Open the previous week.

Bergs broke Alcaraz late in both sets, but Alcaraz forced a tie-break after Bergs could not serve out the match in the second.

Bergs then won the tie-break to secure the biggest victory of his career.

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Katie Boulter loses to Diana Shnaider in Wuhan Open first round

British number one Katie Boulter lost 6-3 6-1 to Russia’s Diana Shnaider in the Wuhan Open first round, extending a difficult season.

Boulter's grandfather, Brian, died.

Boulter posted a social media tribute saying she had experienced a tough week.

Arthur Gea beats Jakub Mensik to reach Shanghai quarter-finals

The French player defeated world No. 15 Jakub Mensik 7-6 (4), 6-4 in Shanghai to reach the quarter-finals of his first Masters 1000 main draw.

Winner
Arthur Gea
Opponent
Jakub Mensik
Score
7-6 (4), 6-4
Opponent ranking
World No. 15

Paula Badosa says she is fit and aims to improve her ranking

The Spanish tennis player says she feels physically well and will return in Osaka next week for the final three tournaments of her Asian season. She also wants to raise her ranking after a period of inconsistent results.

Qinwen Zheng wins her first WTA 1000 title at the China Open

The Chinese wildcard beat Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 in Beijing to claim her first WTA 1000 crown and the China Open title.

Entertainment

Marion Cotillard to lead jury at 2026 Marrakech Film Festival

The French actor will chair the jury at the 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival in November. The jury will choose the Étoile d’Or from films in the international competition.

“Supporting filmmakers as they take their first steps is a vital part of what this festival is all about — it’s in its DNA — and it is a great joy for me to chair the jury this year.”
Marion Cotillardactor and jury president

Nicolas Cage says he will probably not work with Amazon again over AI

Cage said he refused to sign an AI waiver for Prime Video’s Spider-Noir and will probably not work with Amazon again. He also said he may join True Detective for another season.

Scarlett Johansson’s Glasgow-set Under the Skin returns to London cinema

Jonathan Glazer’s 2013 film Under the Skin, starring Scarlett Johansson as an alien hunting men in Glasgow, is screening at London’s ICA on 24 October.

Russell Crowe stars in historical film The Last Druid

Russell Crowe plays a Celt who takes up arms to protect his people from Rome in The Last Druid, now in post-production. Its release date has not been announced.

The Batman Part II pauses production as Robert Pattinson says team will regroup

Production is temporarily paused while director Matt Reeves focuses on a family matter. Robert Pattinson says the team will take a short break and then work out what comes next.

A List Examines Films With Confusing Time-Travel Rules

The list looks at films whose time-travel plots rely on rules that shift or remain unclear, including Back to the Future Part II, The Terminator and Avengers: Endgame.

Andrew Schulz plays Dan Hibiki in the new Street Fighter adaptation

Comedian and actor Andrew Schulz is playing Dan Hibiki in a new film based on Capcom’s Street Fighter games. He says the character’s overconfidence and lack of skill appealed to him.

Andrew Schulz is playing Dan Hibiki in a new film adaptation of Capcom’s Street Fighter game franchise.

Schulz is an American stand-up comedian, actor and podcaster, and he was unfamiliar with Dan before producer Cale Boyter approached him about the role.

Dan is a brash, overconfident character whose skills fall short of his self-belief.

The character was created to poke fun at a rival video game franchise, making him an intentionally comic choice in a competitive game.

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15 Famous Characters Had Different Names During Early Development

Famous characters including Indiana Jones, Buzz Lightyear and Mickey Mouse were considered under other names before their creators settled on the versions audiences know.

Disney introduced the character later known as Goofy as Dippy Dawg.

Mortimer appeared as a separate character in the cartoon Mickey’s Rival.

The monkey later known as Curious George first appeared as Fifi in a book by the Reys.

George Lucas changed Luke Starkiller’s surname before Star Wars was released.

George Lucas and Steven Spielberg agreed on Indiana Jones instead of Indiana Smith before Raiders of the Lost Ark was released.

Toy Story used the name Buzz Lightyear after Pixar considered alternatives including Lunar Larry.

Classic F1 cars race through Nice for Ocean’s prequel filming

Vintage Formula 1 cars have been filmed racing around Nice’s harbour for an untitled Ocean’s prequel set during the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix.

Filming location
Port of Nice
Story setting
1962 Monaco Grand Prix
Director and writer
Bradley Cooper
Previous director
Lee Isaac Chung left in March 2026

Tom Cruise’s Digger could lose $245 million after weak box-office run

Digger’s ticket sales fell 60% in its second weekend, and the film is expected to lose about $245 million. Warner Bros. says it could break even at a lower total than some estimates suggest.

Warner Bros. Industry analysts and sources

Break-even point

Warner Bros. said the film’s break-even point was $300 million.

Analysts and other estimates put the break-even point at about $350 million.

Alex Gibney’s Elon Musk Documentary Uses a Simulated Interview

Alex Gibney’s nearly four-hour documentary examines Elon Musk and his public image. Musk did not agree to an interview, so the film uses his recorded public words in a simulated interview.

Health

At least 90 lawsuits allege weight-loss drugs caused vision loss

Patients in the US say drugs including Ozempic and Wegovy caused a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss. The link remains disputed.

“[The doctor] said right away, stop taking Ozempic”
Michelle FennellOzempic claimant

Authoritarian parenting linked to depression and aggression in children

A study in China found that rigid, authoritarian parenting is linked to a higher risk of depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior in children. Experts say repeated violence and coercion can harm children’s emotional development.

Mexico’s military hospital fills just 56% of prescriptions in 2026

Mexico’s Central Military Hospital filled about 56% of prescriptions in 2026, leaving many patients to pay for medicines themselves. The shortfall comes after years of declining supply rates.

Pope Leo XIV to have lung nodule removed in surgery this week

Pope Leo XIV says doctors found a small, early-stage lung nodule and recommended surgery. The Vatican expects him to stay in hospital for about a week.

Study links several health issues to early-onset Alzheimer’s years before diagnosis

A Finnish study found several health conditions were more common in people later diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, especially in the five years before diagnosis. The findings do not show that these conditions cause the disease.

Pope Leo XIV enters Rome hospital for planned lung nodule surgery

Pope Leo XIV arrived at Rome’s Gemelli hospital for surgery to remove a lung nodule. Tests will show whether it is cancerous and whether he needs further treatment.

UK demand for pears rises as nutritionist highlights health benefits

Demand for pears in the UK rose 28% from the same period a year earlier. Nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert highlighted their fiber and other nutrients.

Demand for pears in the UK rose 28% compared with the same period a year earlier.

Nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert said pears offer fiber, water and useful nutrients.

A medium pear has about 6 grams of fiber, which can support regular bowel movements and feed gut bacteria.

Research links regular pear consumption with lower heart and stroke risk, though the reasons are not fully established.

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WHO estimates more than 800 million children have unsafe blood lead levels

The WHO says more than 800 million children have unsafe levels of lead in their blood, and is launching a week-long campaign to raise awareness and promote prevention.

A study led by researchers at China’s Southeast University estimated that the highest numbers of lead-poisoning deaths were concentrated in China, India and Bangladesh.

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimated that lead poisoning caused 3.5 million deaths and more than 71.5 million years lost to disability worldwide.

The WHO’s week-long awareness campaign is scheduled to begin.

Regular exercise linked to slower decline in people with Parkinson’s

A study of 294 people with Parkinson’s found that those who were more physically active had slower declines in movement and thinking skills, though it cannot show exercise caused the difference.

Participants
294 people with Parkinson’s
Follow-up
Up to seven years
Most active group
More than eight hours of physical activity a week
Study journal
Neurology

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.

Health critics and influencers Dietz & Watson

Health concerns

Critics say cold cuts contain additives and have been linked to health problems.

The company is redesigning its products as “clean” cold cuts.

Pope Leo XIV to have surgery to remove early-stage lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV says doctors found a small, localized lung nodule and advised surgery. The operation is scheduled for early this week, followed by about a week of hospital recovery.