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Oxfam France challenges the state over tax inequality

Oxfam France has begun legal action against the state, arguing that its tax system fails to treat people equally. It says tax rules benefit the wealthiest.

“un système fiscal inégalitaire”
Cécile DuflotOxfam France director general

A new book examines why more French women support the far right

A book by journalist Marie Charrel explores why some French women support the far right, including Julie, who says daily money worries may lead her to vote for the RN.

Student protests put young voters on France’s presidential campaign agenda

Student mobilisations have pushed youth issues into France’s presidential campaign. About 5.5 million voters will be under 25 at next spring’s election.

Glucksmann wins French social-democratic primary but faces calls to clarify policies

Raphaël Glucksmann won more than 66% of the vote in a social-democratic primary. His policy proposals remain unclear on issues including public finances and pensions.

Darth Vader appears at French high-school protests

Darth Vader appeared at high-school mobilizations in France, where 20 education staff were reported injured during a protest on Monday.

Raphaël Glucksmann wins French centre-left presidential primary

The European Parliament member won more than 66% in a primary organized by the Socialists and their centre-left allies. He now faces the task of uniting the left ahead of France’s 2027 election.

French magistrates’ council opposes Rachida Dati’s proposed return to judiciary

The council opposed a proposed judicial post for Rachida Dati, who faces corruption-related accusations. The justice minister will decide whether to follow its advice.

France’s magistrates’ council opposed Rachida Dati’s proposed return to the judiciary.

The proposed role was an international affairs post focused on digital issues and minors, attached to the Justice Ministry.

The council said the post was incompatible with her criminal case and objected that it had been created for her rather than advertised to all magistrates.

Justice Minister must now decide whether to follow the council’s advice; if not, Dati would return without an assignment.

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French students resume protests as a policing expert defends officers’ weapons

Students and high school pupils staged a fifth round of protests and blockades across France. A former gendarmerie general defended officers’ use of weapons while saying improper conduct is not excusable.

The student movement began.

Demonstrations took place.

Students staged the movement’s fifth round of protests and resumed blockades in several cities.

France’s 2027 budget could change taxes on pensions, donations and severance pay

France’s draft 2027 budget would raise income tax brackets with inflation and proposes other tax changes. Parliament is still debating the measures, which could be revised.

Pension allowance proposal
Cut the 10% allowance ceiling from €4,439 to €3,000
Potential revenue
€1.4 billion from the proposed pension allowance change
Pension income exemption
Households reporting less than €30,000 in pensions would not be affected
Severance exemption cap
One cap equal to the annual social security ceiling, €48,060 in 2026

Ferrand says Le Pen cannot use Article 11 to revise France’s Constitution

Marine Le Pen says she would use a referendum to change the Constitution if elected president in 2027. Richard Ferrand says only Article 89 allows constitutional changes, drawing protests from her party.

Richard Ferrand National Rally

Constitutional route

Article 89 is the only way to revise the Constitution.

Article 11 can be used to hold a referendum to change the Constitution.

1962 precedent

The Constitutional Council had indicated that de Gaulle’s 1962 referendum was not constitutional.

The National Rally cites de Gaulle’s 1962 referendum on electing the president by universal suffrage.

Ferrand’s comments

Ferrand says the law does not allow constitutional reform through Article 11.

National Rally figures accuse Ferrand of abandoning neutrality and say he should not decide whether the referendum takes place.

Students and unions prepare nationwide protests over French school conditions

Students, unions and opposition groups planned demonstrations across France on Tuesday over poor school conditions, including teacher shortages and dilapidated buildings.

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.

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.

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.

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

McLaren tells Norris and Piastri to put team first after Singapore crash

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri collided on the final lap of the Singapore sprint race. McLaren boss Andrea Stella called it unacceptable and said the team would discuss how to prevent a repeat.

“We have reminded our drivers that the interests of the team must always come first, and that did not happen today.”
Andrea StellaMcLaren team principal

Preining wins second DTM title after Feller passes him on final lap

Thomas Preining secured his second DTM title with third place at Hockenheim, after team-mate Ricardo Feller passed him on the final lap. Preining joked that a foot cramp explained the move.

Verstappen wins Singapore Grand Prix for first time

Max Verstappen led from pole to win the Singapore Grand Prix, ahead of Charles Leclerc and championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Oscar Piastri finished fifth after a tyre puncture.

Kim Kardashian speaks with Martin Brundle at Singapore Grand Prix

Kardashian spoke with Sky Sports presenter Martin Brundle during the Singapore Grand Prix grid walk, months after an awkward encounter in Monaco.

Chase Briscoe beats Christopher Bell by 0.029 seconds at Charlotte

Briscoe held off teammate Christopher Bell in a photo finish to win at Charlotte Motor Speedway, his second straight NASCAR playoff victory. He is now fourth in the standings, 65 points behind leader Kyle Larson.

Horner says Red Bull leadership shift led to his 2025 dismissal

Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says the team’s leadership changed after founder Dietrich Mateschitz died, and that he was dismissed without a clear reason.

Ducati denies its 2026 MotoGP bike was built around Marc Marquez

Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi rejected claims the 2026 bike favours Marc Marquez, saying riders can choose different parts and setups.

Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi rejected claims that the team developed its 2026 MotoGP bike mainly for Marc Marquez.

The claims have grown as Marquez is the only Ducati rider in the championship top five, while Fabio di Giannantonio is sixth, more than 100 points behind him.

Tardozzi said Ducati offers its riders different solutions, and noted that factory rider Pecco Bagnaia uses different bodywork from Marquez.

Aprilia took the top four places at the Indonesian Grand Prix, showing the strength Ducati must contend with.

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Toto Wolff drives rare Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR in Monaco

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was filmed driving a silver CLK GTR in Monaco. The rare road car was built to meet racing rules and has sold for more than $10 million.

Wolff was filmed driving a silver Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR through Monaco.

Motorsport.com published its report about the drive.

The article described Wolff as taking the drive before the race.

Toyota says BMW has an edge ahead of WEC’s Barcelona debut

BMW tested at Barcelona in August, while Toyota could not arrange a test. Toyota expects BMW to have a performance advantage at the WEC race this weekend.

Circuit length
4.56km
Barcelona test
27 August
WEC season
2026
Race distance
Six hours

Hamilton’s Singapore pit-call decision drops him from third to sixth

Lewis Hamilton stayed out after Ferrari called him into the pits during a virtual safety car in Singapore. He finished sixth and apologised, calling his choice a painful lesson.

Naomi Schiff Jenson Button

Trust in Ferrari

Schiff said Hamilton may not be confident Ferrari will make the right decisions, citing earlier strategy choices.

Button disagreed and said Hamilton wanted to make his own call because he did not want to stay behind his team-mate.

Hamilton’s decision

Schiff said Hamilton may have wanted to take control because he did not think he would get the best out of the team.

Button said Hamilton believed his choice was right and wanted to give it a go.

Hamilton finishes sixth after choosing not to pit during Singapore VSC

Lewis Hamilton stayed out during a Virtual Safety Car in Singapore and finished sixth. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said the decision was Hamilton’s, and Hamilton accepted responsibility.

Entertainment

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.

“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight.”
Bryan CranstonActor who played Walter White

Van Gogh painting unseen in public for 60 years goes on display in Hong Kong

Hundreds queued in Hong Kong to see Van Gogh’s 1890 painting “Chestnut Trees in Blossom,” ahead of a New York auction on November 18 where it is expected to fetch about $180 million.

Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii makes interrogation game with AI in about 30 minutes

Yuji Horii shared a short, text-based game in which players question a suspect. He said AI helped him make it in about 30 minutes, without drawing or programming.

Sean Lennon says he and Julian received equal inheritances

Sean Lennon said he and his half brother Julian inherited the same amount from their father, John Lennon, with Julian’s trust slightly larger by a negligible amount.

Chandler Riggs Makes Resident Evil 7 Fan Film and Seeks Cregger Collaboration

The Walking Dead actor Chandler Riggs made a 20-minute fan film based on Resident Evil 7 and says he would welcome working with director Zach Cregger on another film in the franchise.

Princess Eugenie shares video of daughter on eighth wedding anniversary

Princess Eugenie posted a video of Jack Brooksbank holding their two-month-old daughter, Adelaide, as she marked their eighth wedding anniversary.

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.

Actor Selma Blair faces two assault charges after an incident on a Delta flight from Los Angeles to New York.

The charges say she allegedly kicked a police officer taking her to hospital and later kicked a nurse in Queens.

She was arraigned in Queens on two counts of second-degree assault and has pleaded not guilty, according to one account.

A judge set bail at $20,000 cash or a $60,000 bond, and she was released.

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Ego Nwodim responds to Shane Gillis’ joke about women’s gym clothes

After Gillis joked that women at the gym “dress like whores” on SNL, Nwodim posted a gym photo captioned “whore reporting for duty.” Dan Levy also criticized the remarks.

Shane Gillis hosted “SNL” and joked about women’s workout clothes in his monologue.

Dan Levy posted a reaction criticizing the jokes.

Ego Nwodim shared a gym photo and a post-workout meal photo with pointed captions on Instagram Story.

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.

Agency
INTENTION
Closure date
March 31, 2027
Announcement date
October 13, 2026
Reason cited
Kenichi Suzumura’s adjustment disorder

Glen Schofield says Krafton made him release The Callisto Protocol early

Glen Schofield says Krafton withdrew three promised months of development time during the pandemic, forcing his team to release The Callisto Protocol in December 2022 with problems still unresolved.

Glen Schofield Krafton

Development time

Schofield said Krafton promised three extra months and then withdrew them, forcing the game to ship.

Schofield said Krafton thought the game was a complete failure; Krafton’s own account is not included in the sources.

Management and development

Schofield said many of the studio’s problems were caused by Korean management.

Schofield said Krafton required a PlayStation 4 version, which he said would cost an extra $20 million; the sources do not include Krafton’s response.

Ben Affleck calls Justice League reshoots the low point of his career

Affleck says making Justice League was a deeply negative experience, citing the reshoots after Zack Snyder left the film and tension between the director and studio.

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.

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 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.

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 an early-stage lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV, 71, is due to have surgery to remove a lung nodule found during a routine exam. Most lung nodules are benign, and many cause no symptoms.