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MI5 chief warns of rising risk of rightwing terrorist attacks in UK

MI5 chief Ken McCallum says anti-immigration and anti-Muslim extremism is increasingly leading people to consider attacks, contributing to a rise in the UK’s terror threat level.

“the most marked trend”
Ken McCallumMI5 director general

UK to review security for public figures after Ann Widdecombe’s killing

The UK will review protection for prominent public figures after Ann Widdecombe was killed. Police support will also be extended to former lawmakers and some party figures.

Farage rejects claim Reform would allow troops to use lethal force on migrant boats

Nigel Farage says a Reform UK government would not routinely use lethal force against migrant boats, after MP Robert Jenrick said Royal Marines could fire if needed.

Neil Kinnock says Andy Burnham wants Britain to rejoin the EU

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock says Prime Minister Andy Burnham intends to take the UK back into the EU. Burnham has said he wants to renegotiate Britain’s relationship with the bloc.

Farage pledges five-year suspension of UK asylum system

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says his party would suspend asylum claims for up to five years if elected, void pending applications and deport failed applicants.

Ministers plan cuts to heat pump grants to help fund defence spending

Ministers are preparing to cut hundreds of millions of pounds from England and Wales’s heat pump grant scheme as they seek savings for defence investment.

Think tank urges £8bn in tax rises to rebuild UK fiscal buffer

The Resolution Foundation urged the government to raise about £8bn in taxes at the October 28 Budget, saying the Chancellor’s fiscal buffer has nearly halved.

The Resolution Foundation has urged the UK government to raise about £8bn in taxes at the October 28 Budget.

It says the Chancellor should make difficult choices now rather than postpone them until next year’s spending review.

The think tank estimates the fiscal buffer has fallen from £24bn to as little as £12bn, partly because of the Middle East war.

It also calls for targeted help with winter energy bills for households where no one earns more than £24,000.

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Burnham says Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says advisers confirmed Russia interfered in the 2016 referendum. He gave no details about the activity or whether it affected the result.

The UK held a referendum on whether to leave the European Union.

Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee criticised the government for failing to fully assess potential Russian activity around the referendum.

Burnham said he became prime minister and asked advisers whether Russia had interfered in the referendum.

Burnham publicly said he had received a clear answer that Russia interfered.

Welsh government and Labour agree £60m for additional learning needs

The Welsh government and Labour have agreed a budget deal that includes £60m for additional learning needs in schools. The supplementary budget will be debated in the Senedd on 3 November.

Funding
£60m for additional learning needs
Budget debate
3 November
First Minister
Rhun ap Iorwerth
Education Minister
Anna Brychan

Evesham Council to Vote on No-Confidence Motion Against Emma Nishigaki

Evesham Town Council is due to consider a no-confidence motion against councillor Emma Nishigaki after a petition with 736 signatures called for her resignation.

Craig Reeves and petition supporters Emma Nishigaki

Conduct and standards

Reeves and petition supporters say Nishigaki failed to meet expected ethical standards and point to findings of a 2025 conduct investigation and a council censure.

Nishigaki rejects allegations of inappropriate behaviour and says she has been targeted and mistreated.

Resignation and vote

The petition calls for Nishigaki to resign and for the council to debate a no-confidence motion.

Nishigaki says the ballot box is the democratic process that matters and that she will not resign.

UK minister warns AI cyber-attack is likely and calls for stronger defences

AI minister Kanishka Narayan says an AI-driven breach of UK cyber defences is likely, citing an incident in Australia. The government plans to strengthen protections and test advanced AI models.

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

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.

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.

Russia condemns France's seizure of tanker suspected of evading sanctions

France boarded the DF Peak in the Indian Ocean, saying it suspected the tanker was part of Russia's shadow fleet. Russia called the seizure a breach of international law.

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.

Zelenskyy says Ukraine received no warning before Russian missile strike on Kyiv

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said partners gave Ukraine no early warning before five Russian ballistic missiles hit civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. Russian strikes also killed four people in Kharkiv, he said.

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.

One person died and several others were injured in an incident involving a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta on Monday.

Officials have not said how the person died or how the others were injured.

Cobb County police detectives are investigating what happened, and the company is co-operating with them.

Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar coasters at six parks as a precaution.

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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.

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.

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.

MI5 chief
Ken McCallum
Suspected plot site
RAF Fairford, western England
Arrests
Seven men were arrested and released on bail under investigation.
Iran-linked operations
More than 50 arrests over the past year, according to McCallum.

Trump’s diesel deal with Russia draws anger from European allies

A U.S. diesel agreement with Russia has angered European officials. Ukraine’s president questioned Washington’s motives, while European allies said they would maintain pressure on Moscow.

Trump and the U.S. European allies and Ukraine

Agreement

The U.S. reached a diesel agreement with Russia.

European officials recoiled from the agreement, and Ukraine called it “a gift” to Putin.

Response to Moscow

Not stated.

Allies vowed to keep pressure on Moscow.

Iran denies involvement in suspected plot near UK airbase

Britain blamed Iran’s Revolutionary Guard for a suspected plot near RAF Fairford and sanctioned two Iranian nationals. Tehran denied involvement and called the accusation a false flag operation.

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

IMF and World Bank leaders urge support for young workers facing AI disruption

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned AI could disrupt jobs, especially entry-level roles. Singapore’s president urged governments to make support for young workers a lasting policy.

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 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.

Global stock markets show no clear direction as oil prices fall

Global stock markets had no clear direction on Tuesday as oil prices fell and technology shares declined.

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

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.

“was completely unexpected”
Jamie Williamslead author of the study

Gold nanogap sensor distinguishes amino acid handedness

Researchers at Osaka University tested a gold-wire sensor that identified amino acid types and handedness, offering a possible alternative to bulky methods used to search for signs of life.

New simulations suggest rare process forms Mars's giant Arsia Mons cloud

A French research team says simulations show the cloud that forms yearly downwind of Mars's Arsia Mons volcano may develop through a rare process that does not need seed particles.

Aquarius is best seen on autumn evenings in the Northern Hemisphere

The faint zodiac constellation Aquarius is easiest to spot in a dark sky during Northern Hemisphere autumn or Southern Hemisphere spring, using the Great Square of Pegasus as a guide.

NASA predicts two solar eclipses in 2027

NASA predicts an annular solar eclipse on Feb. 6, 2027, and a total solar eclipse on Aug. 2. The total eclipse is expected to last 6 minutes 23 seconds.

French astronaut Sophie Adenot says space brought a full range of emotions

After eight months in space, Sophie Adenot returned to Earth and spoke publicly in Cologne, Germany, on Saturday about the emotions she experienced.

ORBES plans to send robots to the ISS and capture exterior footage

Founded by Anna Shaposhnik, ORBES is developing robots to support work and filming in space. Its first space-station robot is scheduled to travel to the ISS next year.

Anna Shaposhnik founded ORBES in 2024 to build robots that can help with work and filming in space.

The California-based startup has two products designed for different tasks.

ORB is planned to travel to the International Space Station next year in partnership with Voyager Technologies.

It is designed to work inside space stations, while EXO-ORB is intended to film the outside of space structures.

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Vast engineer Brianna Clark works on technology for future space living

Brianna Clark, a propulsion engineer at Vast, contributed to a demo that tested technology for future human living in low Earth orbit. She is also set to work on Haven-1, whose launch is planned for no earlier than the first quarter of 2027.

Space Shuttle Endeavour arrived in Los Angeles atop a 747 before being moved through city streets to the California Science Center.

The Vast Haven demo tested technology intended to support humans living in low Earth orbit.

Vast plans to launch Haven-1.

FAA analyst Kayla Bigham works to keep commercial spaceflight safe

Kayla Bigham analyzes rockets and reentry capsules for the FAA, assessing risks to the public as commercial spaceflight grows.

Age
27
Employer
FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation
Role
Flight-safety analyst
Regulations
Part 450, aimed at easing the burden on launchers seeking permission to fly

Halley's Comet disappointed many viewers in 1986 but advanced astronomy

Halley's Comet was a letdown for many skywatchers in 1986, but spacecraft observations turned its return into a major scientific opportunity.

Public viewers Astronomers

Expectation

Many members of the public expected a “once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

Comet experts warned in the mid-1970s that it would likely disappoint much of the public.

Outcome

Many viewers found the comet underwhelming or could not see it clearly.

The return was an unprecedented scientific opportunity, and spacecraft revealed secrets of the comet.

Scientists say some planets may be more habitable than Earth

Scientists believe some planets beyond our solar system could support more abundant and sustainable life than Earth.

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

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.

Bills stay in Los Angeles before short-week game in Las Vegas

After beating the Rams on Monday night, Buffalo will stay in Los Angeles and prepare there for Sunday's game against the Raiders in Las Vegas.

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.

Two players ejected after opening-kickoff fight in London

Jacksonville’s Bryan Thomas Jr. and Philadelphia’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr. were ejected after fighting during the opening kickoff. A 90-yard Jaguars return for a touchdown was called back because of penalties.

Kenneth Walker III and Mike Evans lead early NFL free-agent rankings

After five weeks of the 2026 NFL season, running back Kenneth Walker III and receiver Mike Evans stand out among players who joined new teams as free agents.

Jaguars left tackle Anton Harrison to have knee surgery

Anton Harrison will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee after an injury against Philadelphia. His absence could last three to five weeks or the rest of the regular season.

Jaguars left tackle Anton Harrison will have surgery on his right knee after being injured against Philadelphia in London.

He was hurt during Jacksonville’s 19-17 win and was taken off the field on a cart.

The team does not yet know how serious the injury is; doctors will assess the damage during surgery.

Depending on what they find, Harrison could miss three to five weeks or the rest of the regular season.

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Oregon slips in power ratings after narrow loss with backup quarterbacks

Oregon fell to 3-2 after a two-point loss despite seven turnovers and a switch to its third-string quarterback. It dropped in the power ratings, but not as far as expected.

Oregon lost by two points after turning the ball over seven times and using its third-string quarterback.

Tom Fornelli published ratings showing Oregon had fallen, but remained among the previous week’s top 12.

FIU visits Jacksonville State in a key Conference USA game

Florida International visits Jacksonville State on Oct. 13 with both teams unbeaten in Conference USA play. The winner could improve its chances of reaching the conference title game.

Game time
8 p.m. ET
Broadcast
ESPNU
Conference
Conference USA
FIU total defense
Fourth nationally, allowing 241.7 yards per game

Jaguars, Bengals and others emerge as Super Bowl sleeper contenders

A look at seven teams outside the top six betting favorites finds potential Super Bowl contenders, including the Jaguars, Bengals, Lions, Bears and Broncos.

Steelers’ draft setback may have led to a stronger offensive line

After Philadelphia drafted Makai Lemon ahead of Pittsburgh, the Steelers selected tackle Max Iheanachor. He has since started at right tackle as the offense has improved.

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.

Harry Styles urges people to look after each other after ICE shooting

At a Madison Square Garden show, Styles named Oscar Belgal, who was shot by an ICE agent in the Bronx while his five-year-old son was in the car. Belgal survived and is being held in detention.

CJ ENM and MBC to launch Korean content hub on Shahid

The companies signed a long-term deal to bring a TVing-branded hub to MBC’s Shahid streaming service, with new Korean shows and library titles for Middle East and North Africa audiences.

Celebrity Traitors faces leaks and rule breaches as BBC warns cast

Richard E. Grant revealed he was a Traitor in a June radio interview, while spoilers circulated among cast members. The BBC says contestants have been reminded of its rules.

Rebecca Allen to leave UMG UK role after 27 years at Universal

Rebecca Allen is set to leave her role as UMG UK's Chief Artist and Strategy Officer after 27 years at Universal. She was promoted to the newly created role in December 2025.

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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TNA ends Max Caster’s run after Riyadh attack reference at Bound for Glory

TNA said Max Caster will no longer wrestle for the company after his entrance rap at Bound for Glory referred to attacks in Riyadh. TNA apologized and removed the segment from replays and social media.

Wrestling Observer dated the attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to this day.

Caster performed an entrance rap referencing the Riyadh attacks before his match against Moose at Bound for Glory.

TNA announced Caster would no longer wrestle for the promotion and said it had removed the segment from replays and social media.

Apple announces Vision Pro horror film Remnants for October 16

Remnants, a horror film by writer and director Ti West, will be released exclusively on Apple Vision Pro on October 16 in Apple’s immersive video format.

Title
Remnants
Writer and director
Ti West
Release date
October 16, 2026
Setting
Woldmere Castle

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.

Ego Nwodim and Dan Levy Shane Gillis

Women’s gym clothes

Nwodim mocked Gillis’ description with a gym photo captioned “whore reporting for duty”; Levy said short shorts do not make women whores.

Gillis joked that women in workout clothes “dress like whores.

Documentary to tell story of four founding Jackson 5 brothers

A new documentary will follow Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito Jackson, exploring their rise with the Jackson 5 and the different paths their lives took. It will be released as a feature film and a three-part series.

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

Europa Donna calls for consistent care for metastatic breast cancer in Italy

Europa Donna Italia is urging breast care centres across Italy to follow specific quality standards and provide coordinated support for women with metastatic breast cancer.

Intestinal gases may offer clues about gut health

Gut microbes produce gases as they break down indigestible food. Research suggests these gases may affect digestion and offer clues about gastrointestinal health.

Singapore public healthcare services recover after network disruption

A network connectivity issue disrupted some services at Singapore public healthcare institutions on Tuesday. Services were restored by 4.37pm, and most patients later reported little impact.

Nearly 40 patients evacuated after fire at Georgia rehabilitation hospital

Walton Rehabilitation Hospital in Augusta evacuated nearly 40 patients after an electrical fire began in an HVAC unit on Oct. 10. Firefighters contained the damage to the unit.

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.

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.

Drinking water does not directly lower high blood sugar, according to diabetes educator and nurse Megan Asterino-McGeean.

She says staying hydrated can help prevent dehydration from making the situation worse.

When the body loses water, blood becomes more concentrated, which can raise a blood sugar reading.

High glucose can also lead the kidneys to remove more water through urine, increasing the risk of dehydration.

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Asti healthy ageing project presented as European good practice

A health authority in Asti presented its Communit-Action project in Vilnius, where it was recognised as a European good practice for supporting healthy and active ageing.

The Asti local health authority launched the Communit-Action project.

The Asti health authority presented the project in Vilnius.

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.

Trials reviewed
12
Participants
More than 1,000 women
Participant ages
40 to 65
Study institution
University College London

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.

Claimants alleging drug-related vision loss Experts questioning whether the drugs cause NAION

Cause

Claimants say they developed NAION while using the drugs.

Some experts say there is little scientific evidence proving the drugs cause NAION.

Evidence

The article reports a 2024 study finding semaglutide users were around four times more likely to develop the condition than people taking other diabetes treatment.

Experts have questioned the validity of the claims, and the article says the possible mechanism has not been fully proven.

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.