Explore

Jump to a category

Politics

Saudi Arabia warns of penalties for helping border security violators

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry says people who help border security violators can face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to one million riyals.

“anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the border security system into the Kingdom, or transports them within it, or provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance or service in any form, exposes themselves to penalties”
Ministry of InteriorSaudi government department

Tamakkun is aimed at social security beneficiaries, orphans and people with disabilities

A headline identifies social security beneficiaries, orphans and people with disabilities as groups served by Tamakkun; no further details are provided.

Faisal bin Salman says leadership support boosts national library projects

Faisal bin Salman said leadership support strengthens the King Fahd National Library’s cultural and knowledge projects.

Saudi Civil Defense promotes 1,036 personnel

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense has promoted 1,036 personnel to the next ranks across various specializations, following a directive from the interior minister.

Saudi minister says kingdom is stronger against Houthi threat as Riyadh speeds projects

Saudi Arabia’s information minister said the kingdom was more united in confronting the Houthi threat and that Riyadh was accelerating major development projects.

Teaching master’s applications close Tuesday for new graduates

The National Institute for Professional and Educational Development is closing applications for its teaching master’s program on Tuesday. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and at least a very good grade.

Saudi commerce minister appoints nine members to Makkah chamber board

Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi appointed nine members to the Makkah Chamber of Commerce board for a four-year term starting Oct. 24.

Saudi Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi has appointed nine members to the board of the Chamber of Commerce in the Makkah region.

The appointments cover the board’s next four-year term, which starts on Oct.

24, 2026.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Saleh Kamel, the chamber’s current chairman, is among the appointees.

Read full story →

Saudi minister says daily life is normal as security readiness rises

Saudi Media Minister Salman Al-Dosari said the country is preparing for different scenarios while daily life continues normally. He urged people to rely on official information about security operations.

More than 63,000 Saudi families acquired their first homes, according to Al-Dosari.

Saudi trains carried more than 38 million passengers, according to Al-Dosari.

Okaz reported Al-Dosari’s remarks at a government press conference.

Women’s share of Saudi Arabia’s workforce rises to 37%

Saudi Arabia’s minister of human resources said women’s share of the labor market has risen to 37%.

Reported share
37%
Attributed speaker
Minister of Human Resources
Outlet
Al Madina
Publication date
October 13, 2026

Saudi court upholds ruling against salary deduction for visually impaired employee

A court in Saudi Arabia upheld a ruling overturning an employer’s salary deduction from a visually impaired employee who could not use a fingerprint attendance scanner.

Employee Employer

Attendance registration

The employee said he attended work regularly and fulfilled his duties, but his visual impairment made repeated trips to the fingerprint scanner difficult.

The employer attributed the deduction to his failure to register attendance through the fingerprint system.

Salary deduction

The employee asked the court to overturn the deduction.

The employer deducted money from his salary because he did not register through the system.

Saudi court cancels salary deductions from visually impaired employee

A court in Medina cancelled salary deductions imposed on a visually impaired employee over missing fingerprint records, finding that he attended work and performed his duties. An appeals court upheld the ruling.

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.

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.

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.

Read full story →

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.

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.

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.

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.

Zenyum parent MakeO raises $10 million for Asian expansion

Singapore-based MakeO, Zenyum’s parent, raised $10 million to expand across Asia. Zenyum joined the group earlier in 2026 after MakeO agreed to acquire it.

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%.

Read full story →

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.

IMF raises 2026 global growth forecast slightly to 3.1%

The IMF raised its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1% from 3.0% in July. It says AI demand is helping offset the effects of higher energy prices, but growth is uneven across countries.

Science & Tech

NASA’s Perseverance rover sets record with 45.2km driven on Mars

Perseverance has driven 45.2km on Mars, surpassing the previous record held by NASA’s Opportunity rover. NASA says the rover’s autonomous navigation system handles more than 90% of its driving.

“The original mission called for no more than 12.4 miles of driving. We’ve blown well past that, and with all mobility systems fully operational and favorable extended-ground-life test results, we expect Perseverance to keep adding to this record for many years to come.”
Steven LeePerseverance and Curiosity project manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

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.

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.

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.

Beats and Pokémon unveil special-edition Pill speaker for $149

The gray Beats Pill features Pikachu and Mimikyu artwork, custom packaging and three lanyard charms. It goes on sale October 15 for $149.

Rain may ease heat in Telangana over the next four days

A Bay of Bengal trough is expected to bring light rain to Telangana over the next four days, helping temperatures return closer to normal after a dry, hot spell.

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.

Apple has announced the HomePod mini 2, its first update to the small smart speaker since the original launched in 2020.

The new model keeps the same design but adds an S10 chip and comes in refreshed colors.

Siri AI features require a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad, which lets the speaker use personal context and connect with apps such as Messages and Calendar.

A new feature called Sound Glow makes the speaker’s top light up in time with music.

Read full story →

Apple plans to unveil smart home devices at New York event

Apple is expected to introduce a smart home hub, a HomePod mini and an updated Apple TV 4K at a New York event. The products’ features and release dates have not been confirmed.

Apple held its “Welcome Home” event in New York City and revealed HomeView.

HomeView pre-orders opened.

Apple said HomeView would ship.

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.

Systems
Some taken offline
Company response
Teams assessing and mitigating the issue
Stores
Ahold Delhaize said they remained open
Reported service disruptions
Albert Heijn and Delhaize online orders and services; some US employee systems

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.

AI critics Tim Sweeney

AI’s role in creative work

Critics have raised concerns about the growing use of AI in creative sectors.

Sweeney said AI can empower creators and that Epic should prepare for the future.

Apple launches $299 Apple TV 4K with AI-powered Siri

Apple unveiled a new Apple TV 4K with an upgraded chip, AI-powered content search and built-in microphones for voice commands without the remote. It goes on sale November 13.

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

Fourmaux expects to race in WRC next year as team plans remain unclear

Adrien Fourmaux says he expects to compete in the World Rally Championship next year, but does not know which team or car he will drive as Hyundai’s plans remain uncertain.

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.

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.

Verstappen wins Singapore Grand Prix for the first time

Max Verstappen held off Charles Leclerc to win the Singapore Grand Prix, ending years of near misses at the Marina Bay circuit. Kimi Antonelli finished third.

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.

McLaren says major car-handling fix will have to wait until 2027

Team principal Andrea Stella says McLaren cannot fully address its Formula 1 car’s handling problems before making fundamental changes for its 2027 car.

McLaren cannot fully fix its car’s handling until 2027, team principal Andrea Stella says.

The issue has affected the team throughout the season as drivers adapt to a new generation of Formula 1 cars and engines.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have had to work hard to control the car, with Piastri appearing to struggle more because his natural driving style is smoother.

Norris has said the car feels difficult to balance and requires intense effort in every corner.

Read full story →

Kardashian jokes with Antonelli about their viral towel mix-up in Singapore

At the Singapore Grand Prix, Kim Kardashian joked with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli about once taking his towel. Antonelli finished third, while Lewis Hamilton came sixth.

Kardashian was filmed accidentally taking Antonelli’s podium cool-down towel after his victory.

Kardashian gave Antonelli a custom-embroidered replacement towel ahead of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

Kardashian joked with Antonelli about the towel as they met on the red carpet.

Antonelli finished third and Hamilton finished sixth.

Rwanda secures 10-year Formula 1 deal for African Grand Prix

Formula 1 has confirmed a 10-year deal to bring a Grand Prix to Rwanda in the early 2030s, with a purpose-built circuit planned near Kigali.

Agreement
10 years
Planned venue
Bugesera, Rwanda
Distance from Kigali
About 40 kilometres
Expected timing
Early 2030s

Christian Horner says any Formula 1 return would require ownership

Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner says he is not seeking a Ferrari job and would return to Formula 1 only for an opportunity that includes ownership.

Christian Horner Toto Wolff

Horner’s return to the paddock

Horner disputed Wolff’s claim that he had “broken too much glass” to return to the paddock.

Wolff said Horner had “broken too much glass” to ever step foot in the paddock again.

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.

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

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.

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.

Read full story →

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.

Read full story →

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.