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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

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.

“We plan to hold discussions including whether the existing rules are effectively functioning”
Toshimitsu MotegiJapanese foreign minister

Trump says he may meet Kim Jong Un during Asia trip in November

Donald Trump said he may meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a November trip to Asia, which includes a summit in China. No meeting has been confirmed.

Four-year-old boy dies after choking on frozen jelly at Nara childcare center

A boy died this month after choking on frozen jelly at a certified childcare center in Kashiba, Nara Prefecture. The city plans to investigate what happened and consider steps to prevent a recurrence.

Knife attack at South Korean market leaves several people injured

A knife attack at a market in South Korea injured several people. One person is in very serious condition.

North Korea says tactical missile test upgraded a key weapons component

North Korea said it test-fired a tactical ballistic missile on Oct. 12, claiming the test confirmed an upgrade to a key component of its weapons systems.

Two applicants caught using AI glasses in Seoul entrance exams

Two applicants were caught wearing prohibited AI glasses during college entrance exams at separate Seoul universities. One was banned from an entrance exam for three years; the other’s case is under review.

Japan’s Yugama crater lake reopens after more than eight years

Visitors flocked to the crater lake in Gunma Prefecture after restrictions were lifted following a reduction in the volcano’s alert level. The area will close for winter on Nov. 9.

Japan reopened the area around Yugama crater lake on Tuesday after more than eight years of restrictions.

The lake sits on Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, which spans Gunma and Nagano prefectures in eastern Japan.

The restrictions began in April 2018, when Japan’s Meteorological Agency raised the volcano alert to level 2 and advised people to stay away from the crater.

The agency lowered the alert to level 1 in May this year, the lowest on its five-point scale, but says the volcano remains active.

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Eight people injured in knife attack at South Korean supermarket

A 59-year-old man was arrested after attacking people at a Home Plus store in Incheon. Eight people were injured, including one seriously.

The suspect attacked people at a Homeplus supermarket in Incheon.

Bystanders subdued the suspect, and police detained him.

The eight injured people were taken to hospital.

Indonesia moves eight endangered orangutans to safety after Borneo fires

Eight endangered orangutans were rescued from wildfires on the Indonesian island of Borneo and moved to safety.

Orangutans
8
Location
Borneo, Indonesia
Cause cited in headline
Fires

Yvonne Whear identified after body found on rural NSW property

Police identified the body found in a livestock treatment tank near Murwillumbah as 73-year-old Yvonne Whear, who disappeared in February. Her death is being investigated as a homicide.

71-year-old Singaporean graduates with Chinese language degree after early struggles

Wong Yee Keong, 71, has graduated from the Singapore University of Social Sciences with a degree in Chinese language and literature, fulfilling a lifelong ambition.

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.

Read full story →

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

Venezia dismisses coach Giovanni Stroppa after six straight losses

Venezia has dismissed Giovanni Stroppa after losing its first six league matches. Paolo Zanetti, Davide Nicola and Roberto D’Aversa are among the possible replacements.

“The club wishes to thank Giovanni Stroppa and his staff for the work carried out, the professionalism, dedication and commitment shown during their time in orange and green.”
Veneziafootball club

Vasco visits Boca Juniors for Copa Sudamericana semi-final first leg

Vasco will face Boca Juniors at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals. The Brazilian side is seeking a positive result as it pursues a continental title.

Gamba Osaka beats Newcastle Jets 3-1 after coming from behind

Gamba Osaka scored three unanswered goals to beat Newcastle Jets 3-1 in the Asian Champions League Elite, extending the Jets’ winless start in the competition.

Laporta says Barcelona play the best football and aim for every title

Barcelona president Joan Laporta praised the team under Hansi Flick and said the club wants to compete for every trophy this season, ahead of a Champions League match in Istanbul.

Nigel de Jong extends contract as KNVB top football director for four years

Former Netherlands international Nigel de Jong will remain the KNVB’s director of top football for four more years, with his new contract starting on January 1.

Atlético Madrid host struggling Manchester United in Champions League

Atlético Madrid welcome Manchester United to the Metropolitano, with United seeking a first win since their Champions League opener and coach Michael Carrick under pressure.

Missile alert delays Al-Nassr match in Riyadh by an hour

A security alert delayed Al-Nassr’s match against Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana in Riyadh. The game went ahead, and Al-Nassr won 3-1 with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring.

A missile alert delayed Al-Nassr’s match by an hour in Riyadh on Monday.

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued a safety warning shortly before the team, which includes Cristiano Ronaldo, was due to play Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana in the Asian Champions League.

The Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted a missile aimed at Riyadh, amid recent threats and attacks in the region claimed by Yemen-based Houthi rebels.

Stadium announcements reassured spectators, and authorities later said the danger had passed, allowing the match to begin.

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Saudi airport attacks raise safety concerns over 2027 Asian Cup

Attacks on Riyadh’s airport have raised concerns about the Asian Cup, scheduled to begin in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 7. The AFC has not announced whether the tournament will go ahead as planned.

A Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and injured more than 300, according to the Korean article.

A projectile struck the airport’s Terminal 4, causing a fire and killing one person and injuring 11, according to the Korean article.

An Asian Champions League match involving Al-Nassr was delayed by an hour after a security alert linked to an intercepted missile.

The Asian Cup is scheduled to begin in Saudi Arabia.

The Asian Cup final is scheduled to take place.

Court restores Maracanã as venue for Vasco-Boca Juniors match

A court has restored the decision for the Vasco-Boca Juniors match to be played at the Maracanã.

Ruling
A court restored the match venue
Teams
Vasco and Boca Juniors
Venue
Maracanã

Borussia Dortmund extends Niko Kovac’s contract long-term

Borussia Dortmund has agreed a long-term contract extension with coach Niko Kovac. No further details are given.

BVB extends agreement with Niko Kovac

BVB has extended its agreement with Niko Kovac. The length of the extension was not stated.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

James Hetfield says Metallica wants fans to leave outside worries behind

At a Las Vegas Sphere show, Metallica’s James Hetfield said the band was not there to influence fans with an agenda. He said its focus was “love, energy and heavy music.”

James Hetfield Stereogum writer

Purpose of the remarks

Hetfield said Metallica was not there to influence fans and wanted them to forget outside worries.

The writer argued that making a point of being apolitical and criticizing other entertainers could also alienate people.

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.

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.