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Trump’s Russian diesel deal draws bipartisan criticism in Congress

Trump says he struck a deal with Putin to import Russian diesel to lower U.S. fuel prices. Lawmakers say it could support Russia’s war in Ukraine and violate U.S. law.

“The harm to the Ukrainians is real”
William Taylorformer U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and Atlantic Council senior fellow

Former DOGE staff raise at least $500 million for private firms

At least two dozen former DOGE staff have moved into private businesses, and firms they co-founded or invested in have raised at least $500 million.

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.

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.

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 may meet North Korea's Kim in November

Trump said he may meet Kim Jong Un during a November trip to Asia, which includes stops in Manila and Shenzhen. No meeting has been confirmed.

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.

Federal agents searched the Washington home of Ilhan Omar, a Democratic member of Congress from Minnesota.

The Justice Department said the search was carried out under a court-authorised warrant as part of an ongoing criminal investigation, but did not name Omar or explain the investigation.

News reports linked the search to a fraud inquiry about immigration paperwork filed by Omar’s late father when she was a child; officials have not confirmed that link.

Omar, who came to the United States from Somalia as a child, said the search was an attempt to target political opponents.

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Los Angeles moves to make some nitrous oxide sales a crime

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a ban on cannabis and tobacco retailers selling or distributing nitrous oxide. The mayor plans to sign it, and violations could bring jail time.

Rialto became the first city to restrict certain sales of nitrous oxide.

State lawmakers passed SB 758, restricting nitrous oxide sales by tobacco and cigarette retailers.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 758 and SB 936.

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved the city measure.

The ordinance is expected to take effect about a month later.

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.

Total donations since July
More than $276 million
Senate Leadership Fund
$158 million
America PAC
More than $76 million
Federal political giving, 2025-26 cycle
Roughly $366 million

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.

Archbishop Timothy Broglio Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Purpose of public broadcast

Broglio questioned the value of broadcasting the execution and said it could harm the military’s reputation.

Hegseth said making the event public would help people understand the serious consequences of such acts.

Participation by Catholic service members

Broglio urged Catholics assigned to the firing squad to request exemption because participation would violate Church teaching.

Hegseth described using military members to carry out the execution; the sources do not state his view on religious exemptions.

Tillis says Trump’s Russian diesel deal may break the law

Senator Thom Tillis says Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel may violate US law. Tillis says the move could affect his support for year-end funding.

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.

Two men arrested over alleged bank card theft on flight to Singapore

Police arrested two Chinese nationals at Changi Airport after they allegedly took bank cards from two passengers’ bags during a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore.

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

Visitors flocked to Yugama crater lake in eastern Japan after Kusatsu lifted access restrictions following a lower volcanic alert level. The area will close for winter after Nov. 8.

Eight injured in stabbing at supermarket in South Korea

A 59-year-old man was arrested after eight people were wounded at a Homeplus supermarket in Incheon. Police are investigating his motive.

Wildfire in Indonesia's Sumatra destroys nearly 300 homes

A wildfire in Bangka Belitung province destroyed nearly 300 homes and drove almost 1,000 people from their village. El Niño and strong winds helped fuel the blaze.

Chinese courts sentence three Myanmar crime group leaders to death

Courts in Fujian sentenced three leaders of crime groups operating in Myanmar to death. The case involved scam operations and the deaths of four Chinese citizens.

Two crime groups linked to the Wei family operated in Myanmar’s Kokang region, where they ran compounds and provided armed protection to criminal operations.

The groups and people working with them carried out telecom fraud and other crimes, including extortion and gambling.

Three defendants, including group leader Wei Huairen, were sentenced to death by courts in Fujian province in southeastern China.

The courts also sentenced three defendants to life in prison and 55 others to terms ranging from three years and three months to 24 years.

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Fire at plastic recycling plant in Nara; workers escape unharmed

A fire broke out at a waste-plastic recycling plant in Nara, Japan, on Oct. 13. Workers evacuated safely, and firefighters were still battling the blaze hours later.

A worker reported black smoke from the plant to the fire department.

Fire engines and other vehicles were still responding, and the fire had not been brought under control.

The fire was still intense, with no estimate for when it would be extinguished.

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

Indonesia's KPK Confirms Sting Operation at Disaster Agency

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission confirmed a sting operation at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency over suspected corruption. Details and the identities of those detained have not been disclosed.

KPK BNPB official

Operation at BNPB

KPK leaders confirmed that the commission conducted a sting operation at the agency.

An official denied any raid at the office from morning until noon.

Charges laid after infant found dead at Adelaide motel

An infant was found dead at the Tollgate Motel in Adelaide on Saturday. South Australia’s police minister says charges have been laid but has not disclosed who was charged or what the charges are.

Business

Japanese firms offer personalized bath products and training

Japanese companies are promoting tailored bath products made with regional ingredients, while a new online certification course teaches people about bathing culture.

“share the joy of bathing”
Tsutomu TanakaYuyaku brand overseer

Workplace expert offers advice on building better ties with junior colleagues

A workplace development expert explains why people may feel uneasy around junior colleagues and offers advice informed by the real-life experiences of Kishitaka no.

IMF raises Japan’s 2026 growth forecast to 0.7%

The IMF raised its forecast for Japan’s economic growth in 2026 to 0.7% and expects growth to stabilize next year.

Aeon's net profit nearly tripled as drugstore business performed well

Japanese retailer Aeon said its net profit for the six-month interim period was 13.3 billion yen, about three times the level a year earlier. Strong drugstore business helped drive the increase.

Aeon’s net profit triples to 13.3 billion yen in March-August period

Aeon reported net profit of 13.3 billion yen for March to August 2026, 3.3 times the year-earlier figure, as shopping malls and drugstores performed well.

Aeon’s first-half profit rises 1.7%, but second-quarter profit falls 23.5%

Aeon reported first-half recurring profit of ¥108.2 billion, up 1.7% from a year earlier. Profit in the three months to August fell 23.5%.

Japan’s 2026 rice harvest forecast to fall 1%

Japan’s 2026 rice harvest is projected to fall 1%. The forecast is relatively high despite concerns about prolonged rain in September.

Japan's 2026 rice harvest is projected to fall 1%.

The forecast is still described as relatively high.

The outlook comes amid concerns about prolonged rain in September.

Those concerns relate to the rain's possible impact on the harvest.

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Nissin to relaunch Black Pepper Crab Cup Noodles in Japan

Nissin Foods will launch its revamped Black Pepper Crab Cup Noodles nationwide in Japan on October 26, inspired by a Singapore crab dish.

Nissin launched Black Pepper Crab Cup Noodles.

Nissin announced the product’s return.

The product is scheduled to go on sale nationwide in Japan.

Japan-controlled tankers return to the Middle East after months away

Japan-controlled tankers have returned to the Middle East after months away, during more than seven months of conflict in the Persian Gulf.

Tankers
Japan-controlled
Return
Middle East
Conflict duration
More than seven months

Hyogo company offers plant-based alternative to Akashi octopus

A company in Hyogo Prefecture has begun offering a plant-based substitute for Akashi-brand octopus after its price rose sharply.

Japan has 1.55 million borrowers with three or more unsecured loans

At the end of fiscal 2025, 1.55 million people in Japan had three or more unsecured, unguaranteed loans from moneylenders, the highest number in 12 years.

Science & Tech

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.

“HomePod mini 2 brings together Siri AI, gorgeous new colors, and incredible audio”
Kaiann DranceApple's vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

GitLab fixes maximum-severity flaw that could let attackers run server code

The flaw could let attackers run code on affected GitLab servers without logging in. GitLab urges users of self-managed systems to install patched versions.

Ledger links CryptoBilis wallet implants to confirmed crypto thefts

Ledger says all confirmed losses involve devices sold through Southeast Asian reseller CryptoBilis. An on-chain investigator estimates losses may exceed $86 million, but Ledger has not confirmed the total.

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.

Anthropic says AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models may be months away from copying themselves across internet-connected devices, though current models struggle to complete the process on their own.

Honeybee stingers keep pumping venom after detaching from the insect

Researchers at Macquarie University filmed detached honeybee stingers pumping venom into a gel that mimics skin. Their findings reveal how the stinger’s tiny valves and lancets keep the venom flowing.

Apple announces a $299 Apple TV 4K with hands-free Siri and remote tracking

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, built-in microphones for hands-free Siri and a remote with Find My. It goes on sale Nov. 13 for $299.

Apple announced a new Apple TV 4K at a smart home-focused event on Oct.

13.

The streaming box looks much like its predecessor, last updated in 2022, but has an A19 chip and Wi-Fi 7 support.

Built-in microphones let users talk to Siri hands-free, without speaking into the remote or a HomePod.

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Apple unveils smart home devices made with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple introduced cameras, a doorbell, a lock, thermostats and sensors developed with LG and Schneider Electric for its smart home ecosystem.

Apple unveiled the Apple Home Collection in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.

Availability of the lineup is scheduled to begin.

Some accessories are expected to launch.

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

The Foschini Group says a cyberattack affected systems at Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles in the UK. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders may be delayed.

Affected brands
Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles
Incident identified
Sunday, 11 October 2026
Stores
Remained open
Other UK brands
Inside Story and White Stuff were unaffected

Sony Announces Japan-Only Midnight Black PlayStation 5

Sony will release a matte-black PS5 Digital Edition in Japan on Nov. 19 for ¥55,000. Buyers will need a separate disc drive to play physical games.

SpaceXSI bundles X Premium, Grok and Cursor in one subscription

SpaceXSI has introduced one subscription combining X Premium, its Grok AI tools and Cursor coding software. Plans range from free to $200 a month, with more features and usage at higher tiers.

Sports

Bills beat Rams 37-34 in overtime as Josh Allen earns first OT win

Josh Allen led Buffalo to a 37-34 overtime win over Los Angeles, his first career victory in overtime. The Bills improved to 4-1, while the Rams fell to 2-3.

“That's the beautiful thing about football: You get another drive.”
Josh AllenBills quarterback

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.

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.

Model backs Penn State and Auburn against the spread in Week 7

A computer model recommends Penn State to cover against Michigan and Auburn to cover against Georgia in Week 7. It simulates each FBS game 10,000 times.

Titans stick with Cam Ward as they face a 2027 quarterback decision

Tennessee coach Robert Saleh says Cam Ward will not be benched after the Titans fell to 0-5. His early numbers raise questions about whether the team may draft another quarterback in 2027.

Marvin Harrison Jr. trade to Houston becomes official after physical

Harrison passed his physical and is now a Houston Texan. The Texans sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick for the receiver and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

49ers lead Week 6 NFL power rankings as several 0-5 teams struggle

The 49ers remain No. 1 in one Week 6 ranking, while the Vikings rise and the 0-5 Chargers, Titans and Dolphins sit near the bottom.

Two Week 6 rankings assess the NFL after five weeks of the 2026 season.

One list keeps the San Francisco 49ers at No.

1, with the Kansas City Chiefs second and the Jacksonville Jaguars third.

The other ranking also puts the 49ers at the top and highlights the strength of the NFC West.

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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.

Harrison injured his knee during Jacksonville’s 19-17 win over Philadelphia in London.

Reports said Harrison was set to have arthroscopic knee surgery, with his recovery timeline still uncertain.

Harrison is expected to have surgery when the Jaguars return from London.

The Jaguars are scheduled to play Houston at Wembley Stadium, with Walker Little expected to start at left tackle.

Dolphins and Browns lead NFL teams relying on rookies

After five weeks, Miami had 14 first-year contributors, while Cleveland rookies had played 1,401 snaps. The Ravens, Giants and Chargers also ranked among the top five teams in rookie playing time.

Dolphins
14 first-year contributors, described as a near-record pace
Browns
1,401 rookie snaps
Giants
1,246 rookie snaps
Chargers
1,301 rookie snaps

Rams lose to Bills and look to reset before facing Cardinals

The Rams lost 37-34 to the Bills, leaving them 2-3 despite gaining 454 yards. Puka Nacua said the team must regroup and define its identity before hosting Arizona.

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.

Entertainment

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.

“This is a moment of extraordinary optimism, frenetic energy, enthusiasm, passion, and colour in the artist's body of work”
Scott NiichelSotheby’s modern and contemporary art department in New York

Jacob Tierney’s Book Offers a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Heated Rivalry

The creator of Heated Rivalry has released a collection of annotated scripts and behind-the-scenes material, and discussed how he adapted the hockey romance for television.

Renata de Almeida’s book looks back on São Paulo’s film festival

Renata de Almeida’s memoir recounts her life with the São Paulo International Film Festival, from its early challenges to encounters with filmmakers from around the world.

Reece Weaver Extends Her Broadway Run in Chicago Through Nov. 15

Reece Weaver will play Roxie Hart in Broadway’s Chicago for two more weeks, through Nov. 15. She will also join the musical’s 30th-anniversary celebration on Nov. 16.

Prado opens first exhibition of artist Ricardo de Madrazo's work

Madrid’s Prado Museum has opened an exhibition of drawings, watercolors and personal documents by Ricardo de Madrazo, long overshadowed by his famous artistic family. It runs until January 17, 2027.

Vari Caramés wins Spain’s 2026 National Photography Award

The Spanish Culture Ministry has awarded photographer Vari Caramés the 2026 National Photography Award and its €30,000 prize, recognizing his contribution to artistic photography and Galician culture.

‘Hétero Sigilo’ uses a personal attack to examine gay concealment and masculinity

In a one-man show, Brazilian actor Bernardo Dugin draws on a homophobic attack in Nova Friburgo to explore hiding one’s sexuality and the pressures of masculinity.

Brazilian actor Bernardo Dugin performs a one-man show about hiding his sexuality in “Hétero Sigilo.”

The show grew from a 2023 incident in Nova Friburgo, where a priest made homophobic remarks about Dugin and his partner during a church service.

That attack prompts a wider account of Dugin’s childhood in religious schools and the silence he used to protect himself.

The performance also mocks gay men’s dating-app language and the pressure to appear conventionally masculine.

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Xosé López García wins Galicia’s 2027 Diego Bernal journalism prize

The Association of Journalists of Galicia unanimously chose Xosé López García for the 2027 prize, citing his nearly five decades in journalism, teaching and research.

López began coordinating the Novos medios research group.

The University of Santiago de Compostela awarded López one of its Insignias Fonseca.

López taught his final class at the university, according to El Correo Gallego.

The Association of Journalists of Galicia announced that its board had unanimously awarded López the 2027 Diego Bernal prize.

Robert Zandvliet moves from everyday objects to large nature paintings

Robert Zandvliet first became known for paintings that captured everyday objects. He now paints nature on very large canvases.

Artist
Robert Zandvliet
Earlier subjects
Everyday objects, including a hairpin and chocolate
Current subject
Nature
Work
Stage of Being II

A roundup examines 14 inaccurate adaptations of Greek mythology

A new roundup names 14 films, books, games and shows it says depart from Greek myths, while noting that inaccuracy does not necessarily make them bad.

Kolkata paints roads with alpona designs ahead of Durga Puja

Kolkata’s roads and crossings are being decorated with traditional alpona designs as part of a city beautification drive ahead of Durga Puja.

Health

Muscle and liver cells may retain benefits of past exercise

Research suggests muscle and liver cells retain a memory of exercise after training stops. This may help people regain fitness faster when they return to exercise.

“At the cellular level, you probably weren’t.”
ResearchersExercise physiologists

France’s flu and COVID vaccination campaign starts October 13

France’s annual flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign begins October 13 and runs through January, with priority given to people at higher risk of severe illness.

World Health Summit calls for more funding for pandemic prevention

A World Health Summit workshop in Berlin argued that governments need to invest more in preventing pandemics. The discussion came as a major Ebola outbreak continues in eastern Congo.

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.

Epilepsy Drug Shows Promise for Osteoarthritis in Early Tests

Yale researchers found that lacosamide reduced pain and supported cartilage repair in mouse tests and human cartilage cells. The drug still needs testing in people with osteoarthritis.

More than 20,000 people in Yakutia received remote health monitoring

Since the start of 2026, 20,051 people with chronic conditions in Yakutia have had their health monitored remotely using devices that send medical data to health workers.

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.

A 39-year-old woman in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, has been reported as the state’s sixth measles-related death in less than two months.

The woman was unvaccinated and had underlying medical conditions, the county coroner’s office said.

The coroner’s spokesperson said the probable cause was an acute cardiac event that may have resulted from measles complications.

Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,136 measles cases and 219 hospitalizations, with two-thirds of cases in adults.

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Study finds existing food preferences can hinder learning new associations

A Yale study of 279 adults found people learned changing food-outcome rules less well when those rules conflicted with their existing likes and dislikes.

Researchers recruited participants in two cohorts and asked them to rate images of snack foods.

The study was reported by News-Medical and Infobae.

Italy to allocate €8 million over two years for heat plan

Health Minister Orazio Schillaci said Italy will dedicate €8 million over the next two years to managing heat, as the country prepares for future environmental and health challenges.

Funding
€8 million
Duration
Next two years
Announced by
Orazio Schillaci
Event
Heatwaves and health – Summer 2026 report and future prospects

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.

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.