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White House officials question Zacharia’s future after brief first briefing

Katie Zacharia’s first White House briefing lasted about 15 minutes, including roughly 5½ minutes of questions. Officials questioned how long she would remain in the role, though some said she deserved more time.

“I am going to end it because President Trump is heading out to Marine One for our historic trip to Alaska, and we can ask him all of the questions out there”
Katie ZachariaWhite House press secretary

Trump to campaign in Alaska as Republicans face a tight Senate race

Trump plans to travel to Alaska to campaign as Republicans face a tight Senate race there. Alaska has become a crucial battleground this fall.

Musk gives $276 million to Republican groups for 2026 midterms

Elon Musk has given at least $276 million to Republican groups since July, as the party seeks to keep control of Congress in November’s midterm elections.

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.

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.

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.

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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Talarico says flu caused campaign absence as false clinic rumor spreads

Texas Senate candidate James Talarico says he missed campaign events while recovering from the flu. An Ohio mental health facility denied claims that he was treated there.

Talarico spoke by video at a business council event and said he had been diagnosed with the flu.

Talarico was absent from the campaign trail, according to AP.

Rhein Amacher said he called the Ohio facility; Talarico also attended a Kacey Musgraves concert in Dallas, according to Straits Times.

Talarico discussed the rumors in interviews, and the Lindner Center of Hope said he had never received treatment there.

Talarico returned to a public event at the Austin City Limits music festival, according to AP and Daily Mail.

Supreme Court to hear DOGE’s bid to withhold internal documents

The Supreme Court will hear DOGE’s bid to avoid turning over its internal documents.

Court
Supreme Court
Agency
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
Plaintiff
Nonprofit watchdog group
Law
Federal Freedom of Information Act

GOP groups pull planned spending from two vulnerable House districts

Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. and a House GOP super PAC are redirecting planned spending from districts held by Tom Kean and Marianette Miller-Meeks to other races. Recent polling has raised concerns about the incumbents’ chances.

GOP groups Kean campaign source

Spending plans

MAGA Inc. and the Congressional Leadership Fund are pulling planned spending from the districts and redirecting it to other races.

A source close to Kean’s campaign said the race was fully funded for the final stretch.

Race outlook

The groups’ moves followed polling that suggested the incumbents’ re-election chances had weakened.

The campaign source said Kean’s race was fully funded and cited reservations about the Democratic opponent’s broadcast spending.

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.

World

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.

“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today”
Six Flags spokespersonCompany spokesperson

France boards Russia-linked tanker in Indian Ocean

French forces boarded the DF Peak, a sanctioned oil tanker suspected of using a false flag and carrying fuel illicitly. The vessel is being escorted to Réunion for further checks.

Trump-Putin diesel deal draws Ukraine’s criticism as experts doubt price impact

The US temporarily eased sanctions on Russian diesel sales after Trump and Putin agreed to supply fuel. Analysts say the shipments are unlikely to bring down prices soon.

Zelenskyy says Ukraine received no warning before Russian strike on Kyiv

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s partners gave no early warning before five Russian ballistic missiles hit civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. He said warnings can help save lives.

Hezbollah announces housing aid of up to $14,000 for displaced families

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible families whose homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel up to $14,000 in Beirut and $12,000 elsewhere in Lebanon.

NATO commander says alliance is ready to respond to any attack

General Alexus Grynkewich said NATO would block, blunt and, if needed, break an attack on alliance territory. He said conflict with Russia is not inevitable.

Saudi-led coalition tells civilians to leave Yemen oil site in Sanaa

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Sanaa ahead of a planned operation. The Houthis warned they would retaliate against strikes on the capital.

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, ahead of a planned military operation.

The coalition said the evacuation was for civilians' safety and marked the site on a map.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that strikes on Sanaa would bring a harsh response in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital.

The Houthis also told people near Saudi Aramco facilities to leave, saying those sites were legitimate targets.

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Russia arrests Japanese journalist on suspicion of spying in Sakhalin

Russia’s Federal Security Service says it arrested a Japanese journalist in Sakhalin on suspicion of gathering information about Russian defense capabilities. The journalist was transferred to Moscow and placed in custody.

The journalist was detained in the Sakhalin region as he was preparing to leave, according to the FSB.

He was transferred to Moscow and placed in custody; reports differ on whether the arrest occurred in Sakhalin or in Moscow.

Drones hit two ships off Bulgaria; one sinks and 11 crew are missing

Two cargo ships were hit by drones in the Black Sea off Bulgaria. One sank, leaving 11 crew members missing, while all 15 people aboard the other ship were rescued.

Chelsea 3
Ukrainian-owned; sailed under the Maltese flag
Chelsea 3 crew
15 rescued: seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis
Chelsea 3 attack
Three drones; about 18 nautical miles from Byala
Sunken ship
About 17 nautical miles east of Krapets; one crew member rescued

Ukrainian drone strikes disrupt three Yandex data centers

Drone attacks damaged three Yandex data centers in Russia, disrupting the company’s cloud and consumer services. Yandex has not given a reliable timeline for restoring full service.

Ukraine Russia

Reason for strikes

Ukraine said the attacks were a response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian data centers.

Russia said its attacks on Ukrainian data centers targeted facilities used by Ukrainian military intelligence.

Police officer dismissed for taking Sainsbury’s carrier bags without paying

A police officer was dismissed after a hearing found he had deliberately avoided paying for carrier bags at Sainsbury’s. Published accounts differ on their total value.

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

BOJ Officials Lean Against October Rate Hike, See Possible Move in December

Bank of Japan officials are leaning against raising interest rates again in October but are still considering a move as soon as December.

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.

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.

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.

Japan’s wholesale prices rise 6.8% in September, slower than in August

Japan’s wholesale prices rose 6.8% from a year earlier in September, down from 7.6% in August, Bank of Japan data showed.

Japan’s wholesale prices rose 6.8% in September compared with the same month a year earlier.

These prices are for goods traded between companies and are also described as producer or input prices.

The increase was slower than August’s 7.6% rise.

Bank of Japan data showed the change.

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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.

Prolonged rain raised concerns about its impact on the rice harvest.

The Japan Times reported the forecast of a 1% fall in Japan’s 2026 rice harvest.

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

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%.

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.

Science & Tech

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.

“the simplicity, reliability, and privacy of iPhone and Apple Home to a new suite of smart cameras, thermostats, and a door lock.”
AppleCompany

Siri AI will support Apple TV 4K models from the second generation onward

Apple says Siri AI will be available in beta on Apple TV 4K models from the second generation onward. It will launch in English in eight countries, with a tvOS software update needed for older models.

Oppo sets ColorOS 17 rollout for October 29 across dozens of devices

Oppo says its Android 17-based ColorOS 17 update begins rolling out globally on October 29. More than a dozen Oppo devices are scheduled for updates this month, with more to follow through early 2027.

Xbox tests a streak counter for users who play several days a week

Xbox Insiders are seeing a test streak counter that appears to track console use on three days in a row each week. Microsoft has not announced a wider release.

Spotify users on iOS 27 can ask Siri to play music without naming the app

Spotify users with eligible iPhones can ask Siri to play content without saying “on Spotify.” The feature requires Apple Intelligence and is not available in the EU.

Defold adds official support for Xbox game development

The free Defold game engine now supports Xbox, joining its existing support for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Approved Xbox developers can request access to the tools they need to build and test games.

Dutch organisations develop MyCheck digital identity wallet

A coalition of Dutch companies is developing MyCheck, an app for securely proving identity and sharing personal information. Users choose what details to share.

A coalition of Dutch organisations is developing MyCheck, a digital identity wallet for people in the Netherlands.

The initiative includes ABN AMRO, Achmea, ASN, Deloitte, KPN and Rabobank, with A.S.R. and Nationale-Nederlanden saying they want to use it.

The app is designed for tasks such as logging in, proving age, sharing details and signing contracts.

Users decide which information to share, and can provide only what is needed for a particular service.

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Googlebook prioritizes AI development over Linux app support for now

Google says Googlebook’s Linux Terminal is currently aimed at AI-assisted development, not running Linux apps. The company says it is working on better Linux app integration, with no arrival date given.

ChromeOS introduced support for installing Linux apps.

Android Police published Jade Bryan’s criticism of Googlebook’s software and app ecosystem.

9to5Google reported Google’s plans to focus Googlebook’s Linux Terminal on AI-assisted development and outlined planned improvements.

OnePlus lists 24 devices set to receive Android 17 with ColorOS

OnePlus says 24 phones and tablets will get Android 17 as they move from OxygenOS to Oppo’s ColorOS, with updates scheduled from October 29 through the first quarter of 2027.

First rollout date
October 29, 2026
First Realme device listed
Realme GT 8 Pro
First OnePlus devices listed
OnePlus 15 and OnePlus Pad 4
OnePlus software transition
OxygenOS to ColorOS with Android 17

NetBSD receives record donations as AI-free stance draws interest

NetBSD says it received $120,282 in donations last month, more than twice its $50,000 target. The project has banned AI-generated code since 2024.

AI adopters in open-source software AI-averse developers

AI-generated code

Debian developers chose to permit AI-generated contributions.

NetBSD banned AI-generated code in 2024.

Role of AI

The article describes AI use as widespread across the open-source event it attended.

The article says some people prefer hand-crafted code and actively wish to avoid AI.

AFL tells Sportsbet to stop using players in AI content without permission

The AFL has told gambling partner Sportsbet to stop using players in AI-generated social media videos without approval. Sportsbet removed the videos after the AFL Players’ Association raised concerns.

Sports

Alexander Zverev guaranteed to finish 2026 as year-end world No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz’s defeat at the Shanghai Masters and Jannik Sinner’s season-ending knee injury mean Zverev cannot be caught in the rankings. He will be the first German man to finish a season at No. 1.

“It's been a fantastic season for me winning in Paris and New York and knowing that I will finish the year on top of the rankings is just a dream come true”
Alexander Zverevtennis player

Alexander Bublik smashes racket and cooler, then wins at Shanghai Masters

Bublik smashed his racket and a drinks cooler after losing the first set to Brandon Nakashima, cutting his hand. He recovered to win in three sets.

Zverev and Bublik meet in the Shanghai Masters round of 16

Alexander Zverev and Alexander Bublik are set to face each other in the round of 16 in Shanghai.

UN rights office condemns racist abuse aimed at Coco Gauff

The UN human rights office condemned racist abuse posted online against Coco Gauff after her match against Sun Xinran at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.

Alex Eala and Zeynep Sonmez lose in Wuhan Open doubles first round

Eala and Sonmez lost 6-2, 6-3 to Dayana Yastremska and Anhelina Kalinina. Eala is expected to play in Ningbo, Tokyo and Hong Kong over the next three weeks.

Rafa Jódar faces Botic Van de Zandschulp for a place in Shanghai quarter-finals

Jódar meets Van de Zandschulp in the Shanghai Masters round of 16, with a quarter-final place at stake. The match is scheduled for about 6 a.m. Spanish time.

Davidovich beats Hurkacz to reach Shanghai quarter-finals

Alejandro Davidovich beat Hubert Hurkacz in three sets to reach the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals. He will next face France’s Arthur Gea, ranked 44th.

Alejandro Davidovich beat Hubert Hurkacz 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6) at the Shanghai Masters in China.

The Spanish player recovered after losing the first set, breaking Hurkacz’s serve twice in the second and winning a close final-set tie-break.

It was Davidovich’s second win over Hurkacz in two weeks; he had also beaten the Polish player in the Chengdu final.

The result sends Davidovich to his sixth Masters 1000 quarter-final, and his first since Monte Carlo in 2025.

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Zheng Qinwen and Mirra Andreeva withdraw from Wuhan Open

After meeting in the China Open final in Beijing, Zheng Qinwen and Mirra Andreeva both withdrew from the Wuhan Open. Zheng cited fatigue after a demanding run of matches.

Zheng beat Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 in the China Open final.

Zheng and Andreeva withdrew from the Wuhan Open.

The Wuhan Open singles main draw started.

Retired Kei Nishikori reflects on his career and French rivals

The former world No. 4 from Japan looks back on his career, his love of clay courts and his relationships with French players.

Nationality
Japanese
Career status
Retired
Highest ranking
World No. 4
French player singled out
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Isner and Querrey oppose ending best-of-five Grand Slam matches

John Isner and Sam Querrey say men’s Grand Slam matches should remain best-of-five sets, disagreeing with Juan Carlos Ferrero’s prediction that the format will soon end.

Juan Carlos Ferrero John Isner and Sam Querrey

Future of best-of-five

Ferrero predicted that five-set matches at Grand Slams would soon be a thing of the past.

Isner said the five-set format should stay, and Querrey said he agreed.

Players' views

Ferrero's prediction was not accompanied by a stated view about how many players support the format.

Isner said the majority of players want to keep five sets; Querrey estimated about 98% of top-100 players would agree.

Alex Eala loses Wuhan opener but has more matches ahead

Alex Eala lost to Chinese qualifier Shi Han after winning the first set at the Wuhan Open. She is still due to play doubles there and compete in Hong Kong in November.

Entertainment

Brazilian axé singer Netinho dies at 60

Netinho, whose 1996 hit “Mila” helped make him a leading axé singer, died in Salvador after a return of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“Artista extraordinário, talentoso, sensível e inovador, Netinho construiu uma trajetória marcada pela alegria, pela música e por um carisma inconfundível”
Netinho's teamArtist's representatives

Paul Panzer says his wife has died after 25 years together

German comedian Paul Panzer has publicly announced his wife's death. He says he will care for their son and is returning to the stage.

God of War Laufey Collector Box Costs $149.99 and Excludes the Game

Sony’s U.S. collector box for God of War Laufey costs $149.99 and includes merchandise, but no game disc or download code. It is due out with the game on Feb. 16, 2027.

Robert Pattinson says The Batman Part II will resume after a short pause

Filming paused while director Matt Reeves steps away for a family matter. Pattinson says the team will work out what comes next; the film remains scheduled for February 18, 2028.

Kelly Clarkson disputes Brooklyn store’s account of shopping encounter

Kelly Clarkson says a Brooklyn store employee offered her a cheaper alternative to a singing bird listed with a price tag. The store says the bird is a wall fixture and was not for sale.

Xbox CEO reportedly says new game ideas are vital to the company’s future

Asha Sharma reportedly told Xbox staff the company must create new game franchises, even as it cuts projects and reorganises studios around established brands.

Kacey Musgraves Fires Back at Kristi Noem Over Texas Senate Candidate

After James Talarico appeared at Musgraves’ Dallas concert, Kristi Noem criticized the singer’s support for him. Musgraves replied with a jab about Noem’s account of killing her dog.

Kacey Musgraves welcomed James Talarico at her Dallas concert over the weekend.

Talarico is a Democrat running for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas, where he is facing Republican Ken Paxton.

Kristi Noem criticized Musgraves for hosting Talarico and said she preferred country singer Ella Langley and Paxton.

Musgraves replied on X: “I don’t think you have a dog in this fight but if you did you would have shot it.”

Read full story →

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.

Blair was detained after her Delta flight arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

A police officer accused Blair of kicking her while transporting her from the airport to an ambulance.

A nurse at the hospital accused Blair of kicking her in the chest.

Blair was arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault, and a judge set bail.

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.

Age
34
Breaking Bad role
Walter White Jr.
Seasons on the show
All five
Disability advocacy
Promoted awareness, inclusion and representation for people with disabilities

Epic delays Marvel and Star Wars game amid reported AI-first shift

Epic Games has delayed an unannounced shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters, with developers reportedly told to use AI tools for its production. The game has no new release date.

Epic Games management Some Epic developers

AI in development

CEO Tim Sweeney says AI can empower creators and help teams make more and better products.

Some developers were reportedly shocked by the AI-first pivot, and some hoped the directive was not fully serious.

Four Beatles films planned for release across April 2028

Sam Mendes’ four Beatles films are planned for release a week apart in April 2028. Producer Pippa Harris says viewers can watch them across the month, rather than all in one day.

Health

Higher physical activity linked to slower decline in Parkinson’s study

A study following 294 people with Parkinson’s for up to seven years linked higher activity levels with slower declines in thinking and movement. It does not prove exercise caused the difference.

“Our study found physical activity may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition.”
Dong-Woo Ryustudy author, University of Cincinnati

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.

Mexico’s military health system faces medicine supply pressure

Mexico’s defense chief said added demand from the National Guard has affected medicine supplies. He cited higher supply figures than official documents reported for prescription filling.

Beam shares early data on rare-disease gene-editing therapy

Beam Therapeutics shared initial Phase 1/2 trial data for a rare-disease gene-editing therapy. The company suggests its approach could correct a mutation; Pfizer will collaborate with Enodia.

Heal Italia proposes national plan for precision medicine

A Heal Italia white paper proposes a national strategy to bring precision medicine into Italy’s public health service, with a plan to strengthen care in the south.

Suki raises $90 million to develop AI agents for healthcare tasks

Healthcare AI company Suki raised $90 million in Series E financing. It plans to build AI agents for tasks such as referrals and prior authorizations and expand features offered through technology partners.

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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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.

In the mouse protocol, the researchers trained mice for four to eight weeks.

The mice then had a period with no exercise.

The researchers trained the mice again to examine how cells recalled earlier exercise.

Large study finds abrupt shifts in health markers at menopause

A study of more than one million women found sudden changes in several health markers around menopause. Researchers say the findings are observational and need further study.

Study population
More than one million women
Lab tests analyzed
More than 300 million
Study cohorts
United States and Israel
US dataset
52 of 90 lab tests showed statistically significant sudden changes

US man nearly dies after eating large amounts of beetroot

An 82-year-old man in the US developed a dangerous blood disorder after eating nearly three kilograms of cooked beetroot each week while taking heart medication.

Four medical staff suspended after cannula found in woman’s abdomen

Two assistant professors and two postgraduate students at Kakinada Government General Hospital were suspended for one month after a cannula was found in a woman’s abdomen following surgery.