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Oita to begin collecting lodging tax in June 2027

Oita Prefecture will charge guests a nightly tax based on room rates from June 1, 2027, with revenue intended to support tourism and local municipalities.

“Tourism is an extremely important industry, and because we will have a funding source to promote it, we will be able to pursue tourism measures even more powerfully.”
Kiichiro SatoOita governor

Takaichi to finalize Japan’s foreign resident policy by March

Takaichi plans to finalize Japan’s foreign resident policy by March, taking population projections into account as the country balances its need for foreign workers with a shrinking population.

Debate over agriculture minister's future continues as LDP seeks to calm tensions

Discussion in Japan's upper house over Agriculture Minister Yanagi's future is drawing attention as the LDP tries to ease tensions. Discontent remains inside and outside the party.

Japan considers including railways in defense-related spending

Japan is considering counting railway upgrades as defense-related spending in revisions to three security documents due by year-end. The goal is to help move supplies and equipment during emergencies.

Japan farm minister faces questions over election buses and past remarks

Kazuo Yana admitted arranging free bus rides for supporters but denied breaking election law. He also faces criticism over remarks about road budgets and reporters.

Kishida urges caution on tax breaks for Japanese government bonds

Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida questioned tax breaks for individual government bonds, saying they do not fit NISA’s goal of moving savings into investments.

Japan lower house declines to release records of imperial law debate

Japan’s lower house declined to disclose records on a debate about imperial law. No further details were provided.

Japan’s lower house declined to disclose records about a debate on imperial law.

The decision was announced on October 13, 2026.

The records concern a discussion of law related to the imperial system.

The available information does not explain what the debate covered or why the records were requested.

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Ichikawa mayor admits giving wrong reason for denying mosque prayers in park

Ichikawa Mayor Koh Tanaka acknowledged that he wrongly said a former neighbor moved because of the mosque. The city had denied the mosque permission to hold holiday prayers in a municipal park.

Ichikawa refused the Gyotoku mosque permission to hold group prayers in a municipal park for an Islamic holiday.

Tanaka said a former neighbor had found it emotionally difficult to live next to the mosque and cited this in explaining his view.

Tanaka again referred to the former resident moving and said he had made his judgment based on how residents felt about prayers in the park.

Tanaka told the Mainichi by email that he had checked the information again.

Japan PM says he may dismiss farm minister if illegality is found

Japan's prime minister said he would not hesitate to dismiss the farm minister if illegality is found.

Prime minister
Japan’s prime minister
Minister
Farm minister
Stated condition
Illegality found
Publication date
October 13, 2026

Japan seeks tenfold increase in Cabinet public relations budget

The Takaichi administration requested 7.2 billion yen for public relations in fiscal 2027, about 10 times the previous year's budget. Critics warn the spending could promote the government rather than provide balanced information.

Japanese government Mainichi editorial

Purpose of the spending

The government says it will produce and distribute a broad range of easy-to-understand policy videos, primarily for young people.

The editorial says the rationale for such a large increase is unclear and questions whether the spending is linked to economic growth.

Public communication

The government says it will strengthen the quality and quantity of videos on topics including economic policy and child care support.

The editorial warns that presenting explanations favorable to the administration with taxpayers’ money risks becoming propaganda.

Japan considers separate quota to restart foreign meal-service worker intake

Japan plans to consider moving meal workers at hospitals, care facilities and schools into a quota with room, while keeping new restaurant-worker intake suspended.

World

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.

“This is absolutely unacceptable: yet another attack in close proximity to Bulgaria’s territorial waters”
Rumen RadevBulgarian prime minister

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.

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

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

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.

Bus and tram collide in Marseille, leaving four people injured

A bus and a tram collided in Marseille’s 4th arrondissement on Tuesday morning. Four people were taken to hospital with minor injuries, and an investigation is under way.

Afghan authorities suspend BBC FM radio broadcasts nationwide

Afghan authorities have suspended the BBC’s FM radio broadcasts across the country. The BBC says it is working with them to resolve the situation.

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.

The United States reached a diesel agreement with Russia, prompting anger among European allies.

The deal involves President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

European officials reacted with shock and have taken a cautious diplomatic approach to the agreement.

Ukraine has called the deal “a gift” to Putin.

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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.

A man attacked people with knives while moving on an escalator in the supermarket building.

Shoppers subdued the suspect, and police arrested him.

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.

Flight
XR 456 from Corfu to Nuremberg
Airport
Nuremberg Airport, Germany
Alert
Unclear aviation emergency
Drone search
No drone was found

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.

Poland Russia

Responsibility

Poland says Russian intelligence services were behind the fire.

Moscow says accusations of Russian involvement are baseless.

Nature of the incident

Poland describes the fire as sabotage aimed at disrupting internet services, including for Ukraine’s military.

Moscow calls the accusations the result of anti-Russian hysteria.

Hezbollah to offer up to $14,000 to Lebanese families with destroyed homes

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible Lebanese families whose primary homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel, with payments spread over a year.

Business

Mexico weighs limiting a tax break for freight companies

Mexico’s lower house is considering reducing the income limit for companies to claim a tax credit on highway tolls, which transport groups warn could raise shipping costs and consumer prices.

“The decision that deputies adopt could have consequences beyond tax revenue: it would affect the cost structure of transport companies and their ability to absorb new increases without passing them on to their clients”
The reportTransport-sector report

Nobel economics work highlights the role of trust in Mexico’s economy

An opinion column links this year’s economics Nobel to the importance of clear policy signals, arguing that mixed messages in Mexico are weakening confidence among businesses and households.

Tren Maya plans onboard internet service across its route from January 2027

Mexico’s Defense Ministry is seeking a provider to offer internet across the 1,554-kilometer Tren Maya route, with free and paid options planned from January 2027.

Mexico Tech Week to discuss AI investment and research funding

Mexico Tech Week will run in Mexico City from Oct. 26 to Nov. 1, with investors discussing AI funding and events focused on turning scientific research into businesses.

Mexico gambling association urges stronger safeguards for online betting

A Mexican gambling industry group called for stronger protections as online betting grows, including age checks, spending limits and tools to spot risky play.

Dr. Simi to open its first veterinary diagnostic lab in Mexico City

SimiPet Care will open a veterinary laboratory in southern Mexico City on October 14, offering X-rays and routine tests. The facility adds to its 78 veterinary clinics.

Mexico’s industrial output rises for a third straight month

Mexico’s industrial output grew 0.6% in August from July, its third monthly increase in a row. Construction and some manufacturing sectors led the gains.

Mexico’s industrial output rose 0.6% in August compared with July, after adjusting for inflation and seasonal effects.

The increase was the third monthly gain in a row and the fastest since April, according to the national statistics agency.

Industry contributes about one-third of Mexico’s economy and is closely linked to foreign trade.

Civil engineering construction grew 5%, while petroleum and coal products rose 4.7% and transport equipment increased 2.8%.

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Peso weakness could push up inflation in Mexico

The peso fell to 18.50 per US dollar, raising concerns that imported goods will cost more and add pressure to inflation. A weaker peso can also benefit exporters and households receiving money from abroad.

The peso reached its yearly low of 16.8912 per dollar.

The peso closed at 18.4111 per dollar after trading as high as 18.5000.

IMF sees Mexico’s growth rising to 1.8% in 2027, partly on AI exports

The IMF forecasts Mexico’s economy will grow 1.5% in 2026 and 1.8% in 2027, with exports linked to AI supply chains among the factors that could support growth.

2025 GDP growth
0.6%
2026 GDP growth forecast
1.5%
2027 GDP growth forecast
1.8%
Computer equipment exports, first half of 2026
$82.9 billion

Mexico workplace rules must respect workers’ rights

Mexico’s labor law allows workplace rules on schedules, safety and discipline, but they cannot violate workers’ rights. Disciplinary procedures must include a chance for workers to be heard.

Mexico’s financial education week to offer free events in Mexico City

The 19th National Financial Education Week will run in Mexico City from October 15 to 18, with free workshops, talks and activities focused on managing money.

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.

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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

Rams tackle Alaric Jackson punches Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb after OT loss

After Buffalo beat Los Angeles 37-34 in overtime, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson punched Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb during a postgame exchange at midfield.

“It's just emotions, you know what I mean? Emotional game. It was a close game,”
Bradley ChubbBills linebacker

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw ejected after headbutting Seahawks player

Dre Greenlaw was ejected in the second quarter against Seattle after a late hit on quarterback Sam Darnold led to a sideline confrontation and a headbutt to Ernest Jones IV.

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

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

Penix says he hopes to play next week after rib injury

Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left the Falcons’ overtime loss to Baltimore with a rib injury. He said he hopes to return next week, but further tests are planned.

Two players ejected after opening-kickoff fight in London

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

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

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

Jaguars left tackle Anton Harrison to have knee surgery

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

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

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

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

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

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Oregon slips in power ratings after narrow loss with backup quarterbacks

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

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

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

FIU visits Jacksonville State in a key Conference USA game

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

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

Jaguars, Bengals and others emerge as Super Bowl sleeper contenders

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

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

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

Entertainment

Bryan Cranston mourns Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte, who died at 34

Cranston paid tribute to Mitte, who played his son on Breaking Bad, remembering his acting and disability advocacy. Accounts differ on whether his death was officially confirmed as suicide.

“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight.”
Bryan CranstonActor who played Walter White

Van Gogh painting unseen in public for 60 years goes on display in Hong Kong

Hundreds queued in Hong Kong to see Van Gogh’s 1890 painting “Chestnut Trees in Blossom,” ahead of a New York auction on November 18 where it is expected to fetch about $180 million.

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

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

CJ ENM and MBC to launch Korean content hub on Shahid

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

Celebrity Traitors faces leaks and rule breaches as BBC warns cast

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

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

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

Selma Blair charged with assault after flight incident in New York

Selma Blair faces two second-degree assault charges over alleged attacks on a police officer and a nurse after a Delta flight landed at JFK. She was released on bail and has a court hearing scheduled for January.

Actor Selma Blair faces two assault charges after an incident on a Delta flight from Los Angeles to New York.

The charges say she allegedly kicked a police officer taking her to hospital and later kicked a nurse in Queens.

She was arraigned in Queens on two counts of second-degree assault and has pleaded not guilty, according to one account.

A judge set bail at $20,000 cash or a $60,000 bond, and she was released.

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

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

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

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

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

Apple announces Vision Pro horror film Remnants for October 16

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

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

Ego Nwodim responds to Shane Gillis’ joke about women’s gym clothes

After Gillis joked that women at the gym “dress like whores” on SNL, Nwodim posted a gym photo captioned “whore reporting for duty.” Dan Levy also criticized the remarks.

Ego Nwodim and Dan Levy Shane Gillis

Women’s gym clothes

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

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

Documentary to tell story of four founding Jackson 5 brothers

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

Health

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.

“Water does not eliminate excess glucose from the blood.”
Megan Asterino-McGeeanDiabetes educator and nurse

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.

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.

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.

A review found exercise may ease some psychological symptoms of menopause in women aged 40 to 65.

Researchers from University College London analysed 12 trials involving more than 1,000 women.

Walking, dancing and other aerobic activities were linked to better mood and overall quality of life, while yoga and Pilates were linked to better psychological quality of life.

Menopause usually occurs between ages 45 and 55, as hormone levels fall and periods stop; mood changes, sleep problems and hot flushes are among its common symptoms.

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Asti healthy ageing project presented as European good practice

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

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

The Asti health authority presented the project in Vilnius.

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.

Events
More than 150 awareness events across Italy
Awareness day
13 October
Quality indicators
Developed by the European scientific societies Eusoma and Esmo
Landmark
Palazzo Montecitorio in Rome was among the buildings set to be illuminated pink-fuchsia

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.

Oncologist says a varied fruit-rich diet may help lower cancer risk

Radiation oncologist Heather Zinkin says fruit’s fiber and plant compounds may help lower cancer risk. She recommends eating a variety, especially deeply colored fruits.