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Mexico plans six prisons with capacity for 18,480 people

Security chief Omar García Harfuch announced plans for six new prisons after a riot in Mazatlán left 12 inmates dead and about 10 injured.

“This construction of the penitentiary center is an integral part of the security strategy for the state of Sinaloa, where the state police are being strengthened, where Mexican Army personnel are assigned to the state police, while its police and prosecutor’s office are also being strengthened.”
Omar García HarfuchSecurity and Citizen Protection Secretary

Morena calls for release of people detained at Guadalajara water protest

Morena called for people detained after a protest over water quality and shortages in Guadalajara to be identified and released. The march ended in clashes between protesters and state police.

Mexico suspends non-essential activities in four states as Hurricane Simón nears

Mexico suspended non-essential activities in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán and Nayarit from 4 p.m. Saturday as Category 4 Hurricane Simón approached, with landfall forecast for early Sunday.

Mexico Senate committees approve restrictions on phones in schools

Senate committees unanimously approved a bill restricting personal device use in basic education schools. The full Senate was due to debate and vote on it later that day.

Kosmos denies gaining contracts through political influence

Corporativo Kosmos rejected claims in a recent column, saying its companies won contracts through competitive processes and were not implicated in US documents about Venezuela’s CLAP program.

Mexico’s poverty rate fell to 29.6% from 2018 to 2024, Morena says

Morena says 13.4 million people in Mexico left poverty between 2018 and 2024, as the poverty rate fell to 29.6%, citing national statistics.

Mexico reports sharp drops in homicide and violent vehicle robbery

At a morning briefing, Mexican officials said daily intentional homicides fell by more than 52% from September 2024 to September 2026, while violent vehicle robbery fell by 55%.

President Claudia Sheinbaum held a morning briefing in Mexico on October 13, 2026.

Marcela Figueroa Franco, who leads the country’s national public security system, presented crime figures through September 30.

Daily intentional homicides fell by more than 52% between September 2024 and September 2026, with 45 fewer killings per day than two years earlier.

September 2026 had the lowest homicide total for that month since 2015.

Read full story →

Sheinbaum holds daily news briefing amid health workers’ protests

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum held a briefing at the National Palace on October 13. Health workers have been protesting pay increases and conditions at some hospitals.

At her previous briefing, Sheinbaum discussed US-Canada-Mexico trade talks and criticized the handling of protests over contaminated water in Jalisco.

Sheinbaum led her daily briefing at the National Palace amid health workers’ protests.

PAN open to alliances to block Morena and opposes tourism fee increase

PAN leader Jorge Romero says the party may form electoral alliances where they could help block Morena. The PAN also plans to oppose a proposed increase of more than 60% in a tourism-related fee.

Proposed fee increase
More than 60%
Fee
Derecho de No Residente (DNR)
Economic package
2027
Sargassum funding questioned
2.6 billion pesos

Mexico’s congressional committee approves 2027 fees and income tax bills

The committee approved proposed changes to federal fees and income tax rules for 2027. The full Chamber of Deputies is due to continue reviewing the economic package.

Government-party lawmakers Opposition-party lawmakers

Purpose of changes

Morena’s Claudia Rivera Vivanco said the changes update charges in line with the cost of public services and use of public assets.

PAN and PRI lawmakers warned that steep increases could raise operating costs for businesses.

Health fees

The proposal raises charges for health permits and authorizations.

PAN lawmaker Héctor Saúl Téllez said some increases ranged from 100% to 1,000%, citing a transfusion-services license fee rising from 1,482 to 17,439 pesos.

Mexico lawmakers advance limits on company tax deductions

A Mexican congressional committee approved limits on deductions and tax losses as part of an income tax reform. The bill now goes to the full chamber for debate.

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

Break-in reported at business building in Drensteinfurt-Walstedde

Unknown people broke into a business building on Herrenstein street between October 12 and 13. Police are asking witnesses to come forward.

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.

Waterspout tornado confirmed in Georgian Bay

A tornado over Georgian Bay was captured on camera and confirmed as a waterspout tornado in Ontario.

UK says Iran was highly likely behind RAF Fairford security incident

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard almost certainly directed a suspected plot near RAF Fairford. Britain has sanctioned two people and says further sanctions may follow.

Two Turkish citizens detained in Germany over fire at Polish Starlink station

German police detained two Turkish citizens suspected of setting fire to a Starlink station in central Poland. Polish officials say they will face sabotage charges in Poland.

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 stabbed eight people at a supermarket in Incheon, a city west of Seoul, on Tuesday.

Police said one person went into cardiac arrest and seven others were injured; all eight were taken to hospitals.

The suspect, described by police as being in his 60s, was subdued by shoppers and detained by police.

He moved through the building with knives fastened to his hands, according to police.

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Nuremberg airport reopens after plane makes emergency landing

Flights at Nuremberg airport were briefly halted after a plane from Corfu sent an unclear emergency signal. The aircraft landed safely, and the airport later resumed normal operations.

Three pilots reported seeing a possible drone while taking off or landing at the airport.

An emergency alert involving a flight from Corfu prompted the airport to suspend operations.

The aircraft landed safely, and police later gave the all-clear.

The airport resumed normal operations.

Truck ends up on Merwedebrug cycle path despite heavy-vehicle ban

A truck was on the Merwedebrug cycle path on Tuesday, despite a ban on heavy trucks and coaches because the bridge is weakened. Rijkswaterstaat inspectors were on their way.

Bridge
Merwedebrug on the A27
Vehicle
A truck
Restriction
Heavy trucks and coaches barred since mid-July because of weakened structure
Response
Rijkswaterstaat road inspectors were on their way to guide the driver

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.

Iran Britain

Involvement in Fairford incident

Iran denied involvement.

British authorities linked Tehran to the incident; Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran was highly likely or almost certainly behind it.

Hostile activity

Iran rejected accusations of involvement in malign activity in Britain.

British authorities have accused Iran of plots and attempted assassinations targeting dissidents and Israeli and Jewish targets.

Hostile acts

Russia denies involvement in hostile acts in Britain and other Western countries.

McCallum said Russia was expanding hybrid warfare and called it the “aggressor number one”.

Saudi Arabia reports new missile and drone threats as Riyadh airport stays shut

Saudi Arabia reported new incoming drones and missiles on Monday after deadly Houthi attacks. King Khalid International Airport remains closed while authorities check its safety.

Business

American Airlines to suspend Tulum-Miami flights, leaving Dallas as its only route

American Airlines plans to stop flying between Tulum and Miami on Jan. 5, 2027. Its Dallas-Fort Worth service is set to be the airline’s only remaining Tulum route.

“Como parte de acciones específicas para fortalecer a la aerolínea, suspenderemos nuestro servicio Tulum (TQO) - Miami (MIA) a partir del 5 de enero de 2027. Continuaremos operando el servicio desde nuestro hub de Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)”
American AirlinesAirline

Mexico seeks lower US tariffs and stronger auto chip capabilities

Mexico’s auto industry is awaiting trade talks with the US to seek lower tariffs, while experts say the country should build semiconductor skills to meet rising demand from vehicles.

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.

Mexico removes 153,655 counterfeit goods worth about 18.8 million pesos

Mexico’s industrial property institute says it has permanently removed 153,655 counterfeit goods, valued at about 18.8 million pesos. The institute and the textile industry also agreed to work together against counterfeiting.

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.

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.

Fuel theft and smuggling cost Pemex billions as losses rise

Pemex reported 9.18 billion pesos in losses from physical fuel theft in the second quarter. The company also said authorities seized about 61 million litres linked to fuel smuggling in 2025.

Pemex reported 9.18 billion pesos in losses from physical fuel theft in the second quarter of this year, its worst such losses since 2018.

The theft involves fuel taken directly from the company’s pipelines and tanker trucks in Mexico.

Pemex also acknowledged fuel smuggling through imports that appear legal but use false paperwork or other methods to avoid taxes and rules.

The company said authorities seized about 61 million litres of fuel in 2025, a 297% increase from 2024.

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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 sector paid 49,285 million pesos for use of toll roads and bridges, and 1,154.2 million pesos in federal duties, products and fees.

Toll rates rose by an average of 9.7%, while diesel increased from 26.12 to 26.99 pesos per liter.

The Chamber of Deputies was scheduled to discuss the proposal from 14:00.

Mexico’s industrial activity grows at its fastest pace since 2023

Industrial activity rose 3.6% year over year in August, its strongest growth in 34 months. Manufacturing and construction led the gains, but year-to-date growth remained modest.

Annual industrial growth
3.6% in August
Monthly industrial growth
0.6% in August
Year-to-date industrial growth
0.8%
Manufacturing growth
3.2% year on year in August

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.

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 vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

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.

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.

Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at hundreds of French supermarkets

Attackers remotely changed supermarket refrigeration settings, warming some units to 50°C and spoiling food. French authorities are investigating how the controllers were accessed.

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.

Scientists call for stronger safeguards against AI hacking

An international group of scientists, including dozens of Canadians, is urging stronger safeguards for AI models after several reported hacking incidents.

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.

Read full story →

Anthropic warns AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models could soon copy themselves across vulnerable internet-connected devices. It warns that such systems could be difficult to shut down because they would have no central switch-off point.

Anthropic released a report on the risks of autonomous AI replication.

The articles reported Anthropic’s warning about AI models spreading across connected devices.

Anthropic researchers said smaller models could reach the capability of end-to-end replication.

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

NASA’s Perseverance rover has driven 28.10 miles on Mars, passing the record held by Opportunity. The rover is continuing its exploration of ancient terrain.

Record distance
45.22 kilometers (28.10 miles)
Previous record
Opportunity: 45.16 kilometers (28.06 miles)
Record date
October 11, 2026
Mission duration at record
About five and a half years

Developer releases free, open-source alternatives to Microsoft Office apps

Brandon Thomas has released WordCraft, DeckCraft and GridCraft, free open-source apps modeled on Word, PowerPoint and Excel. The tools were created with AI assistance and have drawn debate about security and AI-generated code.

Critics of the apps Supporters of the apps

AI-generated code

Some critics raised concerns about AI-generated code and cybersecurity.

Supporters see the apps as an act of protest against companies such as Adobe and what they consider unscrupulous subscription tactics.

Realme and OnePlus set ColorOS 17 update dates

Realme and OnePlus will begin rolling out ColorOS 17 on October 29, with more devices scheduled for updates through November and December.

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.

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.

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.

Zizou Bergs defeats Carlos Alcaraz to reach Shanghai Masters fourth round

Belgian Zizou Bergs beat second seed Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in Shanghai, earning the biggest win of his career. Bergs will face either Valentin Vacherot or Tommy Paul next.

Zizou Bergs beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-5, 7-6 in the third round of the Shanghai Masters on Monday.

The 39th-ranked Belgian defeated the second-seeded Spaniard, who had won the Japan Open the previous week.

Bergs broke Alcaraz late in both sets, but Alcaraz forced a tie-break after Bergs could not serve out the match in the second.

Bergs then won the tie-break to secure the biggest victory of his career.

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

Isner and Querrey reacted on the Nothing Major Show, saying they disagreed with ending the format.

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.

China Open final
Zheng defeated Andreeva 7-5, 6-4
Zheng's withdrawal
Fatigue cited in her statement; shoulder injury also reported
Andreeva's withdrawal
Cited a schedule change, according to AP
Replacement for Zheng
Camila Osorio

Arthur Gea beats Jakub Mensik to reach Shanghai quarter-finals

The French player defeated world No. 15 Jakub Mensik 7-6 (4), 6-4 in Shanghai to reach the quarter-finals of his first Masters 1000 main draw.

Katie Boulter loses to Diana Shnaider in Wuhan Open first round

British number one Katie Boulter lost 6-3 6-1 to Russia’s Diana Shnaider in the Wuhan Open first round, extending a difficult season.

Entertainment

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.

“This was not an intentional assault.”
Shawn BarnesBlair’s lawyer

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.

Keri Russell says she and Matthew Rhys had sex on ‘The Americans’ set

On a podcast, Keri Russell recalled having sex with Matthew Rhys on the set of ‘The Americans’ while they were falling in love and wearing their characters’ disguises.

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.

Thélyson Orélien denies using AI to write novel, admits plagiarism

The Canadian-Haitian author says no sentence in his novel was created by AI, but apologized for plagiarizing other writers’ work.

Critics praise Paul Bettany’s new take on Vision in ‘VisionQuest’

Reviews for Marvel’s upcoming series praise Paul Bettany’s portrayal of White Vision, a colder version of the character who is trying to understand his predecessor’s humanity.

Hillary Clinton and Kara Swisher to launch political podcast

Hillary Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher will launch High Stakes on Oct. 14 with Vox Media. They plan to discuss political issues ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

Former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher are launching a political podcast called High Stakes.

The show is set to begin on Oct.

14 as an episode of Swisher’s New York magazine podcast, On With Kara Swisher.

It is being made with Vox Media.

Read full story →

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.

Standard and digital deluxe editions of God of War Laufey went up for preorder.

Sony revealed the U.S. Collector Box after PlayStation Spain had posted it early.

The Collector Box is scheduled to release alongside the game.

GTA 6 PC release reportedly planned for early 2027

Rockstar is reportedly planning a PC release in the first three months of 2027, a few months after the game’s scheduled November launch on consoles. The company has not confirmed a PC version.

Reported PC window
First quarter of 2027
Console launch date
November 19, 2026
Announced console platforms
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Report source
GamesBeat

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.

Kelly Clarkson Art of Play

What the employee said

Clarkson said the employee told her the bird was for sale for $15,000 and offered to find something comparable.

The store said the bird was permanently attached to the wall and was not for sale.

How the encounter felt

Clarkson said she felt judged and treated rudely.

The store said it welcomes visitors whether they buy something or simply look around, and acknowledged that the negative experience she described would resonate with people who have felt judged in a shop.

Dionne Warwick cancels New York benefit show over severe leg and foot pain

The 85-year-old singer says pain has left her unable to stand or walk. Her Brazil tour dates remain confirmed for now.

Health

Sixth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

A 39-year-old unvaccinated woman in Franklin County is the sixth person reported to have died in Pennsylvania amid the state’s largest measles outbreak in three decades.

“primary cause of death was a probable acute cardiac event due to possible complications of the measles.”
Franklin County coroner’s office spokespersonCoroner’s office spokesperson

Fertility doctors explain what happens after eggs are frozen

Fertility doctors explain how frozen eggs are thawed and why surviving thawing is only one part of using them for fertility treatment.

Women describe side effects of hormones used for egg freezing

Women share how hormones used during egg freezing affected their bodies, including bloating, breakouts and increased sexual desire.

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.

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.

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.

Researchers say muscle and liver cells can retain signs of past exercise even after someone stops training.

In studies using mice, animals that exercised, took a break and trained again grew larger muscles than mice with no training history.

Their muscle cells also matched energy production to demand more effectively, and this ability remained during inactivity.

The researchers say liver cells also store exercise memories and release enzymes that help supply fuel to working muscles.

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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.

Doctors plan aortic valve replacement with future procedures in mind

At a cardiology meeting in Milan, specialists said the first valve replacement should be planned around possible future procedures. New European guidelines lower the recommended age for TAVI to 70.

Annual TAVI procedures in Italy
More than 14,400
New guideline age
70, down from 75
Long-term planning horizon
20 or 30 years
Congress location
Milan

Alignment Healthcare sues over 2027 Medicare Advantage star ratings

Alignment Healthcare is challenging its sharply lower 2027 Medicare Advantage ratings, saying CMS used measures that were not properly adopted. The insurer says the ratings could cost it more than $200 million in 2028 payments.

Alignment Healthcare Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Star-rating methodology

Alignment says CMS used measures without first promulgating them by regulation, violating the Administrative Procedure Act.

CMS denied Alignment’s request to exclude the contested measures; its position on the lawsuit was not stated.

Requested outcome

Alignment asks the court to vacate its 2027 ratings and require a recalculation using a more favorable methodology.

CMS’s response to the requested court remedy was not stated.

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.