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Saudi Arabia warns of penalties for helping border security violators

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry says people who help border security violators can face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to one million riyals.

“anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the border security system into the Kingdom, or transports them within it, or provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance or service in any form, exposes themselves to penalties”
Ministry of InteriorSaudi government department

Tamakkun is aimed at social security beneficiaries, orphans and people with disabilities

A headline identifies social security beneficiaries, orphans and people with disabilities as groups served by Tamakkun; no further details are provided.

Women’s share of Saudi Arabia’s workforce rises to 37%

Saudi Arabia’s minister of human resources said women’s share of the labor market has risen to 37%.

Saudi Civil Defense promotes 1,036 personnel

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense has promoted 1,036 personnel to the next ranks across various specializations, following a directive from the interior minister.

Saudi minister says kingdom is stronger against Houthi threat as Riyadh speeds projects

Saudi Arabia’s information minister said the kingdom was more united in confronting the Houthi threat and that Riyadh was accelerating major development projects.

Teaching master’s applications close Tuesday for new graduates

The National Institute for Professional and Educational Development is closing applications for its teaching master’s program on Tuesday. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and at least a very good grade.

Saudi commerce minister appoints nine members to Makkah chamber board

Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi appointed nine members to the Makkah Chamber of Commerce board for a four-year term starting Oct. 24.

Saudi Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi has appointed nine members to the board of the Chamber of Commerce in the Makkah region.

The appointments cover the board’s next four-year term, which starts on Oct.

24, 2026.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Saleh Kamel, the chamber’s current chairman, is among the appointees.

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Saudi minister says daily life is normal as security readiness rises

Saudi Media Minister Salman Al-Dosari said the country is preparing for different scenarios while daily life continues normally. He urged people to rely on official information about security operations.

More than 63,000 Saudi families acquired their first homes, according to Al-Dosari.

Saudi trains carried more than 38 million passengers, according to Al-Dosari.

Okaz reported Al-Dosari’s remarks at a government press conference.

Faisal bin Salman says leadership support boosts national library projects

Faisal bin Salman said leadership support strengthens the King Fahd National Library’s cultural and knowledge projects.

Speaker
Faisal bin Salman
Institution
King Fahd National Library
Publication date
October 13, 2026

Saudi court upholds ruling against salary deduction for visually impaired employee

A court in Saudi Arabia upheld a ruling overturning an employer’s salary deduction from a visually impaired employee who could not use a fingerprint attendance scanner.

Employee Employer

Attendance registration

The employee said he attended work regularly and fulfilled his duties, but his visual impairment made repeated trips to the fingerprint scanner difficult.

The employer attributed the deduction to his failure to register attendance through the fingerprint system.

Salary deduction

The employee asked the court to overturn the deduction.

The employer deducted money from his salary because he did not register through the system.

Saudi court cancels salary deductions from visually impaired employee

A court in Medina cancelled salary deductions imposed on a visually impaired employee over missing fingerprint records, finding that he attended work and performed his duties. An appeals court upheld the ruling.

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

Russian warehouse insurance costs surged as drone attack risks rose

The average warehouse insurance rate in Russia rose 13 to 20 times year over year in the third quarter of 2026. Drone attack risk accounted for more than 90% of premiums.

“In the third quarter of 2026, it already accounted for more than 90% of the premium”
Yevgeny UfimtsevPresident of the All-Russian Union of Insurers

What state contributions and withdrawals may look like under PDS in 2027

The story focuses on how much the state may add to PDS savings in 2027 and when people may be able to withdraw the money.

Russian court awards apartment owners 15 million rubles over defects

After the Supreme Court reviewed a case involving serious defects in a 2013 apartment purchase, a regional court awarded two owners 15,094,479 rubles.

Alfa-Bank buys 4.85% stake in Medsi clinic network from AFK Sistema

Alfa-Bank bought a 4.85% stake in the Medsi clinic network from AFK Sistema.

Tax debt collection can block or divert credit card payments in Russia

People in Russia say attempts to pay credit cards are being blocked or redirected to tax debts. The tax service says banks must follow the legal payment order.

Tax debts can divert payments meant for Russian credit cards

Some Russian credit-card holders find payments applied to tax debts first, potentially leaving their loans unpaid and their card operations restricted.

Investigation alleges Deloitte helped conceal Abramovich assets and avoid tax

Investigations based on leaked records allege that advisers to Roman Abramovich backdated documents to hide assets in Cyprus companies and reduce tax liabilities. Deloitte Cyprus signed off on some accounts.

Investigations say advisers to Roman Abramovich backdated documents to conceal assets and reduce tax bills.

The allegations involve the Russian billionaire’s Cyprus-based companies and Deloitte’s Cyprus office, which reviewed or signed off on some accounts.

Cyprus required companies to publish financial statements, so advisers allegedly made it appear that valuable assets and funds belonged to companies in the British Virgin Islands instead.

One company’s accounts showed about $672 million in assets before revised accounts listed just $75,000.

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Russia says diesel exports could return to pre-crisis levels by year-end

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak says Russia could export 3 million to 3.5 million metric tonnes of diesel a month by year-end, above the volumes Donald Trump announced.

Ukraine launched drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, after which Russian diesel exports fell.

Trump announced that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets, and the US temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian fuel.

Novak said Russia could increase diesel exports to 3.0-3.5 million metric tonnes per month by the end of the year.

Russia suspends sales of several Chinese truck models over safety violations

Russia’s Rosstandart halted sales of several truck and special-equipment models from JAC, Dongfeng, Foton and XCMG after finding they failed safety and environmental requirements.

Affected truck brands
JAC, Dongfeng, Foton and XCMG
JAC model
K7 tractor unit
Dongfeng model
DFRZ-35 light truck
Foton model
77N5BJ medium-duty truck

Alfa-Bank buys 4.85% stake in Russian clinic group Medsi

Alfa-Bank bought 4.85% of Medsi from Sistema as the clinic group prepares for a possible stock market listing. The deal price has not been disclosed.

Dmitry Sergeev, Veles Capital Leonid Delitsyn, Finam

Estimated deal value

Sergeev estimated the deal at 3.3–3.5 billion roubles.

Delitsyn said the price could reach 6 billion roubles.

Russian borrowers struggle to repay credit cards as labor shortage eases

A Banki.ru headline says Russians are struggling to repay credit cards, while a labor shortage is easing as more older people work.

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

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.

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.

Norway fines Microsoft-owned Xandr $9.6 million over Grindr data sharing

Norway’s data protection authority fined Xandr a record 92 million kroner for sharing Grindr users’ sensitive data with advertisers without verifying consent. Xandr has three weeks to appeal.

DDoS attack disrupts Canonical websites for more than four hours

A second DDoS attack this year disrupted Canonical’s public websites for a little over four hours. Launchpad and the Snap Store stayed online, and no one claimed responsibility.

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 →

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.

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.

Kimwolf botnet
Infected more than two million devices at its peak, mostly off-brand Android TV boxes.
Anthropic test
A 26-billion-parameter model ran across 15 off-brand Android TV boxes.
Test speed
The boxes collectively ran inference at 0.39 tokens per second.
GLM-5.2 trials
Spread to all 8 nodes in 4 of 5 trials.

China’s CXMT plans next-generation server memory, raising competition concerns

Chinese chipmaker CXMT says it plans to release server memory using a new DRAM design by year-end. Experts say mass-production quality and yields remain unproven.

CXMT and its supporters Skeptics of CXMT’s production readiness

Technology strategy

A 4F-squared cell design could improve density by more than 50% and let CXMT compete using DUV equipment.

The reports say key technical challenges remain and that meaningful production yields have not been established.

Timing and impact

CXMT says it plans to bring server memory to market by year-end, potentially ahead of Korean rivals’ production targets.

Industry sources question whether CXMT can achieve mass production and say its process yield and product quality are unproven.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Deebo Samuel expected to miss multiple weeks with hamstring injury

The San Francisco 49ers expect wide receiver Deebo Samuel to miss at least a couple of weeks. Nick Bosa could return from a calf injury against Washington in Week 6.

Jordan Love and Drake Maye rise in Week 6 fantasy projections

Jordan Love and Drake Maye move up in Week 6 fantasy football projections, while several players lose ground. Four teams are on bye, lowering projected scores and tightening lineup choices.

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.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has officially joined the Houston Texans after passing his physical on Monday.

The 24-year-old wide receiver was traded from the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him fourth overall in the 2024 draft.

Houston sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick, and received Harrison and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Harrison reunites with quarterback C.J. Stroud, his former teammate at Ohio State.

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Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson expected to miss weeks with ankle sprain

Henderson has a high-ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks, but he does not need surgery. He was injured in New England’s win over the Raiders.

Henderson injured his ankle during New England’s win over the Raiders.

ProFootballTalk reported that Henderson had a high-ankle sprain and was expected to miss multiple weeks.

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.

Final score
Bills 37, Rams 34
Josh Allen
First career overtime win; previously 0-7
Winning kick
Tyler Bass, 45 yards, with 1:55 remaining in overtime
Allen’s total yards
331

NFL playoff projections shift after the season’s first five weeks

Early projections put the Patriots and 49ers among the stronger playoff contenders, while the Cowboys and Chargers face weaker odds. The 14-team postseason begins in January.

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.

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

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

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.

Why you may feel tired despite getting seven to nine hours of sleep

Pulmonologist Dr Shivani Swami says interrupted sleep and other health or lifestyle factors can leave people tired despite spending enough time in bed. She advises medical evaluation for persistent fatigue, especially with signs of sleep apnoea.

Fitness coach says bulky, hard-to-use gear can waste home gym money

Fitness coach Jacob Zemer says home gyms can start with bands, dumbbells and a bench. He warns that equipment taking up space and rarely used may be a poor investment.

Health feature says many Indians do not get enough protein

The feature says about 80% of Indians may not get enough protein and discusses whey protein as a supplement, including common concerns about how it is made.

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.

Drinking water does not directly lower high blood sugar, according to diabetes educator and nurse Megan Asterino-McGeean.

She says staying hydrated can help prevent dehydration from making the situation worse.

When the body loses water, blood becomes more concentrated, which can raise a blood sugar reading.

High glucose can also lead the kidneys to remove more water through urine, increasing the risk of dehydration.

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Dietz & Watson is redesigning cold cuts amid health concerns

As health concerns and falling deli-counter sales put pressure on cold cuts, Dietz & Watson says it is close to completing a line of redesigned products.

The World Health Organization classified cured meats as a Group 1 carcinogen.

Dietz & Watson began work on its goal of creating a nearly complete line of “clean” cold cuts.

Men's Health reported that the company was close to reaching that goal.

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.

Trials reviewed
12
Participants
More than 1,000 women
Participant ages
40 to 65
Study institution
University College London

Upper lumbar spine problems may cause runners’ hip and knee pain

Pain in a runner’s hip, front thigh or knee may sometimes come from nerves in the upper lumbar spine, even when the back itself does not hurt.

Nutritionist advises against detox diets after Navratri

Nutritionist Roshni Sanghvi says people do not need a post-Navratri detox. She recommends balanced meals, more movement and leafy greens instead of crash diets.