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Trump’s Russian diesel deal draws bipartisan criticism in Congress

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

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

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

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

Katie Zacharia begins term as White House press secretary

Katie Zacharia is starting her term as White House press secretary. President Trump said she will hold an introductory news conference Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

Trump’s plan to import Russian diesel draws bipartisan criticism

Trump says Russia will supply diesel to help ease high fuel prices, but seven senators say the plan conflicts with a 2022 ban on Russian energy imports.

Judge orders halt to taxpayer-funded ads promoting Trump

A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from airing taxpayer-funded ads promoting the president and ordered it to cancel the remaining advertising purchase.

Trump says he may meet North Korea's Kim in November

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

Federal agents search Ilhan Omar’s Washington home

Agents searched the home of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Omar called the search political intimidation; no charges against her were announced.

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

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

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

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

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Los Angeles moves to make some nitrous oxide sales a crime

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

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

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

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 758 and SB 936.

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved the city measure.

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

Elon Musk gives more than $276 million to Republican groups since July

Musk has donated more than $276 million to Republican groups since July, making him the biggest known donor of the 2026 midterm elections. The largest share went to a group backing Republican Senate candidates.

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

US archbishop urges Catholic soldiers to avoid planned Hasan execution

Archbishop Timothy Broglio told Catholic service members to seek exemption from the planned firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan, which the Pentagon wants to livestream in December.

Archbishop Timothy Broglio Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Purpose of public broadcast

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

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

Participation by Catholic service members

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

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

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

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

World

Simon and Rachel leave five dead and six missing in Mexico

Storms Simon and Rachel caused deaths and flooding along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Simon remained offshore, with heavy rain and possible flooding still forecast.

“We heard a loud noise that sounded like ocean waves, but really loud,”
Johana NuriuluEnsenada resident

Storms threaten south-central Brazil with winds of up to 90 km/h

Storms are expected across parts of south-central Brazil on Tuesday, with winds reaching up to 90 km/h and heavy rain forecast in Paraná.

Teenager wakes in coffin during family wake in Guatemala

Yuleidy Ixcotoyac, 15, began moving during her wake in El Jocote, Guatemala, after her family believed she had died. She had not been examined by a doctor.

Hurricane Simon weakens to Category 3 but threatens Mexico’s Pacific coast

Simon weakened from Category 4 to Category 3 as it moved parallel to Mexico’s Pacific coast, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and flooding. Authorities issued high alerts and closed Puerto Vallarta’s airport temporarily.

Brazilian law allows protective orders based on a woman’s account

Brazil’s Maria da Penha Law allows women seeking urgent protection from property-related abuse to request protective measures without first presenting a full set of evidence or hiring a lawyer.

South Korea plans $300,000 in aid for quake-hit Panama

South Korea plans to provide Panama with $300,000 in humanitarian aid after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake damaged homes, schools and health facilities.

Hurricane Simón forecast to reach Sinaloa as a Category 1 storm

Simón is forecast to reach the Mazatlán area on Thursday as a Category 1 hurricane. Authorities have issued alerts as it moves toward Sinaloa and Nayarit.

Hurricane Simón is moving northwest across the Pacific coast of Mexico and was a Category 3 storm near Jalisco on Monday, October 12.

The National Meteorological Service forecasts that it will weaken and reach the Mazatlán area in Sinaloa as a Category 1 hurricane around midnight on Thursday, October 15.

Heavy rain and dangerous waves are expected in southern Sinaloa and northern Nayarit on Wednesday.

The storm has already caused damage in Guerrero and Colima, including flooding, landslides and damage to homes and businesses.

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Gang kidnaps three officials in Morelos to secure member's release

Pueblos Unidos seized three officials in Morelos after authorities detained a senior gang member. Officials released the suspect, and the gang later freed the three employees.

The attorney-general’s office arrested a Pueblos Unidos member in a raid targeting extortion.

Pueblos Unidos seized three office employees and held them hostage.

The office released the detained suspect to protect its staff.

The gang released all three employees; one was taken to hospital with a gunshot wound and was stable.

Argentina asks international tribunal to halt UK-authorized oil activity near Falklands

Argentina has asked an international tribunal to halt British-authorized hydrocarbon activity near the Falkland Islands, which Britain controls and Argentina claims.

Tribunal
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Filing date
October 13, 2026
Target area
Northern Falklands Basin continental shelf
Territory
The UK controls the Falkland Islands, which Argentina claims

China sanctions ministers from Paraguay and Belize over Taiwan ties

China imposed sanctions on Paraguay’s communications minister and Belize’s foreign minister for supporting their countries’ diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The measures include asset freezes and entry bans.

China Taiwan government

Taiwan's status

China says Taiwan is one of its provinces and has no right to the trappings of a state.

Taiwan's government strongly rejects China's view.

Diplomatic ties

China sanctioned the ministers over support for Paraguay's and Belize's diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Paraguay and Belize maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

10-year-old girl dies after drowning at water park in Ceará

A 10-year-old girl died after drowning at a water park in the interior of Ceará on Sunday. Staff treated her at the site and took her to hospital, where she died.

Business

IMF forecasts Saudi economy to grow 7.9% in 2027

The IMF expects Saudi Arabia’s economy to contract 3.3% in 2026, then grow 7.9% in 2027 as energy production and trade recover.

“Saudi Arabia is somewhat less affected, as an economy with more diversified export routes, with a projected contraction of 3.3 percent in 2026 and growth of 7.9 percent in 2027”
IMF reportInternational Monetary Fund report

Saudi Aramco targets 80% growth in gas sales by 2030

Saudi Aramco aims to increase gas sales by up to 80% by 2030, compared with 2021 levels. The company says it expanded its gas operations and opened six to seven processing plants and facilities between 2025 and 2027.

Saudi Arabia sets anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminum can lids

Saudi Arabia will impose anti-dumping duties of 15.8% to 38.7% on imports of certain Chinese aluminum beverage-can lids for five years.

Saudi energy ministry pavilion traces oil history and future in nine sections

At the World Petroleum Congress in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry is presenting a nine-section exhibit on the country’s oil history, energy products and sustainability efforts.

Delta delays Atlanta–Riyadh flights until March 2027 after airport attacks

Delta postponed its planned Oct. 23 launch of nonstop flights between Atlanta and Riyadh after deadly attacks and aviation safety warnings. The airline says it expects to begin service in March 2027.

Saudi Arabia says foreign investment in emerging sectors rose 162%

Investment Minister Fahad Al-Saif said foreign direct investment in emerging economic sectors rose 162% over five years. He said Saudi Arabia will now focus on investment quality and productivity.

Saudi Cultural Fund support reaches 2.5 billion riyals

The Saudi Cultural Fund says it provided 2.5 billion riyals to cultural projects and activities from its 2021 launch through the third quarter of 2026.

The Saudi Cultural Fund has provided 2.5 billion riyals to cultural projects and activities since it was established in 2021, through the end of the third quarter of 2026.

The support involves cultural projects across Saudi Arabia, with the private sector contributing about 1.6 billion riyals, or 64% of the total, and the fund contributing 904 million riyals.

The fund says supported projects are expected to add 5.3 billion riyals to GDP and create more than 13,800 jobs.

These are estimates of the projects’ expected impact, not reported results.

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Saudi mortgage refinancing firm issues locally rated mortgage-backed securities

The Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company issued its second residential mortgage-backed securities deal, supported by a 420 million riyal portfolio and rated by Moody’s and Fitch.

SRC launched its first residential mortgage-backed securities issue, establishing a local securitization model.

Al Eqtisadiah reported that SRC had launched its second issue, with local-scale ratings from Fitch and Moody’s.

ACWA chairman says AI offers opportunity despite challenges

ACWA chairman Mohammad Abunayyan said AI and other fast-changing technologies bring challenges and opportunities, and predicted solar technology efficiency will exceed 30% within two and a half years.

Solar technology efficiency forecast
More than 30% within two and a half years
Saudi electricity target
Half of electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030
ACWA’s Chinese projects
More than one gigawatt of capacity
Chinese wind acquisition agreements
One operating 250-megawatt site and four projects under construction totalling 1,000 megawatts

IMF sees Saudi Arabia leading G20 growth in 2027

The IMF expects Saudi Arabia’s economy to contract 3.3% in 2026, then grow 7.9% in 2027, the fastest rate among G20 economies.

International Monetary Fund Saudi Finance Ministry

2027 growth forecast

The IMF projects growth of 7.9%.

The ministry forecasts growth of 12.8%.

Saudi Arabia plans to raise East-West Pipeline capacity to 10 million barrels a day

Saudi Arabia is considering upgrades to its East-West Pipeline to raise capacity to about 10 million barrels a day. The pipeline offers an alternative route for crude exports to the Red Sea.

Science & Tech

Apple announces HomePod mini 2 with Siri AI and new sound features

Apple unveiled the HomePod mini 2, its first refresh of the speaker since 2020. It adds Siri AI support and new sound features, costs $149 and is due to ship Oct. 30.

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

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

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

Ledger links CryptoBilis wallet implants to confirmed crypto thefts

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

NASA’s Perseverance rover sets record with 45.2km driven on Mars

Perseverance has driven 45.2km on Mars, surpassing the previous record held by NASA’s Opportunity rover. NASA says the rover’s autonomous navigation system handles more than 90% of its driving.

Anthropic says AI models may soon spread across home devices

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

Honeybee stingers keep pumping venom after detaching from the insect

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

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

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

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

13.

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

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

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Apple unveils smart home devices made with LG and Schneider Electric

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

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

Availability of the lineup is scheduled to begin.

Some accessories are expected to launch.

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

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

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

Sony Announces Japan-Only Midnight Black PlayStation 5

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

SpaceXSI bundles X Premium, Grok and Cursor in one subscription

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

Sports

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

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

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

FIU visits Jacksonville State in a key Conference USA game

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

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw ejected after headbutting Seahawks player

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

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

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

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

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

Marvin Harrison Jr. trade to Houston becomes official after physical

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

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

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

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

One list keeps the San Francisco 49ers at No.

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

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

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Jaguars left tackle Anton Harrison to have knee surgery

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

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

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

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

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

Dolphins and Browns lead NFL teams relying on rookies

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

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

Rams lose to Bills and look to reset before facing Cardinals

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

Penix says he hopes to play next week after rib injury

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

Entertainment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vari Caramés wins Spain’s 2026 National Photography Award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

López began coordinating the Novos medios research group.

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

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

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

Robert Zandvliet moves from everyday objects to large nature paintings

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

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

A roundup examines 14 inaccurate adaptations of Greek mythology

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

Kolkata paints roads with alpona designs ahead of Durga Puja

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

Health

Muscle and liver cells may retain benefits of past exercise

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

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

France’s flu and COVID vaccination campaign starts October 13

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

World Health Summit calls for more funding for pandemic prevention

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

Drinking water helps prevent dehydration but does not directly lower blood sugar

A diabetes educator says water can help prevent dehydration from worsening high blood sugar, but it does not lower glucose or replace prescribed treatment.

Epilepsy Drug Shows Promise for Osteoarthritis in Early Tests

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

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

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

Sixth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

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

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

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

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

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

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Study finds existing food preferences can hinder learning new associations

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

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

The study was reported by News-Medical and Infobae.

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

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

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

Exercise may improve mood and quality of life during menopause, study finds

A review of 12 trials involving more than 1,000 women found that aerobic exercise and activities such as yoga were linked to better mood or quality of life during menopause.

Asti healthy ageing project presented as European good practice

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