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Anne Aly says she received 19 death threats in a week

Australia’s small business minister says she received 19 death threats on social media in a week after an opposition MP called for her to be “stoned in the square” in parliament.

“This past week alone, I’ve had 19 death threats on my social media.”
Anne Alysmall business minister

Australian PM brokered pause in ATO credit card payments

Australia’s prime minister personally arranged a pause in credit card payments to the Australian Taxation Office. The source provides no details on who is covered or how long the pause will last.

Victorian Liberals replace Croydon candidate over legal dispute

The Victorian Liberal Party has dropped Grant Hutchinson as its candidate for Croydon, citing new information about his ongoing legal dispute. Toby Wooldridge will contest the seat instead.

Greens senator backs military aid to Ukraine, challenging party leader

Sarah Hanson-Young said Australia should provide military aid to Ukraine if needed to defend its sovereignty, while Greens leader David Shoebridge opposes it.

WA education minister and universities disagree over merger plan

Western Australia’s education minister, Tony Buti, and the state’s universities are at odds over a proposed merger. The available information does not explain the plan or what happens next.

Victorian firefighters’ union threatens legal action over $644 levy

The union says it may take members to court to recover a $644 levy for legal costs. The levy is funding its ongoing dispute with Fire Rescue Victoria over a workplace agreement.

ABC union says reporter may face discipline over opinion piece

The MEAA says ABC managers would not rule out disciplinary action against journalist Michael Slezak over an opinion piece he wrote as a union leader. The union says he had approval to speak in that role.

ABC journalist Michael Slezak may face disciplinary action after writing an opinion piece for the Australian Financial Review.

Slezak is also federal president of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, the union representing journalists and other media workers.

His piece opposed proposed limits on public information about company directors by Australia’s corporate regulator, ASIC.

ABC news director Simon Robinson and news executive Lee Glendinning met with Slezak to discuss whether the piece breached the broadcaster’s rules on outside work and public comment.

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Former NSW and federal MP Bruce Baird farewelled at Sydney funeral

Family, former colleagues and people he helped as an asylum seeker advocate gathered at St Andrew’s Cathedral to honour Baird, who died aged 84.

Baird died suddenly after collapsing in a Qantas business lounge in Singapore.

Baird’s funeral service was held at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney.

Former students allege unsafe practices at Sydney private school

Former students told a NSW parliamentary inquiry that pupils shared beds with teachers and described an incident in which the school principal was seen naked.

School
Redeemer Baptist School
Location
Western Sydney; the inquiry concerns the Parramatta-based school
Bed-sharing year
1998, according to Hughes
Garth incident
June 2015, during a school homestay near a campsite

Senate inquiry could delay Australian online safety laws

The Coalition and Greens plan to send Labor’s online safety bill to a Senate inquiry, potentially delaying new protections for social media users.

The Coalition The Greens

The bill

The Coalition calls the bill deeply flawed and says it amounts to political censorship.

The Greens support an inquiry and want a digital duty of care law that keeps people safe from harmful algorithms.

The bill’s direction

The Coalition argues the bill should be abandoned.

The Greens want stronger penalties and would allow individuals to sue platforms for online harm.

Protester linked to anti-coal group restrained in NSW parliament

A protester linked to anti-coal group Rising Tide jumped into the NSW parliament chamber during Question Time on Tuesday. MPs forcibly restrained him.

World

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.

“the money that Hezbollah is promising does not exist”
Tommy PigottU.S. State Department spokesman

Israel turns back Ethiopian Airlines cargo flight over Indonesian pilot

Israel denied a cargo flight from Addis Ababa permission to land because one pilot was Indonesian. The plane returned to Ethiopia, changed pilots and later landed in Tel Aviv.

Turkey’s foreign minister meets Council of Europe assembly president in Ankara

Hakan Fidan met Petra Bayr, president of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, in Ankara on Oct. 13. No details of their discussion were given.

Iranian man executed hours after marrying imprisoned girlfriend by phone

Alireza Sepahi, 25, married Mahsat Keshani, 22, by phone from prison in Iran. He was executed hours later after being sentenced to death for protesting against the government.

Attack on Riyadh airport kills one, injures 11, Saudi authorities say

A projectile struck a domestic terminal at King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, killing a Pakistani resident and injuring 11. The airport has been hit four times in five days.

Netanyahu seeks probe into anonymous sources for Gaza documentary NAZA

Benjamin Netanyahu has called for an investigation and prosecution of anonymous Israeli military sources in NAZA, a film alleging the army used AI targeting systems in Gaza.

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.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says Iran was highly likely behind a suspected plot near RAF Fairford, a military airbase in southwest England.

He told Parliament on Monday that the operation was almost certainly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The incident began on September 27, when men were arrested near the base on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences.

Police found gasoline in vans but no viable explosives, and those arrested were released on bail without charge.

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Teenager killed and 24 injured in blast during hike in northern Israel

A teenager was killed and 24 people were injured when suspected unexploded Hezbollah munition detonated during a school hike near Israel’s border with Lebanon.

The school group was hiking in the Ramim Ridge area when the ordnance detonated.

According to a preliminary probe, the munition exploded after a student was believed to have picked it up and put it in his backpack.

First responders treated the injured, and the group was evacuated to three hospitals in northern Israel.

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.

Airport
King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
Deaths
At least 18 in strikes on the airport last week, according to The Hindu
Saturday toll
13 killed in the October 10 attack, according to The Hindu
Reopening date
Not specified by the General Authority of Civil Aviation

Missile attack on Riyadh airport kills 12 and injures more than 300

A missile attack on King Khalid International Airport killed 12 people and injured more than 300. Saudi Arabia blamed Yemen’s Houthi rebels and vowed a response.

Saudi-led coalition Houthis

Responsibility

The coalition blamed the Houthis for the strike.

The sources identify the Houthis as the attackers but do not include a Houthi response accepting or denying responsibility.

Response to attack

The coalition threatened a decisive response.

The Houthis warned airlines, airport workers and travellers against using Saudi airports.

Interception efforts

The coalition blamed the Houthis for an attack that caused civilian deaths and injuries.

The Houthis said Saudi Arabia bore responsibility for what they described as failed interception efforts.

Bus-truck crash in western Turkey kills 11 and injures 27

A tour bus and a timber-laden truck collided near Akhisar in western Turkey on Sunday. Authorities said 11 people died and 27 were injured; the crash is under investigation.

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 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.

SALIC transfers National Grain Co. ownership to SABIL in Saudi Arabia

SALIC acquired the remaining 50% of National Grain Co. and transferred its ownership to SABIL, bringing grain sourcing and domestic storage and distribution capabilities together.

500 Global expects Saudi share of its investments to exceed 40%

500 Global expects its Saudi investments to grow beyond 40% of its portfolio as Gulf startups move to the kingdom. The firm cites market size and investment opportunities.

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 develops extra pipelines to protect energy supply routes

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said the country is developing extra pipelines to provide alternative routes for energy exports and help keep supplies flowing to global markets.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson has a high-ankle sprain after leaving New England’s win over the Raiders with an ankle injury.

A high-ankle sprain affects the ligaments above the ankle and can take time to heal.

He is expected to miss multiple weeks, but does not need surgery.

Henderson had 42 carries for 163 yards and a touchdown in four appearances this season.

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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.

Reports emerged that Arizona was trading Harrison, but his destination was initially unknown.

Houston beat the Tennessee Titans 26-3, and head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the trade after the game.

Harrison passed his Texans physical, making the trade official.

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

Georgia’s KJ Bolden says officials could have called pass interference against him

Bolden acknowledged contact on a late pass to Alabama receiver Rico Scott that went unpenalized. Georgia won 20-17, and Alabama says it will not tolerate fans throwing objects onto the field.

KJ Bolden Kalen DeBoer

Pass interference call

Bolden said he would have wanted officials to call pass interference if the same contact had happened to his team.

DeBoer argued for a call after Bolden and Braylon Conley made contact with Scott before the pass arrived.

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.

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

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.

RJ Mitte’s Breaking Bad role widened disability representation on screen

RJ Mitte, who died at 34, played Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad and advocated for people with disabilities. His work helped make disabled actors more visible in television.

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.

Shakira ends Madrid residency after 13 shows and about 700,000 fans

Shakira closed her Madrid residency on Oct. 12 with guest performers including Maluma, Laura Pausini and Bizarrap. The 13 shows at Macondo Park drew about 700,000 people, according to Shakira.

Monique Smit says she sometimes misses brother Jan amid estrangement

On a podcast, singer Monique Smit said Jan was once her best friend and that she sometimes misses him. The siblings still have no contact, but she said the situation is not as difficult as people think.

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.”

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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.

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.

Novel
C’était ça ou mourir
Author
Thélyson Orélien
First draft
2019
Goncourt selection
The novel was removed after AI-use accusations

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.

Xbox leadership Critics of Xbox's restructuring

New games

Sharma reportedly said Xbox should continue creating enduring new intellectual property.

Critics said studio departures, project cancellations and consolidation appear to limit opportunities for new ideas.

Business focus

Sharma reportedly said Xbox was backing its strongest franchises while also seeking new IP.

Critics questioned whether cuts and a focus on established brands were consistent with taking creative risks.

Danny Trejo’s son says actor learned of Ben Shapiro link during filming

Gilbert Trejo says his father did not know Ben Shapiro was involved in Pawn Shop until filming was underway and is contractually unable to leave or criticize the project.

Health

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.

“Normally we are not learning new rules about something toward which we already have feelings.”
Alex RichFormer graduate student in Ifat Levy’s lab and current MIT researcher

Large study finds abrupt shifts in health markers at menopause

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

Researchers found sudden shifts in health markers around menopause in data from more than one million women in the United States and Israel.

The study analyzed more than 300 million lab tests and separated the effects of age from the timing of menopause.

Changes appeared in bone, liver and kidney measures, blood chemistry and blood fats; some iron and hemoglobin levels rose as menstrual bleeding stopped.

The shifts were not seen in men of similar ages, suggesting they may be linked to menopause rather than aging alone.

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

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

The woman underwent delivery-related surgery and delivered a baby girl.

The woman was discharged from the hospital.

She was readmitted with stomach pain, and examinations revealed a cannula inside her abdomen.

The cannula was removed during a subsequent surgery, and the woman remained under medical observation.

The Hindu reported that four medical staff had been suspended for one month.

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