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Florence to host Italy’s Regions Festival from 25 to 27 October

The three-day festival will bring together presidents of all 20 Italian regions, with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni scheduled to attend.

“For the Italian regions, this is certainly the most important showcase.”
Eugenio GianiPresident of the Tuscany Region

Venice mayor meets justice minister to discuss local needs

Venice Mayor Simone Venturini met Justice Minister Carlo Nordio in Rome and raised local concerns, saying they discussed possible solutions and open issues.

Salvini resigns as League leader ahead of Milan congress

Matteo Salvini has formally resigned as leader of Italy’s League party ahead of its October 24–25 congress, where he is expected to seek re-election. He also announced plans for a political secretariat and an updated party symbol.

70 of 87 Trento teachers decline to accompany school trips

At Trento’s Galilei high school, 70 of 87 teachers say they will not accompany students on trips, citing low pay and unrecognized work outside class. The provincial education official opposes the move.

Investigators check school computers in ricin poisoning case

Police are examining about 200 computers at four schools in Italy as they investigate the ricin deaths of Antonella Di Ielsi and her daughter Sara. One possibility under review is that the intended target was Antonella’s husband.

Italy’s Budget Heads to Cabinet as Giorgetti Pledges to Meet EU Targets

Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti says Italy’s budget will meet EU fiscal targets while easing cost-of-living pressures on families. The budget is heading to the Italian cabinet.

Italian opposition parties likely to file separate EU summit resolutions

Opposition parties in Italy are expected to submit separate resolutions before Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addresses parliament on the European Council. Their main disagreement is over the war in Ukraine.

Italian opposition parties are expected to file separate resolutions before Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks in parliament about the European Council.

Her address is scheduled for tomorrow, according to the report.

The parties are unlikely to agree on one shared document, despite having jointly backed a resolution earlier in the day.

That earlier resolution concerned changes to public finances and a government economic planning document.

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Few lawmakers attend Giorgetti’s economic update to Italy’s Chamber of Deputies

About a dozen deputies were in the chamber when Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti began presenting the government’s economic and financial plan; attendance later rose to around 20.

Many of the deputies present had taken part in committee work, where many issues were discussed.

Giorgetti presented his report to a chamber that had about a dozen deputies at the start and around 20 during his speech.

Tajani says Forza Italia is united and denies discussing primaries

Forza Italia leader Antonio Tajani said he had not called for party primaries and that changing its political line would require a congress or another consultation.

Party
Forza Italia
Leader
Antonio Tajani
Political line
Tajani said the party secretary guarantees it.
Milan event
A three-day event

Bologna centre-right considers primaries to choose 2027 mayoral candidate

With no candidate agreed, Bologna’s centre-right is discussing primaries for the 2027 mayoral election. Party leaders disagree, and the national coalition’s decisions on other cities may shape the choice.

Matteo Salvini and Forza Italia Valeria Gamberini and the Bologna branch of the Lega

Use of primaries

Salvini says primaries should be held in cities where the centre-right has not settled on candidates; Forza Italia says it is ready if national leaders choose that route.

Gamberini considers primaries “not very sensible” and says the centre-right should reach agreement on its ideas and vision.

Purpose and risks

Supporters say primaries let citizens decide; Castaldini says they should not become a tool for division.

Gamberini warns they risk becoming a source of conflict rather than discussion.

South Tyrol union seeks €500 energy bonus as Alperia appointments spark row

The Asgb union wants a one-off €500 payment for eligible families as energy costs rise. Separately, the League is protesting over its lack of leadership posts in Alperia subsidiaries.

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

Nuremberg airport suspends flights after aviation emergency alert

Nuremberg airport in Germany suspended flights after an unclear aviation emergency was reported. Police said an aircraft landed safely, and the cause is under investigation.

Court orders new hearing in case over passport error that stopped family’s Thailand trip

A passport error listing a child’s sex incorrectly stopped a Krasnodar family from travelling to Thailand. A court overturned earlier rulings and sent the compensation case back for a new hearing.

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.

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

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

Polish foreign minister says a European army could form by 2030

Radosław Sikorski said a joint European force could be formed by 2030, possibly limited to the Baltic states and the eastern flank.

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.

MI5 chief Ken McCallum warned of growing state threats to Britain in a speech in London on Tuesday.

He said Iran had shifted towards targeting harder sites, including military locations, although he could not discuss an investigation into a suspected plot involving RAF Fairford.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Tehran was highly likely to be behind that suspected plot, but Iran has denied involvement.

McCallum said Iran-linked operations had led to more than 50 arrests over the past year.

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Eight people injured in stabbing at Incheon supermarket

A man stabbed eight people at a supermarket in Incheon, South Korea. Police detained the suspect and are investigating the attack.

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

Shoppers subdued the suspect, and police arrested him.

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.

Vessel
DF Peak
Location
More than 450 nautical miles south of Réunion
Flag
Benin
EU sanctions status
Listed among the EU-sanctioned ships

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 government Iranian government

Responsibility

Burnham said the incident was highly likely to have been coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by the IRGC.

Iran rejected any suggestion it was involved and called the accusation unfounded and malicious speculation.

Evidence

British authorities cited their assessment and said investigators found accelerants but no viable explosives in vans.

Iran called on Britain to present evidence supporting its allegations.

Zelensky says Russian strikes violated Trump’s proposed energy ceasefire

Zelensky says Russian attacks hit Ukrainian energy facilities after Trump announced a mutual pause in such strikes. Russia has not confirmed agreeing to the ceasefire.

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

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.

“These versions contain important bug and security fixes, and we strongly recommend that all self-managed GitLab installations be upgraded to one of these versions immediately”
GitLabCompany advisory

Only 25% of cybersecurity teams use agentic AI for defense

A survey found that one quarter of cybersecurity teams actively use agentic AI, while many others are testing or considering it. Concerns include unreliable decisions, data security and cost.

Cyberattack disrupts internet services at St. Petersburg provider

SkyNet says a DDoS attack has disrupted its network since October 6, affecting internet and communication services. A Ukrainian hacking group claimed responsibility, but the company has not confirmed its claims about system access or disabled equipment.

Ridge Security launches on-site AI penetration testing system

Ridge Security announced RidgeOne, a system for running AI-powered security tests inside an organization’s own environment. In a company test, it found 32 verified issues without contacting an external AI service.

Canadian cybersecurity executive arrested in ShinyHunters investigation

Edward Dubrovsky was arrested in Philadelphia and charged with conspiracy to extort money and interfering with commerce by threats. The FBI suspects he was involved with ShinyHunters.

French supermarket hack raises concerns about smart home devices

Fridges in a French supermarket were heated to 50C in an attempt to spoil food, raising concerns about the risks of internet-connected appliances in homes.

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.

Ledger linked all confirmed wallet thefts to devices sold by CryptoBilis, a reseller operating across Southeast Asia.

Ledger says at least one affected device contained an unauthorized hardware implant, and it has not confirmed how many users were affected or how much was stolen.

The implant could capture a wallet’s 24-word recovery phrase from the device screen and send it to attackers over a mobile connection, according to Ledger’s account.

That phrase can give someone control of the cryptocurrency in the wallet, even without the original device.

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Cyberattack Defrosts Refrigerators at Hundreds of French Supermarkets

A cyberattack remotely triggered defrosting at hundreds of French supermarket stores, spoiling fresh and frozen food and reportedly causing fires. French prosecutors have opened an investigation.

Attackers remotely altered supermarket refrigeration systems overnight, heating some units to as much as 50°C.

CERT-FR published an alert about compromises affecting the Danfoss AK-SM and AK-SC controller series.

Retail chains reported the number of stores affected and food losses.

News reports said the Paris prosecutor had launched an investigation into the attack.

Ahold Delhaize takes some systems offline after cyberattack

The grocery group says it disconnected some systems to contain a security issue. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders have been disrupted.

Systems
Some taken offline
Company response
Teams assessing and mitigating the issue
Stores
Ahold Delhaize said they remained open
Reported service disruptions
Albert Heijn and Delhaize online orders and services; some US employee systems

Preinstalled malware found on low-cost Android phones in more than 150 countries

Bitdefender found malware built into the firmware of low-cost MediaTek-based Android phones. It can install apps and cannot be removed by owners.

Hackers take control of cooling units at 350 French supermarkets

A cyberattack changed fridge temperatures at at least 350 French supermarkets, spoiling food. Investigators are searching for those responsible, but no group has claimed the attack.

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

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.

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.

Rams' limited investment in special teams faces renewed scrutiny

After another overtime loss, coach Sean McVay again criticized the Rams' special teams. The team has ranked near the bottom in several measures of investment in that unit.

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 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.

Oregon slips in power ratings after narrow loss with backup quarterbacks

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

Oregon record
3-2
Margin of loss
2 points
Turnovers
7
Quarterbacks used
Backup starter; third-string quarterback

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.

Commanders and Giants tie 27-27 after Washington runs out of time in overtime

Washington had a chance to kick a winning field goal against New York, but Jayden Daniels was tackled with eight seconds left and the Commanders could not stop the clock.

Entertainment

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.

“This is slander and heresy.”
Thélyson OrélienCanadian-Haitian writer

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.

Amanda Seyfried says she is uncomfortable filming sex scenes for now

The actor said she turned down a TV role that required frequent sex scenes, but did not rule out taking on similar work in the future.

God of War Laufey Collector’s Box Will Not Include the Game

The God of War Laufey Collector’s Box includes a statue, cards and an art book, but no copy of the game. The UK price is £130; the US version has not been announced.

RTL removes Unter Uns morning reruns ahead of planned end

RTL has replaced morning repeats of Unter Uns with Verklag mich doch!, but new episodes will continue in the afternoon until the soap’s planned end in March 2027.

Apple announces Vision Pro horror film Remnants for October 16

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

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

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

TNA has ended wrestler Max Caster’s run with the company after his debut at Bound for Glory on Sunday.

Before his match against Moose, Caster performed a rap that referred to attacks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The attacks killed and injured people; accounts differ on the death toll, giving figures of 12 and 13.

TNA called the comments insensitive, said making light of violent attacks was wrong, and accepted responsibility for allowing them into the show.

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Raye manually reviews ticket sign-ups after 1.8 million apply for 5,000 seats

Raye says AI bots and scalpers overwhelmed sign-ups for her Royal Albert Hall show in London. Her team is manually selecting fans for presale access, with remaining tickets due to go on general sale.

RAYE announced a one-off show at the Royal Albert Hall.

RAYE said the show had received 1.8 million sign-ups for 5,000 seats and that her team was manually reviewing the list.

Selected fans were due to receive a presale link and code by email.

The presale was due to begin.

The general sale was expected to begin, according to NME.

RAYE is scheduled to perform at the Royal Albert Hall.

The Batman Part II pauses production as Robert Pattinson says team will regroup

Production is temporarily paused while director Matt Reeves focuses on a family matter. Robert Pattinson says the team will take a short break and then work out what comes next.

Film
The Batman Part II
Production status
Temporarily paused
Reason
Matt Reeves is focusing on a family matter
Release date
February 18, 2028

Ego Nwodim mocks Shane Gillis’s joke about women’s gym clothes

After Shane Gillis joked that women at the gym “dress like whores” on SNL, former cast member Ego Nwodim responded with a gym selfie and a pointed caption.

Shane Gillis Ego Nwodim and Dan Levy

The joke

Gillis joked that women dress like “whores” at the gym and commented on their shorts.

Nwodim mocked the wording in her Instagram captions; Levy said calling women whores for wearing short shorts was misogynistic.

Women’s gym clothes

Gillis criticized the shorts and described their appearance.

Levy said women wearing short shorts does not make them whores.

Hugh Grant backed out of replacing Charlie Sheen on Two and a Half Men

Chuck Lorre says Hugh Grant withdrew from talks to replace Charlie Sheen on the sitcom. Ashton Kutcher took the role instead, and the show ran for four more seasons.

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

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.

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.

Europa Donna calls for consistent care for metastatic breast cancer in Italy

Europa Donna Italia is urging breast care centres across Italy to follow specific quality standards and provide coordinated support for women with metastatic breast cancer.

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.

France’s annual vaccination campaign against seasonal flu and COVID-19 starts on October 13 and is due to end in January 2027.

Health authorities are prioritising older people, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.

About 15 million flu vaccine doses will be available to doctors, pharmacists, nurses and midwives, around one million more than last season.

COVID-19 vaccination remains reimbursed for everyone, including people outside the priority groups.

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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.

A World Health Summit workshop on preventing the next pandemic was held in Berlin.

The World Bank-hosted Pandemic Fund awarded US$499.6 million to 20 projects.

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.

Educator
Megan Asterino-McGeean
Blood glucose measurement
Milligrams per deciliter
Water’s role
Helps maintain fluid balance; does not directly lower blood sugar
Outlet publication
Infobae, 2026-10-13

Intestinal gases may offer clues about gut health

Gut microbes produce gases as they break down indigestible food. Research suggests these gases may affect digestion and offer clues about gastrointestinal health.

Singapore public healthcare services recover after network disruption

A network connectivity issue disrupted some services at Singapore public healthcare institutions on Tuesday. Services were restored by 4.37pm, and most patients later reported little impact.