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More than 5,000 offenders went unmonitored after tags were not fitted

A report found that more than 5,000 people in England and Wales who should have been electronically monitored were not tagged in the first half of the year. It also found faults left nearly 1,600 tags without a signal for more than two weeks.

“It’s hard to set out just how demoralised and unhappy a lot of probation staff are.”
Cassia RowlandInstitute for Government associate director and report author

Heathrow investors may reconsider £33bn runway plan without PM backing

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye says investors need more certainty on a proposed third runway and may reassess the £33bn plan if Prime Minister Andy Burnham does not commit.

Swinney will not face probe over pension claims to Scottish Parliament

Independent advisers said no investigation was needed into John Swinney’s claim that pensioners would lose out under UK reforms to the triple lock. Swinney says the matter is closed.

MI5 chief warns of rising risk of rightwing terrorist attacks in UK

MI5 chief Ken McCallum says anti-immigration and anti-Muslim extremism is increasingly leading people to consider attacks, contributing to a rise in the UK’s terror threat level.

Ministers plan cuts to heat pump grants to help fund defence spending

Ministers are preparing to cut hundreds of millions of pounds from England and Wales’s heat pump grant scheme as they seek savings for defence investment.

Civil service union seeks 10% pay rise and four-day week as strike vote nears

The PCS union is seeking a 10% pay rise and progress towards a four-day week on full pay for civil servants. Members will vote on strike action from October 20 to December 1.

Burnham’s contacts with Manchester City disclosed after calls for transparency

Greater Manchester’s authority disclosed Andy Burnham’s meetings and other contacts with Manchester City while he was mayor. City has appealed a finding that it breached Premier League financial rules.

Greater Manchester disclosed Andy Burnham’s past contacts with Manchester City after criticism of his comments about the club’s owners.

Burnham was mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 until earlier this year, before becoming prime minister.

He met City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak in 2021 at a UK government investment summit and spoke with him informally at a 2019 testimonial match.

The authority said Burnham attended a small number of City home games and that club staff supported official visits to China and Japan.

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UK expands police support for political figures and reviews security

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced police support for political figures who are not MPs and an independent review of security for high-profile people after Ann Widdecombe was killed.

Prosecutors allege Joshua Kerry travelled to Nigel Farage’s home in south London and tried to break in.

Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon.

Mahmood announced expanded police support and an independent security review.

Think tank urges £8bn in tax rises to rebuild UK fiscal buffer

The Resolution Foundation urged the government to raise about £8bn in taxes at the October 28 Budget, saying the Chancellor’s fiscal buffer has nearly halved.

Proposed tax rises
About £8 billion
Fiscal buffer before deterioration
£24 billion
Fiscal buffer forecast
As little as £12 billion
Target fiscal headroom
At least £20 billion

Second wave of early prison releases begins in England and Wales

Hundreds of prisoners are being released early as the government tries to ease overcrowding. About 2,000 are due to leave this month, with 3,000 more to follow over the next year.

Government Claire Waxman, victims’ commissioner

Need for the plan

The government says early releases are needed to ease prison overcrowding.

Waxman said the government’s confidence in the plan “is not yet matched by the reality on the ground”.

Burnham urges MPs to pursue closer ties with the EU

The prime minister is expected to tell MPs that rejecting a better EU deal would be a dereliction of duty, arguing closer cooperation could support growth and tackle illegal immigration.

World

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.

“This is precisely what helps prevent people from being killed – when there is an early warning about ballistic missiles”
Volodymyr ZelenskyyPresident of Ukraine

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.

MI5 chief warns of threats from Russia, Iran and AI

Ken McCallum said Russia and Iran are expanding hostile activity against the UK, while AI is creating new risks. MI5 has launched a centre to assess AI threats.

Researchers search Nikumaroro for Amelia Earhart’s missing plane

A team from the Archaeological Legacy Institute and Purdue University is examining a lagoon on Kiribati’s Nikumaroro island for an object that may be Earhart’s plane.

EU expands membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova

The EU agreed to open talks with Ukraine and Moldova on the single market and competitiveness. Hungary dropped its objection to Ukraine’s move after Kyiv passed a law expanding minority language education rights.

Cornell suspends student events after sexual assault allegations

Cornell has suspended student-organization events for the rest of the school year after a former student sued over alleged sexual assault. A planned homecoming concert was canceled.

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.

Russia says it arrested a Japanese journalist in the Sakhalin region on suspicion of spying.

The man worked for Japan’s Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, but Russian officials have not named him.

Russia’s Federal Security Service alleges he gathered information about the country’s defense capabilities for a Japanese intelligence agency.

It says he was preparing to leave Russia when arrested, then was flown to Moscow and placed in custody.

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MI5 chief says Iran is seeking to target UK military sites

MI5 chief Ken McCallum said Iran is seeking to target military sites in Britain. A suspected plot at RAF Fairford is under investigation, and seven men have been arrested and released on bail.

Residents near RAF Fairford were evacuated as police and army bomb-disposal experts responded to the area.

Police said they found gasoline in three vans at the site, but no explosives.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the apparent plot was almost certainly directed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Ken McCallum warned that Iran’s efforts to target military sites were a major shift and said the Fairford incident was not unique.

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.

Fatalities
One person died
Injuries
Several others were injured
Closures
Nine roller coasters at six parks
Investigation
Cobb County Police Department major crimes unit detectives

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.

Two stolen Renoirs recovered in France as police suspect another heist was planned

French investigators recovered two Renoir paintings worth about €4.2 million from behind a wall after the September theft. Four men face preliminary charges, and police said they feared another museum robbery was imminent.

Business

Trump agrees to Russian diesel supply deal as US fuel prices rise

Donald Trump agreed to allow more than 4.8 million tonnes of Russian diesel to be supplied, as US diesel prices surged. The deal includes a temporary exemption from export sanctions.

“made the right choice for the American People — ALWAYS, AMERICA FIRST!”
Donald TrumpUS president

UnitedHealth raises its profit forecast again as turnaround efforts advance

UnitedHealth raised its profit forecast again as its turnaround efforts gathered pace. No forecast figure or further details were provided.

JP Morgan raises Apple price target to $360 despite iPhone demand concerns

JP Morgan raised its Apple price target from $340 to $360, saying reported iPhone 18 Pro production cuts may reflect normal adjustments. It expects the iPhone Duo to help offset a delayed base-model launch.

Kroger plans to cut about 3,000 corporate roles over three years

Kroger says it will cut about 3,000 corporate roles over three years, citing efforts to simplify operations and adapt to technology. The company says it will invest in frontline workers.

Warner Music sues Ray-Ban owner over alleged use of its music in ads

Warner Music Group sued Luxottica and affiliated companies, alleging they used at least 427 Warner works in social media marketing without licenses or payment.

Apple reportedly cuts iPhone 18 Pro parts orders amid weaker demand

Apple has reportedly asked suppliers to reduce parts production for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. One account puts October order cuts at 15% to 20%.

Social Security’s 2027 Cost-of-Living Increase Is Due for Announcement

U.S. officials are set to announce the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment on Oct. 14, after September inflation data is released. Forecasts put the increase at 3.5% or 3.6%.

The United States is due to announce the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment on Wednesday, Oct.

14, after September inflation data is released.

The adjustment, known as COLA, changes Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments to help recipients keep up with rising prices.

Forecasts put the increase at 3.5% or 3.6%, though the official figure has not yet been announced.

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Starbucks denies plans to buy Chipotle

Starbucks said it is not planning to buy Chipotle, contradicting a Financial Times report that it had been working on a possible offer. Starbucks shares rose after the denial, while Chipotle shares fell.

The Financial Times reported that Starbucks had worked on a takeover offer for Chipotle.

Starbucks denied plans to buy Chipotle, after which Starbucks shares rose and Chipotle shares fell.

Kalshi traders expect US inflation to stay high after a likely 2026 peak

Kalshi traders expect US inflation to remain elevated, with September CPI forecast at 3.6% year over year. They see limited odds of new highs this year.

September CPI forecast
3.6% year over year
August CPI increase
3.4% year over year
May 2026 inflation peak
4.2% year over year
Chance of a 2026 inflation high
Just under one in three

Mike Tomlin shares a 12-year Minecraft city project

The former Pittsburgh Steelers coach has launched a YouTube channel to show a sprawling city he built in Minecraft over 12 years.

Admirers of Tomlin’s project Critics of the project

Time spent

They admired his dedication to a project developed over 12 years.

They questioned whether Tomlin devoted too much time to his virtual city.

Sushi-Con 2026 draws crowds to New York expo

More than 60 companies took part in Sushi-Con 2026 in New York, where visitors sampled Japanese foods and watched a bluefin tuna-cutting show.

Science & Tech

Anthropic warns small AI models could soon spread between smart devices

Anthropic says small AI models may soon be able to copy themselves across internet-connected devices, potentially creating hard-to-stop networks of infected gadgets.

“We should aim to harden our systems to make it difficult for such replicators to spread, but also prepare to deal with a world where they are here to stay.”
Anthropic researchersSafety researchers

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple launches HomePod Mini 2 with Siri AI support and new features

Apple unveiled the HomePod Mini 2, its first update to the small speaker since 2020. It costs $149, comes in five colors and goes on sale October 30.

Apple has introduced the HomePod Mini 2, its first small-speaker update since 2020.

The speaker has a new S10 chip, and Apple says a future software update will bring its latest Siri AI features.

With a compatible iPhone or iPad, Siri can use personal information to help with tasks such as finding a message or adding ingredients to a shopping list.

The speaker also adds Sound Glow, which matches its lights to album art, and can work as a Mac’s default speaker.

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Apple unveils fourth-generation Apple TV 4K with A19 chip and Siri AI

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, hands-free Siri AI and support for four-speaker surround sound. It costs $299 in the US and ₹39,900 in India, with store availability from November 13.

Apple unveiled the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K and made it available for preorder.

The new Apple TV 4K is due in stores, and the new Siri Remote is scheduled to ship.

Apple launches smart home accessories with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple unveiled cameras, a door lock, thermostats and sensors for its Home app, developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. The collection is set to begin arriving in December.

Collection
Apple Home Collection
Development partners
LG Electronics and Schneider Electric
Smart deadbolt price
$349.95
Wired video doorbell price
$249.95

Beats and Pokémon reveal Pikachu and Mimikyu edition of Beats Pill

Beats and The Pokémon Company revealed a special-edition Beats Pill featuring Pikachu and Mimikyu. It goes on sale October 15 for $149.99 in the United States.

Paris Auto Show puts affordable cars and electric models in focus

The Paris Auto Show opened to the public on October 13, featuring more than 60 automakers. Its 2026 lineup highlights small cars, family models and electric vehicles, including options priced below €20,000.

Sports

Commanders and Giants tie after Washington fails to stop the clock in overtime

Washington let the clock expire while in field-goal range, ending its chance to beat New York. Coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels accepted blame for the mistake.

“The sequence of that does not fall on him.”
Dan QuinnCommanders head coach

Rams to review kicking unit after overtime loss to Bills

Los Angeles lost 37-34 in overtime after a missed field goal and a blocked kick. Coach Sean McVay said the team will evaluate its kicking game.

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.

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.

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.

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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NFL clears Zxavian Harris to sign with a team as a free agent

The NFL ruled former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris eligible to sign with any team. Former Ole Miss tight end Da'Quan Wright is still waiting for a decision.

Harris sought to return to college and play for LSU.

The NFL initially ruled Harris ineligible to join a team.

The NFL Management Council ruled Harris an eligible free agent.

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava expected to miss season with knee injury

Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the rest of UCLA's season after injuring his knee against Oregon. Coach Bob Chesney says medical evaluations will determine the final timeline.

Oregon result
UCLA won 17-15
UCLA record
5-0
Iamaleava passing
982 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions
Dieffenbach against Oregon
3-of-6 passing for 43 yards and a touchdown

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.

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

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.

“The idea at the moment is the films will come out in 2028, and we want people to be able to experience them in the cinema during the same period.”
Pippa HarrisProducer and Neal Street Productions co-founder

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.

IDFA to open with film following Myanmar resistance recruits in training

The 39th IDFA documentary festival in Amsterdam will open with the world premiere of “White Tiger Column,” following recruits through 45 days of training with Myanmar’s resistance movement.

Netflix sets November 12, 2026, release for Swedish rom-com The Christmas Switch

The Christmas Switch, starring twin actresses Felice and Happy Jankell as sisters who trade lives before Christmas, will premiere on Netflix on November 12, 2026.

Nicolas Cage says he may not work with Amazon after refusing AI waiver

Cage says he refused to sign a waiver allowing AI use on Amazon’s now-canceled Spider-Noir and may not work with the studio again. He also hinted he could join True Detective’s fifth season.

Godzilla Minus Zero brings Godzilla and King Ghidorah back to theaters

The sequel’s trailer hints at a new monster threat, while its filmmakers describe recording Godzilla and King Ghidorah’s roars outdoors. The film opens in Japan on Nov. 3 and the US on Nov. 6.

‘The Social Reckoning’ opens with $5.5 million in domestic ticket sales

Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to ‘The Social Network’ earned $5.5 million in US theaters on its opening weekend, far below the earlier film’s $22 million debut.

Aaron Sorkin’s ‘The Social Reckoning’ opened to $5.5 million in US ticket sales over the weekend, far below expectations.

The film follows the 2010 hit ‘The Social Network,’ which opened with $22 million, and focuses on whistleblower Frances Haugen’s leaks about Facebook.

The new film received mixed-to-negative reviews, with a 55% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a B- CinemaScore from opening-weekend audiences.

Its weaker start may reflect both its darker subject and the absence of the original film’s director, David Fincher, and star Jesse Eisenberg.

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Ben Affleck calls Justice League reshoots the low point of his career

Ben Affleck says the Justice League reshoots were a low point in his career, criticizing how Zack Snyder was replaced after stepping away from the film.

Zack Snyder left Justice League after his daughter died.

Joss Whedon took over directing duties and oversaw reshoots.

Justice League was released theatrically.

Snyder’s version of Justice League was released as a four-hour extended cut.

UGC schedules rival Bordeaux film festival during FIFIB dates

UGC will hold its own festival in Bordeaux from 2 to 8 November, overlapping with the independent FIFIB festival. The move follows the end of a 13-year partnership between them.

UGC event
The Big Screen
UGC event dates
2 to 8 November
FIFIB dates
2 to 7 November
UGC cinemas
Gambetta, Bassins à flot and Talence

Tom Cruise’s Digger could lose about $245 million at the box office

The satire has made about $35 million worldwide so far, and analysts say Warner Bros could lose around $245 million. The studio disputes the reported break-even figure.

Warner Bros. Hollywood analysts

Break-even estimate

Warner Bros. told Variety the film needs $300 million to break even.

Analysts said it needs about $350 million to break even.

Documentary examines Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos fraud

A new documentary follows Elizabeth Holmes as it revisits Theranos’ failed blood-testing claims and the fraud that brought down the company.

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

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.

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.

UK demand for pears rises as nutritionist highlights health benefits

Demand for pears in the UK rose 28% from the same period a year earlier. Nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert highlighted their fiber and other nutrients.

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.

Kudumbashree promotes local nutritious foods during Poshan Maah in Kozhikode

Kudumbashree in Kozhikode is holding food festivals and cooking contests to promote nutritious dishes made with local millets, tubers and leaves during Poshan Maah.

Kudumbashree's Kozhikode district mission is promoting local nutritious foods during Rashtriya Poshan Maah in Kerala.

For the past month, it has held food festivals and cooking contests in wards and panchayats featuring dishes made with millets, tubers and leaves.

The events aim to popularise familiar but less-used recipes and show their nutritional value while keeping their flavour.

Activities also include recipe sharing, poster contests and classes on obesity and psychosocial well-being for self-help groups and children's groups.

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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.

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

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.

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.