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Japan’s prime minister plans to question Agriculture Minister Yanagi by phone

The prime minister said she wants Agriculture Minister Yanagi to explain by phone tonight about an issue involving a shuttle bus.

“I want to receive a report by phone by the end of tonight”
Prime Minister TakaichiJapan’s prime minister

Japan PM says he may dismiss farm minister if illegality is found

Japan's prime minister said he would not hesitate to dismiss the farm minister if illegality is found.

Japan considers including railways in defense-related spending

Japan is considering counting railway upgrades as defense-related spending in revisions to three security documents due by year-end. The goal is to help move supplies and equipment during emergencies.

Takaichi to finalize Japan’s foreign resident policy by March

Takaichi plans to finalize Japan’s foreign resident policy by March, taking population projections into account as the country balances its need for foreign workers with a shrinking population.

Debate over agriculture minister's future continues as LDP seeks to calm tensions

Discussion in Japan's upper house over Agriculture Minister Yanagi's future is drawing attention as the LDP tries to ease tensions. Discontent remains inside and outside the party.

Oita to begin collecting lodging tax in June 2027

Oita Prefecture will charge guests a nightly tax based on room rates from June 1, 2027, with revenue intended to support tourism and local municipalities.

Komeito’s new chief calls for political realignment

Komeito leader Okamoto said he wants the party to unite lawmakers who share similar values and serve as a focal point for political realignment.

Komeito leader Okamoto called for political realignment.

He said he wants the party to become a rallying point for lawmakers with similar values.

His goal is to build a bloc of like-minded lawmakers.

The statement describes a political aim, not a completed alliance.

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Farm minister Kazuo Yana accused of election violation

Opposition parties questioned the prime minister about newly appointed farm minister Kazuo Yana’s January election campaign, amid accusations of an election violation.

Kazuo Yana’s election campaign took place.

Opposition parties questioned the prime minister about the campaign and her policies.

Japanese lawmakers divided over nuclear submarine study in security documents

Lawmakers are split on whether Japan's security documents should include a study of nuclear submarines. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the public understands the need for discussion.

Country
Japan
Defense minister
Shinjiro Koizumi
Publication date
October 13, 2026
Security issue
Study of nuclear submarines in security documents

Ichikawa mayor admits giving wrong reason for denying mosque prayers in park

Ichikawa Mayor Koh Tanaka acknowledged that he wrongly said a former neighbor moved because of the mosque. The city had denied the mosque permission to hold holiday prayers in a municipal park.

Ichikawa city government Gyotoku mosque congregation

Permission

The city denied permission, saying it could not be certain the event would not interfere with public use of the park.

The congregation sought permission to hold group prayers in the park for an Islamic holiday.

Japan seeks tenfold increase in Cabinet public relations budget

The Takaichi administration requested 7.2 billion yen for public relations in fiscal 2027, about 10 times the previous year's budget. Critics warn the spending could promote the government rather than provide balanced information.

World

Drones hit two ships off Bulgaria; one sinks and 11 crew are missing

Two cargo ships were hit by drones in the Black Sea off Bulgaria. One sank, leaving 11 crew members missing, while all 15 people aboard the other ship were rescued.

“This is absolutely unacceptable: yet another attack in close proximity to Bulgaria’s territorial waters”
Rumen RadevBulgarian prime minister

Break-in reported at business building in Drensteinfurt-Walstedde

Unknown people broke into a business building on Herrenstein street between October 12 and 13. Police are asking witnesses to come forward.

Nuremberg airport reopens after plane makes emergency landing

Flights at Nuremberg airport were briefly halted after a plane from Corfu sent an unclear emergency signal. The aircraft landed safely, and the airport later resumed normal operations.

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.

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.

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.

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 stabbed eight people at a supermarket in Incheon, a city west of Seoul, on Tuesday.

Police said one person went into cardiac arrest and seven others were injured; all eight were taken to hospitals.

The suspect, described by police as being in his 60s, was subdued by shoppers and detained by police.

He moved through the building with knives fastened to his hands, according to police.

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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’s work countering state threats quadrupled.

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

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran was highly likely or almost certainly behind the suspected Fairford plot.

Ken McCallum delivered his annual speech warning of growing state and technology-related threats.

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.

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.

Business

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.

“there is nothing beyond the typical production adjustments Apple makes every year.”
JP Morgan analystsAnalysts

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%.

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.

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.

AI Cited in Nearly 192,000 US Job Cuts Since 2023

Nearly 192,000 US job cuts since 2023 have been attributed to AI, including 120,100 in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures based on employment data.

IMF sees US inflation rising in 2026 before easing in 2027

The IMF forecasts US inflation at 3.6% in 2026 and 2.8% in 2027, with underlying inflation not returning to its 2% target until mid-2028.

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.

UnitedHealth has raised its profit forecast again.

The company’s turnaround efforts are gathering pace, according to the headline.

A profit forecast is an estimate of how much profit a company expects to make.

The headline gives no new forecast figure or details about the changes behind the increase.

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Bumble reportedly in advanced talks for a $1bn takeover

Bumble shares rose almost 50% after a report that technology holding company Ithaca is in advanced talks to buy the dating app firm for around $1bn.

Whitney Wolfe Herd launched Bumble.

Bumble listed on Nasdaq and later reached a market value of more than $14bn.

A report said Bumble was in advanced takeover talks, and its shares rose almost 50%.

Ithaca could announce a deal to buy Bumble, according to the Wall Street Journal report cited by the BBC.

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.

Works cited
At least 427 Warner-controlled works
Defendants
Luxottica Group S.p.A. and five affiliated companies
Court
US District Court for the Southern District of New York
Followers
36.14 million combined social media followers, according to Warner’s law firm

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.

Starbucks Financial Times report

Takeover plans

Starbucks said it was not buying Chipotle.

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

Bison plans first drilling at Nevada’s Bald Peaks gold-silver target

Bison Resources has filed a notice for seven drill pads at Bald Peaks in Nevada. It is targeting a December 2026 start, after rock-chip assay results are due by the end of October.

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

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.

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.

Scientists call for stronger safeguards against AI hacking

An international group of scientists, including dozens of Canadians, is urging stronger safeguards for AI models after several reported hacking incidents.

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

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.

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.

Sports

Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey sells privately for $14 million

A jersey Jordan wore in Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $14 million in a private sale, setting a record for basketball memorabilia.

“Michael Jordan was an incredibly talented player who is admired around the world.”
Ron FirmanBuyer

Warriors and Brandin Podziemski agree to five-year, $110 million extension

Golden State has agreed to a fully guaranteed five-year, $110 million extension with guard Brandin Podziemski, keeping him off next summer’s restricted free-agent market.

A Search for the 2026-27 Utah Jazz’s Historical Equivalent

A story asks which past team offers a historical comparison for the 2026-27 Utah Jazz, but its available text gives no answer.

Towns says Knicks’ pause on extension talks caught him off guard

Karl-Anthony Towns said he was disappointed after the Knicks postponed contract extension talks until later in the season. He said his focus remains on winning another NBA title.

Victor Wembanyama tops NBA player ranking for 2026-27

Victor Wembanyama ranks first in a new list of the NBA’s 100 best players entering the 2026-27 season, ahead of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić.

Seven NBA preseason standouts look ready to improve

Seven NBA players stood out in the preseason and appear ready to take a step forward. The available details do not identify them or describe their performances.

Clippers waive Yuki Kawamura before 2026-27 NBA season

The Los Angeles Clippers waived Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura as they finalize their roster for the 2026-27 season. He could join the team’s G League affiliate.

The Los Angeles Clippers waived Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura before the 2026-27 NBA regular season.

The move reduces the Clippers’ preseason roster to 20 players as the team finalizes its lineup.

Kawamura, 25, has played 40 NBA regular-season games since making his debut with Memphis in October 2024, including 18 for Chicago last season.

He scored 10 points and had four assists in 14 minutes against Toronto in a Clippers preseason game.

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KJ Simpson Expected to Sign With Galatasaray

Former NBA guard KJ Simpson is expected to join Turkish club Galatasaray. The agreement has not yet been formally confirmed.

Simpson was selected 42nd overall.

Simpson was named to the NBA All-Summer League team as a member of the Hornets’ championship-winning squad in Las Vegas.

Charlotte waived Simpson.

Simpson signed a two-year, two-way deal with the Nuggets.

Denver cut Simpson to open a two-way slot for newcomer Ryan Nembhard.

Porzingis to meet Warriors medical staff after two-week absence

Kristaps Porzingis is expected at the Warriors’ San Francisco facility Tuesday for a medical evaluation. The team has not said when he can return to play.

Absence
Two weeks
Expected meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026
Location
Chase Center, San Francisco
Medical contact
Rick Celebrini, director of sports medicine and performance

Lonnie Walker IV weighs EuroLeague return as Besiktas leads interest

The Denver Nuggets waived Walker, who is now considering a return to the EuroLeague. Besiktas is reportedly leading the race, with two other clubs also interested.

NBA player rankings for 2026-27 list players ranked 100th to 51st

A USA TODAY Sports team published its NBA player rankings for the 2026-27 season, covering players ranked from 100th to 51st.

Entertainment

RimWorld moves to its own engine, with faster performance and saves intact

Update 1.7 moves RimWorld from Unity to Ludeon Studios’ Waylith Engine. The studio says it runs two to four times faster, and existing saves and most mods still work.

“We’re announcing update 1.7, which moves RimWorld from Unity to the Waylith Engine, our own in-house engine built by Ludeon Studios.”
Ludeon StudiosRimWorld developer

Glen Schofield says Krafton made him release The Callisto Protocol early

Glen Schofield says Krafton withdrew three promised months of development time during the pandemic, forcing his team to release The Callisto Protocol in December 2022 with problems still unresolved.

Ben Affleck says he spent three years playing StarCraft after becoming famous

Ben Affleck said on a podcast that he stayed home and played StarCraft for three years after becoming famous. He also described playing other games before and after that period.

Marvel Tōkon reveals four Year One DLC fighters

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls will add Phoenix Cyclops, Jane Foster as Thor, Venom and Jubilee, along with a new Klyntar stage. The additions are due from November 2026 through summer 2027.

Haunted Chocolatier will focus more on action than Stardew Valley

Creator Eric Barone says his next game will emphasize adventuring, equipment and combat while keeping its town-game feel. It has no release date.

Peak, the co-op climbing game, is rated for release on PS5

Peak, a climbing game made by Aggro Crab and Landfall Games, has received a PS5 age rating from the ESRB, pointing to a console release.

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.

God of War Laufey’s Collector’s Box will not include the game it is themed around.

The box contains a light-up statue, a 51-card deck and a mini art book.

The UK edition is priced at £130, while the US price has not yet been announced.

Buyers who want to play will need to purchase the game separately; the US price is not given.

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Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii makes interrogation game with AI in about 30 minutes

Yuji Horii shared a short, text-based game in which players question a suspect. He said AI helped him make it in about 30 minutes, without drawing or programming.

Horii released The Portopia Serial Murder Case.

Horii shared his new game in a post on X.

Horii said he spent about this long making the game with AI.

Free browser game simulates lives shaped by chance and statistics

A free browser game called 80億分の1 lets players experience a simulated life in a randomly chosen country, using statistics from 141 countries. It has drawn attention on social media.

Statistical coverage
Data from 141 countries
Languages
Japanese, English and Korean
Price
Free to play in a browser
Initial development
About four hours from the first AI prompt to release of the initial version

Chandler Riggs Makes Resident Evil 7 Fan Film and Seeks Cregger Collaboration

The Walking Dead actor Chandler Riggs made a 20-minute fan film based on Resident Evil 7 and says he would welcome working with director Zach Cregger on another film in the franchise.

Hardcore fans seeking a close adaptation Zach Cregger’s approach

Adaptation approach

Some hardcore fans wished for a 1:1 adaptation of the games.

Cregger was against a 1:1 adaptation, believing the games had already told their stories perfectly.

No Man’s Sky is coming to iPhone and iPad on October 28

Hello Games is bringing the full No Man’s Sky game, with its updates, to iPhone and iPad. The mobile version will be free to try and will not include multiplayer or settlements at launch.

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.