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Japan to speed up urban flood and underpass safety measures

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she had ordered faster work on urban flood and underpass measures after a lawmaker raised lessons from August’s heavy rain in Chiba.

“I instructed officials to speed up efforts on measures against inland flooding and at underpasses.”
Sanae TakaichiPrime minister of Japan

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.

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.

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.

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.

Japan lower house declines to release records of imperial law debate

Japan’s lower house declined to disclose records on a debate about imperial law. No further details were provided.

Japan’s lower house declined to disclose records about a debate on imperial law.

The decision was announced on October 13, 2026.

The records concern a discussion of law related to the imperial system.

The available information does not explain what the debate covered or why the records were requested.

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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.

The government had designated 24 airports and 33 seaports for public infrastructure development.

The National Security Secretariat submitted materials to a government panel on revising the three security documents.

The government is considering revising the three security documents to include railways in defense-related expenditure.

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.

Party
Komeito
Party chief
Okamoto
Stated aim
Build a bloc of lawmakers who share similar values
Publication date
October 13, 2026

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.

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.

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

Jack Harvey says cancer diagnosis has not changed his 2027 IndyCar plans

The 33-year-old IndyCar driver says he has been diagnosed with cancer but still plans to race in 2027, including at the Indianapolis 500.

“My goals for 2027 have not changed.”
Jack HarveyIndyCar driver

Verstappen to race in GT World Challenge finale at Portimão

Max Verstappen will race a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the three-hour GT World Challenge season finale in Portimão, Portugal, on 17 October. The race will stream free on the GT World YouTube channel.

Jorge Martin avoids penalty after Indonesian GP start video sparks debate

A social media video raised questions about Jorge Martin’s start at the Indonesian Grand Prix. The rules say a jump start requires the bike to move when the red lights go out.

IndyCar’s new IR-28 chassis undergoes durability testing at Sebring

Alex Palou completed 43 laps in IndyCar’s new IR-28 chassis at Sebring, testing its durability and cooling. Alexander Rossi is due to take over testing on Tuesday.

Bourdais and Moss named to Sebring’s Class of 75

Sébastien Bourdais and Sir Stirling Moss lead the second group of 15 drivers named to Sebring’s Class of 75, a roster honoring the race’s greatest competitors.

Kim Kardashian speaks with Martin Brundle at Singapore Grand Prix

Kardashian spoke with Sky Sports presenter Martin Brundle during the Singapore Grand Prix grid walk, months after an awkward encounter in Monaco.

Hamilton takes responsibility for costly Singapore GP strategy call

Lewis Hamilton said his decision to stay out during a Virtual Safety Car period cost him a podium in Singapore. He finished sixth and apologised to Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton finished sixth at the Singapore Grand Prix after a strategy decision cost him a chance at a podium.

The Ferrari driver chose not to pit for fresh tyres during a Virtual Safety Car period, while team-mate Charles Leclerc did pit.

Hamilton said he made the call himself because he wanted to try a different strategy at a track where overtaking is difficult.

His old tyres lost pace late in the race, and he was passed by Leclerc, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli and McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

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Niels Koolen joins Abel Motorsports for 2027 Indy NXT season

The 25-year-old Dutch driver is moving to Abel Motorsports after two seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing. He will begin preparations with a test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 16.

Koolen raced for Chip Ganassi Racing in Indy NXT.

Koolen recorded two top-five finishes, including a fourth-place finish at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Koolen is scheduled to begin preparations at the Chris Griffis Memorial test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

An additional test session is scheduled at Barber Motorsports Park.

Koolen is set to join Abel Motorsports in Indy NXT.

McLaren tells Norris and Piastri to put team first after Singapore crash

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri collided on the final lap of the Singapore sprint race. McLaren boss Andrea Stella called it unacceptable and said the team would discuss how to prevent a repeat.

Race
Singapore Grand Prix sprint
Collision
Final lap, while the drivers fought for fourth place
Norris
Finished eighth
Piastri
Retired from the race

Antonelli can clinch his first F1 title in Austin

Kimi Antonelli leads George Russell by 102 points and can secure the 2026 Formula 1 title at the United States Grand Prix on October 25.

Chase Briscoe beats Christopher Bell by 0.029 seconds at Charlotte

Briscoe held off teammate Christopher Bell in a photo finish to win at Charlotte Motor Speedway, his second straight NASCAR playoff victory. He is now fourth in the standings, 65 points behind leader Kyle Larson.

Entertainment

Epic delays Marvel and Star Wars game amid reported AI-first shift

Epic Games has delayed an unannounced shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters, with developers reportedly told to use AI tools for its production. The game has no new release date.

“We’re embracing AI-accelerated development, led by Epic developers who are the visionaries and creative drivers for everything we do.”
Jake JonesEpic communications director

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.

GTA 6 leaker threatens full-game release if meme coin reaches $30 million

Anonymous leaker CyberLeek says it will release an alleged playable version of GTA 6 if its Solana meme coin reaches a $30 million market value. The build has not been verified.

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.

Yujiro Hanma teased as a new Tekken 8 DLC fighter

Bandai Namco has shown a brief preview of Baki character Yujiro Hanma in Tekken 8. His release date has not been announced.

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.

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.

Glen Schofield says Krafton forced his team to release The Callisto Protocol early.

Schofield, who co-created Dead Space, led Striking Distance Studios, which made the horror game for publisher Krafton.

He says Krafton withdrew three promised months of development time, meaning the game launched in December 2022 instead of March 2023.

The studio was also dealing with Covid infections and shutdowns, which disrupted work and raised concerns about staff health.

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God of War Laufey collector’s box costs $149.99 and excludes the game

Sony’s $149.99 U.S. collector’s box for God of War Laufey includes a statue, cards and an artbook, but no copy of the game. It is set to release with the game on Feb. 16, 2027.

Standard and digital deluxe editions of God of War Laufey went up for preorder.

Sony revealed the U.S. Collector Box after PlayStation Spain had posted it early.

The Collector Box is scheduled to release alongside the game.

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.

Speaker
Asha Sharma, Xbox CEO
Key warning
Xbox would not survive if it relied only on the past
Meeting
Xbox company-wide town hall, reportedly held the week before October 13, 2026
Franchise strategy
Back the strongest franchises and create enduring new IP

Legacy Games Store to Close, Ending Access to Game Downloads in 2027

Legacy Games will close its online store on February 28, 2027. Customers must install purchased games by then to keep playing them through its launcher.

Legacy Games Concerned customers

Access to purchased games

Legacy Games says customers can download and install purchased games by February 28, 2027, and play installed games through the launcher.

Some customers object to losing the ability to re-download purchased games after the shutdown.

Fairness

Not stated.

One customer called the shutdown “shitty business practice” and said more laws or compensation were needed.

Bandai Namco to make Ace Combat Zero a standalone PC game

Bandai Namco plans to release Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War as a separate app for PC players who pre-ordered Ace Combat 8. The release date is not yet known.

Health

BioNTech cancer vaccine misses one goal in pivotal trial

BioNTech’s experimental mRNA vaccine for head and neck cancer failed to meet one of two primary goals in a pivotal trial.

“support continued evaluation”
Özlem TüreciBioNTech co-founder and chief medical officer

Suspected cholera cases triple in Yemen amid renewed fighting

Yemen has recorded 8,034 suspected cholera cases and 27 deaths this year. Cases tripled in three weeks as fighting displaced people into unsanitary camps.

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.

Review finds insufficient evidence for medicinal cannabis to treat insomnia

A review of nine trials involving 537 adults found too little reliable evidence to recommend medicinal cannabis for insomnia. The findings do not prove the products are ineffective.

EU regions urge stronger local role in cardiovascular health strategy

The EU Committee of the Regions unanimously adopted recommendations calling for more prevention and greater involvement of local authorities in European cardiovascular health efforts.

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.

DEA proposes strict controls on concentrated kratom compounds

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances, while Michigan lawmakers consider whether to ban kratom or regulate its sale.

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances found in some concentrated products.

The proposal would place the substances in Schedule I, the federal category for drugs considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States.

Kratom comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia and is sold in the United States in products such as powders, capsules and liquids.

It is marketed for pain relief and other uses, but as an herbal supplement it does not face the same safety testing rules as prescription medicines.

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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.

Pennsylvania announced the first two measles-related deaths, both infants in Lancaster County.

A 40-year-old woman in Jefferson County and an 18-year-old Mifflin County resident died after measles-related complications.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported the fifth death, involving a 20-year-old woman with a compromised immune system.

Pennsylvania reported the sixth death, involving a 39-year-old woman in Franklin County.

Higher physical activity linked to slower decline in Parkinson’s study

A study following 294 people with Parkinson’s for up to seven years linked higher activity levels with slower declines in thinking and movement. It does not prove exercise caused the difference.

Participants
294 adults with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease
Average age
66
Follow-up
Up to seven years
Activity groups
Up to four hours, four to eight hours, and more than eight hours weekly

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.

Traditional view of exercise adaptation Exercise-memory research

Effects of a break

Muscle gains and insulin sensitivity can drift back toward their starting levels, often within weeks.

Cells may retain memories of earlier training during a period without exercise.

Regaining fitness

The traditional “use it or lose it” view implies that benefits fade when training stops.

People with a training history may get fit again faster, and previously trained mice grew bigger muscles when they retrained.

Flu season is starting early, raising questions about vaccination

Flu season is kicking off early. The story raises the question of whether people are getting vaccinated but gives no further details.