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Politics

Xi sets priorities for China’s health system at national conference

Xi Jinping called for stronger disease prevention, medical services and health care coverage, saying China must make decisive progress toward its Healthy China goal during the 2026–2030 period.

“Prevention is the most economical and effective health strategy”
Xi JinpingChinese president and Communist Party general secretary

China’s health sector received 245.4 billion yuan in tax and fee relief

China says tax and fee policies cut costs for health and care services by 245.4 billion yuan from January to August 2026. Health equipment manufacturing and health services sales also grew.

China expands health services and sets 2035 goal for a healthy nation

China has expanded health care and prevention programs as part of its Healthy China strategy, with a national goal of building a healthy China by 2035.

China plans to recruit 35,700 civil servants for 2027

Online applications open from October 14 to 24 for central government agencies and their directly affiliated institutions. The written exam is scheduled for November 29.

China sets tougher protection plans for major archaeological sites

A national meeting in Zhengzhou set priorities for protecting major archaeological sites, including stronger monitoring and possible removal of poorly managed national archaeological parks.

China proposes faster export process for some civil aviation parts

China’s Commerce Ministry is seeking public feedback on draft rules that would let eligible aviation businesses register some exports and obtain an export document without applying for a licence for each shipment.

Beijing forum examines digital approaches to urban governance

More than 3,200 participants from over 70 countries and regions gathered in Beijing to discuss modern urban governance and the city’s system for handling public complaints.

The 2026 Beijing Forum on Swift Response to Public Complaints opened in Beijing on Monday for a two-day event.

More than 3,200 participants from over 70 countries and regions are taking part.

The forum’s theme is using digital tools to build a people-focused city.

Beijing began its public-complaints initiative in 2019 to respond to residents’ concerns and everyday problems.

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China updates its mineral resources catalogue with 174 mineral types

China has issued a new catalogue covering 174 mineral types and 119 subtypes, updating a classification system in place since 1994. It is intended to support resource management and planning.

China issued and implemented the previous mineral resources classification details.

China’s new Mineral Resources Law took effect, establishing special protection for strategic mineral resources.

The implementing regulations for the Mineral Resources Law took effect.

China published the updated Mineral Resources Catalogue.

China publishes 29 examples of redeveloping underused land

China’s Ministry of Natural Resources published 29 cases from 19 provincial-level regions showing ways to reuse idle and inefficiently used land. It plans to publish a new set of cases each year during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

Number of cases
29
Categories
6
Geographic coverage
19 provincial-level regions
Publisher
China’s Ministry of Natural Resources

Former Central South University president charged with bribery

Prosecutors in Anqing, Anhui, have charged Zhang Yaoxue with taking bribes while holding senior education and university posts. The case will be heard by the Anqing Intermediate People’s Court.

Headline describes a red ribbon creating a striking new scene

The headline refers to a “red ribbon” and a striking new scene, but the published text gives no details about what happened or where.

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

Voice actor Kenichi Suzumura’s agency to close in March 2027

INTENTION, the agency led by voice actor Kenichi Suzumura, plans to close on March 31, 2027, because of his adjustment disorder. The agency says it will support its talents through the closure.

“医師からは『経営に関わり続ける限り病状は回復しない』と診断されており、誠に残念ながら、解散という苦渋の決断に至りました”
INTENTIONVoice acting agency

South Korea lets registered agencies rate music videos themselves

South Korea’s Cabinet approved a law allowing registered entertainment agencies to assign age ratings to music videos and publish them after notifying the rating board.

Sung Han-bin launches solo career with first EP

The ZEROBASEONE leader released his first solo EP, DEAD:ALIVE, on Oct. 12 and named NCT’s Jaehyun as a role model for his stage presence.

Chiikawa Pocket’s fourth official merchandise range goes on sale October 24

The new range features designs based on bento outfits and shopkeeper outfits, with items including T-shirts, bags, towels and character goods.

Red Riding Hood: A Detective Story Opens With a Question About Murder

The first episode of Red Riding Hood: A Detective Story asks what murder in a children's story would look like.

The Coppersmith's Bride Manga to End in Three Chapters

The Coppersmith's Bride manga is set to conclude after three more chapters.

Ahn Jae Hyun Reflects on Debuting Early During Han River Picnic

Actor Ahn Jae Hyun became emotional during a Han River picnic, saying he started working young and that leisure time in Seoul still feels unfamiliar.

Actor Ahn Jae Hyun shared a sashimi picnic by Seoul’s Han River in a YouTube video posted on October 12.

He bought sashimi in Noryangjin and chatted with nearby fans, sharing food before sitting down to relax.

Asked about having time for leisure, he said he had debuted too early, then added that this might have been better.

Ahn began working as a model in 2009 and later moved into acting and variety shows.

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Lee Seok Hoon says he met his wife on a 2011 TV show

Singer Lee Seok Hoon recalled meeting ballerina Choi Sun Ah on a variety show and asking for her number through his manager. The couple are marking their 10th wedding anniversary this year.

Lee Seok Hoon first met Choi Sun Ah on MBC’s Heart-Throbbing Star Love Studio.

Lee and Choi developed a romantic relationship and married.

Lee recounted how they met on KBS 1TV’s Morning Yard segment “With the Famous Spouse.

Voice actress Manaka Iwami announces marriage and birth of first child

Manaka Iwami announced that she is married and has given birth to her first child. She said she and the baby are doing well.

Marriage
Iwami announced she had married
First child
Iwami said she had given birth to her first child
Partner
A non-celebrity individual
Announcement date
October 13, 2026

FES☆TIVE apologizes after festival performance is stopped

FES☆TIVE said its set at a festival in Gunma was stopped at the organizers’ decision after dangerous audience behavior. The group apologized and said it plans another event soon.

FES☆TIVE's management Social media critics

Reason for interruption

The group said the organizers decided to stop the performance.

Critics said the interruption was warranted because of audience members’ dangerous behavior.

Apology and statement

The group apologized for the sudden interruption and announced plans for a festival without restrictions.

Critics questioned why the statement did not address the reported disruptive behavior and raised concerns about safety.

Hirosaki launches a new manga

Hirosaki is launching a new manga titled The Heroic Tale of the Villainous Prince. Further details are not provided.

Health

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.

“Cardiovascular prevention is not a cost but an investment”
Carmine PacenteRapporteur and Milan city councillor

Doctors plan aortic valve replacement with future procedures in mind

At a cardiology meeting in Milan, specialists said the first valve replacement should be planned around possible future procedures. New European guidelines lower the recommended age for TAVI to 70.

Family alleges negligence after woman dies following surgery in Kozhikode

A 49-year-old woman died after two operations at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. Her family alleges medical negligence; police have registered an unnatural-death case and the hospital has begun an inquiry.

Family sues over 21-year-old woman's death after ankle fracture treatment

Dale Alice Martin died at Waterbury Hospital in Connecticut after receiving pain medication for a broken ankle. Her family alleges excessive medication and a lack of monitoring caused her death.

Dutch minister to end 13-week pregnancy scan from 2028

The Netherlands will stop offering the 13-week pregnancy scan from 1 January 2028. Health Minister Sophie Hermans said the trial will not continue, citing concerns about inaccurate results.

Pinerolo hospital is Piedmont’s only public centre using TESAR for abdominal diastasis

Pinerolo hospital is the only centre in Piedmont using the minimally invasive TESAR technique for abdominal diastasis in Italy’s public health service.

Racist abuse against NHS staff from minority backgrounds is increasing

Nearly three in 10 NHS staff from ethnic minorities say patients have harassed, intimidated or assaulted them. The NHS says it will strengthen prevention and security.

Racist abuse against NHS staff from ethnic minorities is increasing across Britain, with workers reporting harassment, intimidation and assaults by patients.

Nearly three in 10 say patients have targeted them, according to the figures described in the report.

One nurse in north Wales said patients had told him to return to his country, while a radiologist said he had been called a monkey.

Reported racist incidents involving nurses rose 78% in five years, according to their union.

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Suki raises $90 million to develop AI agents for healthcare tasks

Healthcare AI company Suki raised $90 million in Series E financing. It plans to build AI agents for tasks such as referrals and prior authorizations and expand features offered through technology partners.

Healthcare Dive reported that Suki had raised $90 million in Series E financing.

Suki plans to develop AI agents to handle tasks such as referrals and prior authorizations.

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

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

Suspensions
Two assistant professors and two postgraduate students, for one month
Hospital
Kakinada Government General Hospital
Surgery date
September 26
Patient
31-year-old woman who delivered a baby girl

Alignment Healthcare sues over 2027 Medicare Advantage star ratings

Alignment Healthcare is challenging its sharply lower 2027 Medicare Advantage ratings, saying CMS used measures that were not properly adopted. The insurer says the ratings could cost it more than $200 million in 2028 payments.

Alignment Healthcare Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Star-rating methodology

Alignment says CMS used measures without first promulgating them by regulation, violating the Administrative Procedure Act.

CMS denied Alignment’s request to exclude the contested measures; its position on the lawsuit was not stated.

Requested outcome

Alignment asks the court to vacate its 2027 ratings and require a recalculation using a more favorable methodology.

CMS’s response to the requested court remedy was not stated.

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.