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Mexico plans six prisons with capacity for 18,480 people

Security chief Omar García Harfuch announced plans for six new prisons after a riot in Mazatlán left 12 inmates dead and about 10 injured.

“This construction of the penitentiary center is an integral part of the security strategy for the state of Sinaloa, where the state police are being strengthened, where Mexican Army personnel are assigned to the state police, while its police and prosecutor’s office are also being strengthened.”
Omar García HarfuchSecurity and Citizen Protection Secretary

Morena calls for release of people detained at Guadalajara water protest

Morena called for people detained after a protest over water quality and shortages in Guadalajara to be identified and released. The march ended in clashes between protesters and state police.

Mexico suspends non-essential activities in four states as Hurricane Simón nears

Mexico suspended non-essential activities in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán and Nayarit from 4 p.m. Saturday as Category 4 Hurricane Simón approached, with landfall forecast for early Sunday.

Mexico Senate committees approve restrictions on phones in schools

Senate committees unanimously approved a bill restricting personal device use in basic education schools. The full Senate was due to debate and vote on it later that day.

Kosmos denies gaining contracts through political influence

Corporativo Kosmos rejected claims in a recent column, saying its companies won contracts through competitive processes and were not implicated in US documents about Venezuela’s CLAP program.

Mexico’s poverty rate fell to 29.6% from 2018 to 2024, Morena says

Morena says 13.4 million people in Mexico left poverty between 2018 and 2024, as the poverty rate fell to 29.6%, citing national statistics.

Mexico reports sharp drops in homicide and violent vehicle robbery

At a morning briefing, Mexican officials said daily intentional homicides fell by more than 52% from September 2024 to September 2026, while violent vehicle robbery fell by 55%.

President Claudia Sheinbaum held a morning briefing in Mexico on October 13, 2026.

Marcela Figueroa Franco, who leads the country’s national public security system, presented crime figures through September 30.

Daily intentional homicides fell by more than 52% between September 2024 and September 2026, with 45 fewer killings per day than two years earlier.

September 2026 had the lowest homicide total for that month since 2015.

Read full story →

Sheinbaum holds daily news briefing amid health workers’ protests

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum held a briefing at the National Palace on October 13. Health workers have been protesting pay increases and conditions at some hospitals.

At her previous briefing, Sheinbaum discussed US-Canada-Mexico trade talks and criticized the handling of protests over contaminated water in Jalisco.

Sheinbaum led her daily briefing at the National Palace amid health workers’ protests.

PAN open to alliances to block Morena and opposes tourism fee increase

PAN leader Jorge Romero says the party may form electoral alliances where they could help block Morena. The PAN also plans to oppose a proposed increase of more than 60% in a tourism-related fee.

Proposed fee increase
More than 60%
Fee
Derecho de No Residente (DNR)
Economic package
2027
Sargassum funding questioned
2.6 billion pesos

Mexico’s congressional committee approves 2027 fees and income tax bills

The committee approved proposed changes to federal fees and income tax rules for 2027. The full Chamber of Deputies is due to continue reviewing the economic package.

Government-party lawmakers Opposition-party lawmakers

Purpose of changes

Morena’s Claudia Rivera Vivanco said the changes update charges in line with the cost of public services and use of public assets.

PAN and PRI lawmakers warned that steep increases could raise operating costs for businesses.

Health fees

The proposal raises charges for health permits and authorizations.

PAN lawmaker Héctor Saúl Téllez said some increases ranged from 100% to 1,000%, citing a transfusion-services license fee rising from 1,482 to 17,439 pesos.

Mexico lawmakers advance limits on company tax deductions

A Mexican congressional committee approved limits on deductions and tax losses as part of an income tax reform. The bill now goes to the full chamber for debate.

World

Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy wounded in deadly DR Congo attack

Tim Kennedy was shot three times in an attack in South Kivu province on September 17 that left 20 people dead or wounded. He is receiving medical care in the United States.

“thankful”
Derrick Van OrdenUS Congressman from Wisconsin

EU adds €25 million for migration cooperation in eastern Libya

The EU has signed an additional €25 million for border management, search-and-rescue and anti-smuggling work in eastern Libya, as it seeks to curb irregular migration to Europe.

Attacks push Kaduna residents from homes and drive up city rents

Kidnappings and attacks are driving residents from communities outside Kaduna, Nigeria, into the city, where demand for apartments has pushed rents higher.

African Union holds Kigali talks to advance eastern DRC peace process

Three former African presidents met Rwandan officials and regional representatives in Kigali to discuss security, refugee protection and cooperation as fighting continues in eastern DRC.

Climate activists protest African Energy Week in Cape Town

Greenpeace Africa and Extinction Rebellion campaigners protested in Cape Town against new oil and gas exploration in Africa. Police removed the protesters.

Sánchez confirms Moroccan warships entered Ceuta waters in July

Pedro Sánchez confirmed that Moroccan warships entered waters near Ceuta on 30 and 31 July, as large numbers of migrants arrived from Morocco. Spain sent naval ships to the area.

Oil and gas eruption in eastern Niger causes severe environmental incident

An oil and gas eruption at a Nigerien oil site has been under way since September 25. Two workers were injured, and authorities say it is only partly contained.

An oil and gas eruption began on September 25 at an oil site in eastern Niger, about 1,700 kilometres from the capital, Niamey.

The site is operated by CNPC Niger Petroleum, a local subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation, and the incident occurred at the Goumeri W8 well in the Agadem oil block.

Crude oil and gas have surged more than ten metres into the air, then spread across the surrounding land.

No one has died, but two workers were injured and taken to hospital.

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At least 72 gold miners killed in strike near Sudan-Egypt border

A Sudanese rights group says air strikes killed at least 72 gold miners near the Egypt-Sudan border. It blamed Egypt, which has not commented, but the claim has not been independently verified.

Reports described earlier strikes on mining sites in the same border region, followed by a large-scale Egyptian security operation.

Air strikes hit artisanal gold-mining sites in the Sudanese border region.

Emergency Lawyers reported at least 72 deaths and said the toll was provisional.

At least 139 migrants dead after boat capsizes off Djibouti

A boat carrying 305 people from Djibouti to Yemen capsized near Obock. At least 139 people died, 84 are missing and 82 survived.

Deaths
At least 139, including 15 children
Missing
84 people
People aboard
305
Location
Near Guhere, north of Obock, Djibouti

Egypt’s Baha’i community faces a shortage of burial space

Cairo’s last remaining cemetery for Egypt’s Baha’i community is nearly full, while requests for burial grounds in other cities have been rejected, according to community members.

Baha’i community and rights advocates Egyptian government

Burial capacity

Community members say their last remaining burial place is quickly running out of room.

The government has said there are sufficient burial sites to meet the needs of all citizens.

Requests for new sites

Community members say requests for grounds in Alexandria and Port Said were rejected without clear written explanations.

The government response cited in the article says it does not impose restrictions on personal belief or religious affiliation.

AKA and Tibz murder trial adjourned as defence challenges firearm evidence

The trial over the 2023 murders of rapper AKA and businessman Tibz in Durban was adjourned as the defence challenged evidence linking a firearm to one accused.

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

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%.

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.

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.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reportedly told staff the company needs new game ideas to survive.

She made the comments at an internal town hall last week, according to a transcript cited by Windows Central.

Sharma said Xbox must build lasting new franchises as well as support its best-known games.

Her remarks come as Microsoft reorganises its gaming division around established brands such as Fallout and other major series.

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Poll finds most Americans think Trump is profiting from presidency

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say Donald Trump is illegally profiting from the presidency or acting unethically, an AP-NORC poll found. The White House rejects the accusations.

Trump returned to the White House, according to the article.

Trump family businesses rapidly expanded their real estate empire and entered cryptocurrency ventures.

Voice of Alexandria published the article reporting the AP-NORC poll results.

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

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.

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.

Science & Tech

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.

“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

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.

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.

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.

Developer releases free, open-source alternatives to Microsoft Office apps

Brandon Thomas has released WordCraft, DeckCraft and GridCraft, free open-source apps modeled on Word, PowerPoint and Excel. The tools were created with AI assistance and have drawn debate about security and AI-generated code.

Realme and OnePlus set ColorOS 17 update dates

Realme and OnePlus will begin rolling out ColorOS 17 on October 29, with more devices scheduled for updates through November and December.

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.

Read full story →

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.

Apple announced the HomePod mini 2, and preorders opened.

The HomePod mini 2 is scheduled to go on sale.

Apple says Siri AI support will come to the speaker in a future update.

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.

Record distance
45.22 kilometers (28.10 miles)
Previous record
Opportunity: 45.16 kilometers (28.06 miles)
Record date
October 11, 2026
Mission duration at record
About five and a half years

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.

Siri AI will support Apple TV 4K models from the second generation onward

Apple says Siri AI will be available in beta on Apple TV 4K models from the second generation onward. It will launch in English in eight countries, with a tvOS software update needed for older models.

Sports

Rams tackle Alaric Jackson punches Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb after OT loss

After Buffalo beat Los Angeles 37-34 in overtime, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson punched Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb during a postgame exchange at midfield.

“It's just emotions, you know what I mean? Emotional game. It was a close game,”
Bradley ChubbBills linebacker

Dolphins and Browns lead NFL teams relying on rookies

After five weeks, Miami had 14 first-year contributors, while Cleveland rookies had played 1,401 snaps. The Ravens, Giants and Chargers also ranked among the top five teams in rookie playing time.

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.

Jordan Love and Drake Maye rise in Week 6 fantasy projections

Jordan Love and Drake Maye move up in Week 6 fantasy football projections, while several players lose ground. Four teams are on bye, lowering projected scores and tightening lineup choices.

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.

NFL playoff projections shift after the season’s first five weeks

Early projections put the Patriots and 49ers among the stronger playoff contenders, while the Cowboys and Chargers face weaker odds. The 14-team postseason begins in January.

Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson expected to miss weeks with ankle sprain

Henderson has a high-ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks, but he does not need surgery. He was injured in New England’s win over the Raiders.

Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson has a high-ankle sprain after leaving New England’s win over the Raiders with an ankle injury.

A high-ankle sprain affects the ligaments above the ankle and can take time to heal.

He is expected to miss multiple weeks, but does not need surgery.

Henderson had 42 carries for 163 yards and a touchdown in four appearances this season.

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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.

Reports emerged that Arizona was trading Harrison, but his destination was initially unknown.

Houston beat the Tennessee Titans 26-3, and head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the trade after the game.

Harrison passed his Texans physical, making the trade official.

Bills beat Rams 37-34 in overtime as Josh Allen earns first OT win

Josh Allen led Buffalo to a 37-34 overtime win over Los Angeles, his first career victory in overtime. The Bills improved to 4-1, while the Rams fell to 2-3.

Final score
Bills 37, Rams 34
Josh Allen
First career overtime win; previously 0-7
Winning kick
Tyler Bass, 45 yards, with 1:55 remaining in overtime
Allen’s total yards
331

Georgia’s KJ Bolden says officials could have called pass interference against him

Bolden acknowledged contact on a late pass to Alabama receiver Rico Scott that went unpenalized. Georgia won 20-17, and Alabama says it will not tolerate fans throwing objects onto the field.

KJ Bolden Kalen DeBoer

Pass interference call

Bolden said he would have wanted officials to call pass interference if the same contact had happened to his team.

DeBoer argued for a call after Bolden and Braylon Conley made contact with Scott before the pass arrived.

Josh Allen retakes lead in NFL MVP betting odds

Josh Allen is back as the betting favorite for NFL MVP after a strong Monday night performance, with Brock Purdy close behind. Denzel Boston is now favored for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Entertainment

Kacey Musgraves Fires Back at Kristi Noem Over Texas Senate Candidate

After James Talarico appeared at Musgraves’ Dallas concert, Kristi Noem criticized the singer’s support for him. Musgraves replied with a jab about Noem’s account of killing her dog.

“I’ll take Ella Langley over Kacey Musgraves any day”
Kristi NoemFormer Homeland Security secretary

Beats and Pokémon unveil special-edition Pill speaker for $149

The gray Beats Pill features Pikachu and Mimikyu artwork, custom packaging and three lanyard charms. It goes on sale October 15 for $149.

Taylor Swift’s ‘Patient Zero’ holds the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100

Swift’s “Patient Zero” spends a second week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Drake and Don Toliver, and Adéla, enter the top 10 with new songs.

Dropkick Murphys Add Five Boston Shows to 2027 St. Patrick’s Day Tour

The band will play four shows at MGM Music Hall at Fenway from March 12 to 14, 2027, and a fifth at Citizens House of Blues on March 17.

Morgan Wallen Extends Record for Most Weeks at No. 1 on Country Albums Chart

Wallen’s I’m the Problem leads the Top Country Albums chart for a 49th week, bringing his career total at No. 1 to a record 235 weeks.

Slayyyter to Headline Madison Square Garden in June 2027

Slayyyter will headline Madison Square Garden in New York on June 21, 2027, her biggest show so far. Tickets go on sale October 16, 2026, with no presales.

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

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

Raye says AI bots and scalpers flooded sign-ups for her one-night show at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

There were 1.8 million sign-ups for 5,000 seats, far more registrations than the venue can accommodate.

The October 23 concert, called This Symphony May Contain Hope, will feature songs from her album with an orchestra.

Raye said hundreds of thousands of registrations were fake and that she wants fans to be able to buy tickets at face value.

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James Hetfield says Metallica wants fans to leave outside worries behind

At a Las Vegas Sphere show, Metallica’s James Hetfield said the band was not there to influence fans with an agenda. He said its focus was “love, energy and heavy music.”

Hetfield told the BBC that Metallica stayed away from politics and religion because they could polarize people.

Metallica played its third Sphere residency performance and debuted “Fade to Black” during the run.

Hetfield told the Sphere audience that Metallica was not there to influence them with an agenda.

Sophia Stel releases debut album The Greatest Album of All Time

The Vancouver songwriter’s debut draws on her rapid rise, financial pressures and efforts to build confidence in a music industry where she says women can face limits on being bold.

Artist
Sophia Stel
Debut album
*The Greatest Album of All Time*
Hometown
Vancouver
Breakthrough song
I’ll Take It

Rebecca Allen to leave Universal Music U.K. after 27 years

Rebecca Allen is leaving her role as Universal Music Group U.K.'s chief artist and strategy officer after 27 years. She will remain connected to the company in an advisory role.

Tom Morello Holds Randy Rhoads’ Guitar for the First Time

Tom Morello held Randy Rhoads’ Jackson Concorde guitar after the guitarist’s sister invited him to see it. Rhoads’ mother had asked that the instrument never be played again.

Health

Sixth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

A 39-year-old unvaccinated woman in Franklin County is the sixth person reported to have died in Pennsylvania amid the state’s largest measles outbreak in three decades.

“primary cause of death was a probable acute cardiac event due to possible complications of the measles.”
Franklin County coroner’s office spokespersonCoroner’s office spokesperson

Women describe side effects of hormones used for egg freezing

Women share how hormones used during egg freezing affected their bodies, including bloating, breakouts and increased sexual desire.

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.

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.

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.

Researchers say muscle and liver cells can retain signs of past exercise even after someone stops training.

In studies using mice, animals that exercised, took a break and trained again grew larger muscles than mice with no training history.

Their muscle cells also matched energy production to demand more effectively, and this ability remained during inactivity.

The researchers say liver cells also store exercise memories and release enzymes that help supply fuel to working muscles.

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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.

Fertility doctors explain what happens after eggs are frozen

Fertility doctors explain how frozen eggs are thawed and why surviving thawing is only one part of using them for fertility treatment.

Outlet
CNN
Published
October 13, 2026
Video length
1:22

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.

Pope Leo XIV to have lung nodule removed in surgery this week

Pope Leo XIV says doctors found a small, early-stage lung nodule and recommended surgery. The Vatican expects him to stay in hospital for about a week.