Explore

Jump to a category

Politics

German minister proposes taxing AI revenue to fund job-market changes

Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger says taxes on AI revenue in Germany could help pay for retraining and new jobs as the technology changes work.

“We must tax the extremely high revenue from this technology, and with that money we can finance the transformation; that is also my approach.”
Karsten WildbergerGerman digital minister

Nine Union state ministers oppose Germany’s planned sugar tax

Nine Union state ministers have urged Chancellor Friedrich Merz to reject a planned sugar tax, arguing that education and personal responsibility are better ways to reduce sugar consumption.

Union gains in poll as AfD lead narrows to 11.5 points

An Insa poll puts the CDU/CSU at 18.5%, up one point, while the AfD falls to 30%. The Greens move ahead of the SPD to take third place.

Merz’s CDU leadership holds talks on a government reset

Friedrich Merz’s CDU leadership held hours of closed-door talks aimed at creating a fresh start and optimism, ending with what was described as a risky plan.

Wagenknecht calls for Germany to resume Russian diesel and energy imports

BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht urged Germany to seek a diesel deal with Russia and resume oil and gas supplies, arguing that sanctions hurt German industry and consumers.

Merz backs lower electricity tax and higher tobacco tax

After a two-day meeting on the CDU’s crisis, Friedrich Merz backed cutting electricity tax for all and proposed raising tobacco tax and introducing a sugar tax.

Hape Kerkeling likens support for AfD to a hunger for blood

Hape Kerkeling commented on the AfD’s success, saying that people who want lions in an arena also want to see blood.

Hape Kerkeling has spoken about the AfD’s success in a comment published on October 13, 2026.

The headline identifies him by name but gives no further details about his role or the setting of the comment.

He compared wanting lions in an arena with wanting to see blood, using a metaphor to describe what he sees in people drawn to the party.

The comment does not explain which people he means or what prompted his remarks.

Read full story →

AfD leads poll as CDU/CSU remain below 20 percent

A new RTL/ntv poll puts the AfD at 26 percent and CDU/CSU at 19 percent. Most respondents doubt Chancellor Friedrich Merz will serve a full term.

The Greens presented their “Plan for Germany,” according to the article.

AfD politician Tobias Rausch was elected as the new president of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament in a secret ballot that reportedly received four CDU votes.

The CDU held a leadership retreat and produced a paper titled “What needs to happen now.

Merz said there was agreement in his party that members who vote AfD politicians into governments or public offices should be expelled.

The RTL/ntv Trendbarometer was published, showing the AfD at 26 percent and CDU/CSU at 19 percent.

AfD leads German poll as CDU/CSU gains and Greens move to third

An Insa poll puts the AfD at 30%, ahead of the CDU/CSU at 18.5%. The Greens move ahead of the SPD into third place.

AfD
30 percent, down 0.5 percentage points
CDU/CSU
18.5 percent, up 1 percentage point
Greens
14 percent, third place
SPD
13.5 percent, down 1 percentage point

Alexander Schweitzer to replace Bärbel Bas as Germany’s labour minister

Bärbel Bas is leaving as Germany’s labour minister and SPD co-leader after a family bereavement. Alexander Schweitzer, a former state premier, is set to take over.

Union Alexander Schweitzer

Pension reform

The Union is pressing for swift reforms.

Schweitzer has said the planned reform must be discussed.

Saxony-Anhalt CDU considers leaving chamber before AfD leadership vote

The CDU’s state lawmakers are being asked to leave the chamber before December’s secret vote for state premier, amid claims that some backed an AfD candidate.

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

Nuremberg airport suspends flights after aviation emergency alert

Nuremberg airport in Germany suspended flights after an unclear aviation emergency was reported. Police said an aircraft landed safely, and the cause is under investigation.

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 to offer up to $14,000 to Lebanese families with destroyed homes

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible Lebanese families whose primary homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel, with payments spread over a year.

Polish foreign minister says a European army could form by 2030

Radosław Sikorski said a joint European force could be formed by 2030, possibly limited to the Baltic states and the eastern flank.

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 chief Ken McCallum warned of growing state threats to Britain in a speech in London on Tuesday.

He said Iran had shifted towards targeting harder sites, including military locations, although he could not discuss an investigation into a suspected plot involving RAF Fairford.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Tehran was highly likely to be behind that suspected plot, but Iran has denied involvement.

McCallum said Iran-linked operations had led to more than 50 arrests over the past year.

Read full story →

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 attacked people with knives while moving on an escalator in the supermarket building.

Shoppers subdued the suspect, and police arrested him.

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.

Zelensky says Russian strikes violated Trump’s proposed energy ceasefire

Zelensky says Russian attacks hit Ukrainian energy facilities after Trump announced a mutual pause in such strikes. Russia has not confirmed agreeing to the ceasefire.

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.

Read full story →

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

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.

NASA’s Perseverance rover sets record with 45.2km driven on Mars

Perseverance has driven 45.2km on Mars, surpassing the previous record held by NASA’s Opportunity rover. NASA says the rover’s autonomous navigation system handles more than 90% of its driving.

Anthropic says AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models may be months away from copying themselves across internet-connected devices, though current models struggle to complete the process on their own.

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.

Read full story →

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

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.

SpaceXSI bundles X Premium, Grok and Cursor in one subscription

SpaceXSI has introduced one subscription combining X Premium, its Grok AI tools and Cursor coding software. Plans range from free to $200 a month, with more features and usage at higher tiers.

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

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.

Phoenix Suns need a team effort to fix rebounding issues

The Phoenix Suns are dealing with rebounding problems, and fixing them will require a team effort.

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.

Atlanta Dream still seeking venue for WNBA Finals home games

The Dream’s home games against the Golden State Valkyries are scheduled for dates when Atlanta’s State Farm Arena is booked. The team has not confirmed a larger alternative to its 3,500-seat home venue.

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.

Read full story →

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.

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.

Contract value
$110 million
Contract length
Five years
Final-season option
Mutual option in 2031-32
Age
23

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.

Atlanta Hawks player preview: Onyeka Okongwu

Onyeka Okongwu is the subject of an Atlanta Hawks preview for the 2026-27 season. He played in a preseason game against the Indiana Pacers on October 10.

Entertainment

Selma Blair charged with assault after flight incident in New York

Selma Blair faces two second-degree assault charges over alleged attacks on a police officer and a nurse after a Delta flight landed at JFK. She was released on bail and has a court hearing scheduled for January.

“This was not an intentional assault.”
Shawn BarnesBlair’s lawyer

God of War Laufey Collector Box Costs $149.99 and Excludes the Game

Sony’s U.S. collector box for God of War Laufey costs $149.99 and includes merchandise, but no game disc or download code. It is due out with the game on Feb. 16, 2027.

Bryan Cranston mourns Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte, who died at 34

Cranston paid tribute to Mitte, who played his son on Breaking Bad, remembering his acting and disability advocacy. Accounts differ on whether his death was officially confirmed as suicide.

IDFA to open with film following Myanmar resistance recruits

The 39th International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam will open with “White Tiger Column,” following young recruits as they train with Myanmar’s resistance movement. The festival runs Nov. 12 to 22.

The Social Reckoning opens to $5.5 million, far below its predecessor

Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to The Social Network took in $5.5 million in its domestic opening weekend, against a reported production budget of about $30 million to $42 million.

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.

Thélyson Orélien denies using AI to write novel, admits plagiarism

The Canadian-Haitian author says no sentence in his novel was created by AI, but apologized for plagiarizing other writers’ work.

Thélyson Orélien denies that AI wrote any sentence of his novel, “C’était ça ou mourir.”

The Canadian-Haitian writer says he used tools for research but wrote the book himself.

He apologized and accepted responsibility for plagiarizing texts by established authors after moving to Canada.

He says he began writing the novel in Quebec in 2017 and finished a first draft in 2019.

Read full story →

TNA ends Max Caster’s run after Riyadh attack reference at Bound for Glory

TNA said Max Caster will no longer wrestle for the company after his entrance rap at Bound for Glory referred to attacks in Riyadh. TNA apologized and removed the segment from replays and social media.

Wrestling Observer dated the attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to this day.

Caster performed an entrance rap referencing the Riyadh attacks before his match against Moose at Bound for Glory.

TNA announced Caster would no longer wrestle for the promotion and said it had removed the segment from replays and social media.

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.

Sign-ups
1.8 million
Venue capacity
5,000 seats
Venue
Royal Albert Hall, London
Show date
23 October 2026

Collin Gosselin alleges abuse by mother Kate ahead of memoir release

Collin Gosselin says his mother, Kate, physically and emotionally mistreated him as a child. His memoir, “In the Shadow of Eight,” is due out Oct. 13.

Collin Gosselin Kate Gosselin

Alleged treatment

Collin says his mother dragged him by the ear and mistreated him and his siblings.

Kate previously said reports of abuse were unfounded.

His placement in an institution

Collin says he was removed from the home and placed in an institution, with little contact with his family.

Kate said he was sent for treatment for educational and social challenges and that the decision was the best thing she could do for him.

Julianne Moore’s son Caleb Freundlich marries Kibriyaá Morgan

Caleb Freundlich and Kibriyaá Morgan have married after dating for nine years. His mother, actor Julianne Moore, shared the news on Instagram.

Health

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.

“Water does not eliminate excess glucose from the blood.”
Megan Asterino-McGeeanDiabetes educator and nurse

Dietitians suggest three steps for making a more satisfying smoothie

Dietitians recommend choosing a suitable liquid, adding produce and checking for nutritional gaps. The right ingredients depend on whether the smoothie is a meal, snack or workout drink.

Oncologist says a varied fruit-rich diet may help lower cancer risk

Radiation oncologist Heather Zinkin says fruit’s fiber and plant compounds may help lower cancer risk. She recommends eating a variety, especially deeply colored fruits.

Why you may feel tired despite getting seven to nine hours of sleep

Pulmonologist Dr Shivani Swami says interrupted sleep and other health or lifestyle factors can leave people tired despite spending enough time in bed. She advises medical evaluation for persistent fatigue, especially with signs of sleep apnoea.

Fitness coach says bulky, hard-to-use gear can waste home gym money

Fitness coach Jacob Zemer says home gyms can start with bands, dumbbells and a bench. He warns that equipment taking up space and rarely used may be a poor investment.

Health feature says many Indians do not get enough protein

The feature says about 80% of Indians may not get enough protein and discusses whey protein as a supplement, including common concerns about how it is made.

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.

A review found exercise may ease some psychological symptoms of menopause in women aged 40 to 65.

Researchers from University College London analysed 12 trials involving more than 1,000 women.

Walking, dancing and other aerobic activities were linked to better mood and overall quality of life, while yoga and Pilates were linked to better psychological quality of life.

Menopause usually occurs between ages 45 and 55, as hormone levels fall and periods stop; mood changes, sleep problems and hot flushes are among its common symptoms.

Read full story →

Dietz & Watson is redesigning cold cuts amid health concerns

As health concerns and falling deli-counter sales put pressure on cold cuts, Dietz & Watson says it is close to completing a line of redesigned products.

The World Health Organization classified cured meats as a Group 1 carcinogen.

Dietz & Watson began work on its goal of creating a nearly complete line of “clean” cold cuts.

Men's Health reported that the company was close to reaching that goal.

Orthopaedic specialist explains five common myths about arthritis

Dr Ankur Singh says smoking can raise arthritis risk, while exercise adapted to a person’s condition can help. He says evidence does not link knuckle cracking to osteoarthritis.

Specialist
Dr Ankur Singh
Myths addressed
5
Smoking
Can increase rheumatoid arthritis risk and worsen inflammation and disease progression
Ageing
Arthritis is not inevitable, Singh said

Upper lumbar spine problems may cause runners’ hip and knee pain

Pain in a runner’s hip, front thigh or knee may sometimes come from nerves in the upper lumbar spine, even when the back itself does not hurt.

Nutritionist advises against detox diets after Navratri

Nutritionist Roshni Sanghvi says people do not need a post-Navratri detox. She recommends balanced meals, more movement and leafy greens instead of crash diets.