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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

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.

Merz says he will risk popularity to push German welfare reforms

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would prioritise welfare reforms for younger people over his popularity. He said pension contributions may need to rise temporarily as the population ages.

Heino receives €7,500 settlement over AfD election campaign use

The AfD’s Uckermark district branch agreed to pay singer Heino €7,500 after using his name in election campaigning without permission. The dispute is now settled.

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.

Alexander Schweitzer to take over Germany’s Labour Ministry

Former Rhineland-Palatinate premier Alexander Schweitzer is set to replace Bärbel Bas as Germany’s labour minister after she resigned from the post.

Bärbel Bas quits German labour minister and SPD co-leader roles

Bas says she needs time to grieve after her stepdaughter’s death and cited political attacks during her mourning. She will remain a member of parliament.

Bärbel Bas is stepping down as Germany’s labour minister and as a co-leader of the centre-left Social Democrats, or SPD.

She said her stepdaughter’s death left her needing time to grieve.

Bas also said public attacks against her continued during her mourning, including from members of the SPD’s conservative coalition partner.

Her fellow SPD co-leader, Lars Klingbeil, condemned the attacks as inappropriate.

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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.

Kurt Beck appointed Schweitzer as social affairs minister in the state government.

Schweitzer became minister-president of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Bas offered to leave her posts as SPD co-chair and labour minister for private reasons.

Reports named Schweitzer as Bas’s successor in the labour ministry.

Bärbel Bas resigns as German labor minister and SPD co-chair

Bas says she needs time to grieve the death of her stepdaughter and cites attacks within the governing coalition. Her departure adds to tensions between the SPD and CDU.

Positions resigned
Labor minister and SPD co-leader
Party co-leader
Lars Klingbeil
Age
58
Bundestag member since
2009

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 state ministers Lars Klingbeil and supporters of the planned sugar tax

Policy approach

The ministers oppose a tax and favour nutrition education, personal responsibility, information and innovation.

Klingbeil supports introducing a sugar tax, which he says would raise revenue and encourage drinks makers to reduce sugar.

Expected effects

The ministers say the tax would burden purchases and could reduce agricultural businesses’ revenues; they say its effects on obesity are not clearly established.

Klingbeil says the tax would give manufacturers an incentive to lower sugar content and make products healthier.

Germany’s interior minister warns of a destabilising “shadow war”

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt says Germany faces a broad campaign to destabilise it and backs a planned reform giving intelligence services wider powers.

World

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.

“One person is in cardiac arrest and around seven others have been injured”
Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters officialOfficial

Saudi Arabia reports new missile and drone threats as Riyadh airport stays shut

Saudi Arabia reported new incoming drones and missiles on Monday after deadly Houthi attacks. King Khalid International Airport remains closed while authorities check its safety.

Japan and US to review off-duty rules after Okinawa killing

Japan and the United States will review rules for US troops’ off-base conduct after a Marine was arrested on suspicion of killing a woman in Okinawa.

Russia condemns France's seizure of tanker suspected of evading sanctions

France boarded the DF Peak in the Indian Ocean, saying it suspected the tanker was part of Russia's shadow fleet. Russia called the seizure a breach of international law.

Germany Detains People Over Fire at Polish Starlink Station

German authorities have detained people in connection with a September fire at a Starlink station in Poland. Reports differ on whether the case now involves three or four detentions.

Spanish royals visit Ceuta after deadly migration crisis

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited Ceuta to show support for residents after a mass border crossing from Morocco. They are due to travel to Melilla on Wednesday.

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.

One person died and several others were injured in an incident involving a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta on Monday.

Officials have not said how the person died or how the others were injured.

Cobb County police detectives are investigating what happened, and the company is co-operating with them.

Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar coasters at six parks as a precaution.

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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.

Three pilots reported seeing a possible drone while taking off or landing at the airport.

An emergency alert involving a flight from Corfu prompted the airport to suspend operations.

The aircraft landed safely, and police later gave the all-clear.

The airport resumed normal operations.

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
Suspected plot site
RAF Fairford, western England
Arrests
Seven men were arrested and released on bail under investigation.
Iran-linked operations
More than 50 arrests over the past year, according to McCallum.

Trump’s diesel deal with Russia draws anger from European allies

A U.S. diesel agreement with Russia has angered European officials. Ukraine’s president questioned Washington’s motives, while European allies said they would maintain pressure on Moscow.

Trump and the U.S. European allies and Ukraine

Agreement

The U.S. reached a diesel agreement with Russia.

European officials recoiled from the agreement, and Ukraine called it “a gift” to Putin.

Response to Moscow

Not stated.

Allies vowed to keep pressure on Moscow.

Emergency response for Christa Pike delayed by confusion after failed execution

911 recordings show more than half an hour passed before Tennessee prison officials confirmed a call for medical help after Christa Pike survived a lethal injection attempt.

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.

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.

A new AP-NORC poll found most Americans think Trump is profiting from the presidency in unethical or illegal ways.

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults said he is either profiting illegally or acting unethically without breaking the law.

The poll also found that many believe Trump is more focused on personal wealth than helping the country since returning to the White House.

The findings come as his family's businesses have expanded in real estate and entered cryptocurrency ventures.

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Bumble reportedly in advanced talks for a $1bn takeover

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

Whitney Wolfe Herd launched Bumble.

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

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

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

Warner Music sues Ray-Ban owner over alleged use of its music in ads

Warner Music Group sued Luxottica and affiliated companies, alleging they used at least 427 Warner works in social media marketing without licenses or payment.

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

Starbucks denies plans to buy Chipotle

Starbucks said it is not planning to buy Chipotle, contradicting a Financial Times report that it had been working on a possible offer. Starbucks shares rose after the denial, while Chipotle shares fell.

Starbucks Financial Times report

Takeover plans

Starbucks said it was not buying Chipotle.

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

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

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

Science & Tech

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.

“The original mission called for no more than 12.4 miles of driving. We’ve blown well past that, and with all mobility systems fully operational and favorable extended-ground-life test results, we expect Perseverance to keep adding to this record for many years to come.”
Steven LeePerseverance and Curiosity project manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Cyberattack overheats refrigeration systems in hundreds of French supermarkets

Hackers remotely changed Danfoss refrigeration settings, spoiling fresh and frozen food in hundreds of French supermarkets. French authorities have opened an investigation.

Meta unveils two AI models it says rival leading systems

Meta introduced Muse Wonder and Wonder Full, saying they perform comparably to models from OpenAI and Anthropic. The models are expected to be available through its Muse app for paid subscribers.

Cyberattack Defrosts Refrigerators at Hundreds of French Supermarkets

A cyberattack remotely triggered defrosting at hundreds of French supermarket stores, spoiling fresh and frozen food and reportedly causing fires. French prosecutors have opened an investigation.

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.

Rain may ease heat in Telangana over the next four days

A Bay of Bengal trough is expected to bring light rain to Telangana over the next four days, helping temperatures return closer to normal after a dry, hot spell.

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 has announced the HomePod mini 2, its first update to the small smart speaker since the original launched in 2020.

The new model keeps the same design but adds an S10 chip and comes in refreshed colors.

Siri AI features require a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad, which lets the speaker use personal context and connect with apps such as Messages and Calendar.

A new feature called Sound Glow makes the speaker’s top light up in time with music.

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Apple plans to unveil smart home devices at New York event

Apple is expected to introduce a smart home hub, a HomePod mini and an updated Apple TV 4K at a New York event. The products’ features and release dates have not been confirmed.

Apple held its “Welcome Home” event in New York City and revealed HomeView.

HomeView pre-orders opened.

Apple said HomeView would ship.

Ahold Delhaize takes some systems offline after cyberattack

The grocery group says it disconnected some systems to contain a security issue. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders have been disrupted.

Systems
Some taken offline
Company response
Teams assessing and mitigating the issue
Stores
Ahold Delhaize said they remained open
Reported service disruptions
Albert Heijn and Delhaize online orders and services; some US employee systems

Epic Games shifts toward AI to speed up game development

CEO Tim Sweeney says Epic Games is reorganising to use AI more in game development. A Disney collaboration featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters is reportedly delayed.

AI critics Tim Sweeney

AI’s role in creative work

Critics have raised concerns about the growing use of AI in creative sectors.

Sweeney said AI can empower creators and that Epic should prepare for the future.

Apple launches $299 Apple TV 4K with AI-powered Siri

Apple unveiled a new Apple TV 4K with an upgraded chip, AI-powered content search and built-in microphones for voice commands without the remote. It goes on sale November 13.

Sports

Indian athletics coach provisionally suspended over alleged doping complicity

NADA has provisionally suspended Mohammad Yunus Khan, a coach at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, over an alleged anti-doping violation. The details of the allegation are not known.

“assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, conspiring, covering up or any other type of intentional complicity or Attempted complicity involving an anti-doping rule violation, attempted anti-doping rule violation or violation.”
NADA RulesAnti-doping rules

Izzi Batt-Doyle breaks Australian marathon record in Chicago

Batt-Doyle ran 2:20:38 in the Chicago Marathon, taking 46 seconds off the Australian record. She finished sixth in the women's race.

Utah ultramarathon stopped because of extreme weather

Heavy rain, flooding and strong winds made parts of the course unsafe. The race leader had 56 kilometres left when the event was halted.

No story details provided about the 400m hype

The supplied text includes a headline asking about interest in the 400m, but no article text explaining it.

Akitaka Akasaki runs a personal best at the Chicago Marathon

Akitaka Akasaki finished ninth in 2:05:47, the sixth-fastest time by a Japanese runner. His wife, Yuka Akasaki, qualified for Japan’s Los Angeles Olympics marathon selection race.

Adidas Shoes Win Both Divisions at the 2026 Chicago Marathon

Amos Kipruto and Hawi Feysa won the men’s and women’s races in Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 shoes. Nike Apex runners placed third, fourth and fifth in the men’s race.

2027 Diamond League season to begin in Doha and end in Zurich

The 15-meeting season will run from May 7 to August 26, with the final in Zurich ahead of the World Championships in Beijing.

The 2027 Wanda Diamond League will run across 15 meetings from May to August, with athletes competing on four continents.

The season opens in Doha on May 7 before moving through stops in Asia, Europe, Africa and the United States.

Athletes will earn points at the meetings to qualify for the two-day final in Zurich on August 25-26, where winners in each discipline will be crowned Diamond League champions.

The series is a leading track and field competition, and its final comes just over two weeks before the World Championships begin in Beijing on September 10.

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Running influencer Yoo Ji Won dies after collapsing during Seoul half-marathon

Yoo Ji Won, a KAIST graduate student and running influencer, died after collapsing near the finish of the 2026 Seoul Race half course on October 11.

Yoo completed the full 2026 Seoul Marathon in 2 hours, 56 minutes and 32 seconds.

Yoo collapsed at the 20.6-kilometre mark during the Seoul Race half course.

Yoo was taken to a hospital by ambulance and died that day.

The Seoul Race Organizing Committee announced the death.

Chepngetich’s marathon world record stands despite her doping ban

Ruth Chepngetich’s women’s marathon world record remains in place after she was banned for doping five months after setting it in Chicago.

Record time
2hr 9min 56sec
Record improvement
1min 57sec
Race location
Chicago
Ban length
Three years

Waseda wins Izumo Ekiden as comedian Gotō appears in broadcast

Waseda University won the Izumo Ekiden in a record time. Comedian Takumi Gotō was shown cheering runners during the live broadcast.

runDisney Lists 2027 Race Dates at Walt Disney World

The 2027 runDisney calendar includes races from January to April at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Registration often opens six to nine months before race day, and events can sell out within hours.

Entertainment

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.

“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight.”
Bryan CranstonActor who played Walter White

Van Gogh painting unseen in public for 60 years goes on display in Hong Kong

Hundreds queued in Hong Kong to see Van Gogh’s 1890 painting “Chestnut Trees in Blossom,” ahead of a New York auction on November 18 where it is expected to fetch about $180 million.

Harry Styles urges people to look after each other after ICE shooting

At a Madison Square Garden show, Styles named Oscar Belgal, who was shot by an ICE agent in the Bronx while his five-year-old son was in the car. Belgal survived and is being held in detention.

CJ ENM and MBC to launch Korean content hub on Shahid

The companies signed a long-term deal to bring a TVing-branded hub to MBC’s Shahid streaming service, with new Korean shows and library titles for Middle East and North Africa audiences.

Celebrity Traitors faces leaks and rule breaches as BBC warns cast

Richard E. Grant revealed he was a Traitor in a June radio interview, while spoilers circulated among cast members. The BBC says contestants have been reminded of its rules.

Rebecca Allen to leave UMG UK role after 27 years at Universal

Rebecca Allen is set to leave her role as UMG UK's Chief Artist and Strategy Officer after 27 years at Universal. She was promoted to the newly created role in December 2025.

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.

Actor Selma Blair faces two assault charges after an incident on a Delta flight from Los Angeles to New York.

The charges say she allegedly kicked a police officer taking her to hospital and later kicked a nurse in Queens.

She was arraigned in Queens on two counts of second-degree assault and has pleaded not guilty, according to one account.

A judge set bail at $20,000 cash or a $60,000 bond, and she was released.

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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.

Apple announces Vision Pro horror film Remnants for October 16

Remnants, a horror film by writer and director Ti West, will be released exclusively on Apple Vision Pro on October 16 in Apple’s immersive video format.

Title
Remnants
Writer and director
Ti West
Release date
October 16, 2026
Setting
Woldmere Castle

Ego Nwodim responds to Shane Gillis’ joke about women’s gym clothes

After Gillis joked that women at the gym “dress like whores” on SNL, Nwodim posted a gym photo captioned “whore reporting for duty.” Dan Levy also criticized the remarks.

Ego Nwodim and Dan Levy Shane Gillis

Women’s gym clothes

Nwodim mocked Gillis’ description with a gym photo captioned “whore reporting for duty”; Levy said short shorts do not make women whores.

Gillis joked that women in workout clothes “dress like whores.

Documentary to tell story of four founding Jackson 5 brothers

A new documentary will follow Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito Jackson, exploring their rise with the Jackson 5 and the different paths their lives took. It will be released as a feature film and a three-part series.

Health

Europa Donna calls for consistent care for metastatic breast cancer in Italy

Europa Donna Italia is urging breast care centres across Italy to follow specific quality standards and provide coordinated support for women with metastatic breast cancer.

“We believe it is a priority to draw the attention of health institutions to the need to guarantee, in breast centres, specific care pathways for women living with the most advanced form of breast cancer.”
Rosanna D’AntonaPresident of Europa Donna Italia

Agenas chief says Italy’s health system is changing, but care access remains uneven

Agenas director Angelo Tanese said Italy’s health services are changing, but new treatments for metastatic breast cancer are not equally easy to access across the country.

Pope Leo XIV to undergo surgery to remove a lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV is expected to enter Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Tuesday for an operation to remove a lung nodule. His public audiences are canceled through October 20.

Family sues after 21-year-old dies following ankle fracture treatment

Dale Alice Martin died at a Connecticut hospital in April 2025 after receiving multiple painkillers for a broken ankle. Her family alleges excessive medication and a lack of monitoring, and has sued the hospital.

SIMATS chancellor says sustainable healthcare must be affordable and accessible

At The Hindu Sustainability Dialogues 2026, SIMATS chancellor N.M. Veeraiyan said sustainability requires quality healthcare to be accessible and affordable for everyone.

Doctors say patients should feel free to seek a second opinion

A physician says patients should not feel awkward about seeking a second opinion and can ask their primary care provider to help navigate specialist advice.

Singapore public healthcare services recover after network disruption

A network connectivity issue disrupted some services at Singapore public healthcare institutions on Tuesday. Services were restored by 4.37pm, and most patients later reported little impact.

A network connectivity issue disrupted some public healthcare services in Singapore on Tuesday, Oct 13.

It affected services including call centres, visitor registration and billing enquiries, and some patients faced longer waits or payment problems.

Synapxe said there was no indication the disruption was a cyber incident.

Services began coming back online at about 3pm, and all affected services were restored by 4.37pm.

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Nurse who treated Bradford fire victims to retire after 44 years

Angela O’Neill, believed to be the last nurse still working at her trust who treated victims of the 1985 Bradford City fire, will retire on 31 October.

O’Neill qualified as a state enrolled nurse.

O’Neill joined colleagues responding to the Bradford City fire and later cared for survivors.

O’Neill converted to become a registered general nurse.

O’Neill was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent treatment and returned to work.

O’Neill was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer and continued to balance treatment with work.

O’Neill is scheduled to complete her final shift at the trust.

Woman says she woke from surgery to find it had not been done

A woman in Wales says she woke after surgery to discover the procedure had not been carried out. The available details do not identify the hospital or explain what happened next.

Outlet
BBC
Published
2026-10-13 10:29 UTC
Region
Wales
Related topic
Endometriosis

Five Italian projects receive awards for more human-centered care

Five non-profit projects in Italy received €10,000 each at the Humanizing Health Awards in Milan for work supporting patients and improving care.

Opinion: Restrictive training may foster learned helplessness in doctors

Former surgeon Frances Mei Hardin says some medical residents must ask permission for basic needs, a practice she argues can contribute to learned helplessness.