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L. Murugan resigns as minister and plans to focus on BJP in Tamil Nadu

L. Murugan has resigned as a Union minister and said he will give his full time to strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2029 general election.

“With humility and grateful heart, I therefore request you to relieve me of my responsibility as MoS and permit me to relinquish my membership of the Rajya Sabha, so that I may dedicate full time to strengthening the party in Tamil Nadu”
L. MuruganUnion Minister of State

TSE review found no alleged fake news in Janones's WhatsApp channel

A technical team at Brazil’s top electoral court found no copies of the alleged fake news in André Janones’s WhatsApp channel. A temporary order to suspend it was later reversed.

Datafolha to publish new Lula–Flávio Bolsonaro runoff poll on Thursday

Datafolha is due to release a new poll on the presidential runoff between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro on Thursday, Oct. 15. Its previous poll put Bolsonaro ahead, 52% to 48%.

Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visit Ceuta amid lingering crisis

Thousands welcomed Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to Ceuta, their first visit to the autonomous city since 2007. Residents also voiced concerns over the recent border and migration crisis.

Michoacán tribunal clears Senator Noroña of gender-based political violence

The Michoacán electoral tribunal ruled that Senator Gerardo Fernández Noroña did not commit gender-based political violence against Uruapan Mayor Grecia Quiroz, citing parliamentary immunity.

GOP groups pull planned spending from two vulnerable House districts

Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. and a House GOP super PAC are redirecting planned spending from districts held by Tom Kean and Marianette Miller-Meeks to other races. Recent polling has raised concerns about the incumbents’ chances.

Lula proposes forgiving R$12.6 billion in debts owed by small businesses

Brazil’s government proposed forgiving R$12.6 billion in federal debts owed by individual microentrepreneurs and announced other support measures, including discounted bank debt payments.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced a support package for individual microentrepreneurs, known as MEIs.

A bill would forgive R$12.6 billion in debts owed to the federal government by about 3.6 million MEIs.

The proposal must go to Congress, while the package also includes a plan to buy MEIs’ bank debts and offer discounts of more than 90% for repayment.

The government also plans to offer each MEI up to R$5,000 for investment through a proposed scheme called Pix MEI.

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Greta Thunberg joins French students protesting school conditions

Greta Thunberg joined students in Saint-Denis as protests over teacher shortages, crowded classes and poor school buildings spread across France. Officials said about 200 schools were closed.

The student protest movement began, according to Al Jazeera and Le Monde EN.

More than 70,000 people took to the streets, according to Al Jazeera and Le Monde EN; the Guardian reported 75,000.

President Emmanuel Macron called for restraint, and the Education Ministry said eight members of teaching staff were injured in protest-related incidents.

Greta Thunberg joined students demonstrating outside Paul Éluard high school in Saint-Denis.

Education Minister Édouard Geffray said about 200 schools were closed as demonstrations continued.

Trump’s plan to import Russian diesel draws bipartisan criticism

Trump says the U.S. will import Russian diesel to ease fuel prices. Lawmakers from both parties say the plan could help finance Russia’s war in Ukraine and may violate U.S. law.

Senators opposing the deal
Six, from both parties
House vote on Russian energy import ban
414-17
Russian import ban
Congress passed it in spring 2022
Russian sanctions law
Signed by Trump; bulk of provisions take effect October 18, 2026

Carney urges Alberta to stay in Canada ahead of separation vote

Albertans vote on October 19 on whether to begin the process of holding a binding referendum on leaving Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney is urging them to remain in the country.

Supporters of Alberta remaining in Canada Supporters of pursuing separation

Future of Alberta

Carney and Premier Danielle Smith support Alberta remaining in Canada.

Independence movement leader Keith Wilson urged voters to back a path toward a separation referendum.

Reasoning

Carney said unity is needed to address threats and build major projects.

Wilson argued Alberta needs “leverage and lasting change” in its dealings with Ottawa.

Federal agents search Ilhan Omar’s Washington home

Agents searched the home of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Omar called the search political intimidation; no charges against her were announced.

World

Navi Pillay urges US to defend human rights amid ICC sanctions

Nobel Peace laureate Navi Pillay urged the United States to resume its role as a human rights defender after it imposed sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court. The sanctions were suspended for six months.

“You have to get back to playing your serious role as a leader, playing a liberatory role for the rest of the world”
Navi PillayNobel Peace Prize laureate and International Court of Justice judge

California holds a contest to select its largest pumpkin

A photo-news headline announces a contest in California to select the largest pumpkin. No details about the pumpkins or results are provided.

Composer Don Spike says he won 50,000 won in lottery

South Korean composer Don Spike posted that he matched four lottery numbers and won 50,000 won. He recently opened a restaurant in Gyeongju after serving a prison sentence for drug offences.

Carney says U.S.-Russia diesel deal undermines efforts to end Ukraine war

Mark Carney told Volodymyr Zelenskyy that a new Russian diesel supply deal with the U.S. would give Russia revenue and work against efforts to end the war.

More Canadian snowbirds are choosing destinations outside the U.S

Canadian retirees are swapping winter stays in Florida for places including Mexico and the Caribbean, citing safety concerns, costs and the weak Canadian dollar.

Coroner's inquest to examine death of Toronto woman who fell from balcony

A coroner's inquest is set to begin examining the death of a Toronto woman who fell from a balcony.

Waterspout tornado confirmed in Georgian Bay

A tornado over Georgian Bay was captured on camera and confirmed as a waterspout tornado in Ontario.

A tornado was captured on camera over Georgian Bay in Ontario.

It was confirmed as a waterspout tornado, a tornado over water.

The available information does not give a date or time for the event.

It also does not say whether the tornado caused damage or injuries.

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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.

The first 911 call came in just over an hour after the attempted lethal injection began.

A dispatcher said supervisors had been told the call was false and that no medical assistance was needed.

Prison Central Control representatives said they had not made the call.

Prison officials confirmed the call was legitimate and responders began entering through the gates.

An AP reporter witnessed an ambulance and fire trucks arrive inside the prison campus.

Eight killed by gunman in Erie, Pennsylvania; shooter dies by suicide

A 45-year-old man killed eight people, including children and a pregnant woman, at a home in Erie before taking his own life. Police say seven victims were related to him.

Deaths
Eight victims and the 45-year-old gunman
Victims’ relationship to gunman
Related to seven; the eighth was a friend of the pregnant woman
Children killed
A 1-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy
Location
Erie, Pennsylvania, about 120 miles north of Pittsburgh

Inquest opens into Toronto woman’s 2020 death during police response

A 14-day coroner’s inquest is examining how Regis Korchinski-Paquet died after falling from a Toronto apartment balcony while police were in her home in 2020.

A timeline of key events in the Regis Korchinski-Paquet case

The story is about key events in the Regis Korchinski-Paquet case, but the available text does not describe those events.

Business

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.

“We will not survive if we only revive on the past.”
Asha SharmaXbox CEO

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.

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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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.

An unexpectedly hot CPI reading of 3.8% led Kalshi markets to anticipate a possible peak of 4.8% in May.

Year-over-year inflation peaked at 4.2%, according to CNBC.

Year-over-year CPI rose 3.4%, according to CNBC.

Reports said Kalshi traders expected September CPI to rise 3.6% year over year.

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.

New Apple price target
$360
Change in target
Raised by $20 from $340
December-quarter iPhone Duo forecast
8.5 million units
December-quarter iPhone revenue forecast
Down about 2% year over year

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

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 vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

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.

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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.

Anthropic released a report on the risks of autonomous AI replication.

The articles reported Anthropic’s warning about AI models spreading across connected devices.

Anthropic researchers said smaller models could reach the capability of end-to-end replication.

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

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

Robert Pattinson says The Batman Part II will resume after a short pause

Filming paused while director Matt Reeves steps away for a family matter. Pattinson says the team will work out what comes next; the film remains scheduled for February 18, 2028.

Keri Russell says she and Matthew Rhys had sex on ‘The Americans’ set

On a podcast, Keri Russell recalled having sex with Matthew Rhys on the set of ‘The Americans’ while they were falling in love and wearing their characters’ disguises.

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.

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.

Critics praise Paul Bettany’s new take on Vision in ‘VisionQuest’

Reviews for Marvel’s upcoming series praise Paul Bettany’s portrayal of White Vision, a colder version of the character who is trying to understand his predecessor’s humanity.

Hillary Clinton and Kara Swisher to launch political podcast

Hillary Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher will launch High Stakes on Oct. 14 with Vox Media. They plan to discuss political issues ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

Former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher are launching a political podcast called High Stakes.

The show is set to begin on Oct.

14 as an episode of Swisher’s New York magazine podcast, On With Kara Swisher.

It is being made with Vox Media.

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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.

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

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

The Collector Box is scheduled to release alongside the game.

GTA 6 PC release reportedly planned for early 2027

Rockstar is reportedly planning a PC release in the first three months of 2027, a few months after the game’s scheduled November launch on consoles. The company has not confirmed a PC version.

Reported PC window
First quarter of 2027
Console launch date
November 19, 2026
Announced console platforms
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Report source
GamesBeat

Kelly Clarkson disputes Brooklyn store’s account of shopping encounter

Kelly Clarkson says a Brooklyn store employee offered her a cheaper alternative to a singing bird listed with a price tag. The store says the bird is a wall fixture and was not for sale.

Kelly Clarkson Art of Play

What the employee said

Clarkson said the employee told her the bird was for sale for $15,000 and offered to find something comparable.

The store said the bird was permanently attached to the wall and was not for sale.

How the encounter felt

Clarkson said she felt judged and treated rudely.

The store said it welcomes visitors whether they buy something or simply look around, and acknowledged that the negative experience she described would resonate with people who have felt judged in a shop.

Dionne Warwick cancels New York benefit show over severe leg and foot pain

The 85-year-old singer says pain has left her unable to stand or walk. Her Brazil tour dates remain confirmed for now.

Health

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.

“Today we officially close the management of the 2026 heat, looking to the future. We have increased resources: in the next two years, 8 million euros will be dedicated to heat management.”
Orazio SchillaciItaly’s health minister

Tokat suspends classes as thousands seek care for stomach symptoms

Schools and education centres in Tokat city were closed for one day for disinfection after a surge in people seeking care for nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. Officials advised against using tap water for drinking or cooking while tests are pending.

Bat bites and scratches rise sharply across parts of NSW

NSW Health says 43 people were assessed after bat bites or scratches in two weeks, up from 10 in the same period last year. Authorities urge people not to touch bats.

Gates and Wellcome Leap launch $100 million stillbirth prevention initiative

The Gates Foundation and Wellcome Leap will invest $100 million to test tools aimed at halving stillbirths worldwide over the next decade. The first country partner is expected to be announced in the coming months.

Wales expands RSV vaccine offer to some adults aged 65 to 74

Wales is offering the RSV vaccine to higher-risk adults aged 65 to 74 this autumn, alongside existing offers to people aged 75 and over and pregnant women.

WHO estimates more than 800 million children have unsafe blood lead levels

The WHO says more than 800 million children have unsafe levels of lead in their blood, and is launching a week-long campaign to raise awareness and promote prevention.

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.

France’s annual vaccination campaign against seasonal flu and COVID-19 starts on October 13 and is due to end in January 2027.

Health authorities are prioritising older people, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.

About 15 million flu vaccine doses will be available to doctors, pharmacists, nurses and midwives, around one million more than last season.

COVID-19 vaccination remains reimbursed for everyone, including people outside the priority groups.

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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.

A World Health Summit workshop on preventing the next pandemic was held in Berlin.

The World Bank-hosted Pandemic Fund awarded US$499.6 million to 20 projects.

Lancet commission warns nuclear war and malicious AI could threaten humanity by 2100

A Lancet commission says nuclear conflict and malicious uses of AI carry a small but non-zero risk of human extinction this century. It lists 15 other major health threats that policy could help reduce.

Commission
35 experts
Threats identified
17
Assessment period
75 years, through 2100
Nuclear conflict and malicious AI
The assessment says both carry risks of extinction in the next 75 years.

Man dies after allergic reaction to ant bites while fishing in Goiás

Jorge Alves Lopes died after ants bit him while he was fishing in São João da Paraúna, Goiás. His family said he was allergic to the ants.

Nearly 65% of Brazilian cities fall short on second-dose measles vaccination

From January to August 2026, 3,589 of Brazil’s 5,570 cities had average coverage below the 95% target for the second measles vaccine dose. The country recorded 52 imported cases by October 5, with no deaths.