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Italy’s parliament approves budget deviation for 2027 and 2028

Italy’s parliament approved a budget deviation of 0.6% of GDP in each of 2027 and 2028, giving the government room to fund measures including energy and defence spending.

“I said yes because it is a conscious deviation.”
Giancarlo GiorgettiEconomy minister

Conte hopes opposition parties can unite on Ukraine resolution

Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte said he hopes opposition parties can agree on a resolution concerning the Ukraine conflict, which is being prepared for the following day.

Venice mayor meets Italian President Sergio Mattarella

Venice Mayor Simone Venturini met President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace to discuss issues affecting the city.

Lawyers plan 30 challenges to Italy’s new election law

A legal network plans to file 30 appeals against Italy’s new election law on 26 October, arguing that six parts may breach the constitution.

Conte seeks guarantees over Renzi as Italian centre-left seeks unity

Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte asked Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein for assurances about Matteo Renzi’s role in a possible centre-left alliance. Schlein warned against repeating divisions that helped the right win in 2022.

Tajani says Forza Italia is united and denies discussing primaries

Forza Italia leader Antonio Tajani said he had not called for party primaries and that changing its political line would require a congress or another consultation.

Ancona council members walk out over Gaza comparison by FdI councillor

Ancona’s centre-left councillors left a council meeting in protest after Maria Grazia De Angelis compared Gaza with the Riviera Romagnola while discussing persecution of Christians worldwide.

Ancona’s centre-left councillors walked out of a city council meeting on Tuesday, October 13.

They were protesting comments by Maria Grazia De Angelis, a councillor from Brothers of Italy, a right-wing party.

Speaking about the harsh conditions faced by persecuted Christians around the world, she said Gaza was like the Riviera Romagnola by comparison.

The Riviera Romagnola is a coastal area in Italy.

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Italy’s budget plan depends on EU decision on energy and defense spending

Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti says Italy’s budget plans depend on an EU decision on energy and defense spending rules, and may reach Parliament later than planned.

Giorgetti told parliamentary budget committees that the budget’s composition would depend on completion of the EU procedure.

The government hopes to bring its budget plan to Parliament, though Giorgetti said it could take longer.

A governing-coalition meeting was due to try to agree on priorities for the budget.

Few lawmakers attend Giorgetti’s economic update to Italy’s Chamber of Deputies

About a dozen deputies were in the chamber when Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti began presenting the government’s economic and financial plan; attendance later rose to around 20.

Initial attendance
About a dozen deputies
Attendance during speech
Around 20 deputies
Opposition lawmakers
About 10
League deputies
3

Salvini resigns as League leader ahead of Milan congress

Matteo Salvini has formally resigned as leader of Italy’s League party ahead of its October 24–25 congress, where he is expected to seek re-election. He also announced plans for a political secretariat and an updated party symbol.

Matteo Salvini and his allies Northern League dissenters

Party decision-making

Salvini announced a political secretariat to share responsibilities and said any motions would be decided by open vote.

The dissenting faction has called for greater collegiality and considered a motion to change the party statute.

Party direction

Salvini said there are no dissidents and invited congress delegates to present ideas and proposals.

Some northern party figures have pressed for changes to the party’s direction and governance.

School strikes planned across Italy and in Livorno province on 16 October

Two school-sector strikes are planned for Friday, 16 October 2026: one nationwide and one in Livorno province. Schools must assess possible effects on classes and services.

World

Trump-Putin diesel deal draws Ukraine’s criticism as experts doubt price impact

The US temporarily eased sanctions on Russian diesel sales after Trump and Putin agreed to supply fuel. Analysts say the shipments are unlikely to bring down prices soon.

“It is not going to have any impact on prices. The first amount [due to be shipped to the US] is so small.”
Ashley KeltyEnergy analyst, Panmure Liberum

Durham police warn of online group coercing children into harmful acts

Durham Regional Police say an online network called “The Com” is targeting young people and coercing some into harmful or criminal activities. They urge adults to talk with children and report safety concerns.

Pennsylvania grandfather kills eight people in Erie home shooting

A 45-year-old man killed eight people, including children and a pregnant woman, in a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, then took his own life. Police are investigating what led to the shooting.

Mexican cartels steal US rental vehicles for use and conversion

Mexican cartels are stealing rental vehicles across the United States and taking them to Mexico. Some trucks are fitted with armor and weapons, while only a small share of stolen vehicles are recovered.

Michael Mosbach, Neil Peart’s longtime security and riding partner, dies

Michael Mosbach, who worked with RUSH drummer Neil Peart for decades, has died after a battle with glioblastoma. He later organized a charity event raising money for brain cancer research.

Duane Davis faces life sentence for Tupac Shakur murder

Duane Davis, convicted of first-degree murder for orchestrating Tupac Shakur’s 1996 killing, was due to be sentenced in Las Vegas. He faces life in prison without parole and says he will appeal.

Cornell suspends student events after sexual assault allegations

Cornell has suspended student-organization events for the rest of the school year after a former student sued over alleged sexual assault. A planned homecoming concert was canceled.

Cornell suspended student-group events for the rest of the school year after a former student’s sexual assault allegations prompted widespread anger.

The case involves a woman identified as Jane Doe and seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity at Cornell in Ithaca, New York.

She alleges they sexually assaulted her at a party in October 2024 after she consumed alcohol and ketamine; the men deny wrongdoing.

A planned homecoming concert by Between Friends was canceled by the student-run Cornell Concert Commission, which said it stands with survivors.

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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.

The United States announced sanctions aimed at the ICC hours after Pillay was named the Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Pillay urged the United States to return to its role as a defender of human rights in an interview in The Hague.

Florida Executes James Robertson, Its 17th Prisoner This Year

Florida executed James Robertson, who said he deliberately killed another inmate to get on death row. It was the state's 17th execution this year and its first since a botched injection in Tennessee.

Prisoner executed
James Robertson
State
Florida
Executions this year
17
Reported
October 13, 2026

Texas man hit by ICE vehicle says he did not know its alleged target

Miguel Parra-Hernandez was badly injured by an ICE vehicle in Houston. His representatives say he did not know the man agents were pursuing, and the county district attorney is investigating.

ICE Parra-Hernandez's representatives

Target and circumstances

ICE said Parra-Hernandez was not its target and ran in front of its vehicle.

His attorney said he did not know who was in the vehicle and that neither he nor his passenger knew the man ICE was allegedly pursuing.

Vehicle's movement

ICE said it struck Parra-Hernandez as he ran in front of the vehicle.

Video described by the Guardian shows an unmarked SUV following him and veering towards him as he ran across the parking lot.

Truck and bus collide head-on in Delta, B.C

A truck and a transit bus collided head-on in Delta, British Columbia. The available information does not provide details about injuries or what led to the crash.

Business

Trump agrees to Russian diesel supply deal as US fuel prices rise

Donald Trump agreed to allow more than 4.8 million tonnes of Russian diesel to be supplied, as US diesel prices surged. The deal includes a temporary exemption from export sanctions.

“made the right choice for the American People — ALWAYS, AMERICA FIRST!”
Donald TrumpUS president

UnitedHealth raises its profit forecast again as turnaround efforts advance

UnitedHealth raised its profit forecast again as its turnaround efforts gathered pace. No forecast figure or further details were provided.

JP Morgan raises Apple price target to $360 despite iPhone demand concerns

JP Morgan raised its Apple price target from $340 to $360, saying reported iPhone 18 Pro production cuts may reflect normal adjustments. It expects the iPhone Duo to help offset a delayed base-model launch.

Kroger plans to cut about 3,000 corporate roles over three years

Kroger says it will cut about 3,000 corporate roles over three years, citing efforts to simplify operations and adapt to technology. The company says it will invest in frontline workers.

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

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

Apple reportedly cuts iPhone 18 Pro parts orders amid weaker demand

Apple has reportedly asked suppliers to reduce parts production for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. One account puts October order cuts at 15% to 20%.

Social Security’s 2027 Cost-of-Living Increase Is Due for Announcement

U.S. officials are set to announce the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment on Oct. 14, after September inflation data is released. Forecasts put the increase at 3.5% or 3.6%.

The United States is due to announce the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment on Wednesday, Oct.

14, after September inflation data is released.

The adjustment, known as COLA, changes Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments to help recipients keep up with rising prices.

Forecasts put the increase at 3.5% or 3.6%, though the official figure has not yet been announced.

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Starbucks denies plans to buy Chipotle

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

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

Starbucks denied plans to buy Chipotle, after which Starbucks shares rose and Chipotle shares fell.

Kalshi traders expect US inflation to stay high after a likely 2026 peak

Kalshi traders expect US inflation to remain elevated, with September CPI forecast at 3.6% year over year. They see limited odds of new highs this year.

September CPI forecast
3.6% year over year
August CPI increase
3.4% year over year
May 2026 inflation peak
4.2% year over year
Chance of a 2026 inflation high
Just under one in three

Mike Tomlin shares a 12-year Minecraft city project

The former Pittsburgh Steelers coach has launched a YouTube channel to show a sprawling city he built in Minecraft over 12 years.

Admirers of Tomlin’s project Critics of the project

Time spent

They admired his dedication to a project developed over 12 years.

They questioned whether Tomlin devoted too much time to his virtual city.

Sushi-Con 2026 draws crowds to New York expo

More than 60 companies took part in Sushi-Con 2026 in New York, where visitors sampled Japanese foods and watched a bluefin tuna-cutting show.

Science & Tech

Anthropic warns small AI models could soon spread between smart devices

Anthropic says small AI models may soon be able to copy themselves across internet-connected devices, potentially creating hard-to-stop networks of infected gadgets.

“We should aim to harden our systems to make it difficult for such replicators to spread, but also prepare to deal with a world where they are here to stay.”
Anthropic researchersSafety researchers

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

The Foschini Group says a cyberattack affected systems at Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles in the UK. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders may be delayed.

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

NASA’s Perseverance rover has driven 28.10 miles on Mars, passing the record held by Opportunity. The rover is continuing its exploration of ancient terrain.

Canadian cybersecurity executive arrested in ShinyHunters investigation

Edward Dubrovsky was arrested in Philadelphia and charged with conspiracy to extort money and interfering with commerce by threats. The FBI suspects he was involved with ShinyHunters.

Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at hundreds of French supermarkets

Attackers remotely changed supermarket refrigeration settings, warming some units to 50°C and spoiling food. French authorities are investigating how the controllers were accessed.

Norway fines Microsoft-owned Xandr $9.6 million over Grindr data sharing

Norway’s data protection authority fined Xandr a record 92 million kroner for sharing Grindr users’ sensitive data with advertisers without verifying consent. Xandr has three weeks to appeal.

Apple launches HomePod Mini 2 with Siri AI support and new features

Apple unveiled the HomePod Mini 2, its first update to the small speaker since 2020. It costs $149, comes in five colors and goes on sale October 30.

Apple has introduced the HomePod Mini 2, its first small-speaker update since 2020.

The speaker has a new S10 chip, and Apple says a future software update will bring its latest Siri AI features.

With a compatible iPhone or iPad, Siri can use personal information to help with tasks such as finding a message or adding ingredients to a shopping list.

The speaker also adds Sound Glow, which matches its lights to album art, and can work as a Mac’s default speaker.

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Apple unveils fourth-generation Apple TV 4K with A19 chip and Siri AI

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, hands-free Siri AI and support for four-speaker surround sound. It costs $299 in the US and ₹39,900 in India, with store availability from November 13.

Apple unveiled the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K and made it available for preorder.

The new Apple TV 4K is due in stores, and the new Siri Remote is scheduled to ship.

Apple launches smart home accessories with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple unveiled cameras, a door lock, thermostats and sensors for its Home app, developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. The collection is set to begin arriving in December.

Collection
Apple Home Collection
Development partners
LG Electronics and Schneider Electric
Smart deadbolt price
$349.95
Wired video doorbell price
$249.95

Beats and Pokémon reveal Pikachu and Mimikyu edition of Beats Pill

Beats and The Pokémon Company revealed a special-edition Beats Pill featuring Pikachu and Mimikyu. It goes on sale October 15 for $149.99 in the United States.

Paris Auto Show puts affordable cars and electric models in focus

The Paris Auto Show opened to the public on October 13, featuring more than 60 automakers. Its 2026 lineup highlights small cars, family models and electric vehicles, including options priced below €20,000.

Sports

Commanders and Giants tie after Washington fails to stop the clock in overtime

Washington let the clock expire while in field-goal range, ending its chance to beat New York. Coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels accepted blame for the mistake.

“The sequence of that does not fall on him.”
Dan QuinnCommanders head coach

Rams to review kicking unit after overtime loss to Bills

Los Angeles lost 37-34 in overtime after a missed field goal and a blocked kick. Coach Sean McVay said the team will evaluate its kicking game.

Penix says he hopes to play next week after rib injury

Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left the Falcons’ overtime loss to Baltimore with a rib injury. He said he hopes to return next week, but further tests are planned.

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw ejected after headbutting Seahawks player

Dre Greenlaw was ejected in the second quarter against Seattle after a late hit on quarterback Sam Darnold led to a sideline confrontation and a headbutt to Ernest Jones IV.

49ers lead Week 6 NFL power rankings as several 0-5 teams struggle

The 49ers remain No. 1 in one Week 6 ranking, while the Vikings rise and the 0-5 Chargers, Titans and Dolphins sit near the bottom.

Deebo Samuel expected to miss multiple weeks with hamstring injury

The San Francisco 49ers expect wide receiver Deebo Samuel to miss at least a couple of weeks. Nick Bosa could return from a calf injury against Washington in Week 6.

Marvin Harrison Jr. trade to Houston becomes official after physical

Harrison passed his physical and is now a Houston Texan. The Texans sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick for the receiver and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has officially joined the Houston Texans after passing his physical on Monday.

The 24-year-old wide receiver was traded from the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him fourth overall in the 2024 draft.

Houston sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick, and received Harrison and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Harrison reunites with quarterback C.J. Stroud, his former teammate at Ohio State.

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NFL clears Zxavian Harris to sign with a team as a free agent

The NFL ruled former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris eligible to sign with any team. Former Ole Miss tight end Da'Quan Wright is still waiting for a decision.

Harris sought to return to college and play for LSU.

The NFL initially ruled Harris ineligible to join a team.

The NFL Management Council ruled Harris an eligible free agent.

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava expected to miss season with knee injury

Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the rest of UCLA's season after injuring his knee against Oregon. Coach Bob Chesney says medical evaluations will determine the final timeline.

Oregon result
UCLA won 17-15
UCLA record
5-0
Iamaleava passing
982 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions
Dieffenbach against Oregon
3-of-6 passing for 43 yards and a touchdown

Jaguars left tackle Anton Harrison to have knee surgery

Anton Harrison will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee after an injury against Philadelphia. His absence could last three to five weeks or the rest of the regular season.

Two players ejected after opening-kickoff fight in London

Jacksonville’s Bryan Thomas Jr. and Philadelphia’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr. were ejected after fighting during the opening kickoff. A 90-yard Jaguars return for a touchdown was called back because of penalties.

Entertainment

Brazilian axé singer Netinho dies at 60

Netinho, whose 1996 hit “Mila” helped make him a leading axé singer, died in Salvador after a return of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“Artista extraordinário, talentoso, sensível e inovador, Netinho construiu uma trajetória marcada pela alegria, pela música e por um carisma inconfundível”
Netinho's teamArtist's representatives

Sean Combs Taken From Fort Dix for Treatment of Head Injury

Sean Combs was taken from Fort Dix prison for treatment of a head injury early Saturday and returned before sunrise. How he was injured has not been confirmed.

Epic delays Marvel and Star Wars game amid reported AI-first shift

Epic Games has delayed an unannounced shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters, with developers reportedly told to use AI tools for its production. The game has no new release date.

Glen Schofield says Krafton made him release The Callisto Protocol early

Glen Schofield says Krafton withdrew three promised months of development time during the pandemic, forcing his team to release The Callisto Protocol in December 2022 with problems still unresolved.

Paul Panzer says his wife has died after 25 years together

German comedian Paul Panzer has publicly announced his wife's death. He says he will care for their son and is returning to the stage.

Rodrigo Faro says he worked as a child to help support his family

The Brazilian presenter says he and his brother began making commercials at age eight and gave their earnings to help support their mother.

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.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19.

A report based on people familiar with Rockstar’s plans says the PC version could arrive between January and March 2027.

Rockstar has not announced a PC release, and the game is currently listed only for those consoles.

If the reported timing is accurate, PC players would wait only a few months after the console launch.

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Lucian Piane, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ composer, dies at 46

Lucian Piane, a composer and guest judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” died at 46 after being struck by a vehicle in Glendale, California, according to authorities.

Glendale emergency crews responded to a reported collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at San Fernando Road and Harvard Street.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

News outlets reported Piane’s death and his work on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Jade Anna says she and Kenneth ended their engagement over future plans

Jade Anna says she and Kenneth made a joint decision to end their relationship because their future plans and careers no longer aligned. She is moving from Rome back to the Netherlands.

Move
Jade moved to Rome in January.
Proposal
Kenneth proposed in May.
Breakup announcement
Jade said the relationship ended about three months after the proposal.
Reason
Jade cited their future plans and careers.

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.

Kristi Noem Kacey Musgraves

Political support

Noem said she would take Ken Paxton over James Talarico.

Musgraves welcomed Talarico at her Dallas concert.

Criticism

Noem said she preferred Ella Langley over Musgraves.

Musgraves replied with a reference to Noem’s account of killing her dog.

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.

Health

Suspected cholera cases triple in Yemen amid renewed fighting

Yemen has recorded 8,034 suspected cholera cases and 27 deaths this year. Cases tripled in three weeks as fighting displaced people into unsanitary camps.

“Families fleeing conflict are now facing another threat from diseases that can be prevented and treated.”
Annette HeinzelmannWHO emergency director for the region

Gates Foundation and Wellcome Leap launch $100 million stillbirth initiative

The partners and the Uzima Foundation will test technologies in high-burden countries, aiming to halve stillbirth rates over the next decade.

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.

Hyderabad suspends four eateries’ food safety licences after inspections

Food safety officials suspended the licences of four Hyderabad eateries over hygiene violations and ordered another canteen to close. They also collected 16 food samples for testing.

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.

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.

Flu season is starting early, raising questions about vaccination

Flu season is kicking off early. The story raises the question of whether people are getting vaccinated but gives no further details.

Flu season is kicking off early, but no location or timing details are given.

The story raises the question of whether people are getting a flu vaccine.

It gives no information about how early the season is or how many people are affected.

It also provides no details about vaccination advice or the vaccine itself.

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Smoke leaves Manaus with very poor air quality for fifth day

Smoke from wildfires has worsened air quality in Manaus for five days. The fires affect more than 30 municipalities in Amazonas state.

Cities in the Manaus metropolitan region recorded very poor air quality.

Manaus recorded its fifth consecutive day of worsening air quality.

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.

Singapore flu activity reaches highest level since weekly records began in 2024

Influenza was found in 44% of respiratory samples tested in Singapore from Sep 27 to Oct 3, as clinics and hospitals saw more patients with breathing problems during hazy weather.

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.