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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

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.

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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

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.

“Per supervisors here at the DEC (Department of Emergency Communications) we have been informed it is a false call”
DispatcherDepartment of Emergency Communications dispatcher

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.

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.

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.

Sheinbaum invokes Mexican sovereignty amid U.S. security and trade tensions

Mexico’s president criticized a U.S. ambassador’s visit to a police academy project, as she balances security co-operation with defending Mexican sovereignty and seeking tariff relief.

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.

Duane “Keffe D” Davis was due to be sentenced in Las Vegas on Tuesday after being found guilty of first-degree murder in August.

The 63-year-old former gang leader faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole for his role in the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur.

Prosecutors said Davis orchestrated the shooting after a casino fight in which Shakur and his entourage beat Davis’s nephew.

Shakur was shot while riding in a car with record executive Marion “Suge” Knight and died in hospital six days later.

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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.

Putin rejected the idea of an energy truce, saying that stopping strikes alone would not solve high diesel prices unless sanctions on Russia were lifted.

Trump announced the diesel deal after a phone call with Putin.

Ukrainian and US delegations were reportedly meeting in Miami as talks on ending the war resumed.

The US Treasury authorization permits transactions involving Russian-origin diesel.

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.

U.S. winter plans
12.5 per cent of surveyed Canadian snowbird respondents
Previous-year U.S. plans
Roughly a quarter of respondents
Delutises’ home
Waterloo, Ontario
Planned Dominican Republic stay
Six weeks

Navi Pillay urges US to defend human rights amid ICC sanctions

Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay urged the United States to resume its role as a defender of human rights. She also voiced support for the International Criminal Court after the US announced sanctions against it.

Navi Pillay US government

Role of the ICC

Pillay expressed solidarity with the court’s work promoting international criminal justice.

The US has imposed sanctions targeting the ICC and says it will not allow the court to prosecute Americans.

US leadership

Pillay urged the US to return to a role as a defender of human rights and a liberator for the rest of the world.

Rubio called the ICC a “rogue court.

Canada’s Wonderland closes two coasters after fatal incident in Georgia

Canada’s Wonderland temporarily closed the Behemoth and Leviathan after a person died and several were injured on a similar ride at Six Flags Over Georgia. There is no reopening timeline.

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.

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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

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

Apple reportedly plans HomeView smart home hub for November

Apple is expected to unveil its Siri-focused HomeView display on October 13 and begin shipping it around mid-November. A new Apple TV and HomePod mini are also expected.

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.

Scientists call for stronger safeguards against AI hacking

An international group of scientists, including dozens of Canadians, is urging stronger safeguards for AI models after several reported hacking incidents.

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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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

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.

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.

Sports

Zverev beats Bublik to reach Shanghai quarter-finals

Alexander Zverev beat Alexander Bublik in the Shanghai Masters round of 16 to reach the quarter-finals. He could become world No. 1 as early as November 2.

“Terminar como el 1 del mundo es un sentimiento diferente. Es otra responsabilidad. Estoy deseando que llegue”
Alexander ZverevTennis player

Australia ends South Africa’s unbeaten Test run in Durban

Australia beat South Africa in Durban, ending the hosts’ unbeaten run. Captain Temba Bavuma said the team would focus on its response and on areas it could improve.

Five Clockwork Carnage qualifiers set for AEW’s October 14 show

AEW has announced five qualifying matches for its October 14 Dynamite and Collision programming. The winners will join Will Ospreay, Samoa Joe and Mike Bailey in the Clockwork Carnage match at WrestleDream.

Alex Pereira offers Valter Walker his purse to spar in Las Vegas

Pereira challenged Walker to spar and offered to pay him the equivalent of his last fight purse if Walker submits him with a foot attack. Some fans criticized Pereira’s challenge and comments about money.

Zverev beats Bublik to reach Shanghai Masters quarter-finals

Alexander Zverev defeated Alexander Bublik 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 in Shanghai. He will face Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals.

Bills beat Rams 37-34 in overtime for Josh Allen’s first OT win

Buffalo beat Los Angeles 37-34 in overtime after Josh Allen led a late drive and Tyler Bass kicked the winning field goal. It was Allen’s first career overtime victory.

Alexander Zverev guaranteed to finish 2026 as year-end world No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz’s defeat at the Shanghai Masters and Jannik Sinner’s season-ending knee injury mean Zverev cannot be caught in the rankings. He will be the first German man to finish a season at No. 1.

Alexander Zverev is guaranteed to finish 2026 as the world’s top-ranked men’s tennis player.

Carlos Alcaraz’s loss to Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in the Shanghai Masters third round removed his chance of catching Zverev.

Jannik Sinner, who currently holds the top ranking, is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Zverev will be the first German man to end a season at No.

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Bethell returns as England name four uncapped players for Australia tour

Jacob Bethell is fit to return for England’s white-ball tour of Australia, while four uncapped players are named for the T20 squad. The tour runs from 13 November to 2 December.

Bethell suffered a knee injury during the ODI series against India.

England are due to begin the ODI series against Australia in Perth.

The five-match T20 series is due to begin in Melbourne.

The tour is due to end with the final T20 in Canberra.

Ollie Pope withdraws from Afghanistan Premier League draft

England batter Ollie Pope has withdrawn from the draft for the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League, amid debate over the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls. David Willey and Will Smeed have also pulled out, according to reports.

Player
Ollie Pope
Competition
Afghanistan Premier League draft
League location
United Arab Emirates
Other withdrawals
David Willey and Will Smeed, according to News18

Australia need six wickets to beat South Africa in Durban Test

South Africa begin day five at 102 for four, chasing 421 against Australia. Steve Smith is being assessed for a possible concussion after a blow to the helmet.

Australia South Africa

Match position

Australia need six wickets to win.

South Africa are 4-102 and need 319 more runs to reach 421.

Immediate aim

Australia are seeking to take the remaining wickets and win the first Test.

South Africa are pursuing the target at the start of day five.

Jim Ross hospitalized again after low oxygen

The 74-year-old AEW commentator said he was back in the hospital because of low oxygen, less than a week after brain surgery to address a shunt problem.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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

Muscle and liver cells may retain benefits of past exercise

Research suggests muscle and liver cells retain a memory of exercise after training stops. This may help people regain fitness faster when they return to exercise.

“At the cellular level, you probably weren’t.”
ResearchersExercise physiologists

France’s flu and COVID vaccination campaign starts October 13

France’s annual flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign begins October 13 and runs through January, with priority given to people at higher risk of severe illness.

World Health Summit calls for more funding for pandemic prevention

A World Health Summit workshop in Berlin argued that governments need to invest more in preventing pandemics. The discussion came as a major Ebola outbreak continues in eastern Congo.

Drinking water helps prevent dehydration but does not directly lower blood sugar

A diabetes educator says water can help prevent dehydration from worsening high blood sugar, but it does not lower glucose or replace prescribed treatment.

Epilepsy Drug Shows Promise for Osteoarthritis in Early Tests

Yale researchers found that lacosamide reduced pain and supported cartilage repair in mouse tests and human cartilage cells. The drug still needs testing in people with osteoarthritis.

More than 20,000 people in Yakutia received remote health monitoring

Since the start of 2026, 20,051 people with chronic conditions in Yakutia have had their health monitored remotely using devices that send medical data to health workers.

Sixth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

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

A 39-year-old woman in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, has been reported as the state’s sixth measles-related death in less than two months.

The woman was unvaccinated and had underlying medical conditions, the county coroner’s office said.

The coroner’s spokesperson said the probable cause was an acute cardiac event that may have resulted from measles complications.

Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,136 measles cases and 219 hospitalizations, with two-thirds of cases in adults.

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Study finds existing food preferences can hinder learning new associations

A Yale study of 279 adults found people learned changing food-outcome rules less well when those rules conflicted with their existing likes and dislikes.

Researchers recruited participants in two cohorts and asked them to rate images of snack foods.

The study was reported by News-Medical and Infobae.

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.

Funding
€8 million
Duration
Next two years
Announced by
Orazio Schillaci
Event
Heatwaves and health – Summer 2026 report and future prospects

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.

Asti healthy ageing project presented as European good practice

A health authority in Asti presented its Communit-Action project in Vilnius, where it was recognised as a European good practice for supporting healthy and active ageing.