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Burnham says Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote, but not successfully

The UK prime minister said he was told Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. His office says there is no evidence Russia changed the result, which remains legitimate.

“I’ve had the clear answer that yes, there was”
Andy BurnhamUK prime minister

Heathrow investors may reconsider £33bn runway plan without PM backing

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye says investors need more certainty on a proposed third runway and may reassess the £33bn plan if Prime Minister Andy Burnham does not commit.

Farage pledges five-year suspension of UK asylum system

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says his party would suspend asylum claims for up to five years if elected, void pending applications and deport failed applicants.

Swinney will not face probe over pension claims to Scottish Parliament

Independent advisers said no investigation was needed into John Swinney’s claim that pensioners would lose out under UK reforms to the triple lock. Swinney says the matter is closed.

Ministers plan cuts to heat pump grants to help fund defence spending

Ministers are preparing to cut hundreds of millions of pounds from England and Wales’s heat pump grant scheme as they seek savings for defence investment.

Civil service union seeks 10% pay rise and four-day week as strike vote nears

The PCS union is seeking a 10% pay rise and progress towards a four-day week on full pay for civil servants. Members will vote on strike action from October 20 to December 1.

Think tank urges £8bn in tax rises to rebuild UK fiscal buffer

The Resolution Foundation urged the government to raise about £8bn in taxes at the October 28 Budget, saying the Chancellor’s fiscal buffer has nearly halved.

The Resolution Foundation has urged the UK government to raise about £8bn in taxes at the October 28 Budget.

It says the Chancellor should make difficult choices now rather than postpone them until next year’s spending review.

The think tank estimates the fiscal buffer has fallen from £24bn to as little as £12bn, partly because of the Middle East war.

It also calls for targeted help with winter energy bills for households where no one earns more than £24,000.

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UK expands police support for political figures and reviews security

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced police support for political figures who are not MPs and an independent review of security for high-profile people after Ann Widdecombe was killed.

Prosecutors allege Joshua Kerry travelled to Nigel Farage’s home in south London and tried to break in.

Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon.

Mahmood announced expanded police support and an independent security review.

Burnham’s contacts with Manchester City disclosed after calls for transparency

Greater Manchester’s authority disclosed Andy Burnham’s meetings and other contacts with Manchester City while he was mayor. City has appealed a finding that it breached Premier League financial rules.

Formal meeting
October 2021
Meeting location
UK government’s Global Investment Summit
Informal meeting
Vincent Kompany’s testimonial match, September 2019
Official visits with City staff
China and Japan

Burnham to seek new post-Brexit deals at UK-EU summit

Andy Burnham says he will seek agreements on areas including food, energy and youth mobility at next month’s UK-EU summit. He says closer cooperation could support economic growth.

Andy Burnham Kemi Badenoch

Purpose of closer EU cooperation

Burnham says new agreements could support growth and reduce trade frictions.

Badenoch says Burnham is unpicking the deal the UK signed with the EU.

Negotiating prospects

Burnham wants to pursue agreements at the summit and says future changes should have public backing.

Badenoch says the EU will not offer a better deal and accuses Burnham of revealing his negotiating position.

Welsh government and Labour agree £60m for additional learning needs

The Welsh government and Labour have agreed a budget deal that includes £60m for additional learning needs in schools. The supplementary budget will be debated in the Senedd on 3 November.

World

Hezbollah announces housing aid of up to $14,000 for displaced families

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible families whose homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel up to $14,000 in Beirut and $12,000 elsewhere in Lebanon.

“the money that Hezbollah is promising does not exist”
Tommy PigottU.S. State Department spokesman

Teenager killed and 24 injured in blast during hike in northern Israel

A teenager was killed and 24 people were injured when suspected unexploded Hezbollah munition detonated during a school hike near Israel’s border with Lebanon.

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.

Singapore advises citizens to defer all travel to Saudi Arabia

Singapore’s foreign ministry advised citizens to postpone all travel to Saudi Arabia after missile and drone attacks hit airports and other infrastructure. It urged those already there to avoid high-risk areas.

Netanyahu seeks probe into anonymous sources for Gaza documentary NAZA

Benjamin Netanyahu has called for an investigation and prosecution of anonymous Israeli military sources in NAZA, a film alleging the army used AI targeting systems in Gaza.

Bus-truck crash in western Turkey kills 11 and injures 27

A tour bus and a timber-laden truck collided near Akhisar in western Turkey on Sunday. Authorities said 11 people died and 27 were injured; the crash is under investigation.

Turkish presenter Serap Belovacıklı faces investigation over social media post

Prosecutors in Istanbul opened an investigation into Sözcü TV presenter Serap Belovacıklı over words in a social media post. She is due to give a statement on Wednesday.

Turkish prosecutors opened an investigation into presenter Serap Belovacıklı over language in a social media post.

Belovacıklı works for Sözcü TV, and the investigation is being handled by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul.

It concerns a section of Turkey’s criminal code on publicly insulting a group based on characteristics such as religion, gender or region.

Belovacıklı said she had been replying to someone who insulted her and her family, and removed her post within an hour because she felt its wording did not reflect well on her.

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Wong urges Palestinian Authority to hold delayed elections without delay

Penny Wong has urged the Palestinian Authority to hold elections after postponing them until September 2027, saying further delays weaken prospects for a two-state solution.

The most recent Palestinian elections were held, and Hamas won an overwhelming majority.

Abbas also postponed elections, according to the SMH.

Australia recognised Palestinian statehood after Abbas gave commitments that included holding democratic elections.

The Palestinian Authority announced that elections scheduled for November would be delayed until September 2027.

Wong urged the Authority to hold elections without delay, while Coalition and pro-Israel voices called for accountability.

UK says Iran was highly likely behind RAF Fairford security incident

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard almost certainly directed a suspected plot near RAF Fairford. Britain has sanctioned two people and says further sanctions may follow.

Location
RAF Fairford, southern England
Incident date
September 27
Arrests
Seven men were arrested and later released on bail without charge
Sanctions
Two Iranian nationals

Attack on Riyadh airport kills one, injures 11, Saudi authorities say

A projectile struck a domestic terminal at King Khalid International Airport on Sunday, killing a Pakistani resident and injuring 11. The airport has been hit four times in five days.

Saudi-led coalition and Saudi authorities Houthis

Attacks in Yemen

The Saudi-led coalition said it was continuing strikes on Houthi launch sites.

The Houthis said Saudi airspace was a military zone and blamed Saudi Arabia for strikes on Sanaa.

Pakistani resident killed and 11 injured in Riyadh airport attack

Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said an attack on King Khalid International Airport killed a Pakistani resident and injured 11 others. Damage and facility safety checks are ongoing.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bumble, a dating app company based in Texas, is reportedly in advanced talks to be bought by technology holding company Ithaca for around $1bn.

A deal could be announced as early as this week, according to the report.

Bumble shares rose almost 50% on Monday after the news, giving the company a market value of more than $580m.

That is still far below its value of more than $14bn after it listed on the Nasdaq in 2021.

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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.

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.

Company
UnitedHealth
Forecast
Profit forecast raised again
Publication date
October 13, 2026

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.

Critics of Trump White House

Ethics and legality

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults believe Trump is illegally profiting from the presidency or acting unethically but not illegally.

The White House dismisses accusations that Trump and his family business are benefiting financially from his office.

Priorities

Most Americans think Trump is more focused on adding to his personal wealth than helping the country.

Not stated.

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.

Science & Tech

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.

“HomePod mini 2 brings together Siri AI, gorgeous new colors, and incredible audio.”
Kaiann DranceApple vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

Google launches Fitbit Edge with GPS, health tracking and replaceable battery

The $179.99 Fitbit Edge adds a display, built-in GPS and expanded health tracking to Google’s fitness lineup. Preorders are open, with sales starting October 27.

Xiaomi tops AnTuTu’s September flagship and tablet rankings

In September AnTuTu rankings based on data from China, Xiaomi led the flagship phone and tablet categories, while Oppo topped the mid-range chart.

Citroën unveils €15,000 electric 2CV concept planned for 2028

Citroën has shown an electric concept inspired by its classic 2CV, targeting a European-built production car priced around €15,000 by 2028. Its battery size and driving range are not yet known.

Modified PS5 emulator boots games on Xbox Series X

A modified PS5 emulator now runs on Xbox Series X through Developer Mode, but performance is limited: Astro Bot runs at about 10 frames per second.

Nothing OS 5.0 with Android 17 starts rolling out to Phone (3)

Nothing has begun a staged rollout of its stable OS 5.0 update to Phone (3), bringing Android 17, a redesigned home screen and new features. Other eligible phones are due to follow through mid-January 2027.

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.

Beats and The Pokémon Company have unveiled a special-edition Beats Pill featuring Pokémon characters Pikachu and Mimikyu.

The speaker has Pikachu and Mimikyu artwork on its grill, with Pikachu’s electric yellow alongside a grayscale image of Mimikyu.

It also comes with Pokémon-themed charms shaped like a Poké Ball, a lightning bolt and the Beats “b” logo.

The packaging has an interactive design, and the speaker itself is the same Beats Pill revived in 2024.

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Leak reveals Samsung smart glasses specs and 25 frame options

A leak details Samsung’s Android XR glasses, including reported hardware specs and frame designs from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. A November launch is expected, but pricing is unknown.

Samsung first showcased the glasses during the Galaxy Z Fold 8 launch event, according to Android Police.

SammyGuru’s leak of reported specifications and frame designs was covered by 9to5Google and Android Police.

Teledyne FLIR unveils compact radar to detect and track drones

Teledyne FLIR Defense unveiled the Ranger R10-3DX, a compact radar designed to detect and track drones and other targets. It can detect micro drones at distances of up to three kilometers.

Radar model
Ranger R10-3DX
Maximum micro-drone detection range
Three kilometers
Pedestrian detection range
Beyond six kilometers
Vehicle detection range
Over 12 kilometers

Honda unveils CB250SS scrambler concept in China

Honda showed the 249cc CB250SS concept at a motorcycle trade show in Chongqing. A production version is expected in China first, but availability elsewhere is unconfirmed.

Next iPad mini may cost about $799, up from $599

Apple’s upcoming iPad mini is expected to add an OLED screen and may cost about $799, compared with $599 for the current model.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

Henderson injured his ankle during New England’s win over the Raiders.

ProFootballTalk reported that Henderson had a high-ankle sprain and was expected to miss multiple weeks.

Dan Campbell says Lions fans helped lift team in 45-21 win in Arizona

Detroit beat Arizona 45-21 on the road, and coach Dan Campbell praised Lions fans for making themselves heard at the Cardinals' stadium.

Final score
Lions 45, Cardinals 21
Game date
October 11, 2026
Venue
State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Lions coach
Dan Campbell

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.

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.

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

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.

Hillary Clinton and Kara Swisher to host weekly midterms podcast

Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher will launch “High Stakes” on Oct. 14, discussing U.S. political issues ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The weekly series will run as part of Swisher’s podcast for New York magazine.

RJ Mitte’s Breaking Bad role widened disability representation on screen

RJ Mitte, who died at 34, played Walter White Jr. in Breaking Bad and advocated for people with disabilities. His work helped make disabled actors more visible in television.

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.

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.

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.

Composer and guest judge Lucian Piane has died at 46.

He was known for his work on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” where he wrote music, helped contestants and appeared as a guest judge.

Piane was struck by a vehicle in Glendale, California, on Oct.

12.

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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.

James Talarico attended Kacey Musgraves’ concert at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Talarico thanked Musgraves on social media, and Noem posted that she preferred Ella Langley and Ken Paxton.

Musgraves replied to Noem on X with a reference to Noem’s account of killing her dog, Cricket.

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.

Facility
Fort Dix federal prison, New Jersey
Reported departure
Around 1 a.m. Saturday
Reported condition on return
Conscious and able to speak
Injury
Head injury; circumstances unknown

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.

Selma Blair’s defense Prosecution and court

Intent

Her lawyer said the incident was not intentional and that missed medication, a head injury and altitude left her severely confused and disoriented.

Blair faces charges alleging she assaulted a police officer and a nurse; the allegations have not been established in court.

Celebrity treatment

Not stated.

Judge Kahn said Blair should not receive special treatment because she is a celebrity.

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.

Health

BioNTech cancer vaccine misses one goal in pivotal trial

BioNTech’s experimental mRNA vaccine for head and neck cancer failed to meet one of two primary goals in a pivotal trial.

“support continued evaluation”
Özlem TüreciBioNTech co-founder and chief medical officer

A transfer RNA may help restore drug sensitivity in prostate cancer

Researchers found that restoring a specific transfer RNA made treatment-resistant prostate tumors sensitive to androgen receptor-targeting drugs in experimental models.

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.

Racist abuse against NHS staff from minority backgrounds is increasing

Nearly three in 10 NHS staff from ethnic minorities say patients have harassed, intimidated or assaulted them. The NHS says it will strengthen prevention and security.

Small trials suggest semaglutide may reduce some measures of alcohol use

Two small clinical trials found promising but mixed signs that oral and injectable semaglutide may reduce some measures of alcohol use. Larger studies are needed.

Mexico’s military health system faces medicine supply pressure

Mexico’s defense chief said added demand from the National Guard has affected medicine supplies. He cited higher supply figures than official documents reported for prescription filling.

DEA proposes strict controls on concentrated kratom compounds

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances, while Michigan lawmakers consider whether to ban kratom or regulate its sale.

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances found in some concentrated products.

The proposal would place the substances in Schedule I, the federal category for drugs considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States.

Kratom comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia and is sold in the United States in products such as powders, capsules and liquids.

It is marketed for pain relief and other uses, but as an herbal supplement it does not face the same safety testing rules as prescription medicines.

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Pope Leo XIV to have lung nodule removed after early-stage detection

Pope Leo XIV is due to be admitted to hospital for surgery to remove a lung nodule found at an early stage. The nodule’s size and whether it is cancerous have not been disclosed.

Pope Leo XIV announced during the Angelus prayer that doctors had found a nodule in his lung and that he would have surgery.

According to Corriere della Sera, the Pope underwent a check-up for what was thought or hoped to be inflammation, and the nodule was found.

The Pope kept his scheduled engagements, according to Folha, and cancelled his other commitments through October 20.

The Pope is expected to be admitted to hospital; the surgery date has not been announced.

The expected post-operative hospital stay is about one week.

Large study finds abrupt shifts in health markers at menopause

A study of more than one million women found sudden changes in several health markers around menopause. Researchers say the findings are observational and need further study.

Study population
More than one million women
Lab tests analyzed
More than 300 million
Study cohorts
United States and Israel
US dataset
52 of 90 lab tests showed statistically significant sudden changes

Beam shares early data on rare-disease gene-editing therapy

Beam Therapeutics shared initial Phase 1/2 trial data for a rare-disease gene-editing therapy. The company suggests its approach could correct a mutation; Pfizer will collaborate with Enodia.