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Oita to begin collecting lodging tax in June 2027

Oita Prefecture will charge guests a nightly tax based on room rates from June 1, 2027, with revenue intended to support tourism and local municipalities.

“Tourism is an extremely important industry, and because we will have a funding source to promote it, we will be able to pursue tourism measures even more powerfully.”
Kiichiro SatoOita governor

Takaichi to finalize Japan’s foreign resident policy by March

Takaichi plans to finalize Japan’s foreign resident policy by March, taking population projections into account as the country balances its need for foreign workers with a shrinking population.

Debate over agriculture minister's future continues as LDP seeks to calm tensions

Discussion in Japan's upper house over Agriculture Minister Yanagi's future is drawing attention as the LDP tries to ease tensions. Discontent remains inside and outside the party.

Japan seeks tenfold increase in Cabinet public relations budget

The Takaichi administration requested 7.2 billion yen for public relations in fiscal 2027, about 10 times the previous year's budget. Critics warn the spending could promote the government rather than provide balanced information.

Japan farm minister faces questions over election buses and past remarks

Kazuo Yana admitted arranging free bus rides for supporters but denied breaking election law. He also faces criticism over remarks about road budgets and reporters.

Kishida urges caution on tax breaks for Japanese government bonds

Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida questioned tax breaks for individual government bonds, saying they do not fit NISA’s goal of moving savings into investments.

Japan lower house declines to release records of imperial law debate

Japan’s lower house declined to disclose records on a debate about imperial law. No further details were provided.

Japan’s lower house declined to disclose records about a debate on imperial law.

The decision was announced on October 13, 2026.

The records concern a discussion of law related to the imperial system.

The available information does not explain what the debate covered or why the records were requested.

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Japan considers including railways in defense-related spending

Japan is considering counting railway upgrades as defense-related spending in revisions to three security documents due by year-end. The goal is to help move supplies and equipment during emergencies.

The government had designated 24 airports and 33 seaports for public infrastructure development.

The National Security Secretariat submitted materials to a government panel on revising the three security documents.

The government is considering revising the three security documents to include railways in defense-related expenditure.

Japan PM says he may dismiss farm minister if illegality is found

Japan's prime minister said he would not hesitate to dismiss the farm minister if illegality is found.

Prime minister
Japan’s prime minister
Minister
Farm minister
Stated condition
Illegality found
Publication date
October 13, 2026

Ichikawa mayor admits giving wrong reason for denying mosque prayers in park

Ichikawa Mayor Koh Tanaka acknowledged that he wrongly said a former neighbor moved because of the mosque. The city had denied the mosque permission to hold holiday prayers in a municipal park.

Ichikawa city government Gyotoku mosque congregation

Permission

The city denied permission, saying it could not be certain the event would not interfere with public use of the park.

The congregation sought permission to hold group prayers in the park for an Islamic holiday.

Japan considers separate quota to restart foreign meal-service worker intake

Japan plans to consider moving meal workers at hospitals, care facilities and schools into a quota with room, while keeping new restaurant-worker intake suspended.

World

Eight people injured in stabbing at Incheon supermarket

A man stabbed eight people at a supermarket in Incheon, South Korea. Police detained the suspect and are investigating the attack.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Germany Detains People Over Fire at Polish Starlink Station

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

Zelenskyy says Ukraine received no warning before Russian missile strike on Kyiv

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said partners gave Ukraine no early warning before five Russian ballistic missiles hit civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. Russian strikes also killed four people in Kharkiv, he said.

Six Flags closes nine coasters after fatal incident in Georgia

One person died and several were injured in an incident involving a coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Six Flags closed nine similar rides at six parks while authorities investigate.

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

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

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

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

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Nuremberg airport suspends flights after aviation emergency alert

Nuremberg airport in Germany suspended flights after an unclear aviation emergency was reported. Police said an aircraft landed safely, and the cause is under investigation.

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

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

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

The airport resumed normal operations.

MI5 chief warns Iran and Russia are stepping up threats to Britain

MI5 chief Ken McCallum said Iran is seeking to target harder sites, including military locations, while Russia is increasing hybrid operations against Ukraine’s allies. He also warned that AI could help terrorists develop biological weapons.

MI5 chief
Ken McCallum
Suspected plot site
RAF Fairford, western England
Arrests
Seven men were arrested and released on bail under investigation.
Iran-linked operations
More than 50 arrests over the past year, according to McCallum.

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

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

Trump and the U.S. European allies and Ukraine

Agreement

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

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

Response to Moscow

Not stated.

Allies vowed to keep pressure on Moscow.

Iran denies involvement in suspected plot near UK airbase

Britain blamed Iran’s Revolutionary Guard for a suspected plot near RAF Fairford and sanctioned two Iranian nationals. Tehran denied involvement and called the accusation a false flag operation.

Business

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

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

“there is nothing beyond the typical production adjustments Apple makes every year.”
JP Morgan analystsAnalysts

Apple reportedly cuts iPhone 18 Pro parts orders amid weaker demand

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

Mike Tomlin shares a 12-year Minecraft city project

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

Sushi-Con 2026 draws crowds to New York expo

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

AI Cited in Nearly 192,000 US Job Cuts Since 2023

Nearly 192,000 US job cuts since 2023 have been attributed to AI, including 120,100 in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures based on employment data.

IMF sees US inflation rising in 2026 before easing in 2027

The IMF forecasts US inflation at 3.6% in 2026 and 2.8% in 2027, with underlying inflation not returning to its 2% target until mid-2028.

Poll finds most Americans think Trump is profiting from presidency

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say Donald Trump is illegally profiting from the presidency or acting unethically, an AP-NORC poll found. The White House rejects the accusations.

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

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

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

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

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Bumble reportedly in advanced talks for a $1bn takeover

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

Whitney Wolfe Herd launched Bumble.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starbucks denies plans to buy Chipotle

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

Starbucks Financial Times report

Takeover plans

Starbucks said it was not buying Chipotle.

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

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

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

Science & Tech

NASA’s Perseverance rover sets record with 45.2km driven on Mars

Perseverance has driven 45.2km on Mars, surpassing the previous record held by NASA’s Opportunity rover. NASA says the rover’s autonomous navigation system handles more than 90% of its driving.

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

Cyberattack overheats refrigeration systems in hundreds of French supermarkets

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

Meta unveils two AI models it says rival leading systems

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

Cyberattack Defrosts Refrigerators at Hundreds of French Supermarkets

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

Beats and Pokémon unveil special-edition Pill speaker for $149

The gray Beats Pill features Pikachu and Mimikyu artwork, custom packaging and three lanyard charms. It goes on sale October 15 for $149.

Rain may ease heat in Telangana over the next four days

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

Apple announces HomePod mini 2 with Siri AI and new sound features

Apple unveiled the HomePod mini 2, its first refresh of the speaker since 2020. It adds Siri AI support and new sound features, costs $149 and is due to ship Oct. 30.

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

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

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

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

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Apple plans to unveil smart home devices at New York event

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

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

HomeView pre-orders opened.

Apple said HomeView would ship.

Ahold Delhaize takes some systems offline after cyberattack

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

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

Epic Games shifts toward AI to speed up game development

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

AI critics Tim Sweeney

AI’s role in creative work

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

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

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

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

Sports

Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey sells privately for $14 million

A jersey Jordan wore in Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $14 million in a private sale, setting a record for basketball memorabilia.

“Michael Jordan was an incredibly talented player who is admired around the world.”
Ron FirmanBuyer

Seven NBA preseason standouts look ready to improve

Seven NBA players stood out in the preseason and appear ready to take a step forward. The available details do not identify them or describe their performances.

Towns says Knicks’ pause on extension talks caught him off guard

Karl-Anthony Towns said he was disappointed after the Knicks postponed contract extension talks until later in the season. He said his focus remains on winning another NBA title.

NBA player rankings for 2026-27 list players ranked 100th to 51st

A USA TODAY Sports team published its NBA player rankings for the 2026-27 season, covering players ranked from 100th to 51st.

Atlanta Hawks player preview: Onyeka Okongwu

Onyeka Okongwu is the subject of an Atlanta Hawks preview for the 2026-27 season. He played in a preseason game against the Indiana Pacers on October 10.

Boston Celtics season preview offers little detail beyond media day

A Celtics season preview is listed, but the available text provides no details about the team’s outlook or plans.

KJ Simpson Expected to Sign With Galatasaray

Former NBA guard KJ Simpson is expected to join Turkish club Galatasaray. The agreement has not yet been formally confirmed.

Former NBA guard KJ Simpson is expected to sign with Galatasaray, a Turkish basketball club.

The agreement has not been formally confirmed, but an announcement is expected soon.

Simpson, a 2024 draft pick, spent time with the Charlotte Hornets and Denver Nuggets before Denver released him near the start of training camp this fall.

He has made 56 NBA appearances, while his G League career includes averages of 19.3 points, 5.3 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game.

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Warriors and Brandin Podziemski agree to five-year, $110 million extension

Golden State has agreed to a fully guaranteed five-year, $110 million extension with guard Brandin Podziemski, keeping him off next summer’s restricted free-agent market.

The Warriors selected Podziemski 19th overall.

Podziemski appeared in all 82 games and averaged 13.8 points and 5.1 rebounds.

The Warriors and Podziemski agreed to a five-year, $110 million extension.

Victor Wembanyama tops NBA player ranking for 2026-27

Victor Wembanyama ranks first in a new list of the NBA’s 100 best players entering the 2026-27 season, ahead of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić.

Top-ranked player
Victor Wembanyama
Ranking position
No. 1
Season
2026-27
Other players named ahead of
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić

Porzingis to meet Warriors staff as return to play remains uncertain

Kristaps Porzingis is expected at the Warriors’ facility Tuesday after two weeks away for a private health issue. Coach Steve Kerr said his availability for the season opener is unclear.

Caldwell-Pope says team chemistry will be key to Sixers’ season

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope says the Philadelphia 76ers’ success will depend on players building strong relationships and communicating on and off the court.

Entertainment

Bryan Cranston mourns Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte, who died at 34

Cranston paid tribute to Mitte, who played his son on Breaking Bad, remembering his acting and disability advocacy. Accounts differ on whether his death was officially confirmed as suicide.

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

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

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

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

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

CJ ENM and MBC to launch Korean content hub on Shahid

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

Celebrity Traitors faces leaks and rule breaches as BBC warns cast

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

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

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

Selma Blair charged with assault after flight incident in New York

Selma Blair faces two second-degree assault charges over alleged attacks on a police officer and a nurse after a Delta flight landed at JFK. She was released on bail and has a court hearing scheduled for January.

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

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

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

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

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TNA ends Max Caster’s run after Riyadh attack reference at Bound for Glory

TNA said Max Caster will no longer wrestle for the company after his entrance rap at Bound for Glory referred to attacks in Riyadh. TNA apologized and removed the segment from replays and social media.

Wrestling Observer dated the attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to this day.

Caster performed an entrance rap referencing the Riyadh attacks before his match against Moose at Bound for Glory.

TNA announced Caster would no longer wrestle for the promotion and said it had removed the segment from replays and social media.

Apple announces Vision Pro horror film Remnants for October 16

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

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

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

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

Ego Nwodim and Dan Levy Shane Gillis

Women’s gym clothes

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

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

Documentary to tell story of four founding Jackson 5 brothers

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

Health

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.

“primary cause of death was a probable acute cardiac event due to possible complications of the measles.”
Franklin County coroner’s office spokespersonCoroner’s office spokesperson

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

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

Intestinal gases may offer clues about gut health

Gut microbes produce gases as they break down indigestible food. Research suggests these gases may affect digestion and offer clues about gastrointestinal health.

Singapore public healthcare services recover after network disruption

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

Nearly 40 patients evacuated after fire at Georgia rehabilitation hospital

Walton Rehabilitation Hospital in Augusta evacuated nearly 40 patients after an electrical fire began in an HVAC unit on Oct. 10. Firefighters contained the damage to the unit.

Orthopaedic specialist explains five common myths about arthritis

Dr Ankur Singh says smoking can raise arthritis risk, while exercise adapted to a person’s condition can help. He says evidence does not link knuckle cracking to osteoarthritis.

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.

Drinking water does not directly lower high blood sugar, according to diabetes educator and nurse Megan Asterino-McGeean.

She says staying hydrated can help prevent dehydration from making the situation worse.

When the body loses water, blood becomes more concentrated, which can raise a blood sugar reading.

High glucose can also lead the kidneys to remove more water through urine, increasing the risk of dehydration.

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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.

The Asti local health authority launched the Communit-Action project.

The Asti health authority presented the project in Vilnius.

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.

Trials reviewed
12
Participants
More than 1,000 women
Participant ages
40 to 65
Study institution
University College London

At least 90 lawsuits allege weight-loss drugs caused vision loss

Patients in the US say drugs including Ozempic and Wegovy caused a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss. The link remains disputed.

Claimants alleging drug-related vision loss Experts questioning whether the drugs cause NAION

Cause

Claimants say they developed NAION while using the drugs.

Some experts say there is little scientific evidence proving the drugs cause NAION.

Evidence

The article reports a 2024 study finding semaglutide users were around four times more likely to develop the condition than people taking other diabetes treatment.

Experts have questioned the validity of the claims, and the article says the possible mechanism has not been fully proven.

Dietitians suggest three steps for making a more satisfying smoothie

Dietitians recommend choosing a suitable liquid, adding produce and checking for nutritional gaps. The right ingredients depend on whether the smoothie is a meal, snack or workout drink.