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Saudi Arabia warns of penalties for helping border security violators

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry says people who help border security violators can face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to one million riyals.

“anyone who facilitates the entry of violators of the border security system into the Kingdom, or transports them within it, or provides them with shelter, or offers them any assistance or service in any form, exposes themselves to penalties”
Ministry of InteriorSaudi government department

Tamakkun is aimed at social security beneficiaries, orphans and people with disabilities

A headline identifies social security beneficiaries, orphans and people with disabilities as groups served by Tamakkun; no further details are provided.

Faisal bin Salman says leadership support boosts national library projects

Faisal bin Salman said leadership support strengthens the King Fahd National Library’s cultural and knowledge projects.

Saudi Civil Defense promotes 1,036 personnel

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense has promoted 1,036 personnel to the next ranks across various specializations, following a directive from the interior minister.

Saudi minister says kingdom is stronger against Houthi threat as Riyadh speeds projects

Saudi Arabia’s information minister said the kingdom was more united in confronting the Houthi threat and that Riyadh was accelerating major development projects.

Teaching master’s applications close Tuesday for new graduates

The National Institute for Professional and Educational Development is closing applications for its teaching master’s program on Tuesday. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and at least a very good grade.

Saudi commerce minister appoints nine members to Makkah chamber board

Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi appointed nine members to the Makkah Chamber of Commerce board for a four-year term starting Oct. 24.

Saudi Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi has appointed nine members to the board of the Chamber of Commerce in the Makkah region.

The appointments cover the board’s next four-year term, which starts on Oct.

24, 2026.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Saleh Kamel, the chamber’s current chairman, is among the appointees.

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Saudi minister says daily life is normal as security readiness rises

Saudi Media Minister Salman Al-Dosari said the country is preparing for different scenarios while daily life continues normally. He urged people to rely on official information about security operations.

More than 63,000 Saudi families acquired their first homes, according to Al-Dosari.

Saudi trains carried more than 38 million passengers, according to Al-Dosari.

Okaz reported Al-Dosari’s remarks at a government press conference.

Women’s share of Saudi Arabia’s workforce rises to 37%

Saudi Arabia’s minister of human resources said women’s share of the labor market has risen to 37%.

Reported share
37%
Attributed speaker
Minister of Human Resources
Outlet
Al Madina
Publication date
October 13, 2026

Saudi court upholds ruling against salary deduction for visually impaired employee

A court in Saudi Arabia upheld a ruling overturning an employer’s salary deduction from a visually impaired employee who could not use a fingerprint attendance scanner.

Employee Employer

Attendance registration

The employee said he attended work regularly and fulfilled his duties, but his visual impairment made repeated trips to the fingerprint scanner difficult.

The employer attributed the deduction to his failure to register attendance through the fingerprint system.

Salary deduction

The employee asked the court to overturn the deduction.

The employer deducted money from his salary because he did not register through the system.

Saudi court cancels salary deductions from visually impaired employee

A court in Medina cancelled salary deductions imposed on a visually impaired employee over missing fingerprint records, finding that he attended work and performed his duties. An appeals court upheld the ruling.

World

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.

“We plan to hold discussions including whether the existing rules are effectively functioning”
Toshimitsu MotegiJapanese foreign minister

Trump says he may meet Kim Jong Un during Asia trip in November

Donald Trump said he may meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a November trip to Asia, which includes a summit in China. No meeting has been confirmed.

Indonesia moves eight endangered orangutans to safety after Borneo fires

Eight endangered orangutans were rescued from wildfires on the Indonesian island of Borneo and moved to safety.

Bedbugs found on Qantas plane, forcing Rome-to-Perth flight cancellation

Passengers reported bedbug bites on a Qantas flight from Perth to Rome. The airline cancelled the return flight to deep-clean the plane and rebooked affected travellers.

North Korea says tactical missile test upgraded a key weapons component

North Korea said it test-fired a tactical ballistic missile on Oct. 12, claiming the test confirmed an upgrade to a key component of its weapons systems.

Japan’s Yugama crater lake reopens after more than eight years

Visitors flocked to Yugama crater lake in eastern Japan after Kusatsu lifted access restrictions following a lower volcanic alert level. The area will close for winter after Nov. 8.

Chinese courts sentence three Myanmar crime group leaders to death

Courts in Fujian sentenced three leaders of crime groups operating in Myanmar to death. The case involved scam operations and the deaths of four Chinese citizens.

Two crime groups linked to the Wei family operated in Myanmar’s Kokang region, where they ran compounds and provided armed protection to criminal operations.

The groups and people working with them carried out telecom fraud and other crimes, including extortion and gambling.

Three defendants, including group leader Wei Huairen, were sentenced to death by courts in Fujian province in southeastern China.

The courts also sentenced three defendants to life in prison and 55 others to terms ranging from three years and three months to 24 years.

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Fire at plastic recycling plant in Nara; workers escape unharmed

A fire broke out at a waste-plastic recycling plant in Nara, Japan, on Oct. 13. Workers evacuated safely, and firefighters were still battling the blaze hours later.

A worker reported black smoke from the plant to the fire department.

Fire engines and other vehicles were still responding, and the fire had not been brought under control.

The fire was still intense, with no estimate for when it would be extinguished.

Australia seeks to stop online broadcast of planned US execution

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia will try to keep online footage of Nidal Hasan’s scheduled execution from being available in the country, though regulators’ powers are uncertain.

Prisoner
Nidal Malik Hasan
Scheduled execution
December 3
Location
Fort Hood, Texas
Planned method
Firing squad

Melbourne Islamic centre leader rejects claims linking him to flydubai suspect

Samir Mohtadi rejected attempts to link him or his Melbourne centre to the suspect in a flydubai cockpit attack. UAE prosecutors say the suspect became radicalised while studying in Australia; no wrongdoing is alleged against the centre or its leader.

UAE prosecutors Samir Mohtadi

Alleged connection

Prosecutors said al-Hammami was acquainted in Australia with an organisation known as MyCentre, managed by a man known as Abu Hamza.

Mohtadi strongly rejects any attempt to associate him or the centre with al-Hammami.

Responsibility for radicalisation

Prosecutors said al-Hammami became radicalised while studying in Australia, but the Guardian reported there was no allegation that anyone at the centre radicalised him or knew of his intentions.

Mohtadi said he and the centre reject violence and have focused on promoting peace, harmony and community wellbeing.

Two men arrested over alleged bank card theft on flight to Singapore

Police arrested two Chinese nationals at Changi Airport after they allegedly took bank cards from two passengers’ bags during a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore.

Business

Getty Images plans Chapter 11 restructuring and move to private ownership

Getty Images has secured up to $533 million from the Getty family and Koch Equity Development to restructure its debt and go private through a Chapter 11 process expected to finish by year-end.

“Getty Images is uniquely trusted around the world as the unparalleled leader in premium visual content”
Mark GettyGetty Images co-founder

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.

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.

Traders on Kalshi, a prediction market, expect US inflation to remain high even if it has already peaked this year.

They forecast that September consumer prices rose 3.6% from a year earlier, up from 3.4% in August.

That September figure is due Wednesday, and the forecast matches economists’ estimate cited in the reports.

The inflation contracts are settled using official data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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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.

JP Morgan lowered its Apple price target to $340 over supply constraint concerns.

Nikkei Asia reported that Apple had told select suppliers to cut iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max component production because of soft demand.

JP Morgan raised its Apple price target from $340 to $360 and maintained its Overweight rating.

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 vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

Apple unveils smart home devices made with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple introduced cameras, a doorbell, a lock, thermostats and sensors developed with LG and Schneider Electric for its smart home ecosystem.

Dutch organisations develop MyCheck digital identity wallet

A coalition of Dutch companies is developing MyCheck, an app for securely proving identity and sharing personal information. Users choose what details to share.

Evidence does not show Yandex strikes reduced Russian disinformation bots

Ukrainian strikes knocked Yandex data centres offline, but claims that they sharply reduced Russian disinformation bots rely on misread or unverified data.

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.

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.

Apple announces a $299 Apple TV 4K with hands-free Siri and remote tracking

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, built-in microphones for hands-free Siri and a remote with Find My. It goes on sale Nov. 13 for $299.

Apple announced a new Apple TV 4K at a smart home-focused event on Oct.

13.

The streaming box looks much like its predecessor, last updated in 2022, but has an A19 chip and Wi-Fi 7 support.

Built-in microphones let users talk to Siri hands-free, without speaking into the remote or a HomePod.

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Anthropic warns AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models could soon copy themselves across vulnerable internet-connected devices. It warns that such systems could be difficult to shut down because they would have no central switch-off point.

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

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

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

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

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

Record distance
45.22 kilometers (28.10 miles)
Previous record
Opportunity: 45.16 kilometers (28.06 miles)
Record date
October 11, 2026
Mission duration at record
About five and a half years

Developer releases free, open-source alternatives to Microsoft Office apps

Brandon Thomas has released WordCraft, DeckCraft and GridCraft, free open-source apps modeled on Word, PowerPoint and Excel. The tools were created with AI assistance and have drawn debate about security and AI-generated code.

Critics of the apps Supporters of the apps

AI-generated code

Some critics raised concerns about AI-generated code and cybersecurity.

Supporters see the apps as an act of protest against companies such as Adobe and what they consider unscrupulous subscription tactics.

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.

Sports

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.

“It's been a fantastic season for me winning in Paris and New York and knowing that I will finish the year on top of the rankings is just a dream come true”
Alexander Zverevtennis player

Alexander Bublik smashes racket and cooler, then wins at Shanghai Masters

Bublik smashed his racket and a drinks cooler after losing the first set to Brandon Nakashima, cutting his hand. He recovered to win in three sets.

Zverev and Bublik meet in the Shanghai Masters round of 16

Alexander Zverev and Alexander Bublik are set to face each other in the round of 16 in Shanghai.

Alex Eala and Zeynep Sonmez lose in Wuhan Open doubles first round

Eala and Sonmez lost 6-2, 6-3 to Dayana Yastremska and Anhelina Kalinina. Eala is expected to play in Ningbo, Tokyo and Hong Kong over the next three weeks.

Rafa Jódar faces Botic Van de Zandschulp for a place in Shanghai quarter-finals

Jódar meets Van de Zandschulp in the Shanghai Masters round of 16, with a quarter-final place at stake. The match is scheduled for about 6 a.m. Spanish time.

UN rights office condemns racist abuse aimed at Coco Gauff

The UN human rights office condemned racist abuse posted online against Coco Gauff after her match against Sun Xinran at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.

Zizou Bergs defeats Carlos Alcaraz to reach Shanghai Masters fourth round

Belgian Zizou Bergs beat second seed Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in Shanghai, earning the biggest win of his career. Bergs will face either Valentin Vacherot or Tommy Paul next.

Zizou Bergs beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-5, 7-6 in the third round of the Shanghai Masters on Monday.

The 39th-ranked Belgian defeated the second-seeded Spaniard, who had won the Japan Open the previous week.

Bergs broke Alcaraz late in both sets, but Alcaraz forced a tie-break after Bergs could not serve out the match in the second.

Bergs then won the tie-break to secure the biggest victory of his career.

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Zheng Qinwen and Mirra Andreeva withdraw from Wuhan Open

After meeting in the China Open final in Beijing, Zheng Qinwen and Mirra Andreeva both withdrew from the Wuhan Open. Zheng cited fatigue after a demanding run of matches.

Zheng beat Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 in the China Open final.

Zheng and Andreeva withdrew from the Wuhan Open.

The Wuhan Open singles main draw started.

Isner and Querrey oppose ending best-of-five Grand Slam matches

John Isner and Sam Querrey say men’s Grand Slam matches should remain best-of-five sets, disagreeing with Juan Carlos Ferrero’s prediction that the format will soon end.

Men's Grand Slam format
Best-of-five sets in every round
Women's Grand Slam format
Best-of-three sets
Isner's view
The majority of players want to keep five sets
Querrey's estimate
About 98% of top-100 players would support keeping the format

Arthur Gea beats Jakub Mensik to reach Shanghai quarter-finals

The French player defeated world No. 15 Jakub Mensik 7-6 (4), 6-4 in Shanghai to reach the quarter-finals of his first Masters 1000 main draw.

Katie Boulter loses to Diana Shnaider in Wuhan Open first round

British number one Katie Boulter lost 6-3 6-1 to Russia’s Diana Shnaider in the Wuhan Open first round, extending a difficult season.

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

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.

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.

Carmelo Hayes returns on Raw and joins 946 in attack on The Bloodline

Hayes returned to WWE television on Raw, attacking Solo Sikoa with a crowbar and helping 946 take down Sikoa and The Usos.

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

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

Voice actor Kenichi Suzumura’s agency to close in March 2027

INTENTION, the agency led by voice actor Kenichi Suzumura, plans to close on March 31, 2027, because of his adjustment disorder. The agency says it will support its talents through the closure.

Thélyson Orélien denies using AI to write novel, admits plagiarism

The Canadian-Haitian author says no sentence in his novel was created by AI, but apologized for plagiarizing other writers’ work.

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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Hillary Clinton and Kara Swisher to launch political podcast

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

Clinton guest-hosted Swisher’s podcast “Pivot.

High Stakes” is set to premiere as the third episode of “On With Kara Swisher.

The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled to take place.

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.

U.S. price
$149.99
Included items
Light-up Faye statue, 51-card Oracle deck and mini artbook
Game included
No disc or digital download code
Release date
Feb. 16, 2027

Xbox CEO reportedly says new game ideas are vital to the company’s future

Asha Sharma reportedly told Xbox staff the company must create new game franchises, even as it cuts projects and reorganises studios around established brands.

Xbox leadership Critics of Xbox’s recent restructuring

New games

Sharma reportedly said Xbox must create enduring new intellectual property and find new ways to reach audiences.

The articles argue that studio departures, project cancellations and a focus on major franchises conflict with that goal.

Company strategy

Sharma reportedly said Xbox is backing its strongest franchises.

Critics say the recent changes appear to prioritize established brands over creative risks and new ideas.

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

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

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

Doctors plan aortic valve replacement with future procedures in mind

At a cardiology meeting in Milan, specialists said the first valve replacement should be planned around possible future procedures. New European guidelines lower the recommended age for TAVI to 70.

Family alleges negligence after woman dies following surgery in Kozhikode

A 49-year-old woman died after two operations at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. Her family alleges medical negligence; police have registered an unnatural-death case and the hospital has begun an inquiry.

Fertility doctors explain what happens after eggs are frozen

Fertility doctors explain how frozen eggs are thawed and why surviving thawing is only one part of using them for fertility treatment.

Women describe side effects of hormones used for egg freezing

Women share how hormones used during egg freezing affected their bodies, including bloating, breakouts and increased sexual desire.

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.

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.

Researchers say muscle and liver cells can retain signs of past exercise even after someone stops training.

In studies using mice, animals that exercised, took a break and trained again grew larger muscles than mice with no training history.

Their muscle cells also matched energy production to demand more effectively, and this ability remained during inactivity.

The researchers say liver cells also store exercise memories and release enzymes that help supply fuel to working muscles.

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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.

Four medical staff suspended after cannula found in woman’s abdomen

Two assistant professors and two postgraduate students at Kakinada Government General Hospital were suspended for one month after a cannula was found in a woman’s abdomen following surgery.

Suspensions
Two assistant professors and two postgraduate students, for one month
Hospital
Kakinada Government General Hospital
Surgery date
September 26
Patient
31-year-old woman who delivered a baby girl

Alignment Healthcare sues over 2027 Medicare Advantage star ratings

Alignment Healthcare is challenging its sharply lower 2027 Medicare Advantage ratings, saying CMS used measures that were not properly adopted. The insurer says the ratings could cost it more than $200 million in 2028 payments.

Alignment Healthcare Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Star-rating methodology

Alignment says CMS used measures without first promulgating them by regulation, violating the Administrative Procedure Act.

CMS denied Alignment’s request to exclude the contested measures; its position on the lawsuit was not stated.

Requested outcome

Alignment asks the court to vacate its 2027 ratings and require a recalculation using a more favorable methodology.

CMS’s response to the requested court remedy was not stated.

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.