The World Health Organization (WHO) says there is very low risk outside Russia from a possible pneumonic plague case after a lab worker died there. WHO is working with Russian officials who are investigating the cause of the death at a research institute.
Key Facts
A woman who worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute in Russia recently died.
Russian authorities are investigating if pneumonic plague caused her death. Pneumonic plague is a severe lung infection caused by bacteria.
The World Health Organization says the chance of the disease spreading outside Russia is very low.
WHO has been in contact with Russian health officials about the case.
This situation has reminded some people of the COVID-19 pandemic and theories about the virus starting in a lab, but WHO has not confirmed any origin for COVID-19.
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James Talarico, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate in Texas, has gained support from various celebrities and raised a record amount of money for his campaign. Recent polls show a close race between Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton as early voting approaches.
Key Facts
James Talarico is a Texas state representative and former teacher running for U.S. Senate.
He has celebrity backers including billionaire Mark Cuban, Bill Nye, and musician Don Henley.
Talarico raised about $27 million in the first three months of 2026, a record for a Senate candidate.
Most donations came from small donors, with some celebrity contributions ranging from $25 to $3,500.
Recent polls show a tight race: Talarico leads slightly or ties with Paxton depending on the survey.
More than half of voters express concerns about Talarico being too liberal and Paxton being tied too closely to President Trump.
The Republican National Committee has criticized Talarico, claiming he fits better in California than Texas.
Some political analysts have shifted the race rating from leaning Republican to toss-up or leaning Democrat.
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Tensions in Israel are high as the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks approaches. Questions remain about whether Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu knew about the attacks before they happened, and a Palestinian home demolition is being used in Israeli election politics.
Key Facts
The third anniversary of the October 7 attacks is coming soon.
There is debate about whether Prime Minister Netanyahu had prior knowledge of the attacks.
A Palestinian home was demolished by Israeli authorities.
The home demolition has become a topic in the Israeli election campaign.
Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians remain strong ahead of this anniversary.
The news is reported by Al Jazeera journalist Marah Rayan.
The situation reflects ongoing political and security challenges in Israel.
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The UK has started using a new system at airports that lets travelers pass through e-gates without showing their passport. The system uses facial recognition technology to check their identity quickly, and it will be available at all UK airports by early 2027.
Key Facts
East Midlands Airport is the first UK airport to use the new passport-free e-gates system.
The system uses facial recognition to match a traveler’s face with their immigration and passport data.
This contactless system is up to 25% faster than showing a physical passport.
If more checks are needed, travelers may still need to scan their passport or speak to a Border Force officer.
Border Force officers will watch all e-gates and help passengers if needed.
The system builds on recent changes that allow children aged eight and above to use e-gates.
Other UK airports with standard e-gates include Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
The full rollout to all UK airports is expected by early 2027.
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A Russian oligarch, Umar Kremlev, said Donald Trump Jr. has paid him back for the money he spent on Trump Jr.'s wedding celebration. Kremlev called the repayment unnecessary and described their relationship as a friendship based on a shared love of sports.
Key Facts
Umar Kremlev, a Russian oligarch with ties to President Vladimir Putin, helped pay for Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding celebration in the Bahamas.
Kremlev covered hundreds of thousands of dollars, including renting private islands for a three-day party.
Donald Trump Jr. has repaid Kremlev the money he spent on the wedding.
Kremlev said he thought repayment was not needed and described the event as a friendly gesture, not a business deal.
President Donald Trump did not attend the wedding but said the arrangement was legal and common.
The wedding included only family and close friends, according to the bride Bettina Trump.
Kremlev was recently honored by Putin with the Order of Friendship, a Russian state award.
The issue arises amid ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and previous questions about Trump Jr.'s connections to Russia.
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Three men are accused of spying in the UK to target journalists and others with plans to cause serious harm. They allegedly worked for the Iranian government, conducting surveillance and gathering information to prepare for violent attacks. The men deny the charges, and the case is currently being heard in court.
Key Facts
The accused are Mostafa Sepahvand, Farhad Javadi Manesh, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori.
They are charged under the National Security Act for spying and planning violence in the UK.
Their targets included two journalists working for a Persian broadcaster in London and a UK lawyer.
Sepahvand admitted to doing surveillance but says he was threatened and forced to do it.
A voice message reveals Sepahvand was promised £150,000 to complete a violent attack.
The accused took photos, videos, and used online tools like ChatGPT to gather information.
Manesh and Noori claim they did not know their actions were helping Iranian intelligence.
All three men deny the charges and are currently on trial at the Old Bailey in London.
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People living in Taiz city, Yemen, are worried about running out of food and fuel because of fighting between government forces and the Houthis. Prices for goods like food have gone up, making it harder for residents with low incomes to buy what they need.
Key Facts
Taiz is a city in Yemen experiencing ongoing conflict.
Fighting is happening between Yemen’s government forces and the Houthi group.
Residents in Taiz say food prices have increased.
Fuel costs are also a concern for the people there.
Higher prices make life difficult for citizens with low incomes.
People fear that shortages of food and fuel could become worse.
The conflict disrupts the supply of basic goods needed for daily life.
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Paramount Skydance has completed its $111 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, forming a new company called Skydance. The deal combines major movie studios, streaming services, news channels, and sports networks, after overcoming legal challenges and reaching a settlement with several states.
Key Facts
The merger combined Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery into one company called Skydance.
The deal is worth $111 billion and includes Paramount+, HBO Max, CBS, CNN, CBS Sports, and TNT Sports.
A lawsuit from California and 11 other states claimed the merger would reduce competition and violate antitrust laws.
The states settled the lawsuit by requiring certain rules around film release and cable channel negotiations.
The settlement also requires Skydance to create an Editorial Independence Board for CBS News and CNN to ensure news coverage remains independent.
Legal attempts to block the merger, including appeals by consumers and emergency requests to the Supreme Court, were denied.
The US Department of Justice approved the merger in June, despite initial concerns among its staff lawyers.
Paramount previously bought Skydance separately last year and agreed to regulatory conditions involving a “bias monitor” for CBS.
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President Donald Trump criticized Fox News for interviewing two Senate candidates, Abdul El-Sayed from Michigan and Dan Osborn from Nebraska. Trump expressed his disapproval on his social media platform, questioning why the network interviewed Osborn, who is running against Republican Senator Pete Ricketts.
Key Facts
President Trump publicly criticized Fox News on Truth Social.
Fox News recently interviewed Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed (Democrat, Michigan) and Dan Osborn (Independent, Nebraska).
Dan Osborn is running against Republican Senator Pete Ricketts in Nebraska.
Trump called Dan Osborn a “sleazebag” and questioned the timing of the interview.
The criticism focused on Fox News’s choice to give airtime to these candidates.
Senator Pete Ricketts is identified as a “GREAT Republican” by President Trump.
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Elaine Parker writes that higher prices for healthcare, childcare, and housing come from government rules and borrowing money, not from capitalism. She says letting free markets work more might lower inflation and reduce support for socialism.
Key Facts
Healthcare, childcare, and housing costs have been rising.
The increase is linked to government regulations and deficit spending.
Deficit spending means the government is borrowing more money than it takes in.
Parker argues capitalism is not the cause of these higher costs.
She suggests that applying free-market ideas more broadly could help lower inflation.
Lower inflation might reduce the popularity of socialism among people.
The article discusses economic policy and market forces.
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Cornell University has hired Sally Yates, a former top official at the U.S. Department of Justice, to review how the school handles sexual assault complaints. This review follows public anger after a woman accused members of a fraternity of gang rape, leading to protests and legal action.
Key Facts
Sally Yates was a deputy attorney general during the Obama administration.
She will lead an investigation into Cornell’s handling of sexual assault and harassment reports.
The review will examine how the university investigates complaints, supports students, and disciplines offenders.
The review will also look at responses from campus police and oversight of fraternities and other student groups.
The case involves allegations of a 2024 gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity house.
No criminal charges have been filed yet, but Cornell shut down the Chi Phi chapter and expelled or suspended students.
The woman involved sued the university, the fraternity, and several students.
New York’s attorney general is investigating, and the state’s governor requested an independent review.
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Sam Altman, a leading figure in artificial intelligence, said we need to accept some negative effects as AI improves. He believes these trade-offs will lead to big benefits like better health, more wealth, and longer lives.
Key Facts
AI technology is rapidly improving.
Some negative consequences may come with AI progress.
Accepting certain risks could bring large benefits to society.
Benefits mentioned include better health and increased wealth.
Improvements in life expectancy are expected due to AI advances.
The idea is to balance risks with rewards for overall progress.
Sam Altman shared these views publicly.
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Democratic candidate Rob Sand is leading Republican Zach Lahn in polls for the Iowa governor race ahead of their first debate. Recent polling and prediction markets show Sand as the favorite to win, which would be a significant shift in a state that has recently leaned strongly Republican.
Key Facts
Rob Sand, the Democratic State Auditor, currently leads in public polls against Republican Zach Lahn.
A New York Times/Siena poll showed Sand ahead by 11 points (52% to 41%) among likely voters.
A Fox News poll also showed Sand leading by 9 points (53% to 44%).
Polls from Marist and other sources show Sand with a similar or larger lead.
Iowa has not elected a Democratic governor since 2006.
President Donald Trump won Iowa by more than 13 points in the 2024 presidential election.
Prediction markets estimate an 85-89% chance Sand will win the governor’s race.
The election will decide who takes over from retiring Republican Governor Kim Reynolds.
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Joe Scarborough, host of MS NOW, criticized the message the Republican Party used at the end of the midterm elections. He pointed out that many voters are facing high gas and diesel prices and said the party’s message does not address these concerns well.
Key Facts
Joe Scarborough spoke about the Republican Party’s closing message for the midterm elections.
He said gas prices and diesel prices are at record high levels nationwide.
Scarborough said telling people to ignore these price increases is not a good message.
The Republican message described the current pain as short-term and worth it.
Scarborough believes this message is out of touch with what voters are experiencing.
He also criticized President Donald Trump’s comments about California.
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Several Native American tribes in the U.S. are restricting or reviewing plans for large data centers due to concerns about their environmental impact and use of resources like electricity and water. While some tribes oppose these developments, others are partnering to build AI and energy projects on their lands.
Key Facts
Data centers need a lot of electricity and sometimes large amounts of water for cooling.
The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes in Oklahoma approved a three-year ban on data centers on their land.
The Cherokee Nation banned large-scale data centers on tribally owned land after survey results showed many citizens oppose them.
The Kickapoo Tribe in Oklahoma is against big data centers because they may use too many resources and provide few jobs.
The Hualapai Tribe in Arizona passed a moratorium against data centers due to concerns over land and water protection.
The Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians in California plans to build an AI and energy campus on their land in partnership with a developer.
Tribes want strong consultations with developers if data centers are considered on their lands.
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David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, was cleared by a judge of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. His lawyers have asked federal watchdogs to investigate the circumstances of his arrest and prosecution, saying he was wrongly charged despite evidence showing installation problems caused the damage.
Key Facts
David Hearn was arrested on June 19 and charged with damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
A judge dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be retried.
New evidence showed that the damage was from a poor installation, not vandalism.
Hearn’s attorneys want investigations from the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Interior (DOI) inspectors general.
They say government officials, including U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, wrongly prosecuted Hearn.
Prosecutors tried to cover up the faulty work on the pool’s renovation ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.
Pirro dismissed the case after evidence proved Hearn was not responsible.
Hearn said the dismissal was a victory and warned that anyone could face wrongful charges.
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Four men were sentenced to prison for raping a 17-year-old girl in Bristol. After the attack, they tried to escape to France by hiding in a refrigerated truck but were caught and sent back to the UK.
Key Facts
The victim was 17 years old and met one of the men, Mehrab Safi, during a Christmas shopping trip to Bristol.
The men gave the girl alcohol, then raped her multiple times at a house in Bristol.
The four accused are Safi (21), Salman Habibkheil (19), Awal Ahmadzai (19), and a 17-year-old boy.
Safi got 15 years in prison; Habibkheil and Ahmadzai got nine years in youth detention; the 17-year-old got 2 years and 7 months.
The men fled the UK in the back of a lorry carrying frozen goods but were caught in France and returned to the UK.
All four were born in Afghanistan and had difficult backgrounds, including escape from Taliban violence.
The court said their backgrounds did not excuse the harm done to the victim, who now struggles to leave the house and put her dreams on hold.
Police emphasized that the crime is about individual criminal behavior, not about any culture, community, or religion.
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Ars Technica offers a subscription service called ArsPro that lets readers access articles without ads or trackers. Subscribers can read articles as PDF files, use full-text RSS feeds, and enjoy extra features like different page layouts and a special user badge.
Key Facts
Ars Technica started in 1998 and was originally read only in web browsers on desktop computers.
Since the early 2000s, subscribers have been able to get articles as PDFs or full-text RSS feeds for easier offline reading.
The ArsPro subscription removes all advertisements and trackers from the website.
Subscribers can choose from four different front-page layouts to control how much information they see.
There is a special user badge for people with higher-level subscriptions called ArsPro++.
The subscription costs $25 for ArsPro and $50 for ArsPro++.
Money from subscriptions helps fund Ars Technica’s reporting and reduces reliance on advertising.
Subscribers gain access to exclusive forums with a community focused on technology discussions.
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President Donald Trump announced he will stop using taxpayer money for TV ads that promote himself and instead have his super PAC pay for them. The ads, which cost at least $1.5 million from federal funds, received strong criticism for using public money.
Key Facts
President Trump used at least $1.5 million in taxpayer funds for TV ads promoting himself.
These ads faced significant backlash from critics.
Trump stated the ads provide positive promotion for the United States.
He blamed the criticism on the "Radical Left."
Trump said his super PAC, MAGA, Inc., will now pay for these ads instead of public funds.
MAGA, Inc. is a political action committee that raises money to support Trump and his causes.
Trump made this announcement on his social media platform.
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Finnish authorities have ordered Google to stop work at two planned data centre sites because the company did not complete an environmental study before clearing large forest areas. Google said it will follow the rules and work with officials to address the concerns.
Key Facts
Finland stopped construction at two Google data centre sites in Muhos and Kajaani.
Google cleared over 300 hectares of forest without completing a required environmental impact assessment.
The Finnish Supervisory Agency demanded work halt by October 23 and requested explanations from Google by October 14.
Google acknowledged it failed to meet its own standards and will follow the agency’s guidance.
Google plans to invest €13 billion ($15 billion) in Finland between 2027 and 2028 to build data centres and expand existing ones.
The project is expected to create over 37,000 jobs and add about €3.6 billion annually to Finland’s economy.
Google signed a 22-year deal with Finnish energy company Fortum for nuclear power to supply half the needed electricity.
Finland’s cool climate and low-carbon energy make it attractive for data centre development.
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