October 2026 news

The IMF chief urged support for poorer nations facing high inflation and war spillovers, saying low-income countries spend up to 14 percent of their revenue on debt repayments, Al Jazeera reports. This follows earlier reports that he urged the United States and other rich nations to rein in deficits as global debt soared.

Houthis struck Yemen’s Aden presidential palace and airport, according to Al Jazeera, which examines what is known about the strikes and why they matter. This follows reports that Yemen’s Houthi rebels vowed to continue attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities.

Euronews lists an October 17 midday bulletin as a catch-up on important stories from Europe and beyond, without identifying them. Its October 17 morning and October 16 evening listings make the same broad claim. This follows an October 16 midday listing that also did not identify its stories.

The New York Times says Elizabeth Holmes’s lies gave the makers of Nathan Fielder’s documentary “You Can See Everything” a way to closely examine her. This follows earlier coverage describing the film as an exploration of authenticity and truth through exchanges between Holmes and Fielder.

The New York Times says Nathan Fielder’s film “You Can See Everything” has been described as “bonkers” and that its critics have their own thoughts on it. Earlier coverage described Fielder and Holmes as clashing over authenticity, truth and reality.

Mahmoud Abbas has postponed Palestinian legislative elections for another year, The Hindu reports. This follows earlier reports that Abbas postponed legislative and presidential elections until September 2027. The Hindu says Abbas has served as president since 2005 and delayed several presidential and legislative elections during his tenure.

Soldiers discovered onboard-camera videos in Chinese-made cars during a Norwegian military exercise at Oslo airport from September 14 to 18, according to the South China Morning Post. The recordings reportedly included access codes for secure sites and officials’ movements, raising concerns about connected vehicles. The Straits Times also reports that soldiers found the videos by tapping on their vehicle’s screen.

The Wallaroos thrashed Scotland 56-12, but they are not completely satisfied with the result, according to ABC. The report says their uncompromising attitude is reflected in their focus on learning and improving.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday putting a sweeping package of sanctions targeting Russia's economy on hold, telling Congress the pause was in the national interest, according to CBC and the South China Morning Post. The Guardian reports that Trump signed the legislation, passed by both chambers of Congress, last month and waived many restrictions as they were due to take effect; it says the move came amid public criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The South China Morning Post says the measure, named for late Senator Lindsey Graham, was intended to curb resources fuelling Russia's war against Ukraine, and that the pause followed Trump's statement that the U.S. had agreed to buy Russian diesel. Euronews reports that Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev called the decision a significant and historic moment.

Iran’s IRGC says a supertanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude struck a sea mine while crossing a prohibited area near the Strait of Hormuz; Euronews also reports the vessel was ablaze after striking a mine. Middle East Eye’s earlier report said Iran’s navy had detected an oil tanker on fire east of the Strait but gave no cause, while The Hindu reports Tehran had warned non-compliant vessels in the zone could face sanctions without explicitly threatening military action. The IRGC accused the tanker of switching off its tracking systems, and Euronews says it also accused the vessel of turning off its positioning and radar systems. This follows earlier reports that Iran said an unnamed vessel was ablaze near Hormuz after entering a prohibited zone with its tracking systems disabled.

Donald Trump said Russia would immediately supply diesel to the United States after talks with Vladimir Putin, The Hindu reports. The announcement comes amid a U.S. law seeking steep tariffs against major purchasers of Russian oil and gas. This follows earlier reports that Russia said negotiations were still underway after Trump announced a diesel deal with Putin.

Russian attacks killed 20 people in Ukraine, with three children among those killed in strikes on Zaporizhzhia, according to The Hindu. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the U.S.-Russia diesel deal a weak decision, saying it would help Moscow prolong the war. This follows earlier reports of Russian strikes on Kyiv homes and power facilities, with outlets differing on the death toll.

A drought in England is expected to leave pumpkins smaller than usual and create a shortage this Halloween, experts warn. The Guardian reports that data suggests 2026 could be the worst harvest on record; growers suggest painting faces on vegetables instead of carving pumpkins.

A foul smell thought to come from untreated sewage in Thames Water drains has affected a bike shop in Herne Hill, south London, for months, The Guardian reports. The shop’s owner and mechanics fear for their health and the business’s future, and there is no date for a fix. The problem was most likely caused by a lack of rain over the summer, according to the report.

A study by researchers from Anglia Ruskin University found that honeybees outcompete wild pollinators by bumping into them and chasing them from flowers. Areas with higher concentrations of honeybees had fewer wild pollinators, including bumblebees, solitary bees and hoverflies, The Guardian reports.

DNA inside our cells is more dynamic than a simple set of instructions, WIRED reports. Scientists and AI models do not yet have the data to properly decode it.

New Zealand mare Ohope Wins was euthanized by a Racing Victoria track veterinarian after a fall in the Caulfield Cup, ABC reports. ABC says the fall also involved last year's Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours, who went down late in the race.

Lab experiments suggest that tiny pieces of plastic can react with water inside the body to produce highly reactive molecules. These molecules can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, while the research also suggests that microplastics may react with water despite plastic usually being inert.

Foreign Affairs Minister McEntee plans to raise the withdrawal of Sally Rooney’s books from UK sales with the UK foreign secretary, saying she was shocked the publisher could no longer sell them because of Rooney’s support for Palestine Action, The Irish Times reports. Rooney and her publisher said the books would no longer be sold in Britain over her plans to direct royalties to Palestine Action; France 24 describes the group as banned as a terrorist organisation, and NPR says Rooney pledged royalties to a banned pro-Palestinian group. The Times of Israel reports UK bookstores are checking whether selling her books would violate terrorism law. This follows earlier reports that publisher Faber said Rooney’s books could no longer be sold in the UK because of her support for Palestine Action.

Patients travel miles to receive treatment at public hospitals in Delhi, where those in need can get financial aid for care. But families are often left to find their own overnight accommodation, with many sleeping on the street.