American not-for-profit news agency founded in 1846
RHS forecasts record mushroom sightings as drought followed by wet autumn boosts growth. Foragers report bumper edible varieties in Lancashire, while warnings persist about look-alike poisonous species. Experts advise identifying fungi carefully and highlight the ecological role of mushrooms in breaking down organic matter.
Mortgage rates have risen to their highest levels since late 2023, pushing the 30‑year fixed rate to about 7.5% and the 15‑year near 6.7%. Applications to buy or refinance have fallen sharply; borrowers are taking more adjustable‑rate mortgages (ARMs) to lower near‑term payments even though many ARMs will reset in the coming years.
Nobel Prizes have been announced across medicine, physics, chemistry and literature, with prize money of 12 million Swedish kronor. The Medicine prize has gone to researchers for work using light to map brain activity, while Physics recognises neutrino research. Chemistry honours mirror-image molecule selection, and Literature goes to a Canadian poet for genre-blending work. The Peace prize has already been awarded, and the Economics prize will be announced next.
The Parti Québécois has formed a minority government in Quebec and has pledged a future referendum on independence after the U.S. presidency changes. Prime Minister Mark Carney has recorded messages urging unity while Alberta prepares an October 19 vote on whether to begin a legal path to a binding secession referendum.
Cornell University has suspended all parties and social events at Interfraternity Council houses through the 2026–27 academic year and put in place a zero-tolerance rule that will immediately freeze any chapter that violates the ban. President Michael I. Kotlikoff has said the school will add a case manager to its Office of Civil Rights and hand criminal investigations to New York State Police trauma‑informed investigators.
Arrests have been made in Colombo as authorities pursue corruption cases linked to the Rajapaksa family. Shiranthi Rajapaksa is facing questions over donations to a charity fund, while Namal Rajapaksa and other relatives remain detained on bribery and related charges.
Lebanese authorities have seized a truck carrying 780 kilograms of explosives and a separate 200-kilogram shipment as authorities pledge to broaden investigations. Officials say two suspects linked to Hezbollah have been detained; the government vows to pursue all those involved and to act against arms outside state control.
The courts have extended temporary protection for CNN, MS NOW and Politico press credentials, with Judge Kelly maintaining access while the case proceeds. The White House faces ongoing litigation over whether these outlets can cover presidential events without facing punitive actions tied to reporting.
The United States ambassador to Greece has faced renewed scrutiny over alleged improper conduct before and during her posting. A string of reports has triggered internal discussions in Washington about potential action, with Trump and Rubio weighing options. Greek officials stress the U.S.–Greece relationship remains strong as investigations proceed.
Federal officers have shot a man in Manhattan during an arrest, with a 5-year-old in the car. The man survived and is being treated in hospital. DHS says officers fired because they believed their lives were in danger; critics describe the incident as a danger of federal immigration enforcement in the city. Local officials call for more oversight and transparency.
Florida Governor has withdrawn a death warrant for William Lee Thompson, 74, who was scheduled for execution, while another inmate, James Robertson, is set to be executed. The move comes amid ongoing debate over death penalty practices in the state and follows a botched Tennessee execution where Christa Pike survived lethal injections.
Motsepe has defended Africa’s stance on AFCON, saying Africa’s interests are protected as CAF weighs returning to a two-year cycle. The plan has broad African support but faces leadership tensions while Infantino’s influence looms. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are set to host the next edition.
Migrants who crossed into Ceuta amid mass border crossings have remained in makeshift camps as Spain grapples with a slow, improvised response. Prosecutors are investigating reports of mistreatment, and volunteers say tensions persist as thousands of migrants seek shelter, education and health care. Authorities have deployed security forces while NGOs continue humanitarian aid.
The White House press pool has had its access restored after a judge ordered a return to duties, while the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether the White House press pool violated antitrust laws by halting coverage of President Trump.
Eight people have died in a mass shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, including a pregnant woman and her two young children. The gunman, who is related to several victims, died by suicide after a gun battle with police. Investigators are reviewing video, audio evidence, and potential mental health factors as relatives mourn.
Lt. Gen. Shadrack Sibiya has resigned as a disciplinary hearing begins. SAPS says the departure is a dishonourable discharge because the officer was under investigation. He remains in custody on charges including rape, sexual grooming of a minor and human trafficking, with bail pending as a public inquiry probes police corruption and links to criminals.
Homeland Security Investigations has executed a court-authorised search warrant at Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington, D.C. residence on Monday. The Department of Justice has said the action is part of an ongoing federal investigation; multiple outlets report the probe concerns immigration paperwork her late father filed when she was a child. No charges have been announced.
The actress has been detained following a Delta flight incident; two flight attendants were injured. FBI involvement is confirmed; a medical emergency is cited by her representatives. Arraignment and bail have been set, with further federal charges anticipated.
Federal investigators have issued subpoenas as part of a Minnesota immigration fraud probe. A search of Ilhan Omar’s Washington home followed, weeks before the midterms. Omar and allies condemn the move as political intimidation; prosecutors say the probe remains ongoing and grounded in potential crimes.
Avalanche assistant Hakstol is in talks to speak with Arizona State about a coaching role as ASU continues an independent review into the August outdoor workout collapse of Matthew Mayich. Powers remains on administrative leave; an independent probe led by Scott Bales is expected to be completed by early December.
Poland says two Turkish suspects detained in Germany for setting fire to a Starlink station in Masovia; authorities allege Russian intelligence is backing the operation. The arrests follow a September blaze that disrupted internet services including for Ukraine’s military. Poland and its partners warn of ongoing hybrid attacks aimed at eroding support for Kyiv.
A game-worn, autographed Michael Jordan Bulls jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals has sold in a private deal for around $14 million, traded to Ron Firman of Miami. The sale cements the piece as the second-highest price for a game-worn jersey, behind Babe Ruth’s 1932 World Series jersey at $24.12 million. Hunt Auctions says the jersey’s history and Jordan’s Last Dance season underwrite the price.
The White House has requested the resignation of Ambassador Guilfoyle after weeks of investigative reporting alleging improper financial favors and influence-peddling. The move follows reporting by The Wall Street Journal about a donor who was asked to cover a $100,000 credit card bill in exchange for access to administration officials. Guilfoyle denies wrongdoing. The State Department is reviewing the allegations, and lawmakers are calling for investigations.
The Saudi-led coalition has urged civilians in Sanaa to evacuate near a Yemeni Oil Company facility ahead of a potential strike. Houthis warn of a response if attacks continue as explosions are reported and authorities suspend flights, signaling a sharp intensification of cross-border hostilities.
The Justice Department has reached a settlement with CVS over a 2024 lawsuit that accused the company of dispensing large quantities of opioids and other controlled substances to fuel profits, sidelining public health. The agreement requires additional safeguards to ensure prescriptions are medically appropriate, with no admission of wrongdoing by CVS.
The high court has intervened for a second time in CREW’s FOIA request to access DOGE records from the Trump era. Lower courts previously ordered disclosure, with CREW arguing DOGE operated with federal authority. The administration contends DOGE is a presidential advisory body exempt from FOIA. The dispute centers on transparency and executive autonomy.
Police in Cologne have confiscated a red-and-gold robot and two mobile phones after a 16-year-old owner and a 19-year-old companion allegedly filmed the assault of a teenage girl and livestreamed it over the weekend. Investigators are examining whether the robot’s movements were preprogrammed or controlled in real time.
Aili Wang, 32, has been arrested in Los Angeles after investigators allege she targeted a Wyoming lab colleague involved in disease-treatment research. Surveillance shows her near the victim’s desk; authorities say acrylamide was found in coffee water, prompting charges and extradition discussions.