The Japanese government has approved a bill to reduce the consumption tax on food from 8% to 1% for two years beginning in April 2027, while pledging to finance the measure without issuing deficit-covering government bonds, although it has yet to specify how it will cover the estimated 10 trillion yen cost. (News On Japan)

Household spending in Japan fell 3.1% in August from a year earlier, marking the ninth consecutive month of decline as rising food prices continued to weigh on consumer budgets, according to the latest household expenditure survey released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on October 9. (News On Japan)

BBC Weather's Chris Fawkes says the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season could bring dangerous winds, storm surge and heavy rains to the Gulf Coast Friday.

Hundreds have pitched their tents in central Madrid, while the Spanish prime minister has called a snap election.

Hundreds have pitched their tents in central Madrid, while the Spanish prime minister has called a snap election.

The German sportswear brand wants the Sydney-based label to stop selling the clothes and pay damages.

The German sportswear brand wants the Sydney-based label to stop selling the clothes and pay damages.

The new accusations relate to the alleged torture of US citizens held in Venezuela while Maduro was in power.

More than 500 migrants have been expelled from the US to African countries, HRW says, citing US data.

Ukraine accused Russia of targeting two crowded vehicles in the front line city of Kramatorsk to kill as many civilians as possible.

The US will provide $1.5bn (£1.1bn) under the deal that was negotiated after Trump cut USAID funding.

More than 500 migrants have been expelled from the US to African countries, HRW says, citing US data.

Israel said in September it would act in response to UK sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

The new accusations relate to the alleged torture of US citizens held in Venezuela while Maduro was in power.

Carson, 76, is celebrated for works that often cross boundaries between poetry, fiction and scholarship.

Carson, 76, is celebrated for works that often cross boundaries between poetry, fiction and scholarship.

Bernadette Greene-Placentia says her memory of the attack is spotty and that she was knocked unconscious.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says the move will deliver more stable government, but opposition parties say her aim is to stay in power.

Casualties have been reported on the vessel, identified by a maritime intelligence firm as the oil and chemical tanker, Acers.

Mochamad Subchi Azal Tsani had been secretly released on parole in 2025, after serving less than half his sentence.