Kyriakos Mitsotakis asked at the European Council for a coordinated European response to the energy burden and greater fiscal flexibility, judging that the draft conclusions do not meet the urgent nature of the situation. Greece together with Italy, Poland, Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia are asking that the new ETS2 environmental charges be postponed until 2030, while Emmanuel Macron is pressing the "27" to close the seven-year budget before the end of the year.
Why it matters This negotiation determines the fiscal room to support households and businesses against energy prices.
Clash in Parliament over the photos with bones from Tempi
The president of Greek Solution, Kyriakos Velopoulos, displayed in Parliament photographs with bones that, as he claims, belong to victims of Tempi, withdrew the first ones after reactions from relatives and submitted new ones. Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis countered that they are animal bones, as an anthropologist ruled, speaking of a vile spectacle.
Why it matters The handling of the Tempi tragedy remains one of the most charged issues in public life and the confrontation was moved to Parliament.
Guilfoyle's dismissal was made official – Josh Hack at the helm of the embassy
Kimberly Guilfoyle's photograph and biography were removed from the website of the American embassy, while Josh Hack is now also officially performing the duties of head of mission until a replacement is chosen. Donald Trump said he was disappointed by the former ambassador and avoided answering about a possible pardon, while Presidency sources note that no farewell event is planned unless she herself requests it.
Why it matters The change at the top of the American diplomatic mission in Athens directly touches Greek-American relations.
Nexans requested NAVTEX for the surveys of the Crete–Cyprus electricity interconnection, while a request has been submitted to the Hellenic Coast Guard for the exceptional use of a French research vessel within Greek territorial waters. According to reports, Turkey is not changing its stance and is awaiting Athens's moves.
Why it matters Because the Crete–Cyprus interconnection is the field where Turkey's stance in the Eastern Mediterranean and Greek readiness are being tested.
Greek Patriots remain in Saudi Arabia, Dendias announced
A Patriot missile launcher firing a missile outdoors during daytimeImage: militaire.grIllustration: Military missiles pointed towards the sky against a cloudy backgroundIllustration: Pixabay · licence
Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias, after Riyadh, visited the personnel of the Greek artillery battery that protects Aramco facilities and announced that it will remain in Saudi Arabia, without specifying a time duration. The cost of the mission remains open, while Turkey is strengthening its cooperation with Riyadh.
Why it matters Because Greek personnel remain without a declared time horizon in a sensitive region.
Parallel exercises in Cyprus: Greek F-16s in the bombing mission of 'IRIS–2026'
Soldiers, a fighter jet and paratroopers during military exercises outdoorsImage: armyvoice.grIllustration: A military jet fighter in flight leaving smoke trails behindIllustration: Pixabay · licence
The 'IRIS–2026' exercise of the National Guard has been completed, with Greek F-16s in a bombing mission and, for the first time, the use of domestically made drones. At the same time, Turkish forces carried out exercises on the island with different operational scenarios.
Why it matters Because the simultaneous activity in Cyprus reflects the tension on the island.
President Christodoulides stated that the next EU multiannual financial framework may be more than 10% smaller than the European Commission's initial proposal, and he signed with 17 other leaders a letter calling for the abolition of the rebates of net contributors. An extraordinary Summit is scheduled for 26 November with a new Costa proposal, where the rebates are expected to form part of the package, without it yet being known whether the total amount will be higher or lower.
Why it matters The size and distribution of the EU budget determine the funds that Cyprus will receive in the period 2028-2034.
The actress Betty Valasi died at the age of 89. Her civil funeral will be held on Monday, October 19 at 11:30 at the First Cemetery, while Finos Film bid her farewell with a post.
Why it matters She was one of the most recognizable figures of the Greek stage and television, with her role as 'Loxandra' marking her.
100 years of 'Cahiers d'Art': anniversary exhibition at the Benaki Museum
Cahiers d’Art: 100 years of art and avant-garde at the Benaki MuseumImage: lifo.grIllustration: An art gallery with black and white pictures and a sculptureIllustration: Pixabay · licence
An exhibition on the 100 years since the circulation of the magazine Cahiers d'Art, which decisively influenced modern art, opened at the Benaki Museum on Koumbari Street. The exhibition highlights the interaction of the museum's collections with the pages of the publication.
Why it matters Athens enters the international anniversary tribute to a historic art magazine.
Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni and French Ambassador Nicolas Kassianides agreed on the immediate drafting of a roadmap for joint actions in cultural heritage, museums, cinema and audiovisual.
Why it matters It sets the framework for a series of joint Greek-French programs in the coming years.
Betty Valasi died at 89 – Giannis Zouganelis's 'goodbye'
Betty Valasi, Giannis Zouganelis and a woman posing together backstage indoorsImage: okmag.grIllustration: The ornate interior of the Palais Garnier in ParisIllustration: Pixabay · licence
The actress Betty Valasi passed away at the age of 89. Giannis Zouganelis, her koumbaros, publicly bid her farewell with a video, speaking about their relationship and their theatrical collaboration.
Why it matters The loss of a constant presence in Greek theater and Zouganelis's personal farewell attract interest.
After more than 5 million views on ERTFLIX, the ERT series secured international sales in six countries, from the USA to Australia.
Why it matters It shows that Greek fiction now finds a buying audience outside Greece as well.
Olivia Vasilopoulou stands out at Miss Universe with a message in sign language
Illustration: Silhouetted people at a concert enjoying the show under stage lightsIllustration: Pixabay · licence
The Greek representative in the competition introduced herself to the international audience with a message in sign language, something that went viral.
Why it matters Her participation gains international resonance for a reason beyond appearance, with a message of inclusion.
Teenage gunman kills four at Oregon primary school
Girl and woman cross road with police cars and tape in backgroundImage: bbc.co.ukIllustration: Earth floating in space against a cloudy backgroundIllustration: Pixabay · licence
A 16-year-old opened fire at Silver Rail elementary school in Bend, Oregon, killing three children aged five, eight and 11 and a teacher before a community member shot him dead, police said. Two people were in critical condition in hospital.
Why it matters A mass shooting at a US primary school, ended by a bystander rather than police, will feed straight into the country's gun-policy fight.
Ukraine energy truce collapses as both sides strike
Russia sent a record wave of drones against infrastructure in central Ukraine and Kyiv resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries, ending the White House's unilateral effort to broker an energy ceasefire. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he feels betrayed by Donald Trump, and EU leaders are weighing whether to revive a bitter debate over using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine.
Why it matters With the last restraint on infrastructure strikes gone, both sides enter winter targeting each other's energy systems, and Europe faces renewed pressure to pay for Kyiv's war.
Ballistic missiles fired by Yemen's Houthis struck the Al-Maashiq presidential palace complex in Aden, killing five people, the government said. The information minister said the prime minister and other ministers were unhurt, and the Saudi-led coalition listed dozens of recent Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure.
Why it matters The first strike on Aden's presidential palace in the current war shows the Houthis can reach the seat of Yemen's internationally recognised government.
Ukraine has restarted attacks on Russian oil refineries and is targeting servers, while Kyiv reports further gains in its Operation Vivaldi counteroffensive in Donetsk. Zelensky is openly defying Trump's pressure.
Why it matters Strikes on refineries and data infrastructure hit Russia's economy and daily life, and they test the limits of international law.
Democrats say a November victory would put military assistance to Kyiv back on the congressional agenda, and the cycle is being described as unusually foreign-policy driven. Trump's midterm strategy is built on anger rather than persuasion.
Why it matters The US vote will decide whether Washington keeps arming Ukraine and how far its foreign policy shifts.
Starlink outages blindside Kyiv as Russia builds its own satellite network
Signal failures disrupted several Ukrainian missions, and Starlink faces geopolitical pressure in Ukraine and India. Moscow is meanwhile deploying a satellite communications network called Rassvet, which analysts see as a security concern beyond Ukraine.
Why it matters Battlefield communications and space-based networks are becoming leverage points in the war and beyond.
Shooting at an Oregon elementary school: three children and a teacher killed
Police officers investigating a shooting scene on a closed streetImage: 15min.ltIllustration: A vibrant field filled with blooming purple lupine flowersIllustration: Pixabay · licence
On Thursday, at an elementary school in the U.S. state of Oregon, an armed attacker shot three children and one teacher, police reported.
Why it matters This is a painful piece of news that adds to the U.S. school violence statistics and once again raises the question of gun availability and school safety.
Trump criticizes Zelensky and Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil plants
In an interview, U.S. President Donald Trump called Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries a disgrace, and about relations with Kyiv's leader Volodymyr Zelensky he said that with him it is harder than with Vladimir Putin.
Why it matters The disagreements between Washington and Kyiv directly affect Ukraine's support in the war with Russia.
European Commission member responsible for defense and space Andrius Kubilius on Friday begins an official four-day visit to Lithuania, where he will deliver a report on the role of universities in strengthening European security.
Why it matters Kubilius is one of the highest-ranking Lithuanian officials in Brussels, so his agenda in Lithuania reflects EU defense and education priorities.
The first day of the Summit in Brussels closed without agreement on energy and the next seven-year budget, with differences remaining large and several governments questioning even whether an agreement is feasible by the end of 2026. Athens is seeking measures against high prices, protection of agricultural subsidies and fiscal flexibility, while Germany insists on cuts and the Commission intends to extend the temporary framework for state aid for affected industrial sectors.
Why it matters Decisions on energy and the Community budget determine energy costs, subsidies and national spending margins for the coming years.
IMF: Greece 'part of the solution', but with less momentum than the budget forecasts
Headshot of a man with grey hair and a moustacheImage: capital.grIllustration: A dense urban landscape with buildings and mountains in the backgroundIllustration: Pixabay · licence
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that Greece is now part of the solution and not part of the problem, praising the course of the economy in recent years. However, the Fund's forecasts show growth with clearly less momentum than that described in the Draft Budget.
Why it matters The divergence between the two estimates affects assumptions for revenue and fiscal targets.
Chip stocks under fresh pressure while CoreWeave's wild stock bounces
Packs of toilet paper, paper towels, and sanitary products on displayImage: cnbc.comIllustration: A computer processor chip on a white surfaceIllustration: Pixabay · licence
Nvidia and other semiconductor names came under renewed pressure as AI fears swelled, with reported details on Anthropic's finances adding to the worry. CoreWeave's polarising stock rebounded as Wall Street remained sharply divided on AI spending.
Why it matters CoreWeave and chipmakers are the market's most direct bet on AI infrastructure demand, so their swings read as a verdict on the trade.
Rocket Lab delays Neutron's first launch, stock slides
Packs of toilet paper, paper towels, and sanitary products on displayImage: cnbc.comIllustration: A rocket launching into the night sky over waterIllustration: Pixabay · licence
Rocket Lab pushed the debut launch of its Neutron medium-lift rocket out of this year, and the stock fell in trading.
Why it matters Neutron is Rocket Lab's attempt to compete in the medium-lift market dominated by SpaceX's Falcon 9, so the schedule slip matters for its growth story.
Bonds issued by AI infrastructure providers and neocloud companies such as CoreWeave have sunk to increasingly stressed levels, and the CoreWeave selloff shows how climbing borrowing costs are pressuring the riskiest corner of the AI trade.
Why it matters It is the clearest market evidence yet that higher rates can force a repricing in the leveraged end of the AI buildout.
Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh said a US investment surge, helped by sound macroeconomic policy and strong microeconomic foundations, is one of the global economy's most important positive developments; gold fell as investors waited for his remarks at the IMF meeting in Bangkok.
Why it matters The Fed chair's read on investment and policy sets the tone for rates, the dollar and risk assets.
September producer prices rose 6.3% from a year earlier, the largest jump since 2022 and above forecasts, while consumer prices were up 3.7% annually. Economists say the Fed's work is not finished, with one warning of a possible hike in two weeks, as Fed chief Kevin Warsh speaks at the IMF.
Why it matters If inflation stays this sticky, the Fed turns back to tightening, lifting borrowing costs well beyond the US.
UK growth edges up as chancellor prepares bank tax rise
Shoppers browsing a crowded market stall filled with fresh figsImage: cnbc.comIllustration: Modern skyscrapers seen from below against the skyIllustration: Pixabay · licence
The UK economy grew 0.1% in August, defying forecasts of a contraction, as Chancellor John Healey prepares a tough Budget. He plans to raise taxes on banks to pay for cost-of-living support without breaching Labour's campaign pledges.
Why it matters The Budget will set the UK's fiscal path and directly hit bank earnings and lending capacity.
A channel of dialogue has opened between the government and the municipalities on the transfer of the town planning offices to the Cadastre, without the disagreements being lifted. At the same time, a digital interconnection of the Cadastre and the town planning offices is being promoted, as Deputy Minister Marilena Soukouli-Viliali said.
Why it matters It concerns the time and procedure for issuing building permits and therefore the speed of real estate development.
Maslow Capital provided a £238 million development finance facility to a joint venture of Arada London and the Shaw Corporation for Devonshire Place on the Old Kent Road in Southwark, comprising 941 purpose-built student beds and 200 affordable homes. Invesco launched a Seoul student housing platform seeded with five properties near Korea University and 400 beds.
Why it matters Purpose-built student accommodation is being financed at a scale that rivals mainstream residential.
Bitcoin fell below $80,000 for the first time in a month after stronger-than-expected US inflation data, then recovered to about $82,000. Roughly $940 million to $1 billion in crypto positions were liquidated, with ether, XRP, solana and other altcoins falling harder, and Asian equities also sliding.
Why it matters A macro-driven deleveraging of this size resets positioning across the market and shows bitcoin now trades on inflation and Fed expectations as much as crypto news.
Ledger opened reservations for Atom, an $849 Android-based device that runs everyday apps alongside a secure chip and is slated for 2027 delivery, pitching it as tamper-resistant and sold only through its own site. The launch lands days after an attack in which tampered Ledger signers sold via reseller CryptoBilis drained about $86 million from more than 300 wallets by capturing recovery phrases at setup; Ledger blamed an organized crime group and has told resellers in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia to stop selling its devices.
Why it matters The attack struck the supply chain rather than the software, so the trust question now hangs over every reseller and every hardware wallet maker, not just Ledger.
Russia's central bank confirmed that direct crypto trades between individuals will be prohibited from July 1, 2027, with all trades routed through brokers or exchanges it approves; separate rules already block transfers from regulated accounts to self-custody wallets. The bank has also authorized Sberbank to exchange cryptocurrencies, with bitcoin-related products due in December.
Why it matters One of the largest crypto markets is being pushed entirely into state-supervised intermediaries, a template other regulators may copy.
Olympiacos beat Marseille 1-0 at the "Vélodrome" with a header by Santiago Hezze in the 42nd minute and reached 6 points in the Europa League, keeping a clean sheet. Imanol Alguacil and the players focused on the team's unity and character, with Ortega and Fortounis standing out in their statements.
Why it matters An away win at one of the toughest venues in the competition skyrockets Olympiacos's chances of direct qualification to the round of 16.
Rennes won 2-1 against OFI in France, with OFI taking the lead but conceding two goals at the end. OFI remained on 3 points and is in 18th place of the League Phase.
Why it matters The defeat complicates OFI's position in the competition, with next opponent Leverkusen in Heraklion.
Winning start for Panathinaikos in the Conference League
Panathinaikos beat Borac Banja Luka 2-1 at OAKA in the opening matchday of the Conference League League Phase.
Why it matters The three points in the opener give Panathinaikos reasonable hopes of qualification and contributed to Greece's rise in the UEFA rankings.
Paris Saint-Germain led 3-0 at half-time and went on to win 4-2 at Manchester City, whose home game was their first since the Premier League verdict against them and marked Pep Guardiola's return to the stadium. Enzo Maresca said the match showed City are close to PSG's level, while Luis Enrique admitted luck went his side's way; PSG now have two wins from two and are being talked about as a possible dynasty.
Why it matters It was the standout fixture of the Champions League week and a measure of how far the defending champions currently sit above one of their richest rivals.
Manchester United's winless run reached five games with a 2-0 Champions League loss to Atlético Madrid, in which they conceded inside the first minute and finished with ten men after Leny Yoro was sent off. Lisandro Martínez then apologised for his criticism of the club's recruitment, saying he had spoken out of anger and frustration, and has been fined, with the club saying any disciplinary action will stay private.
Why it matters It is the latest flashpoint in a poor start to United's season and shows the dressing-room tension behind the results.
Real Madrid came back from 3-1 down at Roma, scoring three times in the closing stages to win 4-3 on José Mourinho's return to the club. Kylian Mbappé had levelled on his 100th Champions League appearance and Donyell Malen struck twice for Roma.
Why it matters Another of Madrid's trademark late comebacks, and a result with extra weight given Mourinho's history at Roma.
In the league's 25th annual GM survey, 50% of respondents picked the San Antonio Spurs to win the 2027 championship and 43% chose the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Knicks and 76ers also getting votes. Victor Wembanyama drew 77% as the MVP favourite and a record 93% as the player GMs would most want to start a franchise with, while Philadelphia was voted the best offseason by 73%.
Why it matters The survey is the clearest single snapshot of how the league's decision-makers rate the coming season, and Wembanyama's record share shows how far the consensus has shifted toward San Antonio.
Porzingis out indefinitely as Warriors wait on health answers
Golden State center Kristaps Porzingis remains sidelined indefinitely with a private health-related issue that has kept him out of training camp and preseason games. He said he is working with doctors and specialists and getting better, and will stay around the team while he is out.
Why it matters A starter-calibre big man missing an open-ended stretch is a real problem for the Warriors' plans, and the lack of a timeline leaves the situation unresolved.
New York cut Drew Eubanks, who has a torn pectoral muscle and faces a long absence, along with big man Tony Bradley and wing Ochai Agbaji. The champions are down to 15 players, with Bruce Brown and James Wiseman the last two on Exhibit 9 camp deals competing for a spot.
Why it matters The defending champions are closing in on their opening-night roster, and the injury to Eubanks forces a decision at the back end of the frontcourt.
Andy Woodward beat defending champion Fabiano Caruana in round five to join Wesley So in the lead, and after six decisive games in round six So, Woodward, Caruana and Awonder Liang share first. In the women's event Alice Lee had won four straight to lead by a full point before Rachael Li beat her, while Rose Atwell defeated defending champion Carissa Yip.
Why it matters Both U.S. titles are unusually open this year, with the defending men's champion already beaten and the women's leader pulled back.
Ticket sales have opened for the Salesforce FIDE World Championship match, which begins on 22 November in Geneva with the first game on 24 November. World Champion Gukesh D of India faces challenger Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan; both are 20.
Why it matters It is the match that decides the world crown and the standing of chess's newest generation of top players.
The 6th Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners ended on 15 October, with Mexico beating Armenia in the men's final and India winning both the women's and youth sections. Each final was played over two sets with colours reversed.
Why it matters It is one of FIDE's more visible outreach programmes, now in its sixth edition and drawing teams from several continents.
Galderma has signed an all-cash agreement to acquire 100% of ZO Skin Health at an enterprise value of $1.5 billion, adding a physician-dispensed brand with a large medical-spa footprint to its skincare portfolio. The deal is subject to regulatory and customary closing conditions.
Why it matters It is the biggest ownership shift this week in the physician-dispensed skincare channel that many aesthetic clinics stock and sell.
Galderma has signed an agreement to acquire US physician-dispensed skincare brand ZO Skin Health for $1.5 billion, deepening its dermatological skincare portfolio and its position in medical aesthetics.
Why it matters It consolidates the physician-dispensed skincare channel, a fast-growing slice of premium skin care.
Sean Harrington, who co-founded Elemis and spent 37 years with the brand, has joined investment bank Lempriere Wells as partner to support its push into the US beauty, wellness and longevity markets.
Why it matters It signals that dealmaking appetite in beauty and wellness keeps pulling experienced operators into advisory roles.
McGirr's exit as creative director of Alexander McQueen was announced Thursday, following weak responses to his recent collections. He had held the role for three years.
Why it matters Another high-profile creative vacancy at a major house reshapes the luxury design market and McQueen's direction.
Leoni is leaving her post as creative director of Calvin Klein Collection after four seasons; she was appointed in May 2024. The company says a successor will be named in due course.
Why it matters Calvin Klein is again searching for a creative lead, a recurring instability at a brand trying to rebuild its fashion credibility.
The Sussexes carried out charity visits and community events in Nottingham, their first joint public engagement back in Britain, with Meghan wearing British labels including a burgundy Joseph coat. The outing came while King Charles was carrying out engagements in Wales.
Why it matters It marks the couple's return to public life in the UK and reopens questions about their strained relations with the royal family.
Beyoncé brings Blue Ivy and Rumi onstage in Houston
Hilary Swank, 52, has confirmed she is pregnant with her third child with husband Philip Schneider, a social venture entrepreneur she was set up with on a blind date in 2016.
Why it matters An incremental celebrity item, but it adds to a continuing conversation about pregnancy in a woman's fifties.
Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery to remove part of a lung, and reports describe it as lung adenocarcinoma. Coverage of the case notes that regular scans could catch such cancers sooner, but many people at risk do not qualify for screening.
Why it matters It puts a common cancer and the tight rules on who gets screened in the spotlight.
One new study ties ultra-processed meats to a higher colorectal cancer risk, while another finds that ultra-processed food intake overall may not be linked to the disease. The type of processed food appears to matter.
Why it matters It narrows a sweeping warning about processed food into a more specific one about processed meat.
Netflix is parting with Bela Bajaria after a decade at the streamer, where she led its global content organization as chief content officer. Former Disney and Fox executive Peter Rice takes the job on October 26, overseeing scripted and unscripted series, film and live events.
Why it matters One of the most powerful content jobs in entertainment changes hands just a day after Netflix cut roughly 1,000 employees, a sign of turbulence at the industry's dominant streamer.
Soderbergh steps in to finish 'The Batman Part II' for Matt Reeves
Steven Soderbergh will help complete the final weeks of principal photography on DC Studios' The Batman Part II while director Matt Reeves attends to an ongoing family matter and stays off set. The sequel is currently dated for early 2028.
Why it matters An unusual arrangement on one of the industry's biggest tentpoles: a name director handing off shooting duties to another while production resumes.
Billy Joel says he may never drive or perform again
The 77-year-old musician said he is unsure whether he will be able to drive or perform on stage again, following his 2025 diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Why it matters It raises the prospect that one of the biggest live draws in pop history has played his last show.
On the occasion of World Food Day, the discussion turns to carob, lupin, Corinthian currant and local varieties of legumes and cereals, which once defined the diet and trade of each place. Professor of Vegetable Crops Anastasios Kotsiras points out that hybrids have prevailed and the old seeds are being lost.
Why it matters It shows why preserving old varieties is not romanticism but a matter of food, water and local gastronomy.
Representative Ritchie Torres is introducing legislation meant to guarantee that buyers own their digital games rather than holding a licence, including titles for online games that are later shut down.
Why it matters It targets the industry's standard practice of revocable licences, which has left players locked out of games they paid for.
Soderbergh steps in to finish The Batman Part 2
Robert Pattinson as Batman wearing his cowl and suit indoorsImage: polygon.comIllustration: A movie clapperboard and professional cameras lenses on a bedIllustration: Pixabay · licence
Steven Soderbergh has been hired to complete filming on The Batman Part 2 while director Matt Reeves deals with a family matter, with Reeves issuing a statement in response. Questions remain over the sequel's release date.
Why it matters A switch of director mid-production on a major DC film is unusual and could shift its schedule.
Control Resonant becomes Remedy's fastest-selling game with 1 million copies
Two characters from Control Resonant in a dark mysterious settingImage: ign.comIllustration: A cute cat sitting on a blue sofa holding a video game controllerIllustration: Pixabay · licence
Control Resonant has sold one million copies in three weeks, making it Remedy's fastest-selling title despite leakers pirating it after its September digital launch. The studio boss has responded to the milestone.
Why it matters It is a meaningful commercial win for a studio whose games have often sold modestly, even if one million is not a blockbuster figure.
Meta released Muse Spark Open, an open-weight model it calls the most capable US open-weight model so far, and said it is the first in its class that can run locally on Apple silicon, using two M5 Ultra Mac Studios with Apple's MLX framework.
Why it matters A large US lab shipping weights tuned for desktop Macs shifts some frontier capability from the cloud to local hardware.
Bluesky's Attie opens up to user-built apps, games and websites
Bluesky's Attie AI tool, first launched to build custom feeds, now lets users create small social apps such as games, quizzes and dashboards and share them as standalone sites. CEO Toni Schneider described the plan at TechCrunch Disrupt.
Why it matters It tests whether AI-assisted building inside a social network can produce content that pulls in an audience rather than just clutter.
Tesla showed its second-generation Roadster at an event in Waco, Texas, where the car drove upside down, briefly flew using cold-gas thrusters, and accelerated to 60mph in under a second. Reserving the thruster-equipped version costs $250,000, and CEO Elon Musk promised the car will arrive in 2028.
Why it matters Tesla's halo vehicle has moved from promise to demonstration, but an airborne road car will need to satisfy aviation regulators.
OpenAI has filed a lawsuit claiming an employee who left Apple, spent six months at OpenAI and then returned to Apple took confidential details about OpenAI's hardware projects with him, linked to the newly announced Apple HomeView hub. Apple has publicly rejected the allegations.
Why it matters It widens a legal fight between two of the most prominent names in consumer AI hardware, after Apple sued OpenAI in July.
Meta releases open-weight Muse Spark Open built to run on Macs
Meta launched Muse Spark Open, which it calls the most capable US open-weight model to date, developed with Apple so it runs locally on Apple silicon via the MLX framework; Engadget notes it needs roughly 1TB of RAM.
Why it matters A rival pairing on local hardware signals that top-tier AI may increasingly run on your desk rather than in a data centre.
Sarah Peluse, an associate professor at Stanford University, will receive the 2026 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for advances in analytic number theory, additive combinatorics, combinatorial geometry and group theory. The citation credits her with breakthroughs across a wide range of problems through powerful new ideas.
Why it matters It is the field's main early-career recognition in the areas closest to Ramanujan's own work, and a marker of where number theory and combinatorics are heading.
JAXA is getting ready to launch its Martian Moons eXploration spacecraft early next week; it will collect samples from Phobos and carries two instruments supplied by NASA. The mission aims to work out the origin of Phobos and Deimos.
Why it matters If it succeeds it would be the first sample return from a Martian moon, testing competing ideas about how those moons formed.
Carbon composite trouble pushes Neutron's first flight into 2027
Rocket Lab has delayed the debut of its Neutron rocket once more, to no earlier than 2027, after problems manufacturing carbon fibre parts. The company announced the vehicle in 2021 with a first flight planned for 2024.
Why it matters Neutron is Rocket Lab's attempt to move up into the medium-lift market, and each slip leaves that market to competitors for longer.
Analysis backs Artemis II heat shield performance
The Artemis II heat shield during performance analysis preparationsImage: phys.orgIllustration: A well-worn space capsule with its hatch openIllustration: Pixabay · licence
NASA says a thorough analysis confirms the heat shield that carried four Artemis II astronauts around the moon and back performed as required. The agency describes the result as a foundation for crewed flights to the lunar surface.
Why it matters The heat shield was the main safety question hanging over the programme, so a clean verdict keeps NASA's path to a crewed landing open.
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