Katie Zacharia, US President Donald Trump’s newly appointed White House press secretary, delivered her first briefing on October 13, 2026. Lasting just 14 minutes, the appearance included questions from only three media outlets, all generally sympathetic to Trump. Zacharia relied heavily on scripted remarks highlighting the administration’s achievements and stumbled over her words during the briefing. She also announced that US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle had been asked to resign following allegations of misconduct. Trump praised Zacharia’s performance, while media observers criticised the limited questioning and raised concerns about transparency and her professional credentials. 

Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on October 13, 2026, for lung surgery following medical concerns. According to reports, doctors identified a growth during medical examinations, prompting further investigation and treatment. The Vatican provided updates on the pontiff’s condition and medical care. His hospitalisation led to adjustments in his scheduled public engagements as he focused on recovery. The development has drawn international attention, with Catholics worldwide expressing concern about the Pope’s health. Further details regarding his diagnosis, recovery timeline and future engagements depend on official medical updates from the Vatican. (PC: AFP)

A new poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that most Americans believe President Donald Trump has prioritised his personal financial interests over the country since returning to office in 2025. The survey found that 56% believe he has prioritised his own business interests “a lot,” while 54% say the same about his friends’ and family’s businesses. Only 23% believe he has strongly prioritised the country as a whole. Additionally, 41% believe Trump has acted illegally to profit from his presidency, while 18% consider his actions unethical but not illegal. (PC: Reuters)

A Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on an oil facility in Al-Sabaha, near Yemen’s Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, on October 13, 2026. The attack followed an evacuation warning urging civilians to leave the area. Videos circulating online showed thick black smoke rising from the facility after explosions. The coalition accused the Houthis of using oil installations and underground fuel depots to support military operations. Houthi officials warned of retaliation against strategic Saudi targets, including Riyadh’s airport and Aramco facilities. The strikes mark a further escalation in regional tensions, raising concerns about civilian safety and energy supplies. 

The Saudi-led coalition carried out airstrikes against oil facilities west of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Tuesday, according to Houthi-linked broadcaster Al-Masirah. Explosions were heard in Sanaa, but the broadcaster provided no evidence to substantiate its report. The strikes reportedly followed an evacuation warning issued by the coalition’s spokesperson, urging residents in the targeted area to leave for their safety. Earlier on Tuesday, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition had threatened fresh attacks against each other, raising concerns about further escalation. The report did not provide details about casualties, damage to the oil facilities or independent confirmation of the reported airstrikes. (PC: Times Now)

An adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday warned of legal action after former interim government chief Muhammad Yunus was heckled at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The individuals involved were described as supporters of the disbanded Awami League. Zahed Ur Rahman said the incident would not go unanswered, describing the government’s view of the confrontation as “Awami League terror”. Videos showing Yunus being shouted at as he arrived at the airport circulated widely on social media. Yunus was reportedly seen in a wheelchair at JFK Airport. The report did not specify what legal action the Bangladeshi government intends to pursue.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined French students protesting poor school conditions on Tuesday. The demonstrations have entered their fourth week. Students are demanding more teachers, less crowded classrooms and better school buildings. Thunberg joined protesters outside Paul Éluard High School in Saint-Denis, near Paris. She said young people were not being heard and their future was at risk. The protests have spread across France, with students blocking school entrances and holding marches. Some demonstrations have led to clashes with police. Around 200 schools were closed on Tuesday as the protests continued. <Cite refs={["turn360631news17","turn360631search2"]}/>  

A Saudi-led coalition reportedly carried out airstrikes on oil facilities west of Sanaa, Yemen, on Tuesday. Houthi-linked media reported explosions in the area but provided no evidence. The coalition had earlier urged civilians to evacuate the Yemeni Oil Company site and nearby storage areas. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree warned that any Saudi attack on Sanaa would face a “firm and painful” response. The Houthis also warned people to stay away from Saudi Aramco facilities. Tensions have risen after recent missile and drone attacks, including a reported strike on Riyadh airport that killed 13 people.  

Canada is sending its largest trade delegation to India in over 30 years, with nearly 300 business representatives. The visit will focus on aerospace, clean energy, technology, life sciences, agriculture and forestry. Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said the mission aims to build new business partnerships. Both countries are also working on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). They aim to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026. Canada hopes to more than double bilateral trade to $70 billion by 2030. The agreement could improve market access and create opportunities for businesses in both countries.  

MI5 chief Ken McCallum has warned that Iran is seeking to target military sites in Britain. He described the suspected plot near RAF Fairford as “not unique”. The incident took place on September 27, when three vans were found near the US-operated air base in Gloucestershire. Police found petrol in the vehicles but no explosives. Seven men were arrested and later released on bail. British authorities have linked the suspected plot to Iran, though the investigation is ongoing. McCallum also warned of Iranian-linked attacks on Jewish sites and threats against Iranian dissidents in Britain.