Attack on Saudi Arabia's International Airport in Riyadh Kills 12 and Injures Over 300
A missile or drone attack targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh early Sunday, killing 12 people and injuring over 300 others, some in critical condition. The incident is described as a dramatic escalation in the war between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia, with Al Jazeera attributing the attack to the Houthis and The Washington Post identifying one of the deceased as an American.
Federal judge blocks Trump DOJ from collecting state voter rolls
A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's policy to collect unredacted state voter rolls for cross-referencing with immigration databases was unlawful, blocking the Justice Department's nationwide program ahead of the 2026 midterms. The decision cited violations of privacy laws and civil rights concerns.
Federal Reserve holds interest rates at 4.75%-5.00% for third straight meeting
The Federal Reserve maintained the federal funds rate at 4.75%-5.00% for the third consecutive meeting, aligning with market expectations. The decision reflects ongoing inflation concerns, with three policymakers dissenting in favor of a rate hike, while Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted the committee's vigilance regarding inflation trends and the possibility of one additional hike later this year.
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery complete $111 billion merger to form Skydance
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery finalized their $111 billion merger on October 6, 2026, creating the Skydance conglomerate. The deal combines major media properties including CBS, CNN, Comedy Central, MTV, TBS, Paramount+, and HBO Max under one entity, resolving a yearlong battle against Netflix and 12 state attorneys general, though CEO David Ellison warned the merged company will require 'difficult decisions' including 'changes and impacts.'
US opens direct talks with Myanmar's generals, reversing years of isolation
The Trump administration initiated direct diplomatic engagement with Myanmar's military government, marking a sharp reversal of the longstanding US policy of isolation following the 2021 coup. The outreach, led by the US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, aims to recalibrate relations with the junta amid widespread international condemnation.
Trump Announces $15 Billion Mesabi Metallics Steel Complex for Iowa
President Donald Trump announced a $15 billion steel complex in Iowa, framing it as the largest steel plant ever built in U.S. history and a centerpiece of his domestic manufacturing agenda ahead of the November midterm elections. The project, led by Mesabi Metallics, promises 1,750 permanent jobs and aims to start production by 2030, aligning with the administration's 25-50% tariff strategy on steel and aluminum imports.
FTC Launches Investigation into OpenAI and Anthropic Over Consumer Safety Risks
The Federal Trade Commission has initiated a broad inquiry into OpenAI, Anthropic, and other AI companies to examine potential consumer safety risks. The investigation coincides with industry pledges on AI safety, though the FTC has not yet concluded that any company broke the law.
NASA SpaceX Crew-12 astronauts splash down after 237-day ISS mission
NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission concluded Thursday, October 8, 2026, with the capsule Freedom splashing down in the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles after a 237-day stay aboard the International Space Station. The four-person crew conducted scientific research and maintained laboratory systems during their record-breaking mission, which covered more than 100 million miles.