⚠️ TEXAS SUES SHEIN OVER TOXIC PRODUCTS Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against fast-fashion retailer SHEIN in February 2026, alleging that clothing, accessories and children’s products sold by the company contain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals at levels exceeding safety standards. The lawsuit cites concerns involving lead, PFAS, phthalates, cadmium and formaldehyde. Some of the products under scrutiny are intended for children and pregnant women. The state is seeking legal penalties and measures to address the alleged violations. The case raises serious questions about chemical safety, consumer protection and the responsibility of online retailers selling low-cost products on a massive scale. The allegations have yet to be proven in court.

ELON MUSK OFFERED TO FATHER HER CHILDREN. THEIR STORY BECAME MUCH MORE THAN A DONOR ARRANGEMENT. Shivon Zilis, an AI executive who worked with Musk and served on OpenAI’s board, wanted to become a mother but had reservations about pursuing a traditional relationship. According to her testimony, Musk offered to donate sperm in 2020. She accepted, and their twins were born in 2021. What began as an arrangement to have children later evolved into a romantic relationship. The pair went on to have four children together. The story remained largely private until 2022, when their twins’ parentage became public. In October 2026, Zilis announced that their relationship had ended unexpectedly, while expressing hope that they could remain friends and co-parents. Their story offers a rare glimpse into the private life of one of the world’s most influential technology entrepreneurs.

Surfer takes on a giant wave off Portugal’s coast. 🏄‍♂️ German big-wave surfer Sebastian Steudtner was filmed riding a wave estimated at more than 115 feet (35 metres) at Nazaré, Portugal, in January 2018. The footage shows the extraordinary scale of the Atlantic waves that have made Nazaré one of the world’s most famous destinations for big-wave surfing. The 115-foot estimate was never an officially confirmed record. Steudtner’s officially recognised world record is a wave measuring 86 feet (26.21 metres), surfed in October 2020.

🇨🇳 CHINA’S AI SHOPPING HOSTS CAN SELL PRODUCTS 24 HOURS A DAY Chinese retailers are increasingly using AI-generated presenters to sell products through livestreams, allowing broadcasts to run around the clock without a human host on screen. The virtual presenters can demonstrate products, answer customer questions and promote items continuously, reducing the need for human staff to manage every broadcast. Some businesses report increased sales after adopting the technology, although results vary between retailers. The development highlights how AI is changing online retail, while raising questions about the future of jobs in sales, marketing and customer service.

YOUR PHONE MAY BE TAKING SECRET PHOTOS OF YOU An Android user says their phone was quietly taking thousands of pictures of their face — even when they never pressed the camera button. Using an AI tool called Claude Code, they found over 14,000 face photos hidden in the phone’s system folders. These pictures weren’t in the normal photo gallery or the recently deleted folder. Many of the photos had dates and locations attached. Some were taken just from picking up the phone to check the time. One photo was even created while the person was still looking through the files. Phone makers say Face Unlock only keeps a mathematical map of your face and deletes the actual pictures. But this user found the real photos still sitting on the device. The claim has not been fully verified by independent experts yet. Similar stories have also appeared about iPhones. If you’re worried, check which apps have camera permission and turn off any you don’t need. 📌 Source: @coolerwave

NEW: APPLE FINALLY BRINGS TOUCHSCREENS TO THE MACBOOK PRO. After years of keeping its MacBooks and touch-enabled iPads separate, Apple is introducing a touchscreen MacBook Pro with its new PROLED XDR display. The move brings direct touch interaction to Apple’s professional laptop lineup, alongside the traditional keyboard and trackpad. For designers, photographers and video editors, this could open up new ways to interact with creative software.

School lunch in China looks well-balanced and properly prepared. Kids sitting down to trays with mixed rice, fresh green beans, vegetables, and meat dishes in a clean, organised dining room. Simple, practical, and focused on actual food rather than processed options. Nice to see. 🇨🇳

🇨🇳 CHINA HAS A CAFÉ BUILT INTO THE SIDE OF A MOUNTAIN. Hidden among the dramatic cliffs of Yandang Mountain in Wenzhou, this extraordinary café occupies natural caves in the mountainside, with glass viewing areas and terraces overlooking the valley below. Designed by Slow Coral Design and completed in 2024, the project combines modern architecture with ancient rock formations, creating a place where visitors can enjoy coffee surrounded by towering cliffs and breathtaking scenery.

IN 1984, A FATHER SHOT HIS SON’S ABUSER DEAD ON CAMERA. HE NEVER WENT TO PRISON. In March 1984, 11-year-old Jody Plauché was kidnapped and sexually abused by his karate instructor, Jeff Doucet, who was eventually arrested in California. When Doucet was returned to Louisiana to face charges, Jody’s father, Gary Plauché, was waiting at the airport. As deputies escorted Doucet through the terminal, Gary pulled out a gun and shot him dead. A television news crew captured the killing on camera. Gary was charged with second-degree murder but later pleaded no contest to manslaughter. In 1985, he received five years’ probation and 300 hours of community service instead of a prison sentence. But there’s a detail many people don’t know. Years later, Jody revealed that he hadn’t wanted his father to kill the man. He wanted the abuse to stop. He eventually forgave his father, but the experience left him with complicated feelings that lasted for years. The case raises a difficult question: Was this a father pushed beyond his limits, or a tragedy that could never be justified? 📌 Based on contemporary reporting and Jody Plauché’s later interviews.

🚨 RIC FLAIR SHARES POSITIVE HEALTH UPDATE AFTER RECENT FALL WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair says he is approaching the final stage of treatment for injuries sustained in a fall in Florida last week. In an update posted on X on October 28, the 77-year-old wrestling legend wrote: “One More Surgery And One More Possible Skin Graft, And Then I Will Be Good To Go!” Flair also thanked the medical team at the USF Health Eye Institute for their care. The update follows his recent hospitalisation after suffering facial injuries in the fall. He has also recently disclosed a blood clot in his leg, adding to his ongoing health concerns. While further treatment remains ahead, Flair’s latest message is an encouraging sign of his determination to recover. Wishing The Nature Boy a full and speedy recovery! 🙏

😳 STORY: A MAN WAS TRAPPED FOR 127 HOURS… AND HAD TO MAKE THE UNTHINKABLE DECISION TO SURVIVE In 2003, climber Aron Ralston became trapped when an enormous boulder pinned his arm against a canyon wall in remote Utah. Alone, with his food and water running out, he spent five days trying to escape. With no rescue in sight, he ultimately amputated his own arm using a small multitool knife. But that wasn’t the end of his ordeal. He rappelled down a cliff and walked for miles before encountering other hikers. A rescue helicopter eventually found him. Ralston survived and later returned to climbing. His story inspired the film 127 Hours.

🇬🇧 UK WORKER WINS SEVEN-FIGURE PAYOUT AFTER LOSING FINGERS IN WORKPLACE ACCIDENT Chris Pawson, 38, from Lancashire, has secured a seven-figure compensation settlement following a workplace accident that ended his career as a joiner. In February 2022, his right hand was pulled into a circular saw that had reportedly been improperly aligned, leaving him without his middle finger and most of his ring finger, alongside severe damage to other parts of his hand. After losing his ability to work and facing financial hardship while raising his young family, Pawson fought a four-year legal battle against the company he had been working for. The settlement will help fund advanced prosthetics and rehabilitation. He has since started a new career mentoring construction students and teaching workplace safety. The case highlights the potentially life-changing consequences of unsafe equipment and the importance of workplace safety.

⚠️ OIL PRICES CLIMB AS MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT THREATENS SUPPLIES Global oil prices rose on Wednesday as escalating violence in Yemen and reports of an attack on a major Saudi oil refinery heightened concerns over potential supply disruptions. Brent crude rose approximately 1.6% to $115.69 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate gained around 2.5% to $102.42, according to Reuters market data. Higher oil prices can feed into transport, shipping and production costs, potentially putting further pressure on households and businesses. Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the reported refinery strike. Source: Reuters.

Two high-speed trains collided in central Spain today near Urda (Toledo province), killing at least 64–68 people and injuring many more. Over 500 passengers were on board (Renfe + Iryo trains on the Madrid–Seville route). A computer system failure stopped trains on a stretch of track. Controllers then allowed one train to restart without restrictions — it rear-ended a stopped train. Carriages derailed down an embankment. This is Spain’s second deadly high-speed crash this year. PM Pedro Sánchez called it unacceptable; rescue work continues. Sources: AP, BBC, Spanish regional authorities. #Spain #TrainCrash #Breaking

More than 100 days after their arrest in Miami, Andrew and Tristan Tate remain in federal custody as they fight extradition to the UK. US Marshals arrested the brothers on July 18 on a UK extradition request. British prosecutors have brought a total of 59 charges, including rape and trafficking offences, relating to alleged incidents between 2010 and 2017. A federal judge denied their bail request in September, ruling they should stay in detention while the extradition case proceeds. The brothers deny any wrongdoing, and the allegations have not been proven in court. The final extradition decision rests with the US Secretary of State. 📰 Sources: AP, NPR, Al Jazeera

A Cybertruck owner says he sold his truck to a dealer for $74,000 and it is now listed for $86,015. Johnny Beatty says he originally paid $58,990 for the 2026 Cybertruck Crew Cab AWD. The online listing shows 670 miles and a price of $86,015 including fees, with a "Fair Deal" rating. 📸 via @Mr__Beatty

BREAKING: Tommy Robinson found guilty of harassing two journalists Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been convicted at Southwark Crown Court of two counts of harassment causing fear of violence. The charges relate to two MailOnline journalists in August 2024. Jurors took more than 11 hours to reach a majority verdict of 10 jurors on both counts. Prosecutors argued he hired investigators to intimidate the reporters and posted images of one journalist's family online. Robinson denied the charges and had pleaded not guilty. 📰 Source: ITV News / PA

An iPhone Duo user says he broke his new foldable in half and posted the result. Photos show the device split cleanly along the hinge, with both screens cracked. "Now I've got two for the price of one," he joked. The post spread quickly as Apple's $1,999 foldable is still in its first week in stores. It's unclear how the phone broke, and reviewers have praised the hinge. 📸 via @Gavel_on_X

D-Day veteran celebrates 105th birthday Stanley Elliss, who landed on Gold Beach on D-Day with the RAF, turned 105 on October 22. He marked the milestone at a care home in Wye, Kent. Elliss reportedly had an art scholarship lined up before joining the RAF. In Normandy he helped secure airstrips for Allied Spitfires. He is also a Burma Star veteran and a recipient of France's Legion d'Honneur. Happy birthday, Stanley. 🎂 📸 via The English Crusader

BREAKING: Putin calls Elon Musk a "genius" during tech exhibition tour Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Musk while viewing a showcase of Russian technology attended by African leaders, according to Russian state media RIA Novosti. Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadaev presented a Russian answer to SpaceX's Starlink, which already has more than 30 satellites in orbit. Putin called it a "first step" and noted that Musk has over 5,000 satellites up. He added that Russia is in close contact with Musk and other American partners to avoid interfering with each other in orbit, and that the cooperation continues "despite all political questions." 📰 Source: RIA Novosti (Russian state media)