Midterm Ad Spending Heads for a Record $11.6 Billion: Where the Money Is Going
AdImpact projects a record $11.6 billion in political ad spending for the 2025–26 cycle. A breakdown of the races, channels and states drawing the most money.
Japan Departure Tax Triples to ¥3,000: What Travellers Pay Now
Japan’s international tourist tax rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per departure on July 1, 2026. Here is who pays, how it is collected and where the money goes.
Israel Election October 27: Parties, Rules and What Comes After the Vote
Israelis vote on October 27 for all 120 Knesset seats. A guide to the main parties and leaders, the 3.25% threshold, the 61-seat target and the issues in play.
Halloween Candy Prices Up 8.1% as Shoppers Spend a Record $13.5 Billion
Candy and gum prices rose 8.1% in the year to August, more than double overall inflation, yet the NRF expects Americans to spend a record $13.5 billion on Halloween in 2026.
US Midterms 2026: The Races, Maps and Issues That Will Decide Congress
All 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats and 36 governorships are on the November 3 ballot. Here is what the polls, new district maps and key issues are signalling.
US Government Funding: Stopgap Runs to Dec. 11, Setting Up Lame-Duck Fight
A continuing resolution signed on September 2 keeps federal agencies open through December 11, leaving Congress to settle full-year funding after the November midterms.
iPhone Duo: Apple’s First Foldable Arrives October 23 — Price, Specs and How It Compares
Apple’s $1,999 iPhone Duo opens for preorders October 16 and ships October 23. Here are the key specs, plus how it fits alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
The Biggest Album Debuts of 2026 So Far: BTS, Olivia Rodrigo and Drake Lead the Chart
BTS’s ARIRANG opened with 641,000 units, the year’s biggest Billboard 200 debut so far, ahead of Olivia Rodrigo and Drake. The full top 10 and what it says about 2026.
JPMorgan Q3 Earnings: $15.3 Billion Profit as Trading Revenue Jumps 15%
JPMorgan Chase earned $15.3 billion in the third quarter of 2026 on $50.9 billion of managed revenue, driven by a 15% rise in markets revenue and higher investment banking fees.
Fertilizer Shock: How the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Threatens Next Year’s Harvests
The Gulf supplies about a third of global urea exports. With shipments disrupted, farmers face costly autumn and winter planting decisions that could tighten food supplies in 2027.
Bank Earnings Preview: What to Watch as JPMorgan and Wall Street Kick Off Q3 Season
JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo and Citi report on October 13. Analysts expect JPMorgan EPS of $5.93 on $51.2 billion revenue. Key themes for the quarter.
‘Outer Banks’ Star Austin North Is Engaged to Cali Fuller
Austin North and fitness coach Cali Fuller announced their engagement on October 11 with backyard proposal photos, drawing congratulations from his Outer Banks castmates.