1. EU in talks with Corbyn in case government collapses
EU negotiators have stepped up backroom Brexit talks with Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party amid fears that Theresa May’s government will collapse. Uncertainty over May's future has seen EU negotiators "significantly" increase the amount of talks held with Labour since the election, reports The Daily Telegraph. Brussels is seeking assurances from Corbyn over his plans if he comes to power.
2. Trump cancels Obama's free birth control rule
Donald Trump's government is allowing employers to opt out of providing free birth control to millions of Americans. The new ruling allows employers and insurers to refuse to provide birth control if it contradicts their "religious beliefs" or "moral convictions". It is estimated that 55m women benefited from the rule, which made companies provide free birth control. It was ushered in during the reign of Barack Obama.
3. Apple gave Uber 'disturbing' invasive powers
Researchers have found that Apple gave Uber the unprecedented and "disturbing" ability to record what was displayed on users' iPhone screens. Sudo Security Group said Uber's app had special permissions that let it see what was happening on users' devices at any time, even while a different app was open. Uber could, in theory, have monitored customers' passwords and their use of rival ride-hailing apps.
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4. Sack Boris Johnson, Tory MPs urge Theresa May
Theresa May should sack Boris Johnson and reshuffle her cabinet to reassert her authority, Conservative MPs will tell her. One told The Guardian: "Some people are saying, 'impose some discipline, show that you can sack some people.'" Meanwhile, Ruth Davidson, Tory leader in Scotland, says the party should "get its house in order", back Theresa May and "let her get back to governing".
5. Islamic State tells women to join its jihad campaign
Islamic State has called on women to take up arms as it continues to lose territory in Syria and Iraq. In a new edition of its Arabic language newspaper, the group told female supporters it was an "obligation" for them to wage physical jihad, justifying the move by claiming women had fought in the Islamic Golden Age and citing female companions of the Prophet Muhammed as examples.
6. Royal Mail threatens legal action over union strike plans
Royal Mail will apply for a legal injunction on Monday unless the postal union calls off strikes planned for later this month. The Communication Workers Union said it is planning a 48-hour walkout of Royal Mail workers on October 19 - the first postal strike since 2009 and the first since the Royal Mail was privatised. A union leader said Royal Mail’s threat came as a "shock".
7. Las Vegas shooter 'also planned a car bombing'
The Las Vegas gunman may have planned additional attacks including a car bombing, according to reports in the US. Stephen Paddock, who carried out America’s deadliest mass shooting, had 1,600 rounds of ammunition and a quantity of fertiliser that can be used to make explosives. Authorities say there is still no clear motive for the shooting and they are investigating whether anyone else was aware of Paddock’s plans.
8. North Korea 'to test missile that could hit the US'
North Korea plans to test a long-range missile it thinks can reach the west coast of the US, according to a Russian MP. Anton Morozov, who has just returned from a visit to Pyongyang, said: "They are preparing for new tests of a long-range missile. They even gave us mathematical calculations that they believe prove that their missile can hit the west coast of the United States."
9. Google uses balloons to bring coverage to Puerto Rico
US authorities have approved Google’s application to use balloons to provide emergency cellular service to Puerto Rico. Around 83% of cell sites remain out of service in the wake of Hurricane Maria. The US Federal Communications Commission said it is "critical" that they adopt a "coordinated and comprehensive approach" to support the rebuilding of communications infrastructure and restoration of communications services.
10. One-fifth of UK workers have 'side hustles'
Around 20% of UK employees are considering setting up their own business outside their usual day job, according to a report from online firm GoDaddy. The data shows that these so-called "side hustles" make between £500 and £5,000 extra cash for over half of those who set them up. However, there are fears that employers may use the trend as an excuse not to pay their workers properly.
