Double

Australian independent MP Helen Haines is drawing attention alongside fellow crossbench figure David Pocock, who spoke about wanting politicians to 'double down' on kindness despite his soft-spoken reputation and big ambitions. The Guardian's interview highlights the growing profile of independents in the Australian parliament and their push for a more respectful political culture.

A Spanish court has ruled that a woman must return more than 8,500 euros in Salario Social payments after concealing that she was simultaneously receiving the Ingreso Mínimo Vital, the state minimum income benefit. The case highlights how regional and national anti-poverty benefits cannot be collected at the same time, and raises questions about oversight of overlapping welfare payments in Spain.

Russian authorities are set to double budget spending on internet blocking and efforts against VPN services, according to The Moscow Times' Russian service. Separately, reports say mobile internet speeds in Russia have risen by 14-20%, while Roskomnadzor has won a court claim of almost 50,000 rubles against TV presenter Ekaterina Varnava.

A new overview of US mortgage rate history traces borrowing costs from the double-digit peaks of the late 1970s and early 1980s through the low-rate era of the 2010s and the post-pandemic rise, extending projections toward 2026. The piece highlights how sharply today's rates stand out against decades of data, a comparison many homeowners and buyers are using to judge whether now is the time to buy or refinance.

Como beat Manchester United in a Champions League fixture, with Nico Paz scoring twice and adding an assist in the rout. It was Como's debut in the competition, and the defeat deepens United's disastrous start to the season under Michael Carrick, with reports calling it historically bad. Cesc Fabregas pushed back on talk of a United crisis, while coverage in Spain noted Paz reviving memories of Messi's performances. The result is drawing attention worldwide.

Russians are facing a broad expansion of fines. Drivers caught without a licence could face penalties of up to 50,000 roubles, while repeat fare dodgers in Orenburg region may be fined 1,000 roubles. Fines for smoking and drinking in restricted places are set to double, and authorities also want to raise administrative penalties under political articles in some cases by up to fifty times.

General Motors is moving forward with its next-generation electric vehicle even as its EV sales have declined. According to Bloomberg, the automaker is continuing its EV development plans rather than slowing down, a bet that demand will recover even as current sales figures slide.

Interest in the PlayStation 5 is rising in Japan and Mexico, with shoppers comparing prices at the Sony Store across models including the Japanese-language edition, the double pack, the PS5 Pro and disc-drive versions, and asking about black model availability. Meanwhile, the hit indie co-op climbing game Peak is launching on consoles this month, adding to PS5 buzz.

The Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks are drawing searches as the new NBA season gets underway, with opening-night games generating heavy interest. Early coverage has focused on star performances, including Anthony Davis posting a dominant double-double in his team's opening-season home win, as fans follow the first box scores of the year.

Australian prosecutors have admitted that Masood Zakaria, an alleged gangster facing a double murder case, was illegally deported back to Australia from Türkiye in 2023. The admission could complicate the high-profile prosecution, as defence lawyers may argue his unlawful removal from Türkiye undermines the case against him.

Katerina Siniakova is competing at the Japan Women's Open, where she is set to face Poland's Magda Linette. Betting and prediction outlets have been running previews of the matchup, offering picks and odds ahead of the contest. Siniakova, a Czech player better known for her doubles success, is drawing attention for her singles run at the tournament.

Georgetown University's women's tennis team has finished its singles and doubles play at the ITA Regionals, the regional championship tournament of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. The program announced the close of its competition through its athletics department, capping its run in the fall collegiate circuit.

French actress Marine Vacth appears in explicit nude scenes in François Ozon's 2017 psychological thriller L'Amant Double, in which she plays a woman caught up in a disturbing relationship with a double identity. The film, which opened the Cannes Film Festival, continues to draw viewers searching for her performance years after release.

A striking black-and-white photograph shows a storm front moving across the Baltic Sea, with waves not yet greatly elevated. The image is being shared with commentary noting that the stormy scene fits not only visually but also politically, a nod to current turbulent times.

East Carolina University's tennis program is set to compete in the American Conference Individual Tennis Championship. The Pirates will send their players into the conference tournament as singles and doubles competitors battle for individual titles. It marks a key postseason opportunity for ECU athletes to test themselves against the best players across the American Athletic Conference.

Roofing Contractor outlines three routes roofing companies can take to enter the solar installation market, as rooftops increasingly double as sites for residential solar panels. The trade publication's analysis highlights how contractors are weighing options to capture growing demand for solar energy alongside traditional roofing work.

Russian media are circulating horoscope forecasts covering the period from late October into early November, with October 31 highlighted as a date of interest. The predictions claim some zodiac signs will see double profits while others will enjoy fortune's favour around this date. Astrology round-ups like this typically surge at the end of the month as readers look ahead to what the coming days might bring.

The Big South Conference has announced the seeds and draws for its 2026 Women's Tennis Individual Championships. The announcement sets the bracket for singles and doubles competition across the conference's member schools. Players and programs now know their opening matchups as the tournament approaches, with seeded players avoiding each other in the early rounds.

The University of South Florida men's tennis team is traveling to compete in the American Conference Individual Championships, according to the school's athletics program. The event gives Bulls players a chance to earn individual singles and doubles results ahead of the spring dual-match season.