Americas

Friday 9 October 2026Afternoon Update, 9 October 2026 · 14:01 CAT

Zambia and the world, three times a day

World · Business

US blocks Microsoft and other firms from sponsoring green cards under a labour programme

The US government says it will stop processing permanent labour certification applications from Microsoft and seven other companies. Vice President JD Vance accused them of abusing the system; Microsoft rejects the claim.

9 Oct, 14:00 CAT

World · Environment

Floods hit central Chile after record October rain around Santiago

Heavy rain has flooded Santiago and nearby towns, with rescues by helicopter and a state of catastrophe declared in one district, according to the BBC and Africanews.

9 Oct, 14:00 CAT

World · Technology

Three fired OpenAI researchers say they were let go over AI safety concerns; the company disagrees

Three former OpenAI researchers published an open letter saying they were fired for raising safety concerns. OpenAI says they mishandled sensitive information.

9 Oct, 13:59 CAT