We examine the recent worldwide website outages caused by a critical PHP security update. The episode also covers the latest international and UK news, alongside developments in the technology sector.
How this edition was madeFriday 23 October 2026 · 35 minutes from first search to broadcast · no human in the loopSee the full breakdown ↓
01 · Found406reports from 71 news sites
02 · Chosen9stories picked from 341
03 · Sourced67sources from 42 publishers
04 · Fact-checked
27 of 47 claims confirmed by two or more independent sources · 20 left out
05 · Read aloud
06:20, voiced by synthetic presenters
Behind the broadcast
How this edition was made
Friday 23 October 2026 · 35 minutes, fully automated
Every edition is found, researched, fact-checked and written by an automated newsroom, then read by synthetic presenters. A claim goes into the script only when two or more independent sources confirm it, or the primary source itself (an official statement, filing or dataset). Everything else is left out. For this edition 47 claims were checked: 27 confirmed, 20 left out.
From 406 reports to 9 stories
Everything the newsroom read before choosing this edition’s stories; 7 researched stories were dropped because the main claim couldn’t be confirmed.
Search results and feeds
406
Unique articles
352
Distinct stories
341
Shortlisted
64
Researched in depth
16
Broadcast
9
47 claims, checked one by one
Each square is a real claim from this edition. Hover over or tab to one to read it.
Confirmed · 2+ independent sourcesSingle sourceSpeculationDisputed or unconfirmed
KyivKyiv struck by missiles following agreement to resume peace talks
WashingtonIlhan Omar plans to move out of Washington DC home following federal raid
WorldBBC Investigation Finds Systematic Targeting of Hospitals in el-Fasher by RSF Fighters
NottinghamWoman charged over Nottingham police shooting
San FranciscoOpenAI models to be made available on Google Cloud
San FranciscoUber Deploys ChatGPT Work to All 30,000 Employees
BrusselsWebsites taken down worldwide as critical PHP security update issued
United KingdomNational grid operator assures winter energy supplies
67 sources from 42 publishers
169 candidate sources were considered and 52 read in full, 48 of them independent. Wire stories and syndicated copies are detected, so one report can’t count twice.
BBC News8
Sky News5
Reuters4
The Guardian4
Al Jazeera2
ITV News2
OpenAI2
Storyboard182
TechCrunch2
Techmeme2
The Independent2
The Telegraph2
AP News1
BILYONARYO Business1
Boston Herald1
CBC1
CBS Minnesota1
CoinCentral1
Council on Foreign Relations1
Daily Mail1
El Ecosistema Startup1
Emirates 24|71
Etcio1
European Union1
FOX 9 Minneapolis-St1
Global1
Gold FM News1
International Business Times…1
Manx Radio1
MyJoyOnline1
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)…1
National Cyber Security Centre1
National Energy System Operator (NESO)1
Note（ノート）1
Operativmm1
Oz Arab Media1
Resultsense1
The National1
Uber und OpenAI: ChatGPT Work kommt…1
Winzheng1
Yahoo News UK1
Межа1
35 minutes from first search to broadcast
No human in the loop: 96 AI steps, then 56 lines read by synthetic presenters.
Find and sort6:40
Research11:44
Fact-check7:54
Write and edit0:52
Final check0:19
Voice7:14
Mix and publish0:16
Researching and checking factsFinding, writing, voicing, mixing
Kyiv struck by missiles following agreement to resume peace talks
Kyiv has been hit by another round of missile strikes hours after Russia agreed to resume peace talks.
3 of 7 claims confirmed · 7 sources
New since we last reported it
Kyiv has been struck by new missile attacks following the recent diplomatic movements.
What we confirmed
Kyiv has been hit by another round of missile strikes hours after Russia agreed to resume peace talks.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · BBC News, CBC
Russia said it was ready in principle to resume peace talks with the US and Ukraine.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by Russia · BBC News, MyJoyOnline
The three waves of missiles were launched by Russian humanitarians.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by Volodymyr Zelenskyy · BBC News, CBC
What we left out (4)
A wave of Russian missiles struck Kyiv overnight, killing one person and injuring 22.Single source · left out · said by local authorities · Sky News
Elon Musk has restored Ukraine’s access to Starlink.Single source · left out · said by Donald Trump · Al Jazeera
Moscow handed over 252 bodies and Ukraine handed over 25 in an exchange of war dead.Single source · left out · said by Belta state news agency · CBC
Trump or his right-wing allies might seek to leverage technology to pressure Ukraine into complying with US demands.Speculation · left out · Al Jazeera
Ilhan Omar plans to move out of Washington DC home following federal raid
US Representative Ilhan Omar stated she plans to move out of her Washington DC home following a federal raid.
5 of 5 claims confirmed · 7 sources
What we confirmed
US Representative Ilhan Omar stated she plans to move out of her Washington DC home following a federal raid.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · BBC News, Al Jazeera, The Guardian
Homeland Security Investigations agents searched Ilhan Omar's home on 12 October with a judicially authorised search warrant.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · BBC News, Al Jazeera, CBS Minnesota
The federal raid on Ilhan Omar's home was part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation concerning immigration paperwork.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by Justice Department spokesperson and sources · Al Jazeera, CBS Minnesota
Agents seized 17 items, including cell phones, notebooks, a Somali-language children's book, and a vintage camera during the search.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by Ilhan Omar · Al Jazeera, FOX 9 Minneapolis-St
Ilhan Omar stated she can no longer live in her D.C. home because its address is now public and she is facing death threats.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by Ilhan Omar · BBC News, CBS Minnesota
BBC Investigation Finds Systematic Targeting of Hospitals in el-Fasher by RSF Fighters
A BBC investigation found evidence that Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters systematically destroyed healthcare services in el-Fasher during their siege and subsequent takeover.
3 of 6 claims confirmed · 6 sources
What we confirmed
A BBC investigation found evidence that Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters systematically destroyed healthcare services in el-Fasher during their siege and subsequent takeover.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by BBC News · BBC News, Gold FM News, Oz Arab Media
The BBC investigation documented at least 43 separate attacks on hospitals and healthcare sites in el-Fasher between May 2024 and October 2025.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by BBC News · Operativmm, Oz Arab Media
The RSF tried to evacuate and decommission hospitals because the health system is the cornerstone of any city or state.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by Dr Muhamed Suliman · BBC News, Gold FM News
What we left out (3)
Multiple attacks by the Rapid Support Forces on civilian infrastructure, including health facilities, were serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes.Single source · left out · said by Volker Türk · BBC News
South Hospital was shelled several times in late May and early June 2024 before RSF fighters raided it on 8 June.Single source · left out · said by Doctors · Oz Arab Media
Armed parties deliberately block the delivery of MSF medical and humanitarian aid supplies in Sudan.Single source · left out · said by Médecins Sans Frontières · Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)…
A 27-year-old woman has been charged after a police officer was shot in Nottingham city centre.
4 of 5 claims confirmed · 6 sources
New since we last reported it
A 27-year-old woman has been formally charged.
A 35-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of firearm and assisting offences.
What we confirmed
A 27-year-old woman has been charged after a police officer was shot in Nottingham city centre.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by Nottinghamshire Police · The Guardian, BBC News
The injured police officer is in a stable condition in the hospital after being shot in the foot.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by Nottinghamshire Police · The Guardian, BBC News, Global, Manx Radio
The officer was shot after approaching two people at a bus stop in Angel Row shortly before 04:50 BST on Sunday.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by Nottinghamshire Police · The Guardian, BBC News, Manx Radio
A 35-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and assisting an offender.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by Nottinghamshire Police · The Guardian, BBC News, Manx Radio
What we left out (1)
Nottingham is a safe city.Single source · left out · said by Local official · The Guardian
Tommy Robinson trial hears testimony regarding private detective surveillance of journalists
Tommy Robinson told a court he hired private detectives to track down and photograph two reporters to put pressure on them.
2 of 5 claims confirmed · 9 sources
What we confirmed
Tommy Robinson told a court he hired private detectives to track down and photograph two reporters to put pressure on them.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · BBC News, The Guardian
Tommy Robinson is on trial charged with harassing two MailOnline reporters in August 2024 through X posts and messages.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · Sky News, Daily Mail
What we left out (3)
Robinson told jurors his 12-year-old daughter had received rape threats and his ex-wife had been threatened with an acid attack.Single source · left out · said by Tommy Robinson · BBC News
Robinson denied wanting to expose the journalists to threats of violence during his testimony at Southwark Crown Court.Single source · left out · said by Tommy Robinson · The Independent
Robinson pleaded not guilty to two charges of harassment.Not confirmed · left out
OpenAI models to be made available on Google Cloud
OpenAI will make its frontier artificial intelligence models and Codex coding agent available through Google Cloud in the coming weeks.
3 of 4 claims confirmed · 9 sources
What we confirmed
OpenAI will make its frontier artificial intelligence models and Codex coding agent available through Google Cloud in the coming weeks.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · Reuters, CoinCentral, Resultsense
Google Cloud customers will be able to buy OpenAI models through the Model Garden and Google Cloud Marketplace.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · CoinCentral, Resultsense
Microsoft remains OpenAI's primary cloud partner.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by OpenAI · Resultsense, Storyboard18
What we left out (1)
OpenAI is working on raising up to $30 billion at a $1.25 trillion pre-money valuation in a round led by Coatue and investors in UAE.Speculation · left out · said by CNBC sources · TechCrunch, Techmeme
Uber and OpenAI announced an expansion of their partnership to deploy ChatGPT Work to Uber's entire global workforce of approximately 30,000 employees.
2 of 5 claims confirmed · 9 sources
What we confirmed
Uber and OpenAI announced an expansion of their partnership to deploy ChatGPT Work to Uber's entire global workforce of approximately 30,000 employees.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · TechCrunch, Storyboard18, Межа, Winzheng
Uber previously ran an initial pilot of ChatGPT Work with 1,000 employees earlier in the year, where about 80% of early adopters were non-engineers.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · TechCrunch, Storyboard18, Межа, Winzheng
What we left out (3)
GPT-6.1 Sol is set to serve as the default model within ChatGPT Work for Uber employees.Single source · left out · Storyboard18
Uber did not disclose how much it is spending on the new rollout of the chatbot.Single source · left out · TechCrunch
Uber will track how employees use the technology, the kinds of workflows they develop, and evaluate outcomes to guide future deployments.Single source · left out · said by Sukumar · TechCrunch
Websites taken down worldwide as critical PHP security update issued
A security update was issued to address two critical vulnerabilities in the PHP programming language.
3 of 6 claims confirmed · 8 sources
What we confirmed
A security update was issued to address two critical vulnerabilities in the PHP programming language.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · BBC News, European Union
Several government, school and hospital websites across Europe and beyond were taken offline on Wednesday as organizations rushed to protect themselves.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · Reuters, BILYONARYO Business, Emirates 24|7
The security issue may allow attackers to execute commands on any web server running PHP.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by PHP · National Cyber Security Centre
What we left out (3)
The vulnerabilities were discovered by cyber-security researchers at the firms Calif and Wiz, with Wiz stating they were the most severe vulnerabilities ever discovered by AI.Single source · left out · said by Wiz · BBC News
CERT-EU stated that the vulnerabilities could affect all versions of PHP dating back to PHP 5.Not confirmed · left out · said by CERT-EU
There has been a surge in hacking attempts worldwide since the vulnerability was made public, although it is not clear if any have succeeded.Single source · left out · BBC News
National grid operator assures winter energy supplies
Britain's electricity network will remain stable and has sufficient supply to meet peak demand this winter.
2 of 4 claims confirmed · 6 sources
What we confirmed
Britain's electricity network will remain stable and has sufficient supply to meet peak demand this winter.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by National Energy System Operator · BBC News, The Independent, Reuters
Britain enters winter with a resilient and well-prepared energy system despite geopolitical uncertainty and global market volatility.Confirmed · two or more independent sources · said by Deborah Petterson · BBC News, The Independent
What we left out (2)
An independent investigation revealed high levels of stress and concern within NESO's Electricity National Control Centre regarding the industry's state and balance.Single source · left out · said by Eversheds Sutherland · BBC News
The risk of winter blackouts has risen for the first time in four years.Single source · left out · said by The Telegraph · The Telegraph
JamesGood morning. It's twenty-five past six in the morning on Friday the 23rd of October.
JamesThis is Not Perfect News. I'm James.
JulieAnd I'm Julie.
JamesHere are today's main stories.
JamesKyiv has been struck by missiles following an agreement to resume peace talks.
JamesA new investigation finds systematic targeting of hospitals in el-Fasher by militia fighters.
JamesThe national grid operator has assured the public regarding winter energy supplies.
JamesComing up, artificial intelligence, technology, and today's feature: Websites taken down worldwide as critical PHP security update issued.
JamesThis programme is researched and voiced using AI, and every source is on our website.
JamesHere's Julie with the world news.
JulieThanks, James. Kyiv has been struck by new missile attacks just hours after Russia agreed in principle to resume peace talks.
JulieUS Representative Ilhan Omar is moving out of her Washington home following a federal raid as part of an immigration inquiry.
JulieA BBC investigation has revealed that Rapid Support Forces systematically targeted and attacked hospitals in el-Fasher.
JulieHere's James with the UK news.
JamesThanks, Julie. A twenty-seven-year-old woman has been charged after a police officer was shot in the foot in Nottingham city centre.
JamesThe injured officer remains in a stable condition in hospital, and two other people have been arrested.
JamesThe national energy system operator states that Britain has sufficient electricity and gas supplies to meet peak winter demand.
JamesOfficials say the network remains resilient despite ongoing global market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty.
JamesTommy Robinson is on trial charged with harassing two journalists through social media posts and messages.
JamesHe told the court he hired private detectives to track down and photograph the reporters.
JamesHere's Julie with the technology and AI news.
JulieThanks, James. OpenAI plans to make its frontier models and Codex coding agent available through Google Cloud.
JulieCustomers will be able to purchase the software via the Google Cloud Marketplace in the coming weeks.
JulieUber and OpenAI have expanded their partnership to roll out chatgpt work to thirty thousand employees.
JulieThe move follows a successful pilot scheme earlier in the year involving one thousand staff.
JulieHere's James with today's feature.
JamesThanks, Julie. Websites have been taken down across the world following the release of a critical security update for the PHP programming language.
JamesThe update was issued to address two severe vulnerabilities affecting the widely used language.
JamesIn response, numerous organisations in Europe and internationally took their digital platforms offline on Wednesday to implement defensive measures.
JamesSeveral government departments, schools, and hospital websites were among those temporarily switched off as teams rushed to protect their systems.
JamesThe maintainers of PHP state that the security issue could allow attackers to execute commands on any web server running the software.
JulieBecause PHP underpins a vast percentage of the world's web infrastructure, flaws of this magnitude pose an immediate risk to public services.
JulieData security and operational continuity are at stake for governments and enterprises alike when foundational tools are threatened.
JulieOptimists point out that prompt patching and preventative site shutdowns likely prevented widespread malicious exploitation.
JulieSupporters also argue that the swift identification and patching by the development team demonstrate that security response mechanisms function effectively.
JulieSceptics take a different view, suggesting the sheer scale of disruption highlights deep structural vulnerabilities in global web infrastructure.
JulieCritics note that critical software dependencies are often overlooked until major crises occur, pointing to chronic underfunding in open source maintenance.
JulieThe debate centres on whether preventative downtime caused more immediate disruption than actual exploitation of the vulnerabilities.
JulieWhile taking sites offline caused considerable administrative headache, experts suggest it was a prudent step to mitigate a potentially catastrophic issue.
JamesThe exact total number of affected websites and servers globally remains unconfirmed as administrators continue their assessments.
JamesThe full extent of active exploitation attempts in the wild is also still being evaluated by cybersecurity agencies.
JamesOrganisations will now need to balance the need for rapid patching against the public disruption caused by taking critical services offline.
JamesPreventative downtime may be frustrating for users, but it remains the digital equivalent of turning off the main water valve to fix a leak.
JamesQuestions are now being raised over whether reliance on foundational open source software presents an unmanageable systemic risk.
JamesGovernments and corporate enterprises rely heavily on shared code maintained by small teams of often unpaid developers.
JamesCybersecurity authorities continue to monitor networks for signs of residual risk as patching efforts progress.
JamesIt is quite something when turning the internet off and on again becomes an emergency protocol for governments.
JulieAt least it proves people actually notice when government websites stop working for an afternoon.
JamesLet us hope the updates hold before everyone tries to log back on tomorrow morning.
JulieThanks, James. Before we go, a reminder of today's main stories.
JulieKyiv has been struck by missiles just following an agreement to resume peace talks.
JulieIlhan Omar plans to move out of her Washington home following a federal raid.
JulieYou'll find all our sources, the transcript and chapters at news.notperfect.biz.
JulieThis programme is made with AI, so please check the linked sources for anything important.
JulieThat's all from us this morning. I'm Julie.
JamesAnd I'm James. Thanks for listening, and goodbye.
Subscribe · free
Get every edition in your podcast app
Copy the feed address and paste it into “Add podcast by URL” (Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Overcast, AntennaPod and most other apps support it). New editions arrive automatically.
