The day in 60 seconds: Tuesday 13 October

The five stories leading FTMQ News on Tuesday 13 October, each with its full report and sources.

Montana Democratic Party chair resigns to support independent Senate candidate. Shannon O’Brien has resigned as chairwoman of the Montana Democratic Party to endorse independent candidate Seth Bodnar over her party’s nominee. Read the report

Portugal begins construction of Lisbon to Porto high speed rail line. Work started on Monday on a high-speed railway connecting Lisbon and Porto, cutting the journey time between Portugal's two largest cities to 75 minutes. Read the report

Spain holds National Day parade without troops from Ceuta present. Spanish forces stationed in Ceuta remained in the North African territory during Madrid's National Day parade following a recent border crisis. Read the report

IMF upgrades UK economic growth forecast to 1.3 percent for 2026. The International Monetary Fund has raised its 2026 economic growth forecast for the United Kingdom to 1.3 percent, but warned that higher energy costs will slow growth later. Read the report

IMF warns Middle East conflict could raise Australian petrol prices. An International Monetary Fund scenario shows Australian fuel prices could rise by 30 cents a litre if Middle East tensions escalate and drive up global crude prices. Read the report