Meta Hit with $25 Billion Fine, Ebola Outbreak Spreads, and More October 2026 Headlines

Quick Answer

In October 2026, a New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay a $25 billion fine for misleading users about Facebook data practices. Meanwhile, an Ebola outbreak that began in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to multiple African countries, and a key adviser to RFK Jr. resigned. These are among the top headlines for October 22, 2026.

Key Facts

• Meta fined $25 billion: A New Mexico judge ruled that Meta lied about Facebook user data for years, marking the largest fine ever imposed on the company.
• Ebola outbreak spreads: The outbreak, which started in Mongbwalu, DRC, has now reached multiple African nations, prompting international concern.
• MAHA adviser resigns: Calley Means, a prominent advocate for the MAHA movement, stepped down from his role as a top adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
• UN News highlights: Three years after reports of large-scale forcible returns of DPRK nationals from China, the issue remains a human rights concern.
• AP News top stories: The Associated Press covered these events and more, including ongoing recovery efforts from a building collapse.

Meta Faces Record $25 Billion Fine in New Mexico Data Privacy Case

In a landmark decision on October 22, 2026, a New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay a $25 billion fine after a trial found that the company had been misleading users about how it handled their Facebook data for years. The ruling represents the largest fine ever levied against Meta and one of the largest penalties for a technology company in U.S. history.

The lawsuit, brought by the state of New Mexico, accused Meta of violating consumer protection laws by failing to disclose the extent of data collection and sharing practices. According to court documents, Meta had assured users that their data was secure and used only for specified purposes, but internal communications revealed that the company allowed third parties broad access to user information without explicit consent.

“This verdict sends a clear message that corporations cannot profit from deceiving the public,” said New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez in a statement. “We will continue to hold Big Tech accountable for their actions.”

Meta has vowed to appeal the decision. In a statement, a company spokesperson said, “We believe the ruling is flawed and will vigorously challenge it. Meta has always been committed to protecting user privacy and has made significant investments in data security.”

The fine comes amid heightened scrutiny of social media platforms globally. Privacy advocates have praised the ruling as a turning point, while industry analysts warn it could set a precedent for similar lawsuits in other states and countries.

Ebola Outbreak Spreads from Congo to Multiple African Countries

An Ebola outbreak that began in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has now spread to multiple African countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak, first identified in the town of Mongbwalu in Ituri Province, has since been reported in Uganda, South Sudan, and Rwanda, raising fears of a wider regional crisis.

Health officials have confirmed over 200 cases and 150 deaths since the outbreak was declared in August 2026. The WHO has classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and is coordinating a response across affected countries.

“We are working around the clock to contain the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “But we face significant challenges, including limited healthcare infrastructure, vaccine shortages, and community resistance.”

In Mongbwalu, an isolation ward has been set up in a hospital to treat patients, but local health workers report shortages of personal protective equipment and medical supplies. International aid organizations have begun airlifting supplies and deploying additional medical personnel.

The outbreak has also prompted neighboring countries to tighten border controls and screen travelers for symptoms. The African Union has called for a coordinated continental response to prevent further spread.

Calley Means Resigns as Top Adviser to RFK Jr.

Calley Means, a key advocate for the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement, has resigned from his position as a top adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., according to the Associated Press. Means, who served as a senior counselor to Kennedy, cited personal reasons for his departure but emphasized that he remains committed to the movement’s goals.

“It has been an honor to serve alongside Bobby in the fight to protect American health,” Means said in a statement. “While I am stepping down from my official role, I will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize public health and hold corporations accountable.”

Means’ resignation comes at a critical time for the MAHA movement, which has gained prominence under the Trump administration. Kennedy, who leads the Department of Health and Human Services, has faced criticism from some quarters for his controversial views on vaccines and food regulation. Means was seen as a moderating influence and a key liaison to the business community.

Sources close to the administration say that Means’ departure is not expected to significantly alter Kennedy’s agenda, but it may complicate efforts to build bipartisan support for health reforms.

UN Report: Three Years After Forcible Returns of DPRK Nationals from China

Three years after reports emerged of large-scale forcible returns of nationals of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) from China, the United Nations has released a new report highlighting ongoing human rights concerns. The report, published by the UN Human Rights Office, documents the continued practice of returning DPRK escapees to North Korea, where they face severe punishment, including torture and imprisonment in labor camps.

“Despite international condemnation, China continues to repatriate DPRK nationals, violating the principle of non-refoulement,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. “We call on China to immediately halt these forced returns and provide protection to those in need.”

The report includes testimony from defectors who described being detained in China and subsequently handed over to North Korean authorities. Many reported being subjected to harsh interrogations and forced labor upon return.

China has consistently denied allegations of forcible returns, stating that it handles DPRK nationals in accordance with domestic law and international obligations. The UN report urges the international community to pressure China to change its policies and to provide asylum to those fleeing North Korea.

Other Headlines: Building Collapse and Recovery Efforts

In other news, rescue efforts continued in the aftermath of a building collapse in an undisclosed location. Images from the scene show people searching for survivors and belongings among the rubble. Local authorities have not yet released an official death toll, but several individuals are reported missing.

The collapse has prompted calls for stricter building safety regulations. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.

Looking Ahead

As October 2026 draws to a close, the world watches to see how Meta responds to the record fine, how international health agencies contain the Ebola outbreak, and how the MAHA movement evolves without one of its key strategists. These stories and more will continue to shape the news in the coming weeks.