Jonathan the Tortoise Is 194 Years Old, Flu Cases Are Already Spiking, and Night Sky Events to Catch in October
Discover the top stories from Oct. 3 to Oct. 9, 2026, including the hidden dangers of marathon running, a hoard of Celtic coins, and Jonathan the Tortoise.
This week's top stories include the discovery of ancient Celtic coins, the risks faced by endurance runners, celestial events to watch in October, early flu season concerns, and the extraordinary longevity of a tortoise named Jonathan. Archaeologists found 11 ancient Celtic coins while converting a sports complex into a fire station.
Though the purpose of the coins is unclear, researchers believe they were buried and now form a single hoard. Two runners died during half-marathons in Milwaukee and Cardiff, with cardiac arrest and heatstroke among potential causes. October 2026 promises spectacular night sky events, from a full moon to meteor showers and Halloween fireballs.
Flu season has begun early in 2026, potentially due to a new flu mutation, prompting health experts to recommend earlier flu shots. Jonathan the tortoise, now 194 years old, holds the record for being the oldest known living land animal, with researchers attributing his longevity to DNA repair mechanisms.
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