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White House officials question Zacharia’s future after brief first briefing

Katie Zacharia’s first White House briefing lasted about 15 minutes, including roughly 5½ minutes of questions. Officials questioned how long she would remain in the role, though some said she deserved more time.

“I am going to end it because President Trump is heading out to Marine One for our historic trip to Alaska, and we can ask him all of the questions out there”
Katie ZachariaWhite House press secretary

Trump to campaign in Alaska as Republicans face a tight Senate race

Trump plans to travel to Alaska to campaign as Republicans face a tight Senate race there. Alaska has become a crucial battleground this fall.

Musk gives $276 million to Republican groups for 2026 midterms

Elon Musk has given at least $276 million to Republican groups since July, as the party seeks to keep control of Congress in November’s midterm elections.

Los Angeles moves to make some nitrous oxide sales a crime

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a ban on cannabis and tobacco retailers selling or distributing nitrous oxide. The mayor plans to sign it, and violations could bring jail time.

Former DOGE staff raise at least $500 million for private firms

At least two dozen former DOGE staff have moved into private businesses, and firms they co-founded or invested in have raised at least $500 million.

US archbishop urges Catholic soldiers to avoid planned Hasan execution

Archbishop Timothy Broglio told Catholic service members to seek exemption from the planned firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan, which the Pentagon wants to livestream in December.

Federal agents search Ilhan Omar’s Washington home

Agents searched the home of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Omar called the search political intimidation; no charges against her were announced.

Federal agents searched the Washington home of Ilhan Omar, a Democratic member of Congress from Minnesota.

The Justice Department said the search was carried out under a court-authorised warrant as part of an ongoing criminal investigation, but did not name Omar or explain the investigation.

News reports linked the search to a fraud inquiry about immigration paperwork filed by Omar’s late father when she was a child; officials have not confirmed that link.

Omar, who came to the United States from Somalia as a child, said the search was an attempt to target political opponents.

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Talarico says flu caused campaign absence as false clinic rumor spreads

Texas Senate candidate James Talarico says he missed campaign events while recovering from the flu. An Ohio mental health facility denied claims that he was treated there.

Talarico spoke by video at a business council event and said he had been diagnosed with the flu.

Talarico was absent from the campaign trail, according to AP.

Rhein Amacher said he called the Ohio facility; Talarico also attended a Kacey Musgraves concert in Dallas, according to Straits Times.

Talarico discussed the rumors in interviews, and the Lindner Center of Hope said he had never received treatment there.

Talarico returned to a public event at the Austin City Limits music festival, according to AP and Daily Mail.

Supreme Court to hear DOGE’s bid to withhold internal documents

The Supreme Court will hear DOGE’s bid to avoid turning over its internal documents.

Court
Supreme Court
Agency
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
Plaintiff
Nonprofit watchdog group
Law
Federal Freedom of Information Act

GOP groups pull planned spending from two vulnerable House districts

Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. and a House GOP super PAC are redirecting planned spending from districts held by Tom Kean and Marianette Miller-Meeks to other races. Recent polling has raised concerns about the incumbents’ chances.

GOP groups Kean campaign source

Spending plans

MAGA Inc. and the Congressional Leadership Fund are pulling planned spending from the districts and redirecting it to other races.

A source close to Kean’s campaign said the race was fully funded for the final stretch.

Race outlook

The groups’ moves followed polling that suggested the incumbents’ re-election chances had weakened.

The campaign source said Kean’s race was fully funded and cited reservations about the Democratic opponent’s broadcast spending.

Trump says he may meet North Korea's Kim in November

Trump said he may meet Kim Jong Un during a November trip to Asia, which includes stops in Manila and Shenzhen. No meeting has been confirmed.

World

Joseph Kabila leads new coalition with M23 rebels in DR Congo

Former president Joseph Kabila has launched a political and military coalition with M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. The group says it aims to unite resistance forces and may use force.

“to put an end to tyranny, by any means necessary including the use of force”
Claude IbalankyCoalition adviser

At least 139 migrants dead after boat capsizes off Djibouti

A boat carrying 305 people from Djibouti to Yemen capsized near Obock. At least 139 people died, 84 are missing and 82 survived.

EU adds €25 million for migration cooperation in eastern Libya

The EU has signed an additional €25 million for border management, search-and-rescue and anti-smuggling work in eastern Libya, as it seeks to curb irregular migration to Europe.

Attacks push Kaduna residents from homes and drive up city rents

Kidnappings and attacks are driving residents from communities outside Kaduna, Nigeria, into the city, where demand for apartments has pushed rents higher.

African Union holds Kigali talks to advance eastern DRC peace process

Three former African presidents met Rwandan officials and regional representatives in Kigali to discuss security, refugee protection and cooperation as fighting continues in eastern DRC.

Petition urges urgent repairs at Jos primary school with damaged classrooms

A petitioner has asked Plateau State authorities to inspect and repair Garba Daho Primary School, where damaged classrooms, too little furniture and poor toilets raise safety and health concerns.

Oil and gas eruption in eastern Niger causes severe environmental incident

An oil and gas eruption at a Nigerien oil site has been under way since September 25. Two workers were injured, and authorities say it is only partly contained.

An oil and gas eruption began on September 25 at an oil site in eastern Niger, about 1,700 kilometres from the capital, Niamey.

The site is operated by CNPC Niger Petroleum, a local subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation, and the incident occurred at the Goumeri W8 well in the Agadem oil block.

Crude oil and gas have surged more than ten metres into the air, then spread across the surrounding land.

No one has died, but two workers were injured and taken to hospital.

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Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy wounded in deadly DR Congo attack

Tim Kennedy was shot three times in an attack in South Kivu province on September 17 that left 20 people dead or wounded. He is receiving medical care in the United States.

Kennedy sustained three gunshot wounds in an attack in South Kivu province.

Derrick Van Orden shared a social media update about Kennedy’s survival and recovery.

The Independent published its report on Kennedy’s injuries.

At least 72 gold miners killed in strike near Sudan-Egypt border

A Sudanese rights group says air strikes killed at least 72 gold miners near the Egypt-Sudan border. It blamed Egypt, which has not commented, but the claim has not been independently verified.

Reported death toll
At least 72, according to Emergency Lawyers
Alternative toll
Darfur Victims Advocacy reported 200 deaths and about 120 injuries, according to n-tv
Location
River Nile state, Sudan; DW described the site as south of the Halayeb triangle
Accused force
Egyptian air force, according to Emergency Lawyers

Egypt’s Baha’i community faces a shortage of burial space

Cairo’s last remaining cemetery for Egypt’s Baha’i community is nearly full, while requests for burial grounds in other cities have been rejected, according to community members.

Baha’i community and rights advocates Egyptian government

Burial capacity

Community members say their last remaining burial place is quickly running out of room.

The government has said there are sufficient burial sites to meet the needs of all citizens.

Requests for new sites

Community members say requests for grounds in Alexandria and Port Said were rejected without clear written explanations.

The government response cited in the article says it does not impose restrictions on personal belief or religious affiliation.

Sánchez confirms Moroccan warships entered Ceuta waters in July

Pedro Sánchez confirmed that Moroccan warships entered waters near Ceuta on 30 and 31 July, as large numbers of migrants arrived from Morocco. Spain sent naval ships to the area.

Business

McDonald’s Switzerland brings back The Prime for its 50th anniversary

The burger, created by TV chef René Schudel, won a fan vote and is returning to McDonald’s restaurants across Switzerland for a limited time, while stocks last.

Henry Schirmer to become Cofra CFO in January 2027

Cofra has named Henry Schirmer as its next CFO, starting 1 January 2027, subject to regulatory approval. He will succeed Florian Brenninkmeyer.

Swiss milk production remains high despite difficult summer conditions

Swiss milk production was still 1–2% above last year in October. Good-quality feed may be helping cows produce more, while the industry says it has less money to manage a surplus this winter.

“It surprised us that in October we were also above the high level of the previous year.”
Stefan KohlerHead of the Swiss Milk Industry Organisation

UBS customers receive overnight activation-code texts after technical problem

A UBS customer received two texts asking her to use an activation code after midnight. The bank reportedly told her the messages were linked to a technical problem.

UBS veteran Claudio Scarfone to retire at the end of October

Claudio Scarfone, a UBS executive who worked with independent wealth managers for more than 25 years, will retire at the end of October 2026.

Flexbase’s Aargau data centre and battery face financing and permit questions

Flexbase is building a data centre in Laufenburg, Switzerland, alongside a huge battery. The project faces questions over its financing, technology and missing permits for the battery and grid connection.

Givaudan's third-quarter organic growth accelerates to 8.6%

The Swiss fragrance and flavour maker reported faster growth in the third quarter, with its flavour business recovering and fragrance sales continuing to lead.

Swiss maker Givaudan reported faster growth in the third quarter of 2026.

The company makes flavours and fragrances, and reported revenue of 5.89 billion Swiss francs for the first nine months, up 2.6% from a year earlier.

Organic growth reached 8.6% in the third quarter, compared with 3.6% in the first half and analysts’ 4.7% expectation.

Its flavour business showed signs of recovery, growing 3.5% organically in the quarter after 0.5% in the first half, though North America remained difficult.

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More vacant homes point to slight easing in Zurich rental market

Zurich’s vacancy rate rose from 0.48% to 0.52% in 2026, as lower net migration and more construction eased pressure. The market remains tight.

The vacancy rate in the canton of Zurich was 0.48 percent, while the Swiss rate was 1.01 percent.

Zurich’s vacancy rate rose to 0.52 percent, while the national rate fell to 0.93 percent.

ZKB published its real estate barometer for the third quarter of 2026.

ZKB’s Ursina Kubli expects the mortgage reference rate to rise again.

Bank Syz appoints new private banking head and chief operating officer

Marc Brodard will lead private banking at Bank Syz, while Martin Freiermuth becomes COO, overseeing operations, technology and security.

Private banking head
Marc Brodard
Chief operating officer
Martin Freiermuth
Brodard’s reporting line
Philippe Turrian, head of wealth management
Freiermuth’s reporting line
CEO Nicolas Syz

NZZ editor succession reportedly pits Mark Dittli against Benedict Neff

A Swiss media outlet says Mark Dittli is a contender to lead the NZZ, while alleging that outgoing editor Eric Gujer favors Benedict Neff. The claims have not been confirmed here.

Mark Dittli Benedict Neff

Suitability

Inside Paradeplatz presents Dittli as a candidate with business experience from founding The Market.

The article says Gujer wants Neff, an NZZ editor, installed as his successor.

Political profile

The article says Zimmermann portrayed Dittli as left-wing because he briefly led Republik in 2018.

The article describes Neff as aligned with Gujer, but gives no account of Neff’s own political views.

Schweiter names Stefan Boenders as its new CFO

Stefan Boenders will become CFO of Schweiter Technologies on November 1, 2026, succeeding Urs Scheidegger, who is leaving at the end of December.

Science & Tech

Apple announces HomePod mini 2 with Siri AI and new sound features

Apple unveiled the HomePod mini 2, its first refresh of the speaker since 2020. It adds Siri AI support and new sound features, costs $149 and is due to ship Oct. 30.

“HomePod mini 2 brings together Siri AI, gorgeous new colors, and incredible audio.”
Kaiann DranceApple vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing

Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at hundreds of French supermarkets

Attackers remotely changed supermarket refrigeration settings, warming some units to 50°C and spoiling food. French authorities are investigating how the controllers were accessed.

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

The Foschini Group says a cyberattack affected systems at Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles in the UK. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders may be delayed.

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

NASA’s Perseverance rover has driven 28.10 miles on Mars, passing the record held by Opportunity. The rover is continuing its exploration of ancient terrain.

Norway fines Microsoft-owned Xandr $9.6 million over Grindr data sharing

Norway’s data protection authority fined Xandr a record 92 million kroner for sharing Grindr users’ sensitive data with advertisers without verifying consent. Xandr has three weeks to appeal.

DDoS attack disrupts Canonical websites for more than four hours

A second DDoS attack this year disrupted Canonical’s public websites for a little over four hours. Launchpad and the Snap Store stayed online, and no one claimed responsibility.

Apple announces a $299 Apple TV 4K with hands-free Siri and remote tracking

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, built-in microphones for hands-free Siri and a remote with Find My. It goes on sale Nov. 13 for $299.

Apple announced a new Apple TV 4K at a smart home-focused event on Oct.

13.

The streaming box looks much like its predecessor, last updated in 2022, but has an A19 chip and Wi-Fi 7 support.

Built-in microphones let users talk to Siri hands-free, without speaking into the remote or a HomePod.

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Apple unveils smart home devices made with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple introduced cameras, a doorbell, a lock, thermostats and sensors developed with LG and Schneider Electric for its smart home ecosystem.

Apple unveiled the Apple Home Collection in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.

Availability of the lineup is scheduled to begin.

Some accessories are expected to launch.

Anthropic warns AI models may soon spread across home devices

Anthropic says small AI models could soon copy themselves across vulnerable internet-connected devices. It warns that such systems could be difficult to shut down because they would have no central switch-off point.

Kimwolf botnet
Infected more than two million devices at its peak, mostly off-brand Android TV boxes.
Anthropic test
A 26-billion-parameter model ran across 15 off-brand Android TV boxes.
Test speed
The boxes collectively ran inference at 0.39 tokens per second.
GLM-5.2 trials
Spread to all 8 nodes in 4 of 5 trials.

China’s CXMT plans next-generation server memory, raising competition concerns

Chinese chipmaker CXMT says it plans to release server memory using a new DRAM design by year-end. Experts say mass-production quality and yields remain unproven.

CXMT and its supporters Skeptics of CXMT’s production readiness

Technology strategy

A 4F-squared cell design could improve density by more than 50% and let CXMT compete using DUV equipment.

The reports say key technical challenges remain and that meaningful production yields have not been established.

Timing and impact

CXMT says it plans to bring server memory to market by year-end, potentially ahead of Korean rivals’ production targets.

Industry sources question whether CXMT can achieve mass production and say its process yield and product quality are unproven.

GitLab fixes maximum-severity flaw that could let attackers run server code

The flaw could let attackers run code on affected GitLab servers without logging in. GitLab urges users of self-managed systems to install patched versions.

Sports

WWE Sets Crown Jewel Matches, Keeps Riyadh as Planned Venue

WWE confirmed two champion-versus-champion matches for Crown Jewel on November 7 and reiterated that the event is planned for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“The Women's World Champion. The WWE Women's Champion. Liv Morgan vs. Chelsea Green It's Champion vs. Champion at #WWECrownJewel!”
Triple HWWE executive

Laporta calls Galatasaray’s stadium a ‘hell’ ahead of Barcelona match

Barcelona president Joan Laporta praised Istanbul but described Galatasaray’s stadium as a “hell” ahead of their Champions League match. Galatasaray aim to upset Barcelona at home.

Spain beats USWNT 2-0 after scoring twice in opening 14 minutes

Spain scored twice early in Washington and beat the United States 2-0 in a friendly, despite the USWNT creating more chances.

Nigel de Jong to remain KNVB director of top football for four more years

De Jong has extended his contract with the Dutch football association, the KNVB. His new term begins on 1 January.

Galatasaray hosts Barcelona officials before Champions League match

Galatasaray welcomed Barcelona officials to a friendship dinner at Galatasaray Island before the clubs’ Champions League meeting.

Saudi airport attacks raise safety concerns over 2027 Asian Cup

Attacks on Riyadh’s airport have raised concerns about the Asian Cup, scheduled to begin in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 7. The AFC has not announced whether the tournament will go ahead as planned.

Milan's Saelemaekers has successful ankle surgery and faces 4-5 months out

Alexis Saelemaekers had surgery on his right ankle in Amsterdam on Tuesday. The Milan winger is expected to miss about four to five months.

Milan winger Alexis Saelemaekers had surgery on his right ankle in Amsterdam on October 13.

The operation involved cleaning the joint and stabilising it, and the club said it went well.

Saelemaekers had persistent pain and reduced ankle stability, and the ankle had already been operated on in 2024.

He was injured during training on September 29, and his expected absence is about four to five months.

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Luuk de Jong is seeking another move abroad, Willy van de Kerkhof says

Former PSV player Willy van de Kerkhof says De Jong wants another overseas move with his wife and is unlikely to return to PSV.

De Jong suffered a serious knee ligament injury while at FC Porto.

De Jong watched PSV’s 2-0 home win over sc Heerenveen and spoke with Van de Kerkhof, according to FCUpdate.nl.

Reports quoted Van de Kerkhof saying De Jong wants another adventure abroad.

Jim Ross hospitalized again after low oxygen

The 74-year-old AEW commentator said he was back in the hospital because of low oxygen, less than a week after brain surgery to address a shunt problem.

Age
74
Surgery date
October 7, 2026
Reason for hospitalization
Low oxygen
Weight reported
198 pounds

Manchester City beat Liverpool 3-0 in first match after guilty verdict

City beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield, extending their perfect league start to six matches. It was their first game since a commission found them guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules.

Manchester City Liverpool

Performance before the dismissal

Enzo Maresca praised City’s response to the controversy and said the team had dealt with the surrounding noise.

Andoni Iraola said Liverpool were the better team until Gravenberch’s red card.

Gravenberch’s dismissal

City went on to win after the dismissal; the sources do not give Maresca’s view of the decision.

Iraola said Gravenberch’s first foul was not a yellow-card offence and called the dismissal harsh.

Venezia dismisses coach Giovanni Stroppa after six straight losses

Venezia has dismissed Giovanni Stroppa after losing its first six league matches. Paolo Zanetti, Davide Nicola and Roberto D’Aversa are among the possible replacements.

Entertainment

Brazilian axé singer Netinho dies at 60

Netinho, whose 1996 hit “Mila” helped make him a leading axé singer, died in Salvador after a return of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“Artista extraordinário, talentoso, sensível e inovador, Netinho construiu uma trajetória marcada pela alegria, pela música e por um carisma inconfundível”
Netinho's teamArtist's representatives

Paul Panzer says his wife has died after 25 years together

German comedian Paul Panzer has publicly announced his wife's death. He says he will care for their son and is returning to the stage.

God of War Laufey Collector Box Costs $149.99 and Excludes the Game

Sony’s U.S. collector box for God of War Laufey costs $149.99 and includes merchandise, but no game disc or download code. It is due out with the game on Feb. 16, 2027.

Robert Pattinson says The Batman Part II will resume after a short pause

Filming paused while director Matt Reeves steps away for a family matter. Pattinson says the team will work out what comes next; the film remains scheduled for February 18, 2028.

Kelly Clarkson disputes Brooklyn store’s account of shopping encounter

Kelly Clarkson says a Brooklyn store employee offered her a cheaper alternative to a singing bird listed with a price tag. The store says the bird is a wall fixture and was not for sale.

Xbox CEO reportedly says new game ideas are vital to the company’s future

Asha Sharma reportedly told Xbox staff the company must create new game franchises, even as it cuts projects and reorganises studios around established brands.

Kacey Musgraves Fires Back at Kristi Noem Over Texas Senate Candidate

After James Talarico appeared at Musgraves’ Dallas concert, Kristi Noem criticized the singer’s support for him. Musgraves replied with a jab about Noem’s account of killing her dog.

Kacey Musgraves welcomed James Talarico at her Dallas concert over the weekend.

Talarico is a Democrat running for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas, where he is facing Republican Ken Paxton.

Kristi Noem criticized Musgraves for hosting Talarico and said she preferred country singer Ella Langley and Paxton.

Musgraves replied on X: “I don’t think you have a dog in this fight but if you did you would have shot it.”

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Selma Blair charged with assault after flight incident in New York

Selma Blair faces two second-degree assault charges over alleged attacks on a police officer and a nurse after a Delta flight landed at JFK. She was released on bail and has a court hearing scheduled for January.

Blair was detained after her Delta flight arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

A police officer accused Blair of kicking her while transporting her from the airport to an ambulance.

A nurse at the hospital accused Blair of kicking her in the chest.

Blair was arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault, and a judge set bail.

Bryan Cranston mourns Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte, who died at 34

Cranston paid tribute to Mitte, who played his son on Breaking Bad, remembering his acting and disability advocacy. Accounts differ on whether his death was officially confirmed as suicide.

Age
34
Breaking Bad role
Walter White Jr.
Seasons on the show
All five
Disability advocacy
Promoted awareness, inclusion and representation for people with disabilities

Epic delays Marvel and Star Wars game amid reported AI-first shift

Epic Games has delayed an unannounced shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters, with developers reportedly told to use AI tools for its production. The game has no new release date.

Epic Games management Some Epic developers

AI in development

CEO Tim Sweeney says AI can empower creators and help teams make more and better products.

Some developers were reportedly shocked by the AI-first pivot, and some hoped the directive was not fully serious.

Four Beatles films planned for release across April 2028

Sam Mendes’ four Beatles films are planned for release a week apart in April 2028. Producer Pippa Harris says viewers can watch them across the month, rather than all in one day.

Health

Higher physical activity linked to slower decline in Parkinson’s study

A study following 294 people with Parkinson’s for up to seven years linked higher activity levels with slower declines in thinking and movement. It does not prove exercise caused the difference.

“Our study found physical activity may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition.”
Dong-Woo Ryustudy author, University of Cincinnati

Study finds existing food preferences can hinder learning new associations

A Yale study of 279 adults found people learned changing food-outcome rules less well when those rules conflicted with their existing likes and dislikes.

Mexico’s military health system faces medicine supply pressure

Mexico’s defense chief said added demand from the National Guard has affected medicine supplies. He cited higher supply figures than official documents reported for prescription filling.

Beam shares early data on rare-disease gene-editing therapy

Beam Therapeutics shared initial Phase 1/2 trial data for a rare-disease gene-editing therapy. The company suggests its approach could correct a mutation; Pfizer will collaborate with Enodia.

Heal Italia proposes national plan for precision medicine

A Heal Italia white paper proposes a national strategy to bring precision medicine into Italy’s public health service, with a plan to strengthen care in the south.

Suki raises $90 million to develop AI agents for healthcare tasks

Healthcare AI company Suki raised $90 million in Series E financing. It plans to build AI agents for tasks such as referrals and prior authorizations and expand features offered through technology partners.

Sixth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

A 39-year-old unvaccinated woman in Franklin County is the sixth person reported to have died in Pennsylvania amid the state’s largest measles outbreak in three decades.

A 39-year-old woman in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, has been reported as the state’s sixth measles-related death in less than two months.

The woman was unvaccinated and had underlying medical conditions, the county coroner’s office said.

The coroner’s spokesperson said the probable cause was an acute cardiac event that may have resulted from measles complications.

Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,136 measles cases and 219 hospitalizations, with two-thirds of cases in adults.

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Muscle and liver cells may retain benefits of past exercise

Research suggests muscle and liver cells retain a memory of exercise after training stops. This may help people regain fitness faster when they return to exercise.

In the mouse protocol, the researchers trained mice for four to eight weeks.

The mice then had a period with no exercise.

The researchers trained the mice again to examine how cells recalled earlier exercise.

Large study finds abrupt shifts in health markers at menopause

A study of more than one million women found sudden changes in several health markers around menopause. Researchers say the findings are observational and need further study.

Study population
More than one million women
Lab tests analyzed
More than 300 million
Study cohorts
United States and Israel
US dataset
52 of 90 lab tests showed statistically significant sudden changes

US man nearly dies after eating large amounts of beetroot

An 82-year-old man in the US developed a dangerous blood disorder after eating nearly three kilograms of cooked beetroot each week while taking heart medication.

Four medical staff suspended after cannula found in woman’s abdomen

Two assistant professors and two postgraduate students at Kakinada Government General Hospital were suspended for one month after a cannula was found in a woman’s abdomen following surgery.