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Nearly 5,000 Dutch students have debts of at least €100,000

Nearly 5,000 students and former students in the Netherlands had study debts of €100,000 or more in 2026, up from more than 3,000 a year earlier. High debts can reduce how much borrowers can get for a mortgage.

“Repaying a hundred thousand in study debt is manageable for the average student.”
Bas JacobsEconomics professor

Dutch cabinet maintains ban on takeover of DigiD manager Solvinity

The Dutch cabinet is holding to its ban on a takeover of Solvinity, which manages DigiD.

Dutch official must review whether three pig farms broke tail-docking rules

A Dutch court ruled that the state secretary for agriculture must assess whether three pig farmers met the conditions for docking piglets’ tails and whether enforcement is needed.

First stone laid for Agnetentuin redesign in Sittard

A first stone has been laid for the redesign of Agnetentuin in Sittard. No details about the changes or timetable are given.

Two-way shipping resumes on the IJssel between Arnhem and Zutphen

Ships can again travel in both directions on the IJssel after rising water levels ended a one-way restriction. The change means inland vessels no longer need to make long detours.

Wadden Sea centre faces bankruptcy after public funding offer withdrawn

The municipality of Het Hogeland and Groningen province say they will not help keep the Wadden Sea centre in Lauwersoog financially afloat. Its directors will seek a rescue plan over the next two weeks or apply for bankruptcy.

Dutch minister rejects farmers’ alternative nitrogen plan

A group of farmers presented an alternative nitrogen plan, but Agriculture Minister Jaimi van Essen rejected it, saying it would not end the Netherlands’ nitrogen impasse.

A group of farmers in the Netherlands presented an alternative nitrogen plan on Tuesday.

The plan proposes much less far-reaching nitrogen standards.

The farmers hoped to persuade Agriculture Minister Jaimi van Essen to support it.

Van Essen rejected the plan.

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Dutch domestic violence hotline warns it cannot keep up with reports

Veilig Thuis says rising reports and staff shortages are causing long waits to assess possible domestic violence and child abuse, and is asking the government for more funding.

Veilig Thuis received 136,000 reports, more than 90,000 of them concerning families it had not previously worked with.

Veilig Thuis warned that rising reports and limited resources were preventing it from handling reports on time.

Dutch government legal costs rose 14% to €51.1 million in 2025

The Dutch government spent 14% more on law firm Pels Rijcken in 2025, bringing the total to €51.1 million. Justice and Defence were among the ministries paying more.

Year
2025
Legal firm
Pels Rijcken
Government spending
€51.1 million
Increase
Nearly 14%

The Netherlands will not add more dental school places despite a growing shortage

Education Minister Rianne Letschert rejected advice to expand dentist training, citing its cost. The government will instead add places for dental hygienists from 2027-28.

Dutch government Capacity Body and ACTA dental faculty

Expansion

The minister rejected the recommendation to increase annual dental school places to 386, saying expansion would cost €30.1 million per year.

The Capacity Body recommended 386 places annually, and ACTA education director Etienne Verheijck said the recommendation should have been followed, at least in part.

Need for more places

The minister’s decision leaves the current plan at 270 places, rising to 290 next year.

The Capacity Body has advised increasing places since 2009, citing future need; Verheijck said the schools have room to train more students.

Column says Pim Fortuyn’s rise cost politics a valuable tool

A weekly political column says Pim Fortuyn’s rise coincided with the loss of a valuable political tool and argues that behind-the-scenes politics could use support.

World

Six Flags closes nine coasters after fatal incident in Georgia

One person died and several were injured in an incident involving a coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Six Flags closed nine similar rides at six parks while authorities investigate.

“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today”
Six Flags spokespersonCompany spokesperson

France boards Russia-linked tanker in Indian Ocean

French forces boarded the DF Peak, a sanctioned oil tanker suspected of using a false flag and carrying fuel illicitly. The vessel is being escorted to Réunion for further checks.

Trump-Putin diesel deal draws Ukraine’s criticism as experts doubt price impact

The US temporarily eased sanctions on Russian diesel sales after Trump and Putin agreed to supply fuel. Analysts say the shipments are unlikely to bring down prices soon.

Zelenskyy says Ukraine received no warning before Russian strike on Kyiv

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s partners gave no early warning before five Russian ballistic missiles hit civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. He said warnings can help save lives.

Hezbollah announces housing aid of up to $14,000 for displaced families

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible families whose homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel up to $14,000 in Beirut and $12,000 elsewhere in Lebanon.

NATO commander says alliance is ready to respond to any attack

General Alexus Grynkewich said NATO would block, blunt and, if needed, break an attack on alliance territory. He said conflict with Russia is not inevitable.

Saudi-led coalition tells civilians to leave Yemen oil site in Sanaa

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Sanaa ahead of a planned operation. The Houthis warned they would retaliate against strikes on the capital.

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, ahead of a planned military operation.

The coalition said the evacuation was for civilians' safety and marked the site on a map.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned that strikes on Sanaa would bring a harsh response in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital.

The Houthis also told people near Saudi Aramco facilities to leave, saying those sites were legitimate targets.

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Russia arrests Japanese journalist on suspicion of spying in Sakhalin

Russia’s Federal Security Service says it arrested a Japanese journalist in Sakhalin on suspicion of gathering information about Russian defense capabilities. The journalist was transferred to Moscow and placed in custody.

The journalist was detained in the Sakhalin region as he was preparing to leave, according to the FSB.

He was transferred to Moscow and placed in custody; reports differ on whether the arrest occurred in Sakhalin or in Moscow.

Drones hit two ships off Bulgaria; one sinks and 11 crew are missing

Two cargo ships were hit by drones in the Black Sea off Bulgaria. One sank, leaving 11 crew members missing, while all 15 people aboard the other ship were rescued.

Chelsea 3
Ukrainian-owned; sailed under the Maltese flag
Chelsea 3 crew
15 rescued: seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis
Chelsea 3 attack
Three drones; about 18 nautical miles from Byala
Sunken ship
About 17 nautical miles east of Krapets; one crew member rescued

Ukrainian drone strikes disrupt three Yandex data centers

Drone attacks damaged three Yandex data centers in Russia, disrupting the company’s cloud and consumer services. Yandex has not given a reliable timeline for restoring full service.

Ukraine Russia

Reason for strikes

Ukraine said the attacks were a response to Russian strikes on Ukrainian data centers.

Russia said its attacks on Ukrainian data centers targeted facilities used by Ukrainian military intelligence.

Police officer dismissed for taking Sainsbury’s carrier bags without paying

A police officer was dismissed after a hearing found he had deliberately avoided paying for carrier bags at Sainsbury’s. Published accounts differ on their total value.

Business

EU and China agree to cap Chinese hybrid imports at 350,000 a year

The EU and China agreed to limit Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports to 350,000 cars a year. The cap is expected to start in December and rise by 6% annually.

“We will continue the dialogue on some products … this is by no means the end of the story”
EU officialUnnamed official

Glass Breakages Could Disrupt BOE’s OLED iPad Display Plans

Repeated glass breakages at BOE’s Chengdu factory could delay or prevent the company from winning Apple iPad display orders. BOE has not identified the cause.

Former Crowne Plaza in Tseung Kwan O reopens as Royal Garden Kowloon East

Sun Hung Kai Properties has reopened the former Crowne Plaza as Royal Garden Kowloon East after transforming it into an urban resort aimed at a new generation of Hong Kong tourists.

Guangdong sets 2028 targets for robots, smart factories and AI

China’s Guangdong province aims to produce more than 80,000 humanoid robots a year by 2028 and expand smart and green factories and AI use in manufacturing.

Visa gets approval for China card business ahead of Trump-Xi summit

Visa has received approval for a card business in China ahead of a planned summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

Fuyao founder urges Chinese firms expanding overseas to respect local rules

Cao Dewang, founder of Fuyao Glass, told Chinese investors to respect local laws, regulations and culture when expanding overseas. He pointed to the company’s experience in the United States.

Roche signs obesity drug licensing deal with China's Rona Therapeutics

Roche agreed to license an obesity drug asset from China's Rona Therapeutics in a deal valued at up to $1.16 billion, or about $1.2 billion. Up to $100 million is due upfront and in near-term milestone payments.

Roche agreed to license an obesity drug asset from China's Rona Therapeutics in a deal announced on October 13.

Reuters valued the agreement at up to $1.16 billion, while another account described it as a $1.2 billion deal.

Roche will pay up to $100 million upfront and in near-term milestone payments.

The agreement is Roche's seventh deal involving China this year.

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Zeekr unveils 9X SUV at Paris show and plans wider European dealer network

Zeekr presented its flagship 9X SUV and an updated 7X at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. The company plans to expand its European dealer network to 200 locations by year-end.

Zeekr officially entered the French market.

The 9X had 200 advance reservations before its official price was announced.

Zeekr unveiled the 9X and presented its European strategy at the Paris Motor Show.

Zeekr aims to expand its dealer network to 200 locations across 95% of Europe.

First customer deliveries of the 9X are scheduled to begin.

China agrees to curb hybrid car exports to the EU

China agreed to cut millions of hybrid car exports to the EU over four years, easing trade tensions after negotiations in Beijing.

Export period
Four years
Next-year shipment reduction
Up to 700,000 vehicles
Negotiation location
Beijing
EU trade chief
Maros Sefcovic

EU-China trade talks leave the bloc’s widening deficit largely untouched

EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic agreed on measures with China, including a possible cut in Chinese hybrid car exports. The EU’s goods trade deficit with China reached about €360 billion in 2025.

European Commission Alicia Garcia Herrero

Effect of the shared understandings

The Commission says the discussions could keep several million vehicles out of the EU single market.

The measures are only a temporary palliative because they address one product and leave the broader trade shock unresolved.

Ola Dimensions raises hundreds of millions of RMB in fourth funding round

Chinese home-robot startup Ola Dimensions has raised hundreds of millions of RMB, its fourth funding round in roughly six months. It plans to target makers and developers before mainstream consumers.

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

Rams tackle Alaric Jackson punches Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb after OT loss

After Buffalo beat Los Angeles 37-34 in overtime, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson punched Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb during a postgame exchange at midfield.

“It's just emotions, you know what I mean? Emotional game. It was a close game,”
Bradley ChubbBills linebacker

Penix says he hopes to play next week after rib injury

Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left the Falcons’ overtime loss to Baltimore with a rib injury. He said he hopes to return next week, but further tests are planned.

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw ejected after headbutting Seahawks player

Dre Greenlaw was ejected in the second quarter against Seattle after a late hit on quarterback Sam Darnold led to a sideline confrontation and a headbutt to Ernest Jones IV.

Dolphins and Browns lead NFL teams relying on rookies

After five weeks, Miami had 14 first-year contributors, while Cleveland rookies had played 1,401 snaps. The Ravens, Giants and Chargers also ranked among the top five teams in rookie playing time.

Deebo Samuel expected to miss multiple weeks with hamstring injury

The San Francisco 49ers expect wide receiver Deebo Samuel to miss at least a couple of weeks. Nick Bosa could return from a calf injury against Washington in Week 6.

Jordan Love and Drake Maye rise in Week 6 fantasy projections

Jordan Love and Drake Maye move up in Week 6 fantasy football projections, while several players lose ground. Four teams are on bye, lowering projected scores and tightening lineup choices.

Marvin Harrison Jr. trade to Houston becomes official after physical

Harrison passed his physical and is now a Houston Texan. The Texans sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick for the receiver and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has officially joined the Houston Texans after passing his physical on Monday.

The 24-year-old wide receiver was traded from the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him fourth overall in the 2024 draft.

Houston sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick, and received Harrison and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Harrison reunites with quarterback C.J. Stroud, his former teammate at Ohio State.

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Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson expected to miss weeks with ankle sprain

Henderson has a high-ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks, but he does not need surgery. He was injured in New England’s win over the Raiders.

Henderson injured his ankle during New England’s win over the Raiders.

ProFootballTalk reported that Henderson had a high-ankle sprain and was expected to miss multiple weeks.

Bills beat Rams 37-34 in overtime as Josh Allen earns first OT win

Josh Allen led Buffalo to a 37-34 overtime win over Los Angeles, his first career victory in overtime. The Bills improved to 4-1, while the Rams fell to 2-3.

Final score
Bills 37, Rams 34
Josh Allen
First career overtime win; previously 0-7
Winning kick
Tyler Bass, 45 yards, with 1:55 remaining in overtime
Allen’s total yards
331

NFL playoff projections shift after the season’s first five weeks

Early projections put the Patriots and 49ers among the stronger playoff contenders, while the Cowboys and Chargers face weaker odds. The 14-team postseason begins in January.

Two players ejected after opening-kickoff fight in London

Jacksonville’s Bryan Thomas Jr. and Philadelphia’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr. were ejected after fighting during the opening kickoff. A 90-yard Jaguars return for a touchdown was called back because of penalties.

Entertainment

Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 draws more than Rs 22 crore in advance bookings

The sequel has recorded more than Rs 22 crore in worldwide advance sales ahead of its October 15 theatrical release, though published estimates differ.

Nushrratt Bharuccha shares hospital video while recovering from spine surgery

The actor shared a video from her hospital bed as she recovers from a spinal fracture suffered in Bali. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s song “Gerua” plays on the television.

Autopsy confirms Nana Patekar died of a heart attack caused by a blood clot

The 75-year-old actor died in Goa on October 8. An autopsy found that a blood clot blocking a major coronary artery caused his heart attack.

“acute myocardial infarction due to left main coronary artery thrombosis secondary to atherosclerotic occlusive coronary artery disease, a natural cause of death”
Senior GMCH doctorDoctor at Goa Medical College and Hospital

Kannada film Premada Oorali surges in its third weekend

Premada Oorali recorded its biggest daily collections on its third Sunday. Estimates differ, putting its 17-day India gross at about 54 crore rupees.

Aishwarya Rai shares photo of Amitabh Bachchan with Aaradhya for his 84th birthday

Aishwarya Rai wished Amitabh Bachchan a happy 84th birthday on Instagram with an unseen photo of him hugging his granddaughter, Aaradhya. Bachchan also greeted fans outside his Mumbai home.

Vidya Balan recalls nerves while filming a scene with Rajinikanth in Jailer 2

Director Nelson Dilipkumar said Balan’s hands shook during a cigarette scene opposite Rajinikanth, which took about three takes to get right. Jailer 2 is due in cinemas on October 15.

Mrunal Thakur does not confirm reports she is joining Raaka

Mrunal Thakur said she will announce upcoming films on social media, but did not confirm or deny reports that she is in Raaka, starring Allu Arjun and directed by Atlee.

Actor Mrunal Thakur did not confirm or deny reports she is joining Raaka.

The film stars Allu Arjun and is directed by Atlee, and is scheduled for release in 2027.

Thakur said she would announce her upcoming films on social media to end speculation.

She also said she has not signed a film in almost nine months and is waiting for a meaningful role.

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Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna meet Tamil Nadu CM

The actors met Chief Minister Joseph Vijay in Chennai while promoting their film Ranabaali, which is due in theatres on October 16.

Deverakonda shared pictures from the meeting with Chief Minister Joseph Vijay.

Ranabaali is scheduled to be released in theatres.

Salman Khan to open Karan Johar’s final season of Koffee With Karan

Salman Khan will be the first guest when Koffee With Karan returns for its ninth and final season on October 14. Host Karan Johar says he plans to focus on directing films.

Season
9
First guest
Salman Khan
Host
Karan Johar
Premiere date
October 14, 2026

Shivamogga Dasara to host Kannada film festival and screenings

A film festival in Shivamogga will celebrate Karnataka’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award winners, screen local short films and show feature films starring Rajkumar and Anant Nag.

Banita Sandhu reportedly joins Akshay Kumar’s film Samuk

Banita Sandhu has reportedly joined Samuk, a science-fiction action-survival film starring Akshay Kumar. Filming is underway in London, but the plot details remain under wraps.

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.