Explore

Jump to a category

Politics

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 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.

Rising interest rates add pressure to heavily indebted governments

Higher US borrowing is pushing up interest rates worldwide, increasing the burden on governments with large debts. France is especially exposed because it has high debt and weak growth.

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Wadden Sea centre faces bankruptcy after public funding offer withdrawn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 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.

The Dutch cabinet is keeping its ban on a takeover of Solvinity.

Solvinity is identified as the manager of DigiD.

The decision means the takeover remains prohibited.

The information available does not name the proposed buyer or explain the cabinet’s reason.

Read full story →

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.

The Capacity Body recommended raising dental school places to 386 per year.

Education Minister Rianne Letschert announced she would not add more dental school places, citing the cost of expansion.

The number of dental school places will rise from 270 to 290.

An additional 28 students will be allowed to start dental hygienist training, bringing the total to 381.

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%

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.

Pig farmers Varkens in Nood

Reason for tail docking

Farmers say shortening pigs’ tails is needed to prevent them from biting each other.

The group says better living conditions can prevent tail biting.

Enforcement request

Erkens rejected the group’s requests, citing uncertainty about the standards for enforcement.

The group sought action against three farmers for docking tails despite the general legal ban.

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

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.

“This is absolutely unacceptable: yet another attack in close proximity to Bulgaria’s territorial waters”
Rumen RadevBulgarian prime minister

Break-in reported at business building in Drensteinfurt-Walstedde

Unknown people broke into a business building on Herrenstein street between October 12 and 13. Police are asking witnesses to come forward.

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.

Waterspout tornado confirmed in Georgian Bay

A tornado over Georgian Bay was captured on camera and confirmed as a waterspout tornado in Ontario.

UK says Iran was highly likely behind RAF Fairford security incident

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard almost certainly directed a suspected plot near RAF Fairford. Britain has sanctioned two people and says further sanctions may follow.

Two Turkish citizens detained in Germany over fire at Polish Starlink station

German police detained two Turkish citizens suspected of setting fire to a Starlink station in central Poland. Polish officials say they will face sabotage charges in Poland.

Eight people injured in stabbing at Incheon supermarket

A man stabbed eight people at a supermarket in Incheon, South Korea. Police detained the suspect and are investigating the attack.

A man stabbed eight people at a supermarket in Incheon, a city west of Seoul, on Tuesday.

Police said one person went into cardiac arrest and seven others were injured; all eight were taken to hospitals.

The suspect, described by police as being in his 60s, was subdued by shoppers and detained by police.

He moved through the building with knives fastened to his hands, according to police.

Read full story →

Nuremberg airport reopens after plane makes emergency landing

Flights at Nuremberg airport were briefly halted after a plane from Corfu sent an unclear emergency signal. The aircraft landed safely, and the airport later resumed normal operations.

Three pilots reported seeing a possible drone while taking off or landing at the airport.

An emergency alert involving a flight from Corfu prompted the airport to suspend operations.

The aircraft landed safely, and police later gave the all-clear.

The airport resumed normal operations.

Truck ends up on Merwedebrug cycle path despite heavy-vehicle ban

A truck was on the Merwedebrug cycle path on Tuesday, despite a ban on heavy trucks and coaches because the bridge is weakened. Rijkswaterstaat inspectors were on their way.

Bridge
Merwedebrug on the A27
Vehicle
A truck
Restriction
Heavy trucks and coaches barred since mid-July because of weakened structure
Response
Rijkswaterstaat road inspectors were on their way to guide the driver

MI5 chief warns Iran and Russia are stepping up threats to Britain

MI5 chief Ken McCallum said Iran is seeking to target harder sites, including military locations, while Russia is increasing hybrid operations against Ukraine’s allies. He also warned that AI could help terrorists develop biological weapons.

Iran Britain

Involvement in Fairford incident

Iran denied involvement.

British authorities linked Tehran to the incident; Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran was highly likely or almost certainly behind it.

Hostile activity

Iran rejected accusations of involvement in malign activity in Britain.

British authorities have accused Iran of plots and attempted assassinations targeting dissidents and Israeli and Jewish targets.

Hostile acts

Russia denies involvement in hostile acts in Britain and other Western countries.

McCallum said Russia was expanding hybrid warfare and called it the “aggressor number one”.

Saudi Arabia reports new missile and drone threats as Riyadh airport stays shut

Saudi Arabia reported new incoming drones and missiles on Monday after deadly Houthi attacks. King Khalid International Airport remains closed while authorities check its safety.

Business

Robert Hall and Michael Woodford win 2026 economics prize

The two U.S. economists won the prize for work underpinning models that help governments and central banks stabilize economies and respond to shocks.

“The laureates' work has provided us with a stable theoretical foundation for the models that are now used by central banks and governments around the world”
John HasslerChair of the prize-awarding committee

Mauritius, Seychelles and Botswana Lead Africa in Capitalism Index

A new index ranks Mauritius, Seychelles and Botswana as Africa’s most capitalist countries, using economic and institutional data for 161 countries from 2009 to 2025.

IMF warns of risks from AI, rising bond yields and cyberattacks

The IMF says a downturn in AI investments, rising government bond yields and major cyberattacks could unsettle global markets. It urged authorities to limit excessive borrowing and strengthen cyber defenses.

IMF cuts Brazil growth forecast but raises global outlook

The IMF lowered its Brazil growth forecasts to 2.2% for 2026 and 1.9% for 2027, while raising its 2026 global forecast to 3.1%.

Apple reaches 22% of global smartphone shipments as market shrinks

Apple’s share rose to 22% in the third quarter, just behind Samsung’s 23%, even as its iPhone shipments fell. Global smartphone shipments dropped 20% to their lowest quarterly level since 2012.

IMF warns poorer countries may need spending cuts or debt restructuring

The IMF says low-income countries hit by higher energy costs may have to cut spending or restructure debt, while urging targeted support for those most affected.

IMF raises 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1% but warns of risks

The IMF raised its forecast for global growth in 2026 to 3.1%, citing strong AI investment, but warned that energy shocks, debt and risks tied to the AI boom could weaken the outlook.

The IMF raised its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1%, up from 3.0% in July but below the 3.5% growth recorded in 2025.

The forecast was released as financial leaders gathered in Bangkok for meetings of the IMF and World Bank.

AI investment is helping offset higher energy costs linked to the war in the Middle East.

But the benefits are uneven: just 32 countries are expected to account for 95% of global growth, compared with 54 countries in April.

Read full story →

Chip sell-off hits Asian and US markets as AI concerns grow

Renewed concerns about competition in AI-related chips sent stocks lower, especially in South Korea. Investors also moved toward government bonds as they awaited US inflation data and bank results.

Reports of CXMT’s progress fuelled concerns about increased competition for memory chipmakers.

Asian chip stocks fell sharply, with South Korea’s Kospi down 5.5 per cent.

U.S. trading was mixed, with the Nasdaq composite down 0.3 per cent early in the session.

IMF warns an AI market correction could threaten global financial stability

The IMF says high AI company valuations, rising borrowing and links between firms could make a market correction spread across global markets. It also flags government borrowing costs and cyberattacks as risks.

AI-related transactions
$300bn between hyperscalers and weaker AI firms over three years
Associated debt
$650bn
Future financial commitments
$1.4tn
Magnificent Seven share of S&P 500
More than 35%, up from 12% a decade earlier

Renault says it must respond to Chinese carmakers’ growth in Europe

At the Paris Motor Show, a Renault executive said Chinese brands had gained 12% of the European market in recent months. He cited Renault’s resale values and dealer network while leaving room for cooperation.

Renault Chinese carmakers

Competition

Renault says it must respond to Chinese brands’ expansion and argues competition should be fair.

Chinese carmakers’ views are not stated in the article.

Resale value

Segal said the resale value of Chinese cars can only be assessed after two to four years.

Chinese carmakers’ views are not stated in the article.

Zenyum parent MakeO raises $10 million for Asian expansion

Singapore-based MakeO, Zenyum’s parent, raised $10 million to expand across Asia. Zenyum joined the group earlier in 2026 after MakeO agreed to acquire it.

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

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.

Dutch organisations develop MyCheck digital identity wallet

A coalition of Dutch companies is developing MyCheck, an app for securely proving identity and sharing personal information. Users choose what details to share.

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.

Scientists call for stronger safeguards against AI hacking

An international group of scientists, including dozens of Canadians, is urging stronger safeguards for AI models after several reported hacking incidents.

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.

Read full story →

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.

Anthropic released a report on the risks of autonomous AI replication.

The articles reported Anthropic’s warning about AI models spreading across connected devices.

Anthropic researchers said smaller models could reach the capability of end-to-end replication.

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.

Record distance
45.22 kilometers (28.10 miles)
Previous record
Opportunity: 45.16 kilometers (28.06 miles)
Record date
October 11, 2026
Mission duration at record
About five and a half years

Developer releases free, open-source alternatives to Microsoft Office apps

Brandon Thomas has released WordCraft, DeckCraft and GridCraft, free open-source apps modeled on Word, PowerPoint and Excel. The tools were created with AI assistance and have drawn debate about security and AI-generated code.

Critics of the apps Supporters of the apps

AI-generated code

Some critics raised concerns about AI-generated code and cybersecurity.

Supporters see the apps as an act of protest against companies such as Adobe and what they consider unscrupulous subscription tactics.

Realme and OnePlus set ColorOS 17 update dates

Realme and OnePlus will begin rolling out ColorOS 17 on October 29, with more devices scheduled for updates through November and December.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson has a high-ankle sprain after leaving New England’s win over the Raiders with an ankle injury.

A high-ankle sprain affects the ligaments above the ankle and can take time to heal.

He is expected to miss multiple weeks, but does not need surgery.

Henderson had 42 carries for 163 yards and a touchdown in four appearances this season.

Read full story →

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.

Reports emerged that Arizona was trading Harrison, but his destination was initially unknown.

Houston beat the Tennessee Titans 26-3, and head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the trade after the game.

Harrison passed his Texans physical, making the trade official.

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

Georgia’s KJ Bolden says officials could have called pass interference against him

Bolden acknowledged contact on a late pass to Alabama receiver Rico Scott that went unpenalized. Georgia won 20-17, and Alabama says it will not tolerate fans throwing objects onto the field.

KJ Bolden Kalen DeBoer

Pass interference call

Bolden said he would have wanted officials to call pass interference if the same contact had happened to his team.

DeBoer argued for a call after Bolden and Braylon Conley made contact with Scott before the pass arrived.

Josh Allen retakes lead in NFL MVP betting odds

Josh Allen is back as the betting favorite for NFL MVP after a strong Monday night performance, with Brock Purdy close behind. Denzel Boston is now favored for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Entertainment

‘The Social Reckoning’ opens with $5.5 million in domestic ticket sales

Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to ‘The Social Network’ earned $5.5 million in US theaters on its opening weekend, far below the earlier film’s $22 million debut.

“authentically and faithfully represent[ing] a real person”
Mikey MadisonActor who plays Frances Haugen

Ben Affleck calls Justice League reshoots the low point of his career

Ben Affleck says the Justice League reshoots were a low point in his career, criticizing how Zack Snyder was replaced after stepping away from the film.

Trailer for Expelled from Paradise Film Reveals Its Theme Song

A trailer for the anime film Rakuen Tsuihō -Expelled from Paradise- Kokoro no Resonance revealed the film’s theme song.

A new ‘Sense and Sensibility’ adaptation heads to theaters

Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles star in a new film adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, which is heading to theaters.

Live-action ‘Moana’ remake starts streaming on Disney+ Oct. 21

Disney’s live-action ‘Moana’ remake will begin streaming on Disney+ on Oct. 21, with Catherine Laga’aia making her film debut as Moana.

Four classic French films set for new releases

Les Films du Jeudi announced new releases of four restored French films, including Jean Renoir’s 1924 debut and a lesser-known Jean-Paul Belmondo comedy.

IDFA to open with film following Myanmar resistance recruits

The 39th International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam will open with “White Tiger Column,” following young recruits as they train with Myanmar’s resistance movement. The festival runs Nov. 12 to 22.

IDFA will open its 39th edition with “White Tiger Column”, a documentary about young recruits in Myanmar’s resistance movement.

The film follows the volunteers through 45 days of training at a jungle camp as they prepare to fight for their freedom.

Directed by Robert Mentov, Dwight Jantzi and Bryan Dickie, it will have its world premiere at the festival.

The festival runs in Amsterdam from Nov.

Read full story →

Apple announces Vision Pro horror film Remnants for October 16

Remnants, a horror film by writer and director Ti West, will be released exclusively on Apple Vision Pro on October 16 in Apple’s immersive video format.

Apple announced Remnants, according to the articles published that day.

Remnants is scheduled to premiere exclusively on Vision Pro.

Godzilla Minus Zero brings Godzilla and King Ghidorah back to theaters

The sequel’s trailer hints at a new monster threat, while its filmmakers describe recording Godzilla and King Ghidorah’s roars outdoors. The film opens in Japan on Nov. 3 and the US on Nov. 6.

Director
Takashi Yamazaki
Japanese theatrical release
November 3
US theatrical release
November 6
Previous film's worldwide box office
$114 million for Godzilla Minus One

Documentary examines Gülen movement’s legacy and future after his death

A documentary premiering on YouTube on October 17 looks at Fethullah Gülen’s teachings and the movement’s schools, crackdown and life in exile after his death.

Turkish government Gülen movement supporters

Accusations

The government accused Gülen and his movement of organizing the failed 2016 coup and said the movement remains a security threat.

Gülen denied involvement and condemned the coup attempt; supporters describe prosecutions as punishment for their religious beliefs and associations.

Crackdown

The government pursued alleged members after the coup attempt.

Supporters describe the prosecutions as punishment for their religious beliefs and associations.

Tom Cruise’s Digger could lose about $245 million at the box office

The satire has made about $35 million worldwide so far, and analysts say Warner Bros could lose around $245 million. The studio disputes the reported break-even figure.

Health

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.

“primary cause of death was a probable acute cardiac event due to possible complications of the measles.”
Franklin County coroner’s office spokespersonCoroner’s office spokesperson

Fertility doctors explain what happens after eggs are frozen

Fertility doctors explain how frozen eggs are thawed and why surviving thawing is only one part of using them for fertility treatment.

Women describe side effects of hormones used for egg freezing

Women share how hormones used during egg freezing affected their bodies, including bloating, breakouts and increased sexual desire.

Italy to allocate €8 million over two years for heat plan

Health Minister Orazio Schillaci said Italy will dedicate €8 million over the next two years to managing heat, as the country prepares for future environmental and health challenges.

France’s flu and COVID vaccination campaign starts October 13

France’s annual flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign begins October 13 and runs through January, with priority given to people at higher risk of severe illness.

World Health Summit calls for more funding for pandemic prevention

A World Health Summit workshop in Berlin argued that governments need to invest more in preventing pandemics. The discussion came as a major Ebola outbreak continues in eastern Congo.

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.

Researchers say muscle and liver cells can retain signs of past exercise even after someone stops training.

In studies using mice, animals that exercised, took a break and trained again grew larger muscles than mice with no training history.

Their muscle cells also matched energy production to demand more effectively, and this ability remained during inactivity.

The researchers say liver cells also store exercise memories and release enzymes that help supply fuel to working muscles.

Read full story →

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.

Researchers recruited participants in two cohorts and asked them to rate images of snack foods.

The study was reported by News-Medical and Infobae.

Doctors plan aortic valve replacement with future procedures in mind

At a cardiology meeting in Milan, specialists said the first valve replacement should be planned around possible future procedures. New European guidelines lower the recommended age for TAVI to 70.

Annual TAVI procedures in Italy
More than 14,400
New guideline age
70, down from 75
Long-term planning horizon
20 or 30 years
Congress location
Milan

Alignment Healthcare sues over 2027 Medicare Advantage star ratings

Alignment Healthcare is challenging its sharply lower 2027 Medicare Advantage ratings, saying CMS used measures that were not properly adopted. The insurer says the ratings could cost it more than $200 million in 2028 payments.

Alignment Healthcare Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Star-rating methodology

Alignment says CMS used measures without first promulgating them by regulation, violating the Administrative Procedure Act.

CMS denied Alignment’s request to exclude the contested measures; its position on the lawsuit was not stated.

Requested outcome

Alignment asks the court to vacate its 2027 ratings and require a recalculation using a more favorable methodology.

CMS’s response to the requested court remedy was not stated.

Drinking water helps prevent dehydration but does not directly lower blood sugar

A diabetes educator says water can help prevent dehydration from worsening high blood sugar, but it does not lower glucose or replace prescribed treatment.