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Ministry says nearly 150 education staff hurt in student protests

France’s education ministry says nearly 150 staff have been injured since student protests began, including 20 on Monday. Those hurt include school heads, teachers and reception staff.

“I once again commend the remarkable quality and dedication of school leaders and all the staff who have been victims of attacks while protecting our most precious asset: the school.”
Édouard GeffrayFrance’s education minister

French finance inspectorate publishes confidential report on housing tax

France’s finance inspectorate published a previously confidential report on the housing tax reform. Its proposals could affect local authorities and may return to debate during the 2027 budget process.

Greta Thunberg visits protesting students at a school in Saint-Denis

Greta Thunberg visited students blocking Paul-Eluard high school in Saint-Denis, saying she had come to support their movement, which had been active for nearly three weeks.

French lawmakers vote to make grocery purchases with meal vouchers permanent

France’s National Assembly voted to let workers keep using meal vouchers to buy food in supermarkets. The bill also sets out a path to make the measure permanent from 2028, but must go to the Senate.

Charles Alloncle accuses France Télévisions and Radio France of boycotting his book

Charles Alloncle accused France Télévisions and Radio France of boycotting promotion of his book, saying they could not stop people from reading it or suppress the truth.

France begins 2027 budget debate amid political deadlock and deficit concerns

France’s National Assembly has opened debate on the first part of the 2027 budget. A political columnist says deadlock and doubts over deficit cuts are raising concern about how the plan will pass.

French high-school students plan another day of protests

Students are due to protest in Paris and other French cities on Tuesday, while some school blockades are set to continue. Student groups are scheduled to meet the education minister on Thursday.

High-school students in France are planning another day of protests on Tuesday, October 13.

In Paris, a march is due to go from Place d’Italie to Les Invalides, near government offices.

Demonstrations are also planned in Rennes, Toulouse and Poitiers, and some high-school blockades are expected to continue.

The protests are part of an ongoing student mobilization, but the specific demands are not detailed here.

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Mathilde Panot rejects the Pink October cancer awareness campaign

The French lawmaker says she will not wear the campaign’s pink ribbon, arguing that its links to pesticide companies undermine its message. Political opponents have criticized her remarks.

The breast cancer awareness month was launched through a partnership between ICI and the American Cancer Society.

The pink ribbon was introduced by Estée Lauder and a US magazine.

Pink October and its ribbon arrived in France through Estée Lauder France and the Marie Claire group.

Panot posted a video saying she would not wear the pink ribbon.

franceinfo published its report on the controversy.

French high school students continue protests as tensions emerge in Paris

High school students in France are continuing demonstrations and demanding more resources to improve daily life. The first tensions have emerged in Paris.

Publication date
October 13, 2026
Location
Paris
Protesters
High school students
Demand
More resources to improve their daily lives

Pornichet raises the second-home tax surcharge to 60% from 2027

Pornichet voted to raise its surcharge on second-home tax from 40% to 60%, effective January 1, 2027. Mesquer separately approved an increase from 10% to 40%.

Pornichet municipal majority Pornichet opposition

Use of revenue

The municipality’s housing deputy listed land acquisitions made to enable new housing.

Opposition councillor Michaël Nicosia questioned how the revenue was used and said the surplus over six years “served more to the general budget”.

French magistrates’ council opposes Rachida Dati’s proposed return to judiciary

The council opposed a proposed judicial post for Rachida Dati, who faces corruption-related accusations. The justice minister will decide whether to follow its advice.

World

Japan and US to review off-duty rules after Okinawa killing

Japan and the United States will review rules for US troops’ off-base conduct after a Marine was arrested on suspicion of killing a woman in Okinawa.

“We plan to hold discussions including whether the existing rules are effectively functioning”
Toshimitsu MotegiJapanese foreign minister

Trump says he may meet Kim Jong Un during Asia trip in November

Donald Trump said he may meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a November trip to Asia, which includes a summit in China. No meeting has been confirmed.

Indonesia moves eight endangered orangutans to safety after Borneo fires

Eight endangered orangutans were rescued from wildfires on the Indonesian island of Borneo and moved to safety.

Food shortages leave flying foxes starving across NSW and parts of Victoria

Wildlife rescuers are reporting mass starvation among flying foxes, with many adults and pups in poor condition. Rescuers link the shortage to habitat loss and poor flowering after a dry winter.

Bedbugs found on Qantas plane, forcing Rome-to-Perth flight cancellation

Passengers reported bedbug bites on a Qantas flight from Perth to Rome. The airline cancelled the return flight to deep-clean the plane and rebooked affected travellers.

Japan’s Yugama crater lake reopens after more than eight years

Visitors flocked to Yugama crater lake in eastern Japan after Kusatsu lifted access restrictions following a lower volcanic alert level. The area will close for winter after Nov. 8.

Chinese courts sentence three Myanmar crime group leaders to death

Courts in Fujian sentenced three leaders of crime groups operating in Myanmar to death. The case involved scam operations and the deaths of four Chinese citizens.

Two crime groups linked to the Wei family operated in Myanmar’s Kokang region, where they ran compounds and provided armed protection to criminal operations.

The groups and people working with them carried out telecom fraud and other crimes, including extortion and gambling.

Three defendants, including group leader Wei Huairen, were sentenced to death by courts in Fujian province in southeastern China.

The courts also sentenced three defendants to life in prison and 55 others to terms ranging from three years and three months to 24 years.

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Fire at plastic recycling plant in Nara; workers escape unharmed

A fire broke out at a waste-plastic recycling plant in Nara, Japan, on Oct. 13. Workers evacuated safely, and firefighters were still battling the blaze hours later.

A worker reported black smoke from the plant to the fire department.

Fire engines and other vehicles were still responding, and the fire had not been brought under control.

The fire was still intense, with no estimate for when it would be extinguished.

Australia seeks to stop online broadcast of planned US execution

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia will try to keep online footage of Nidal Hasan’s scheduled execution from being available in the country, though regulators’ powers are uncertain.

Prisoner
Nidal Malik Hasan
Scheduled execution
December 3
Location
Fort Hood, Texas
Planned method
Firing squad

Melbourne Islamic centre leader rejects claims linking him to flydubai suspect

Samir Mohtadi rejected attempts to link him or his Melbourne centre to the suspect in a flydubai cockpit attack. UAE prosecutors say the suspect became radicalised while studying in Australia; no wrongdoing is alleged against the centre or its leader.

UAE prosecutors Samir Mohtadi

Alleged connection

Prosecutors said al-Hammami was acquainted in Australia with an organisation known as MyCentre, managed by a man known as Abu Hamza.

Mohtadi strongly rejects any attempt to associate him or the centre with al-Hammami.

Responsibility for radicalisation

Prosecutors said al-Hammami became radicalised while studying in Australia, but the Guardian reported there was no allegation that anyone at the centre radicalised him or knew of his intentions.

Mohtadi said he and the centre reject violence and have focused on promoting peace, harmony and community wellbeing.

Four-year-old boy dies after choking on frozen jelly at Nara childcare center

A boy died this month after choking on frozen jelly at a certified childcare center in Kashiba, Nara Prefecture. The city plans to investigate what happened and consider steps to prevent a recurrence.

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

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.

Oil prices dip as expected Russian diesel supplies offset Gulf risks

Oil prices edged lower after rising nearly $2 a barrel on Monday. Traders weighed possible extra Russian diesel supplies against threats to Gulf shipping and energy infrastructure.

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.

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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

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.

IMF chief warns AI could disrupt jobs and weaken tax revenues

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said AI is replacing workers in routine tasks and could shift income away from labour, straining government tax revenues.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Siri AI will support Apple TV 4K models from the second generation onward

Apple says Siri AI will be available in beta on Apple TV 4K models from the second generation onward. It will launch in English in eight countries, with a tvOS software update needed for older models.

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

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.

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.

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.

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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

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.

“This was not an intentional assault.”
Shawn BarnesBlair’s lawyer

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.

Keri Russell says she and Matthew Rhys had sex on ‘The Americans’ set

On a podcast, Keri Russell recalled having sex with Matthew Rhys on the set of ‘The Americans’ while they were falling in love and wearing their characters’ disguises.

Voice actor Kenichi Suzumura’s agency to close in March 2027

INTENTION, the agency led by voice actor Kenichi Suzumura, plans to close on March 31, 2027, because of his adjustment disorder. The agency says it will support its talents through the closure.

Thélyson Orélien denies using AI to write novel, admits plagiarism

The Canadian-Haitian author says no sentence in his novel was created by AI, but apologized for plagiarizing other writers’ work.

Critics praise Paul Bettany’s new take on Vision in ‘VisionQuest’

Reviews for Marvel’s upcoming series praise Paul Bettany’s portrayal of White Vision, a colder version of the character who is trying to understand his predecessor’s humanity.

Hillary Clinton and Kara Swisher to launch political podcast

Hillary Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher will launch High Stakes on Oct. 14 with Vox Media. They plan to discuss political issues ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

Former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher are launching a political podcast called High Stakes.

The show is set to begin on Oct.

14 as an episode of Swisher’s New York magazine podcast, On With Kara Swisher.

It is being made with Vox Media.

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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.

Standard and digital deluxe editions of God of War Laufey went up for preorder.

Sony revealed the U.S. Collector Box after PlayStation Spain had posted it early.

The Collector Box is scheduled to release alongside the game.

GTA 6 PC release reportedly planned for early 2027

Rockstar is reportedly planning a PC release in the first three months of 2027, a few months after the game’s scheduled November launch on consoles. The company has not confirmed a PC version.

Reported PC window
First quarter of 2027
Console launch date
November 19, 2026
Announced console platforms
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Report source
GamesBeat

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.

Kelly Clarkson Art of Play

What the employee said

Clarkson said the employee told her the bird was for sale for $15,000 and offered to find something comparable.

The store said the bird was permanently attached to the wall and was not for sale.

How the encounter felt

Clarkson said she felt judged and treated rudely.

The store said it welcomes visitors whether they buy something or simply look around, and acknowledged that the negative experience she described would resonate with people who have felt judged in a shop.

Dionne Warwick cancels New York benefit show over severe leg and foot pain

The 85-year-old singer says pain has left her unable to stand or walk. Her Brazil tour dates remain confirmed for now.

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.

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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.