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German minister proposes taxing AI revenue to fund job-market changes

Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger says taxes on AI revenue in Germany could help pay for retraining and new jobs as the technology changes work.

“We must tax the extremely high revenue from this technology, and with that money we can finance the transformation; that is also my approach.”
Karsten WildbergerGerman digital minister

Merz’s CDU leadership holds talks on a government reset

Friedrich Merz’s CDU leadership held hours of closed-door talks aimed at creating a fresh start and optimism, ending with what was described as a risky plan.

Merz says he will risk popularity to push German welfare reforms

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would prioritise welfare reforms for younger people over his popularity. He said pension contributions may need to rise temporarily as the population ages.

Heino receives €7,500 settlement over AfD election campaign use

The AfD’s Uckermark district branch agreed to pay singer Heino €7,500 after using his name in election campaigning without permission. The dispute is now settled.

Saxony-Anhalt CDU considers leaving chamber before AfD leadership vote

The CDU’s state lawmakers are being asked to leave the chamber before December’s secret vote for state premier, amid claims that some backed an AfD candidate.

Alexander Schweitzer to take over Germany’s Labour Ministry

Former Rhineland-Palatinate premier Alexander Schweitzer is set to replace Bärbel Bas as Germany’s labour minister after she resigned from the post.

Bärbel Bas quits German labour minister and SPD co-leader roles

Bas says she needs time to grieve after her stepdaughter’s death and cited political attacks during her mourning. She will remain a member of parliament.

Bärbel Bas is stepping down as Germany’s labour minister and as a co-leader of the centre-left Social Democrats, or SPD.

She said her stepdaughter’s death left her needing time to grieve.

Bas also said public attacks against her continued during her mourning, including from members of the SPD’s conservative coalition partner.

Her fellow SPD co-leader, Lars Klingbeil, condemned the attacks as inappropriate.

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Alexander Schweitzer to replace Bärbel Bas as Germany’s labour minister

Bärbel Bas is leaving as Germany’s labour minister and SPD co-leader after a family bereavement. Alexander Schweitzer, a former state premier, is set to take over.

Kurt Beck appointed Schweitzer as social affairs minister in the state government.

Schweitzer became minister-president of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Bas offered to leave her posts as SPD co-chair and labour minister for private reasons.

Reports named Schweitzer as Bas’s successor in the labour ministry.

Bärbel Bas resigns as German labor minister and SPD co-chair

Bas says she needs time to grieve the death of her stepdaughter and cites attacks within the governing coalition. Her departure adds to tensions between the SPD and CDU.

Positions resigned
Labor minister and SPD co-leader
Party co-leader
Lars Klingbeil
Age
58
Bundestag member since
2009

Nine Union state ministers oppose Germany’s planned sugar tax

Nine Union state ministers have urged Chancellor Friedrich Merz to reject a planned sugar tax, arguing that education and personal responsibility are better ways to reduce sugar consumption.

Union state ministers Lars Klingbeil and supporters of the planned sugar tax

Policy approach

The ministers oppose a tax and favour nutrition education, personal responsibility, information and innovation.

Klingbeil supports introducing a sugar tax, which he says would raise revenue and encourage drinks makers to reduce sugar.

Expected effects

The ministers say the tax would burden purchases and could reduce agricultural businesses’ revenues; they say its effects on obesity are not clearly established.

Klingbeil says the tax would give manufacturers an incentive to lower sugar content and make products healthier.

Germany opens innovation campus for security and defence

A new security and defence innovation campus has opened in Germany. The available information gives no further details about its location, aims or plans.

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

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.

Zelenskyy says Ukraine received no warning before Russian missile strike on Kyiv

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said partners gave Ukraine no early warning before five Russian ballistic missiles hit civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. Russian strikes also killed four people in Kharkiv, he said.

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.

Bus and tram collide in Marseille, leaving four people injured

A bus and a tram collided in Marseille’s 4th arrondissement on Tuesday morning. Four people were taken to hospital with minor injuries, and an investigation is under way.

Afghan authorities suspend BBC FM radio broadcasts nationwide

Afghan authorities have suspended the BBC’s FM radio broadcasts across the country. The BBC says it is working with them to resolve the situation.

Trump’s diesel deal with Russia draws anger from European allies

A U.S. diesel agreement with Russia has angered European officials. Ukraine’s president questioned Washington’s motives, while European allies said they would maintain pressure on Moscow.

The United States reached a diesel agreement with Russia, prompting anger among European allies.

The deal involves President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

European officials reacted with shock and have taken a cautious diplomatic approach to the agreement.

Ukraine has called the deal “a gift” to Putin.

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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 attacked people with knives while moving on an escalator in the supermarket building.

Shoppers subdued the suspect, and police arrested him.

Nuremberg airport suspends flights after aviation emergency alert

Nuremberg airport in Germany suspended flights after an unclear aviation emergency was reported. Police said an aircraft landed safely, and the cause is under investigation.

Flight
XR 456 from Corfu to Nuremberg
Airport
Nuremberg Airport, Germany
Alert
Unclear aviation emergency
Drone search
No drone was found

Germany Detains People Over Fire at Polish Starlink Station

German authorities have detained people in connection with a September fire at a Starlink station in Poland. Reports differ on whether the case now involves three or four detentions.

Poland Russia

Responsibility

Poland says Russian intelligence services were behind the fire.

Moscow says accusations of Russian involvement are baseless.

Nature of the incident

Poland describes the fire as sabotage aimed at disrupting internet services, including for Ukraine’s military.

Moscow calls the accusations the result of anti-Russian hysteria.

Hezbollah to offer up to $14,000 to Lebanese families with destroyed homes

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible Lebanese families whose primary homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel, with payments spread over a year.

Business

India’s trade agreements could add $140 billion to GDP by 2035

A global economy model estimates India’s concluded and proposed trade agreements could add about $140 billion to GDP by 2035 and boost exports by 6.2%.

“Using a large-scale model of the global economy developed by the World Trade Organisation, we estimate these agreements could add about $140 billion to India’s GDP in 2035, opening new markets, cutting import costs, fostering foreign direct investment and lifting productivity”
Bloomberg Economics reportReport

Rupee rises about 1% after India’s central bank takes support measures

India’s rupee gained about 1% against the dollar on Monday after the Reserve Bank of India took steps to support the currency. Bond markets are watching for inflation data.

Mesa School of Business raises Rs 110 crore in Series A funding

Bengaluru-based Mesa School of Business has raised Rs 110 crore in a mix of equity and venture debt. It plans to use the funds to expand its programmes, add courses and build startup partnerships.

Tonbo Imaging sets ₹665–700 per share price band for ₹852 crore IPO

The defence electronics maker’s IPO will let existing investors and promoters sell shares. It will not raise new capital for the company.

NPCI delays UPI merchant fees until after Diwali

NPCI postponed the start of UPI merchant fees, originally set for October 15, until after Diwali. It will announce the new start date later.

Tonbo Imaging sets IPO price band at ₹665-700 per share

The Bengaluru defence technology company’s share sale opens on October 15 and closes on October 19. Existing shareholders are selling shares, so Tonbo will receive no proceeds.

India opens dollar window for oil companies to support the rupee

The Reserve Bank of India will supply dollars to three state-run oil companies and tighten currency-derivative rules as the rupee nears a record low.

India’s central bank has announced steps to ease pressure on the rupee, which is close to its weakest level on record.

The measures include a special dollar-supply window for Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum, starting Monday.

These state-run companies need dollars to pay for oil, and meeting some of that demand directly could reduce pressure on the currency market.

The rupee closed at 96.73 to the dollar on Friday, near its record low of 96.96, reached in May.

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7-Eleven closes its remaining 31 stores in India

7-Eleven has shut its 31 remaining Indian stores after its franchise partnership with Reliance Retail ended. The Japanese chain says it remains interested in the market.

7-Eleven signed an agreement with Future Retail to develop and operate stores in India.

The Future Retail agreement was terminated, and Reliance Retail took over the franchise arrangement.

The first Indian 7-Eleven store opened in Mumbai.

Reliance Retail shut all 31 7-Eleven outlets in India.

LuLu opens a large hypermarket at Chennai’s Shenoy Nagar Metro Station

LuLu opened a hypermarket at Shenoy Nagar Metro Station, drawing large crowds and long checkout queues. A second LuLu Daily store also opened at Chennai Central Metro Station.

Total area
Approximately one lakh square feet
Supermarket area
56,000 square feet
Department store area
50,000 square feet
Checkout counters
28

Tata trust gets until 19 October to answer trustees’ complaints

Maharashtra’s Charity Commissioner gave Sir Dorabji Tata Trust another week to respond to complaints by two trustees alleging governance problems and involvement in Tata Sons’ commercial affairs.

Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh Sir Dorabji Tata Trust

Governance

They allege governance problems and seek an investigation into SDTT’s decision-making.

SDTT rejected the concerns raised in their complaints.

Tata Sons’ affairs

They allege SDTT became involved in Tata Sons’ commercial affairs and interfered with independent decisions by nominee directors.

SDTT rejected the complaints; the articles do not provide a detailed response to these specific allegations.

Zetwerk sets IPO price band at ₹143–₹151 per share

The B2B manufacturing company plans to raise about ₹5,012 crore in an IPO opening for subscriptions on October 15. Most of the fresh funds will go toward repaying borrowings.

Science & Tech

NASA’s Perseverance rover sets record with 45.2km driven on Mars

Perseverance has driven 45.2km on Mars, surpassing the previous record held by NASA’s Opportunity rover. NASA says the rover’s autonomous navigation system handles more than 90% of its driving.

“The original mission called for no more than 12.4 miles of driving. We’ve blown well past that, and with all mobility systems fully operational and favorable extended-ground-life test results, we expect Perseverance to keep adding to this record for many years to come.”
Steven LeePerseverance and Curiosity project manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Cyberattack overheats refrigeration systems in hundreds of French supermarkets

Hackers remotely changed Danfoss refrigeration settings, spoiling fresh and frozen food in hundreds of French supermarkets. French authorities have opened an investigation.

Meta unveils two AI models it says rival leading systems

Meta introduced Muse Wonder and Wonder Full, saying they perform comparably to models from OpenAI and Anthropic. The models are expected to be available through its Muse app for paid subscribers.

Cyberattack Defrosts Refrigerators at Hundreds of French Supermarkets

A cyberattack remotely triggered defrosting at hundreds of French supermarket stores, spoiling fresh and frozen food and reportedly causing fires. French prosecutors have opened an investigation.

Beats and Pokémon unveil special-edition Pill speaker for $149

The gray Beats Pill features Pikachu and Mimikyu artwork, custom packaging and three lanyard charms. It goes on sale October 15 for $149.

Rain may ease heat in Telangana over the next four days

A Bay of Bengal trough is expected to bring light rain to Telangana over the next four days, helping temperatures return closer to normal after a dry, hot spell.

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.

Apple has announced the HomePod mini 2, its first update to the small smart speaker since the original launched in 2020.

The new model keeps the same design but adds an S10 chip and comes in refreshed colors.

Siri AI features require a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad, which lets the speaker use personal context and connect with apps such as Messages and Calendar.

A new feature called Sound Glow makes the speaker’s top light up in time with music.

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Apple plans to unveil smart home devices at New York event

Apple is expected to introduce a smart home hub, a HomePod mini and an updated Apple TV 4K at a New York event. The products’ features and release dates have not been confirmed.

Apple held its “Welcome Home” event in New York City and revealed HomeView.

HomeView pre-orders opened.

Apple said HomeView would ship.

Ahold Delhaize takes some systems offline after cyberattack

The grocery group says it disconnected some systems to contain a security issue. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders have been disrupted.

Systems
Some taken offline
Company response
Teams assessing and mitigating the issue
Stores
Ahold Delhaize said they remained open
Reported service disruptions
Albert Heijn and Delhaize online orders and services; some US employee systems

Epic Games shifts toward AI to speed up game development

CEO Tim Sweeney says Epic Games is reorganising to use AI more in game development. A Disney collaboration featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters is reportedly delayed.

AI critics Tim Sweeney

AI’s role in creative work

Critics have raised concerns about the growing use of AI in creative sectors.

Sweeney said AI can empower creators and that Epic should prepare for the future.

Apple launches $299 Apple TV 4K with AI-powered Siri

Apple unveiled a new Apple TV 4K with an upgraded chip, AI-powered content search and built-in microphones for voice commands without the remote. It goes on sale November 13.

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

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.

Bills stay in Los Angeles before short-week game in Las Vegas

After beating the Rams on Monday night, Buffalo will stay in Los Angeles and prepare there for Sunday's game against the Raiders in Las Vegas.

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.

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.

Kenneth Walker III and Mike Evans lead early NFL free-agent rankings

After five weeks of the 2026 NFL season, running back Kenneth Walker III and receiver Mike Evans stand out among players who joined new teams as free agents.

Jaguars left tackle Anton Harrison to have knee surgery

Anton Harrison will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee after an injury against Philadelphia. His absence could last three to five weeks or the rest of the regular season.

Jaguars left tackle Anton Harrison will have surgery on his right knee after being injured against Philadelphia in London.

He was hurt during Jacksonville’s 19-17 win and was taken off the field on a cart.

The team does not yet know how serious the injury is; doctors will assess the damage during surgery.

Depending on what they find, Harrison could miss three to five weeks or the rest of the regular season.

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Oregon slips in power ratings after narrow loss with backup quarterbacks

Oregon fell to 3-2 after a two-point loss despite seven turnovers and a switch to its third-string quarterback. It dropped in the power ratings, but not as far as expected.

Oregon lost by two points after turning the ball over seven times and using its third-string quarterback.

Tom Fornelli published ratings showing Oregon had fallen, but remained among the previous week’s top 12.

FIU visits Jacksonville State in a key Conference USA game

Florida International visits Jacksonville State on Oct. 13 with both teams unbeaten in Conference USA play. The winner could improve its chances of reaching the conference title game.

Game time
8 p.m. ET
Broadcast
ESPNU
Conference
Conference USA
FIU total defense
Fourth nationally, allowing 241.7 yards per game

Jaguars, Bengals and others emerge as Super Bowl sleeper contenders

A look at seven teams outside the top six betting favorites finds potential Super Bowl contenders, including the Jaguars, Bengals, Lions, Bears and Broncos.

Steelers’ draft setback may have led to a stronger offensive line

After Philadelphia drafted Makai Lemon ahead of Pittsburgh, the Steelers selected tackle Max Iheanachor. He has since started at right tackle as the offense has improved.

Entertainment

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.

“I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight.”
Bryan CranstonActor who played Walter White

Van Gogh painting unseen in public for 60 years goes on display in Hong Kong

Hundreds queued in Hong Kong to see Van Gogh’s 1890 painting “Chestnut Trees in Blossom,” ahead of a New York auction on November 18 where it is expected to fetch about $180 million.

Harry Styles urges people to look after each other after ICE shooting

At a Madison Square Garden show, Styles named Oscar Belgal, who was shot by an ICE agent in the Bronx while his five-year-old son was in the car. Belgal survived and is being held in detention.

CJ ENM and MBC to launch Korean content hub on Shahid

The companies signed a long-term deal to bring a TVing-branded hub to MBC’s Shahid streaming service, with new Korean shows and library titles for Middle East and North Africa audiences.

Celebrity Traitors faces leaks and rule breaches as BBC warns cast

Richard E. Grant revealed he was a Traitor in a June radio interview, while spoilers circulated among cast members. The BBC says contestants have been reminded of its rules.

Rebecca Allen to leave UMG UK role after 27 years at Universal

Rebecca Allen is set to leave her role as UMG UK's Chief Artist and Strategy Officer after 27 years at Universal. She was promoted to the newly created role in December 2025.

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.

Actor Selma Blair faces two assault charges after an incident on a Delta flight from Los Angeles to New York.

The charges say she allegedly kicked a police officer taking her to hospital and later kicked a nurse in Queens.

She was arraigned in Queens on two counts of second-degree assault and has pleaded not guilty, according to one account.

A judge set bail at $20,000 cash or a $60,000 bond, and she was released.

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TNA ends Max Caster’s run after Riyadh attack reference at Bound for Glory

TNA said Max Caster will no longer wrestle for the company after his entrance rap at Bound for Glory referred to attacks in Riyadh. TNA apologized and removed the segment from replays and social media.

Wrestling Observer dated the attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to this day.

Caster performed an entrance rap referencing the Riyadh attacks before his match against Moose at Bound for Glory.

TNA announced Caster would no longer wrestle for the promotion and said it had removed the segment from replays and social media.

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.

Title
Remnants
Writer and director
Ti West
Release date
October 16, 2026
Setting
Woldmere Castle

Ego Nwodim responds to Shane Gillis’ joke about women’s gym clothes

After Gillis joked that women at the gym “dress like whores” on SNL, Nwodim posted a gym photo captioned “whore reporting for duty.” Dan Levy also criticized the remarks.

Ego Nwodim and Dan Levy Shane Gillis

Women’s gym clothes

Nwodim mocked Gillis’ description with a gym photo captioned “whore reporting for duty”; Levy said short shorts do not make women whores.

Gillis joked that women in workout clothes “dress like whores.

Documentary to tell story of four founding Jackson 5 brothers

A new documentary will follow Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito Jackson, exploring their rise with the Jackson 5 and the different paths their lives took. It will be released as a feature film and a three-part series.

Health

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.

“Water does not eliminate excess glucose from the blood.”
Megan Asterino-McGeeanDiabetes educator and nurse

Intestinal gases may offer clues about gut health

Gut microbes produce gases as they break down indigestible food. Research suggests these gases may affect digestion and offer clues about gastrointestinal health.

Singapore public healthcare services recover after network disruption

A network connectivity issue disrupted some services at Singapore public healthcare institutions on Tuesday. Services were restored by 4.37pm, and most patients later reported little impact.

Nearly 40 patients evacuated after fire at Georgia rehabilitation hospital

Walton Rehabilitation Hospital in Augusta evacuated nearly 40 patients after an electrical fire began in an HVAC unit on Oct. 10. Firefighters contained the damage to the unit.

Orthopaedic specialist explains five common myths about arthritis

Dr Ankur Singh says smoking can raise arthritis risk, while exercise adapted to a person’s condition can help. He says evidence does not link knuckle cracking to osteoarthritis.

Dietitians suggest three steps for making a more satisfying smoothie

Dietitians recommend choosing a suitable liquid, adding produce and checking for nutritional gaps. The right ingredients depend on whether the smoothie is a meal, snack or workout drink.

Exercise may improve mood and quality of life during menopause, study finds

A review of 12 trials involving more than 1,000 women found that aerobic exercise and activities such as yoga were linked to better mood or quality of life during menopause.

A review found exercise may ease some psychological symptoms of menopause in women aged 40 to 65.

Researchers from University College London analysed 12 trials involving more than 1,000 women.

Walking, dancing and other aerobic activities were linked to better mood and overall quality of life, while yoga and Pilates were linked to better psychological quality of life.

Menopause usually occurs between ages 45 and 55, as hormone levels fall and periods stop; mood changes, sleep problems and hot flushes are among its common symptoms.

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Asti healthy ageing project presented as European good practice

A health authority in Asti presented its Communit-Action project in Vilnius, where it was recognised as a European good practice for supporting healthy and active ageing.

The Asti local health authority launched the Communit-Action project.

The Asti health authority presented the project in Vilnius.

Europa Donna calls for consistent care for metastatic breast cancer in Italy

Europa Donna Italia is urging breast care centres across Italy to follow specific quality standards and provide coordinated support for women with metastatic breast cancer.

Events
More than 150 awareness events across Italy
Awareness day
13 October
Quality indicators
Developed by the European scientific societies Eusoma and Esmo
Landmark
Palazzo Montecitorio in Rome was among the buildings set to be illuminated pink-fuchsia

At least 90 lawsuits allege weight-loss drugs caused vision loss

Patients in the US say drugs including Ozempic and Wegovy caused a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss. The link remains disputed.

Claimants alleging drug-related vision loss Experts questioning whether the drugs cause NAION

Cause

Claimants say they developed NAION while using the drugs.

Some experts say there is little scientific evidence proving the drugs cause NAION.

Evidence

The article reports a 2024 study finding semaglutide users were around four times more likely to develop the condition than people taking other diabetes treatment.

Experts have questioned the validity of the claims, and the article says the possible mechanism has not been fully proven.

Oncologist says a varied fruit-rich diet may help lower cancer risk

Radiation oncologist Heather Zinkin says fruit’s fiber and plant compounds may help lower cancer risk. She recommends eating a variety, especially deeply colored fruits.