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Wadden Sea centre faces bankruptcy after public funding offer withdrawn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

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

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

“We will not survive if we only revive on the past.”
Asha SharmaXbox CEO

Warner Music sues Ray-Ban owner over alleged use of its music in ads

Warner Music Group sued Luxottica and affiliated companies, alleging they used at least 427 Warner works in social media marketing without licenses or payment.

Apple reportedly cuts iPhone 18 Pro parts orders amid weaker demand

Apple has reportedly asked suppliers to reduce parts production for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. One account puts October order cuts at 15% to 20%.

Mike Tomlin shares a 12-year Minecraft city project

The former Pittsburgh Steelers coach has launched a YouTube channel to show a sprawling city he built in Minecraft over 12 years.

Sushi-Con 2026 draws crowds to New York expo

More than 60 companies took part in Sushi-Con 2026 in New York, where visitors sampled Japanese foods and watched a bluefin tuna-cutting show.

AI Cited in Nearly 192,000 US Job Cuts Since 2023

Nearly 192,000 US job cuts since 2023 have been attributed to AI, including 120,100 in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures based on employment data.

Poll finds most Americans think Trump is profiting from presidency

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say Donald Trump is illegally profiting from the presidency or acting unethically, an AP-NORC poll found. The White House rejects the accusations.

A new AP-NORC poll found most Americans think Trump is profiting from the presidency in unethical or illegal ways.

About 6 in 10 U.S. adults said he is either profiting illegally or acting unethically without breaking the law.

The poll also found that many believe Trump is more focused on personal wealth than helping the country since returning to the White House.

The findings come as his family's businesses have expanded in real estate and entered cryptocurrency ventures.

Read full story →

Kalshi traders expect US inflation to stay high after a likely 2026 peak

Kalshi traders expect US inflation to remain elevated, with September CPI forecast at 3.6% year over year. They see limited odds of new highs this year.

An unexpectedly hot CPI reading of 3.8% led Kalshi markets to anticipate a possible peak of 4.8% in May.

Year-over-year inflation peaked at 4.2%, according to CNBC.

Year-over-year CPI rose 3.4%, according to CNBC.

Reports said Kalshi traders expected September CPI to rise 3.6% year over year.

JP Morgan raises Apple price target to $360 despite iPhone demand concerns

JP Morgan raised its Apple price target from $340 to $360, saying reported iPhone 18 Pro production cuts may reflect normal adjustments. It expects the iPhone Duo to help offset a delayed base-model launch.

New Apple price target
$360
Change in target
Raised by $20 from $340
December-quarter iPhone Duo forecast
8.5 million units
December-quarter iPhone revenue forecast
Down about 2% year over year

Starbucks denies plans to buy Chipotle

Starbucks said it is not planning to buy Chipotle, contradicting a Financial Times report that it had been working on a possible offer. Starbucks shares rose after the denial, while Chipotle shares fell.

Starbucks Financial Times report

Takeover plans

Starbucks said it was not buying Chipotle.

The Financial Times reported that Starbucks had worked on a takeover offer.

IMF sees US inflation rising in 2026 before easing in 2027

The IMF forecasts US inflation at 3.6% in 2026 and 2.8% in 2027, with underlying inflation not returning to its 2% target until mid-2028.

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

Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs to lead Test series 1-0

Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, taking a 1-0 series lead and strengthening their position atop the World Test Championship standings.

“a few of the guys need to step up”
Shukri ConradSouth Africa coach

Litton century gives Bangladesh a 479-run lead over Afghanistan

Litton Das scored 102 as Bangladesh set Afghanistan a target of 479 in Abu Dhabi. Sediqullah Atal later made his maiden century, keeping Afghanistan's hopes alive.

Ayush Mhatre suffers Grade 4 hamstring tear

Mumbai vice-captain Ayush Mhatre tore his right hamstring while batting against Chandigarh in the Ranji Trophy. He is expected to be out for about a month.

Australia ends South Africa’s unbeaten Test run in Durban

Australia beat South Africa in Durban, ending the hosts’ unbeaten run. Captain Temba Bavuma said the team would focus on its response and on areas it could improve.

Australia lead South Africa by 139 runs on day four in Durban

Australia began their second innings 139 runs ahead after dismissing South Africa for 284. Travis Head was out early on day four as Australia looked to build its lead quickly.

Thomas Rew earns first England call-up for Australia T20 series

The 18-year-old Somerset wicketkeeper-batter and fast bowler Eddie Jack have received their first England call-ups for next month’s T20 series in Australia.

Hazlewood leads Australia to first-Test win over South Africa

Josh Hazlewood took eight wickets as Australia won the first Test in Durban and moved 1-0 ahead in the series. Kagiso Rabada’s return adds to Australia’s selection decisions before the next Test.

Australia beat South Africa in the first Test in Durban to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Josh Hazlewood took eight wickets, including six for 49 in a brilliant bowling display.

The 35-year-old has been affected by injuries, but recently said he felt stronger than ever.

The Durban win echoed Australia’s 2018 series opener, which they also won at Kingsmead, though that victory was by 118 runs.

Read full story →

Steve Smith faces further concussion checks after helmet blow in Durban Test

Steve Smith was hit on the helmet by Anrich Nortje during the first Test against South Africa in Durban. He missed fielding duties and is expected to have further checks.

Nortje’s bouncer struck Smith on the helmet during his innings.

Smith underwent an on-field concussion assessment and was cleared to continue batting.

Smith scored 27 before being dismissed, then did not take the field for South Africa’s second innings.

Smith was expected to undergo further assessment.

Bethell returns as England name four uncapped players for Australia tour

Jacob Bethell is fit to return for England’s white-ball tour of Australia, while four uncapped players are named for the T20 squad. The tour runs from 13 November to 2 December.

ODIs
Three matches, beginning 13 November 2026
T20 internationals
Five matches, ending 2 December 2026
Uncapped T20 players
James Coles, Henry Crocombe, Eddie Jack and Thomas Rew
Bethell
Returning after a knee injury sustained in July

Ollie Pope withdraws from Afghanistan Premier League draft

England batter Ollie Pope has withdrawn from the draft for the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League, amid debate over the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls. David Willey and Will Smeed have also pulled out, according to reports.

Rob Key Dawid Malan

Participation

Key said he would not play in the league and called participation a moral judgement for players.

Malan said he was willing to play if the boards approved it, citing the need to earn a living.

Responsibility

Key said players had to be prepared to take the right moral stance.

Malan said players take guidance from the ICC and cricket boards, and questioned why individuals faced the choice when England still plays Afghanistan in global tournaments.

Shaun Pollock proposes pink balls in day Tests to reduce lost play

Shaun Pollock says pink balls could let daytime Test cricket continue in fading light. Ashwell Prince argues that traditional Tests should keep using the red ball.

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.