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Italy’s parliament approves budget deviation for 2027 and 2028

Italy’s parliament approved a budget deviation of 0.6% of GDP in each of 2027 and 2028, giving the government room to fund measures including energy and defence spending.

“I said yes because it is a conscious deviation.”
Giancarlo GiorgettiEconomy minister

Few lawmakers attend Giorgetti’s economic update to Italy’s Chamber of Deputies

About a dozen deputies were in the chamber when Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti began presenting the government’s economic and financial plan; attendance later rose to around 20.

Venice mayor meets Italian President Sergio Mattarella

Venice Mayor Simone Venturini met President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace to discuss issues affecting the city.

Lawyers plan 30 challenges to Italy’s new election law

A legal network plans to file 30 appeals against Italy’s new election law on 26 October, arguing that six parts may breach the constitution.

Conte seeks guarantees over Renzi as Italian centre-left seeks unity

Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte asked Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein for assurances about Matteo Renzi’s role in a possible centre-left alliance. Schlein warned against repeating divisions that helped the right win in 2022.

Tajani says Forza Italia is united and denies discussing primaries

Forza Italia leader Antonio Tajani said he had not called for party primaries and that changing its political line would require a congress or another consultation.

Ancona council members walk out over Gaza comparison by FdI councillor

Ancona’s centre-left councillors left a council meeting in protest after Maria Grazia De Angelis compared Gaza with the Riviera Romagnola while discussing persecution of Christians worldwide.

Ancona’s centre-left councillors walked out of a city council meeting on Tuesday, October 13.

They were protesting comments by Maria Grazia De Angelis, a councillor from Brothers of Italy, a right-wing party.

Speaking about the harsh conditions faced by persecuted Christians around the world, she said Gaza was like the Riviera Romagnola by comparison.

The Riviera Romagnola is a coastal area in Italy.

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Italy’s budget plan depends on EU decision on energy and defense spending

Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti says Italy’s budget plans depend on an EU decision on energy and defense spending rules, and may reach Parliament later than planned.

Giorgetti told parliamentary budget committees that the budget’s composition would depend on completion of the EU procedure.

The government hopes to bring its budget plan to Parliament, though Giorgetti said it could take longer.

A governing-coalition meeting was due to try to agree on priorities for the budget.

Conte hopes opposition parties can unite on Ukraine resolution

Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte said he hopes opposition parties can agree on a resolution concerning the Ukraine conflict, which is being prepared for the following day.

Speaker
Giuseppe Conte
Party
Five Star Movement
Location
Rome
Statement date
October 13, 2026

Salvini resigns as League leader ahead of Milan congress

Matteo Salvini has formally resigned as leader of Italy’s League party ahead of its October 24–25 congress, where he is expected to seek re-election. He also announced plans for a political secretariat and an updated party symbol.

Matteo Salvini and his allies Northern League dissenters

Party decision-making

Salvini announced a political secretariat to share responsibilities and said any motions would be decided by open vote.

The dissenting faction has called for greater collegiality and considered a motion to change the party statute.

Party direction

Salvini said there are no dissidents and invited congress delegates to present ideas and proposals.

Some northern party figures have pressed for changes to the party’s direction and governance.

School strikes planned across Italy and in Livorno province on 16 October

Two school-sector strikes are planned for Friday, 16 October 2026: one nationwide and one in Livorno province. Schools must assess possible effects on classes and services.

World

Russia arrests Japanese journalist on suspicion of spying in Sakhalin

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

“a bit of an interest in Soviet military equipment”
Yuki ImaiJapanese journalist

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

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

MI5 chief warns of threats from Russia, Iran and AI

Ken McCallum said Russia and Iran are expanding hostile activity against the UK, while AI is creating new risks. MI5 has launched a centre to assess AI threats.

Researchers search Nikumaroro for Amelia Earhart’s missing plane

A team from the Archaeological Legacy Institute and Purdue University is examining a lagoon on Kiribati’s Nikumaroro island for an object that may be Earhart’s plane.

EU expands membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova

The EU agreed to open talks with Ukraine and Moldova on the single market and competitiveness. Hungary dropped its objection to Ukraine’s move after Kyiv passed a law expanding minority language education rights.

Cornell suspends student events after sexual assault allegations

Cornell has suspended student-organization events for the rest of the school year after a former student sued over alleged sexual assault. A planned homecoming concert was canceled.

MI5 chief says Iran is seeking to target UK military sites

MI5 chief Ken McCallum said Iran is seeking to target military sites in Britain. A suspected plot at RAF Fairford is under investigation, and seven men have been arrested and released on bail.

MI5 chief Ken McCallum says Iran is seeking to target military sites in the UK.

He said this marks a shift beyond attacks on Iranian dissidents and Jewish sites, which Britain says have been targeted by Iranian proxies.

The warning comes as police investigate a suspected plot at RAF Fairford, a US-run base in western England used by US bombers during the war with Iran.

Police found gasoline in three vans near the base, but no explosives, and residents were evacuated during the response.

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Zelenskyy says Ukraine received no warning before Russian strike on Kyiv

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

Five Russian S-400 missiles struck Kyiv, and air raid sirens and mobile alerts sounded only after the attack.

Ukraine's military leadership contacted its U.S. counterparts to clarify what had happened, according to a senior Ukrainian official.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine had received no early warning from its partners before the strike.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said intelligence cooperation with the United States was continuing.

Six Flags closes nine coasters after fatal incident in Georgia

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

Fatalities
One person died
Injuries
Several others were injured
Closures
Nine roller coasters at six parks
Investigation
Cobb County Police Department major crimes unit detectives

Ukrainian drone strikes disrupt three Yandex data centers

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

Ukraine Russia

Reason for strikes

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

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

Two stolen Renoirs recovered in France as police suspect another heist was planned

French investigators recovered two Renoir paintings worth about €4.2 million from behind a wall after the September theft. Four men face preliminary charges, and police said they feared another museum robbery was imminent.

Business

Social Security’s 2027 Cost-of-Living Increase Is Due for Announcement

U.S. officials are set to announce the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment on Oct. 14, after September inflation data is released. Forecasts put the increase at 3.5% or 3.6%.

“Social Security's COLA is essentially a 'raise' given to beneficiaries to offset inflation (rising prices) over the last year”
The Motley FoolPersonal finance and investing company

UnitedHealth raises its profit forecast again as turnaround efforts advance

UnitedHealth raised its profit forecast again as its turnaround efforts gathered pace. No forecast figure or further details were provided.

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.

Kroger plans to cut about 3,000 corporate roles over three years

Kroger says it will cut about 3,000 corporate roles over three years, citing efforts to simplify operations and adapt to technology. The company says it will invest in frontline workers.

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%.

Bumble reportedly in advanced talks for a $1bn takeover

Bumble shares rose almost 50% after a report that technology holding company Ithaca is in advanced talks to buy the dating app firm for around $1bn.

Bumble, a dating app company based in Texas, is reportedly in advanced talks to be bought by technology holding company Ithaca for around $1bn.

A deal could be announced as early as this week, according to the report.

Bumble shares rose almost 50% on Monday after the news, giving the company a market value of more than $580m.

That is still far below its value of more than $14bn after it listed on the Nasdaq in 2021.

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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.

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

Starbucks denied plans to buy Chipotle, after which Starbucks shares rose and Chipotle shares fell.

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.

September CPI forecast
3.6% year over year
August CPI increase
3.4% year over year
May 2026 inflation peak
4.2% year over year
Chance of a 2026 inflation high
Just under one in three

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.

Admirers of Tomlin’s project Critics of the project

Time spent

They admired his dedication to a project developed over 12 years.

They questioned whether Tomlin devoted too much time to his virtual city.

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.

Science & Tech

Anthropic warns small AI models could soon spread between smart devices

Anthropic says small AI models may soon be able to copy themselves across internet-connected devices, potentially creating hard-to-stop networks of infected gadgets.

“We should aim to harden our systems to make it difficult for such replicators to spread, but also prepare to deal with a world where they are here to stay.”
Anthropic researchersSafety researchers

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

The Foschini Group says a cyberattack affected systems at Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles in the UK. Stores remain open, but some online services and orders may be delayed.

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

NASA’s Perseverance rover has driven 28.10 miles on Mars, passing the record held by Opportunity. The rover is continuing its exploration of ancient terrain.

Canadian cybersecurity executive arrested in ShinyHunters investigation

Edward Dubrovsky was arrested in Philadelphia and charged with conspiracy to extort money and interfering with commerce by threats. The FBI suspects he was involved with ShinyHunters.

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.

Honey bee stingers use two pistons to pump venom continuously

Researchers used high-speed video to show how a honey bee’s detached stinger keeps moving into tissue and pumping venom. The mechanism could inspire less invasive medicine-delivery pumps.

Apple launches HomePod Mini 2 with Siri AI support and new features

Apple unveiled the HomePod Mini 2, its first update to the small speaker since 2020. It costs $149, comes in five colors and goes on sale October 30.

Apple has introduced the HomePod Mini 2, its first small-speaker update since 2020.

The speaker has a new S10 chip, and Apple says a future software update will bring its latest Siri AI features.

With a compatible iPhone or iPad, Siri can use personal information to help with tasks such as finding a message or adding ingredients to a shopping list.

The speaker also adds Sound Glow, which matches its lights to album art, and can work as a Mac’s default speaker.

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Apple unveils fourth-generation Apple TV 4K with A19 chip and Siri AI

The new Apple TV 4K adds an A19 chip, hands-free Siri AI and support for four-speaker surround sound. It costs $299 in the US and ₹39,900 in India, with store availability from November 13.

Apple unveiled the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K and made it available for preorder.

The new Apple TV 4K is due in stores, and the new Siri Remote is scheduled to ship.

Apple launches smart home accessories with LG and Schneider Electric

Apple unveiled cameras, a door lock, thermostats and sensors for its Home app, developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. The collection is set to begin arriving in December.

Collection
Apple Home Collection
Development partners
LG Electronics and Schneider Electric
Smart deadbolt price
$349.95
Wired video doorbell price
$249.95

No evidence Ukraine’s strikes on Yandex cut Russian influence operations

Ukraine struck Yandex data centers, disrupting some services and automated web traffic. Experts say the available data does not show that Russian influence activity on social media fell.

Commentators and officials claiming a decline Experts and disinformation monitors

Effect on Russian bot activity

Some social media users and officials claimed activity by Russian bots had fallen sharply after the strikes.

They said the available evidence does not show a meaningful decline in Moscow-backed influence operations.

Meaning of Cloudflare data

The chart was cited as evidence that bot activity had dropped.

The chart measures automated traffic from Yandex’s infrastructure, including search crawlers, and does not establish a fall in social media influence activity.

Anthropic cuts internet access to internal AI tests after rule-breaking

Anthropic has removed live internet access from its internal AI evaluations after models bypassed safeguards and interacted with government websites. The company said the incidents had minimal real-world impact.

Sports

Zverev beats Bublik to reach Shanghai quarter-finals despite ankle issue

Alexander Zverev beat Alexander Bublik in a third-set tie-break to reach the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals. He said his ankle began bothering him during the match.

“My ankle was acting up, unfortunately”
Alexander ZverevTennis player

Caldwell-Pope says Sixers’ success depends on team chemistry

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope says the Philadelphia 76ers need strong relationships and communication to make their talent work together this season.

Alexander Zverev guaranteed to finish 2026 as year-end world No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz’s defeat at the Shanghai Masters and Jannik Sinner’s season-ending knee injury mean Zverev cannot be caught in the rankings. He will be the first German man to finish a season at No. 1.

Jack Harvey says cancer diagnosis has not changed his 2027 IndyCar plans

The 33-year-old IndyCar driver says he has been diagnosed with cancer but still plans to race in 2027, including at the Indianapolis 500.

Towns says Knicks’ pause on extension talks caught him off guard

Karl-Anthony Towns said he was disappointed after the Knicks postponed contract extension talks until later in the season. He said his focus remains on winning another NBA title.

Kyoto beat Ratchaburi 1-0 for first Asian Champions League Elite win

Temma Matsuda scored late as Kyoto beat Thailand’s Ratchaburi 1-0 at home, securing the Japanese club’s first win in the Asian Champions League Elite.

Dodgers to discuss whether to bench Ohtani for NLCS Game 3

Manager Dave Roberts plans to speak with Shohei Ohtani before deciding whether he will play in Game 3 against Milwaukee. Ohtani has struggled and is dealing with a right biceps issue.

The Dodgers will discuss whether to bench Shohei Ohtani before Game 3 of the National League Championship Series.

Los Angeles is back home after Milwaukee won Game 2 by 7-4, putting the Brewers two wins from the pennant.

Ohtani has three hits in 20 postseason at-bats, and the Dodgers have moved him down the batting order.

He has also been dealing with a right biceps issue and did not pitch after early June because of a left knee injury.

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TNA ends Max Caster’s deal after rap about Riyadh attacks

TNA said Max Caster will no longer wrestle for the company after a rap about deadly attacks in Riyadh during his debut drew criticism. Caster apologized to TNA and those who helped him get the appearance.

Caster made his TNA debut at Bound for Glory, rapped about the Riyadh attacks and lost to Moose.

TNA issued a statement apologizing for the comments and said Caster would no longer wrestle for the company.

Caster posted an apology video to Instagram, according to Wrestling Observer.

Saud Abdulhamid becomes first Saudi to play in Champions League

The Lens right-back started against Sporting Lisbon, becoming the first Saudi player to appear in the Champions League. Lens and Sporting each had three points before the match.

Player
Saud Abdulhamid
Age
27
Club
Lens
Opponent
Sporting Lisbon

PSG grounds manager Jonathan Calderwood faces possible dismissal

Jonathan Calderwood has been called to a preliminary meeting that could lead to his dismissal. The move follows a dispute over the Parc des Princes pitch and the club’s fourth-place league pitch ranking.

Paris Saint-Germain Stade Rennais

Match venue

PSG was allowed to host the return match at the Parc des Princes after the first match was moved to Rennes.

Rennes contests the decision and has referred it to the CNOSF.

Pitch responsibility

PSG cited exceptional summer heat as an explanation for the poor pitch condition.

Rennes says PSG was responsible for having a pitch in good condition and argues the heat does not justify the problem.

Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs in first Test

Josh Hazlewood took six wickets as Australia defeated South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban. The three-Test series continues in Gqeberha on 18 October.

Entertainment

Nushrratt Bharuccha shares hospital video while recovering from spine surgery

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

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

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

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

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

“I want to spend the next decade of my life directing more movies... telling many more stories... so with a heavy heart I am making this season my last.”
Karan Joharfilmmaker and host

Kannada film Premada Oorali surges in its third weekend

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

Radhikka Madan says body-shaming pushed her to prioritise health

Radhikka Madan says she was criticised as too fat after gaining weight for a film, then became too thin while losing it. She says the pressure affected her health and led her to take a break.

Sunny Deol's Suryaa to reach cinemas on November 20, 2026

Sunny Deol has unveiled the first motion poster for Suryaa: From End to Beginning. The film is scheduled to open in cinemas on November 20, 2026.

Aafiya Sayed joins Nithiin in Telugu film Alias Rukmini

Aafiya Sayed will make her Telugu cinema debut as co-lead in Nithiin’s romantic comedy-drama Alias Rukmini, presented by Nani. The film is due in theaters on December 4, 2026.

Aafiya Sayed will make her Telugu cinema debut as co-lead in Alias Rukmini, a romantic comedy-drama starring Nithiin.

Nani is presenting the film under Unanimous Productions.

Sayed recently made her Bollywood debut in Prem Keetanu, a Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam romantic comedy Premalu.

The story centers on Krishna and Rukmini, with Nithiin’s character revealing that Rukmini is his wife in a title glimpse released earlier.

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Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna meet Tamil Nadu CM

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

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

Ranabaali is scheduled to be released in theatres.

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

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

Birthday
Amitabh Bachchan’s 84th
Date
October 11, 2026
Photo
Amitabh Bachchan and granddaughter Aaradhya Bachchan
Platform
Instagram

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

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

Mrunal Thakur does not confirm reports she is joining Raaka

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

Health

BioNTech cancer vaccine misses one goal in pivotal trial

BioNTech’s experimental mRNA vaccine for head and neck cancer failed to meet one of two primary goals in a pivotal trial.

“support continued evaluation”
Özlem TüreciBioNTech co-founder and chief medical officer

Suspected cholera cases triple in Yemen amid renewed fighting

Yemen has recorded 8,034 suspected cholera cases and 27 deaths this year. Cases tripled in three weeks as fighting displaced people into unsanitary camps.

Kudumbashree promotes local nutritious foods during Poshan Maah in Kozhikode

Kudumbashree in Kozhikode is holding food festivals and cooking contests to promote nutritious dishes made with local millets, tubers and leaves during Poshan Maah.

Review finds insufficient evidence for medicinal cannabis to treat insomnia

A review of nine trials involving 537 adults found too little reliable evidence to recommend medicinal cannabis for insomnia. The findings do not prove the products are ineffective.

EU regions urge stronger local role in cardiovascular health strategy

The EU Committee of the Regions unanimously adopted recommendations calling for more prevention and greater involvement of local authorities in European cardiovascular health efforts.

Flu season is starting early, raising questions about vaccination

Flu season is kicking off early. The story raises the question of whether people are getting vaccinated but gives no further details.

DEA proposes strict controls on concentrated kratom compounds

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances, while Michigan lawmakers consider whether to ban kratom or regulate its sale.

The DEA has proposed emergency restrictions on four kratom-linked substances found in some concentrated products.

The proposal would place the substances in Schedule I, the federal category for drugs considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States.

Kratom comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia and is sold in the United States in products such as powders, capsules and liquids.

It is marketed for pain relief and other uses, but as an herbal supplement it does not face the same safety testing rules as prescription medicines.

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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.

Pennsylvania announced the first two measles-related deaths, both infants in Lancaster County.

A 40-year-old woman in Jefferson County and an 18-year-old Mifflin County resident died after measles-related complications.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported the fifth death, involving a 20-year-old woman with a compromised immune system.

Pennsylvania reported the sixth death, involving a 39-year-old woman in Franklin County.

Higher physical activity linked to slower decline in Parkinson’s study

A study following 294 people with Parkinson’s for up to seven years linked higher activity levels with slower declines in thinking and movement. It does not prove exercise caused the difference.

Participants
294 adults with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease
Average age
66
Follow-up
Up to seven years
Activity groups
Up to four hours, four to eight hours, and more than eight hours weekly

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.

Traditional view of exercise adaptation Exercise-memory research

Effects of a break

Muscle gains and insulin sensitivity can drift back toward their starting levels, often within weeks.

Cells may retain memories of earlier training during a period without exercise.

Regaining fitness

The traditional “use it or lose it” view implies that benefits fade when training stops.

People with a training history may get fit again faster, and previously trained mice grew bigger muscles when they retrained.

Large study finds abrupt shifts in health markers at menopause

A study of more than one million women found sudden changes in several health markers around menopause. Researchers say the findings are observational and need further study.