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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 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.

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.

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Wadden Sea centre faces bankruptcy after public funding offer withdrawn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 minister rejects farmers’ alternative nitrogen plan

A group of farmers presented an alternative nitrogen plan, but Agriculture Minister Jaimi van Essen rejected it, saying it would not end the Netherlands’ nitrogen impasse.

A group of farmers in the Netherlands presented an alternative nitrogen plan on Tuesday.

The plan proposes much less far-reaching nitrogen standards.

The farmers hoped to persuade Agriculture Minister Jaimi van Essen to support it.

Van Essen rejected the plan.

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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.

Veilig Thuis received 136,000 reports, more than 90,000 of them concerning families it had not previously worked with.

Veilig Thuis warned that rising reports and limited resources were preventing it from handling reports on time.

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%

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.

Dutch government Capacity Body and ACTA dental faculty

Expansion

The minister rejected the recommendation to increase annual dental school places to 386, saying expansion would cost €30.1 million per year.

The Capacity Body recommended 386 places annually, and ACTA education director Etienne Verheijck said the recommendation should have been followed, at least in part.

Need for more places

The minister’s decision leaves the current plan at 270 places, rising to 290 next year.

The Capacity Body has advised increasing places since 2009, citing future need; Verheijck said the schools have room to train more students.

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

Taliban suspend BBC FM broadcasts across Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has suspended BBC FM broadcasts nationwide, citing repeated violations without giving details. The BBC says it is working with authorities and will continue on other platforms.

“Due to some repeated violations by the BBC media outlet, it is decided that for time being its activity is suspended across the country.”
Khubaib GhufranTaliban Ministry of Information and Culture spokesman

530 assistive devices distributed to 365 people in West Godavari

Union Minister of State Bhupathiraju Srinivas Varma distributed 530 assistive devices worth ₹1.10 crore to 365 people with disabilities in Palakollu, Andhra Pradesh.

Athawale opens handicraft and handloom fair in Mysuru

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale opened the Shilpa Samagama Mela in Mysuru, where artisans from 12 states are showing handloom and handicraft products.

India and Czech Republic agree to expand defence industry ties

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Czech official Karel Havlíček agreed in New Delhi to deepen defence industrial cooperation, including through joint ventures and a bilateral committee.

Hyderabad man arrested over alleged murder of wife after quarrel

Police in Hyderabad arrested a 29-year-old man over the alleged murder of his wife in Balapur after a quarrel about a suspected relationship.

Foundation awards scholarships to 18 girls in Machilipatnam

The Sarada Gopala Ratnam Foundation awarded scholarships to 18 students at a girls’ college in Machilipatnam and donated six computers to the college.

Two bridges complete coastal road link to Koyಿಲанди harbour

Two bridges have completed a coastal road link between Kollam Angadi and Koyilandy harbour, giving nearby fishing communities a direct route without using the national highway.

Two bridges have completed a coastal road link to Koyilandy harbour in Kerala, connecting it with Kollam Angadi.

The route passes coastal communities and beaches, including Kollam, Arayankavu and Gurukulam beach.

The bridges cost ₹1.16 crore, funded by the Harbour Engineering department.

The road gives local fishing communities direct access to the harbour without using the national highway.

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Indian Coast Guard rescues six fishermen off Mamallapuram

The Coast Guard rescued six fishermen after their boat was damaged and began flooding off Mamallapuram. They were taken to Chennai harbour in stable condition.

The Coast Guard received a distress call from the fishing boat.

The ICGS Sujay was sent to locate the boat, and six fishermen were rescued.

The fishermen were taken safely to Chennai harbour after receiving first aid aboard the Coast Guard vessel.

South Coast Railway seeks passenger feedback at Gudivada meeting

South Coast Railway officials held a passenger meeting in Gudivada, where travellers raised concerns about train capacity, station facilities and cleanliness.

Programme
Rail Jan Samvaad
Location
Gudivada, Krishna district
Date
October 13, 2026
Railway division
South Coast Railway, Vijayawada division

Police rescue five-year-old boy and arrest three in East Godavari kidnapping case

Police rescued a five-year-old boy in East Godavari district and arrested three people, including a 60-year-old woman, over his alleged kidnapping.

Dattatreya urges stronger livestock farming at Hyderabad awards ceremony

At an awards ceremony in Hyderabad, Bandaru Dattatreya called for more dairy, sheep and poultry farming to raise farmers’ incomes. The society honoured 22 people.

Business

Getty Images plans Chapter 11 restructuring and move to private ownership

Getty Images has secured up to $533 million from the Getty family and Koch Equity Development to restructure its debt and go private through a Chapter 11 process expected to finish by year-end.

“Getty Images is uniquely trusted around the world as the unparalleled leader in premium visual content”
Mark GettyGetty Images co-founder

Amazon in talks to buy AI startup Decart for about $7 billion

Amazon is discussing a roughly $7 billion purchase of AI startup Decart. Anthropic previously considered a $6 billion deal but passed after due diligence.

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.

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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.

JP Morgan lowered its Apple price target to $340 over supply constraint concerns.

Nikkei Asia reported that Apple had told select suppliers to cut iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max component production because of soft demand.

JP Morgan raised its Apple price target from $340 to $360 and maintained its Overweight rating.

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.

Works cited
At least 427 Warner-controlled works
Defendants
Luxottica Group S.p.A. and five affiliated companies
Court
US District Court for the Southern District of New York
Followers
36.14 million combined social media followers, according to Warner’s law firm

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

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.

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.

Norway fines Microsoft-owned Xandr $9.6 million over Grindr data sharing

Norway’s data protection authority fined Xandr a record 92 million kroner for sharing Grindr users’ sensitive data with advertisers without verifying consent. Xandr has three weeks to appeal.

DDoS attack disrupts Canonical websites for more than four hours

A second DDoS attack this year disrupted Canonical’s public websites for a little over four hours. Launchpad and the Snap Store stayed online, and no one claimed responsibility.

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.

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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.

Apple unveiled the Apple Home Collection in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.

Availability of the lineup is scheduled to begin.

Some accessories are expected to launch.

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.

Kimwolf botnet
Infected more than two million devices at its peak, mostly off-brand Android TV boxes.
Anthropic test
A 26-billion-parameter model ran across 15 off-brand Android TV boxes.
Test speed
The boxes collectively ran inference at 0.39 tokens per second.
GLM-5.2 trials
Spread to all 8 nodes in 4 of 5 trials.

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.

GitLab fixes maximum-severity flaw that could let attackers run server code

The flaw could let attackers run code on affected GitLab servers without logging in. GitLab urges users of self-managed systems to install patched versions.

Sports

Rams tackle Alaric Jackson punches Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb after OT loss

After Buffalo beat Los Angeles 37-34 in overtime, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson punched Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb during a postgame exchange at midfield.

“It's just emotions, you know what I mean? Emotional game. It was a close game,”
Bradley ChubbBills linebacker

Penix says he hopes to play next week after rib injury

Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left the Falcons’ overtime loss to Baltimore with a rib injury. He said he hopes to return next week, but further tests are planned.

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.

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.

Deebo Samuel expected to miss multiple weeks with hamstring injury

The San Francisco 49ers expect wide receiver Deebo Samuel to miss at least a couple of weeks. Nick Bosa could return from a calf injury against Washington in Week 6.

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.

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.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has officially joined the Houston Texans after passing his physical on Monday.

The 24-year-old wide receiver was traded from the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him fourth overall in the 2024 draft.

Houston sent Arizona a 2027 second-round pick and a seventh-round pick, and received Harrison and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Harrison reunites with quarterback C.J. Stroud, his former teammate at Ohio State.

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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.

Henderson injured his ankle during New England’s win over the Raiders.

ProFootballTalk reported that Henderson had a high-ankle sprain and was expected to miss multiple weeks.

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

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.

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.

Entertainment

Brazilian axé singer Netinho dies at 60

Netinho, whose 1996 hit “Mila” helped make him a leading axé singer, died in Salvador after a return of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“Artista extraordinário, talentoso, sensível e inovador, Netinho construiu uma trajetória marcada pela alegria, pela música e por um carisma inconfundível”
Netinho's teamArtist's representatives

Paul Panzer says his wife has died after 25 years together

German comedian Paul Panzer has publicly announced his wife's death. He says he will care for their son and is returning to the stage.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kacey Musgraves Fires Back at Kristi Noem Over Texas Senate Candidate

After James Talarico appeared at Musgraves’ Dallas concert, Kristi Noem criticized the singer’s support for him. Musgraves replied with a jab about Noem’s account of killing her dog.

Kacey Musgraves welcomed James Talarico at her Dallas concert over the weekend.

Talarico is a Democrat running for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas, where he is facing Republican Ken Paxton.

Kristi Noem criticized Musgraves for hosting Talarico and said she preferred country singer Ella Langley and Paxton.

Musgraves replied on X: “I don’t think you have a dog in this fight but if you did you would have shot it.”

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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.

Blair was detained after her Delta flight arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

A police officer accused Blair of kicking her while transporting her from the airport to an ambulance.

A nurse at the hospital accused Blair of kicking her in the chest.

Blair was arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault, and a judge set bail.

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.

Age
34
Breaking Bad role
Walter White Jr.
Seasons on the show
All five
Disability advocacy
Promoted awareness, inclusion and representation for people with disabilities

Epic delays Marvel and Star Wars game amid reported AI-first shift

Epic Games has delayed an unannounced shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters, with developers reportedly told to use AI tools for its production. The game has no new release date.

Epic Games management Some Epic developers

AI in development

CEO Tim Sweeney says AI can empower creators and help teams make more and better products.

Some developers were reportedly shocked by the AI-first pivot, and some hoped the directive was not fully serious.

Four Beatles films planned for release across April 2028

Sam Mendes’ four Beatles films are planned for release a week apart in April 2028. Producer Pippa Harris says viewers can watch them across the month, rather than all in one day.

Health

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.

“[The doctor] said right away, stop taking Ozempic”
Michelle FennellOzempic claimant

US FDA supports planned trial of StemSmart therapy for Crohn’s disease

The FDA supported most elements of NeuroScientific Biopharmaceuticals’ proposed phase two trial of its StemSmart cell therapy. The company aims to start the study in Australia and the US by the end of 2026.

UCLA specialists outline how doctors can choose between two MASH drugs

A UCLA-led review offers an algorithm to help doctors choose between resmetirom and semaglutide, the first two FDA-approved drugs for adults with MASH and moderate to advanced fibrosis.

Merck’s eye drug meets main study goal, but results are mixed

Merck said its candidate remigromig met the main goal in a pivotal study for diabetic macular edema, but the full results raise questions about its commercial prospects.

FDA approves Asahi Kasei’s herpes treatment

Japan’s Asahi Kasei Therapeutics won FDA approval for a herpes treatment it acquired earlier this year in a deal worth almost $1 billion.

Inclisiran lowered LDL cholesterol more than bempedoic acid in a trial

In a study of 402 adults at high cardiovascular risk, inclisiran reduced LDL cholesterol more than bempedoic acid after 150 days. Similar overall rates of side effects were reported in both groups.

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.

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

The vaccine is still experimental.

The trial had two primary goals, also called endpoints.

The vaccine missed the first goal.

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Early research links GLP-1 drugs to signs of slower biological aging

Early research suggests GLP-1 drugs may affect biological aging, but experts say the evidence is not strong enough to use them solely in hopes of living longer.

Lilly’s Surmount V trial randomly assigned more than 700 overweight adults without diabetes to use tirzepatide or semaglutide.

Researchers examined biological-age markers in 71 participants over age 50 who were taking tirzepatide.

Kevin Duffin presented the aging findings at the Aging Research and Drug Discovery conference in Boston.

CNN published its report on the early research.

Syndax ends Niktimvo development for lung disease after Phase 2 failure

Syndax is ending development of Niktimvo for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after the treatment failed a mid-stage trial.

Drug
Niktimvo
Company
Syndax
Disease
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
Trial stage
Phase 2

Experts raise safety concerns about Neurocrine’s Prader-Willi drug

Vykat XR has been linked to seven deaths and nearly 100 hospitalizations since its approval, though case reports do not prove the drug caused them. Some experts are urging its withdrawal.

Experts urging withdrawal Other experts urging caution

Evidence of harm

Karen Vogt is urging the FDA to withdraw Vykat XR, and some experts say the evidence indicates unacceptable harm.

The case reports do not prove Vykat XR caused the deaths or hospitalizations, and many cases involved complex medical issues and multiple medications.

Bristol Myers lung drug succeeds at lower dose, but higher dose misses target

Bristol Myers Squibb said admilparant slowed lung function decline in a Phase 3 trial of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but only the lower dose met the main goal.