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Swiss university student numbers forecast to rise 21% by 2035

Switzerland expects 305,000 higher-education students by 2035. Politicians and business groups say vocational training and practical experience will matter, while universities seek more funding.

“The second reason is the appeal of Swiss universities. More and more young people obtain a vocational baccalaureate after basic education and go to a university of applied sciences. We also see an increase in academic baccalaureates.”
Jacques BabelHead of the Education Perspectives division, Federal Statistical Office

Swiss ministers may seek changes to their government departments

Beat Jans and Martin Pfister may seek new portfolios before a Swiss government election. Business and political figures oppose Jans taking the economics department.

Proposal to count lifetime working hours could reshape retirement debate

Supporters want to introduce a lifetime-working-hours model to address pension funding. The idea currently has majority support among the public and good prospects in parliament, but its details are complex.

Swiss audit finds major delays in pesticide approval system

Half of pesticide approval applications filed in Switzerland from 2018 to 2025 remain pending. The federal authority accepts the audit’s recommendations and plans changes.

Marianne Meier lives on 1,061 francs a month in social assistance

Marianne Meier says she lives on 1,061 francs a month in social assistance. She shops for discounted food and heats her home with wood.

Appenzell Ausserrhoden asked whether it will require criminal-record checks

Three lawmakers have asked Appenzell Ausserrhoden’s government whether it will create a legal basis to routinely request criminal-record extracts from EU citizens applying for residence permits.

Swiss helicopter operator accused of exceeding flight limits in Bernese Oberland

Residents counted about 5,000 helicopter movements above the permitted limit in 2025; Swiss Helicopter’s chief estimates the excess at about 3,000. Lawmaker Martin Candinas is calling for higher limits.

Swiss Helicopter exceeded permitted flight limits in the Bernese Oberland, according to counts by local residents.

For 2025, residents counted about 5,000 extra helicopter movements, while company chief Christoph Schmid put the excess at about 3,000.

The company’s flights serve a range of needs, including supplying mountain huts, carrying materials to remote work sites, tourism and pilot training.

Martin Candinas, a Swiss lawmaker and head of the Swiss Helicopter Association, says the current limits no longer reflect the industry’s needs and wants higher allowances and less regulation.

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Swiss tenants’ group gathers 100,848 signatures against rent proposal

The Swiss Tenants’ Association says it collected 100,848 signatures in two weeks against the government’s proposed alternative to a rent initiative.

The Federal Council presented its direct counterproposal to the rent initiative.

The tenants’ association says it gathered more than 100,000 signatures against the proposal.

The association handed over its petition, which it said had 100,848 signatures.

Swiss voters to decide on easing war-material export rules

A committee opposing looser Swiss arms-export rules has made its case ahead of a November 29 vote, warning the change could harm Switzerland’s credibility and humanitarian standing.

Committee parties
Social Democratic Party, Greens and Evangelical People’s Party
Vote date
29 November
National Council vote
122 to 68, with 6 abstentions
Council of States vote
31 to 11, with 1 abstention

Swiss housing debate focuses on market rules and construction barriers

A Le Temps opinion argues that tighter housing rules and objections to construction are limiting supply in Switzerland as demand grows.

Supporters of tighter housing controls Le Temps commentary author

Housing policy

They want measures including rent controls, affordable-housing quotas, pre-emption rights and permits for some renovations.

The author argues that successive regulations have worsened the housing problem.

Construction and supply

Not stated.

The author says objections and regulations discourage construction and keep supply from meeting demand.

Landlords may be required to install electric-car charging stations

Renters and condominium owners often struggle to get charging stations installed. A proposed law would require landlords to install them, drawing strong criticism from homeowners.

World

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.

“One person is in cardiac arrest and around seven others have been injured”
Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters officialOfficial

Emergency response for Christa Pike delayed by confusion after failed execution

911 recordings show more than half an hour passed before Tennessee prison officials confirmed a call for medical help after Christa Pike survived a lethal injection attempt.

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.

Burnham says Iran’s Revolutionary Guard likely directed Fairford plot

The British prime minister said a suspected plot near RAF Fairford was likely coordinated in Iran and almost certainly directed by the IRGC. Iran denies involvement.

Russia avoids Ukrainian energy targets in one night after ceasefire announcement

Russia hit no Ukrainian energy targets overnight into Tuesday, but attacked transport and logistics sites with missiles and drones. Ukrainian officials said four people were killed in Kharkiv.

Joseph Kabila leads new coalition with M23 rebels in DR Congo

Former president Joseph Kabila has launched a political and military coalition with M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. The group says it aims to unite resistance forces and may use force.

One dead and several injured in incident at Six Flags Over Georgia

One person died and several others were injured in an incident involving the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Authorities are investigating how it happened.

One person died and several others were injured in an incident involving the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Georgia.

The park is about 24 kilometres north-west of Atlanta.

Police have not said how the person died or what caused the injuries.

Witness accounts reported by some outlets say a person fell from the ride, but officials have not confirmed this.

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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.

Bild reported that three pilots separately saw an object during takeoff or landing, disrupting air traffic.

Nuremberg airport suspended flight operations after an aviation emergency alert.

Police said an aircraft had landed safely and that the cause was under investigation.

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.

Suspect
Devin Ballard, a US Marine stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma
Victim
Anna Yagi, 39
Location
A hotel in Naha, Okinawa
Arrest
Oct. 4, 2026

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.

China opposes India naming 28 locations in Ladakh

China rejected India's move to give standardised names to 28 locations and geographical features in Ladakh, saying the areas belong to China. India says the naming is for official mapping and identification.

Business

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.

“Defendants used the Plaintiffs’ copyrighted works to build their brand profiles and drive sales without paying any compensation to Plaintiffs.”
Warner Music Groupmusic company and plaintiff

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.

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.

Bison plans first drilling at Nevada’s Bald Peaks gold-silver target

Bison Resources has filed a notice for seven drill pads at Bald Peaks in Nevada. It is targeting a December 2026 start, after rock-chip assay results are due by the end of October.

Treasuries rise as Asian equity losses spur haven demand

US Treasuries gained when trading resumed after a long weekend, as falling Asian shares increased demand for haven assets.

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

Amazon is negotiating to acquire San Francisco-based AI startup Decart in a deal valued at about $7 billion. The companies have not announced a completed deal.

Amazon is negotiating to buy Decart, an artificial intelligence startup based in San Francisco.

The proposed deal is valued at about $7 billion, but it has not been completed.

Decart was valued at about $4 billion in 2026 after raising $300 million.

Its products include Lucy, which can edit video live, and Oasis, which generates simulated environments.

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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.

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%.

Models
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Order change
October parts orders reportedly reduced by 15% to 20%
Price increase
150 euros compared with the models' predecessors
Next model launch
Apple plans to launch the standard iPhone 18 next spring

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.

Wall Street closes mixed as technology shares fall

The Dow rose as energy shares gained, while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 fell. Investors are watching for bank earnings and US economic data this week.

Science & Tech

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.

“The attack was probably launched around 11 p.m., but we only realised at 4 a.m., when our delivery driver saw that the storeroom was flooded.”
Charles DezonOwner of an Intermarché supermarket in Gradignan

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.

Hubble data point to a possible second-generation planet around a white dwarf

Researchers found unusually high niobium levels in Hubble data from white dwarf HS 0209+0832, suggesting a planet formed from material shed by a dying star. The finding needs confirmation.

GitLab urges self-managed users to patch critical code execution flaw

A critical flaw could let unauthenticated attackers run code on self-managed GitLab servers. GitLab has released fixes and urges administrators to upgrade immediately.

Google launches Fitbit Edge with GPS, health tracking and replaceable battery

The $179.99 Fitbit Edge adds a display, built-in GPS and expanded health tracking to Google’s fitness lineup. Preorders are open, with sales starting October 27.

Maynooth Researchers Build a DNA Computer That Needs No Continuous Power

Researchers at Maynooth University built a DNA-based computer that can perform calculations without continuous electricity. It can be reused for up to 25 calculations, though it is slower than silicon computers.

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.

Epic Games is making a major shift toward AI to speed up the development of its games, CEO Tim Sweeney said on Oct.

12.

The American company makes Fortnite and also provides its Unreal Engine development software to other studios.

Epic says it is moving developers into new roles to make greater use of AI, with Sweeney saying the aim is to help teams build more and better products.

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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.

Meta invested US$14 billion in Scale AI and hired its co-founder Alexandr Wang.

Meta launched its Muse Spark model.

Meta launched Muse Code, a product for AI-assisted coding.

Meta launched the Muse agent app and revealed Muse Charm, a handheld AI hardware product, at its Connect developer conference.

Meta unveiled Muse Wonder and Wonder Full.

Cyberattack disrupts systems at TFG’s three UK fashion brands

The Foschini Group says a cyber incident affected IT systems at Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles in the UK. Stores remain open while the company investigates.

Affected brands
Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles
Unaffected UK brands
Inside Story and White Stuff
Stores
Open and trading
Other operations
TFG Africa and TFG Australia were not affected

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.

Shanghai robot debuts with a rated payload above five tons

Shanghai Chaifu Robotics unveiled its CR5000-3700 at an industry fair in Shanghai, demonstrating that it can lift a vehicle. Its performance in continuous industrial use remains to be proven.

Sports

Conor McGregor joins TikTok while recovering from knee injury

McGregor debuted on TikTok holding a baby goat. He is recovering from an ACL tear and is expected to remain out of the UFC until 2027.

“What’s up, folks? It’s Mac here with a mega announcement,”
Conor McGregorUFC fighter

AEW WrestleDream 2026 set for Oct. 17 in Orlando

AEW WrestleDream 2026 will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 17 in Orlando. Will Ospreay is set to defend the AEW World title against seven challengers in a new match type.

Michael Page signs multi-year deal with Misfits Boxing after UFC exit

The 39-year-old British fighter has signed a multi-fight, multi-year deal with Misfits Boxing after the UFC did not renew his contract. His first fight with the promotion has not been announced.

Makhachev and Prates reportedly targeted for UFC 336 in Toronto

Islam Makhachev is reportedly expected to defend his welterweight title against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 on January 30 in Toronto, if negotiations continue as planned.

Alalshikh says Canelo Alvarez will fight in Riyadh despite airport attacks

Turki Alalshikh says Canelo Alvarez intends to face Christian Mbilli in Riyadh on Oct. 31 despite attacks on the city’s airport. The airport strikes caused deaths and injuries.

Indi Hartwell wins TNA Knockouts World Championship at Bound for Glory

Indi Hartwell defeated Xia Brookside at TNA Bound for Glory 2026 to win the Knockouts World Championship, with Mickie James serving as special guest referee.

CMLL confirms six matches for October 13 Arena Mexico card

CMLL confirmed six matches for its Martes Populares show in Mexico City on October 13, including a main event between Mascara Dorada and Zandokan Jr.

CMLL confirmed six matches for its Martes Populares show on Tuesday, October 13, at Arena Mexico in Mexico City.

The main event is Mascara Dorada against Zandokan Jr. The card also includes tag-team and six-person tag-team matches.

Two of those matches are scheduled as best two out of three falls contests.

The event is one of two CMLL shows taking place that day.

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AEW names confirmed for NJPW Power Struggle in Hiroshima

Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay and other wrestlers are confirmed for NJPW Power Struggle on November 3 in Hiroshima, with several championship matches planned.

Wrestling Observer reported that five AEW wrestlers had been confirmed for Power Struggle.

NJPW Power Struggle is scheduled to take place in Hiroshima.

Andre Fili Says He May Pursue Pro Wrestling After MMA

After a second-round knockout win over Kai Kamaka III, UFC fighter Andre Fili said he may try pro wrestling after MMA and plans to use steroids to get bigger.

Fight record after win
26-14
Opponent
Kai Kamaka III
Result
Second-round knockout
Professional fighting began
2009

Leon Slater becomes TNA’s youngest world champion at 22

Leon Slater defeated Nic Nemeth at Bound For Glory to win the TNA World Championship, becoming the youngest champion in the promotion’s history.

Kayla Harrison says she is ready to return after neck surgery

The UFC women’s bantamweight champion says neck surgery left her unsure she would feel like herself again. She is scheduled to defend her title against Amanda Nunes on Nov. 14 in New York.

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.

Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii makes interrogation game with AI in about 30 minutes

Yuji Horii shared a short, text-based game in which players question a suspect. He said AI helped him make it in about 30 minutes, without drawing or programming.

Sean Lennon says he and Julian received equal inheritances

Sean Lennon said he and his half brother Julian inherited the same amount from their father, John Lennon, with Julian’s trust slightly larger by a negligible amount.

Chandler Riggs Makes Resident Evil 7 Fan Film and Seeks Cregger Collaboration

The Walking Dead actor Chandler Riggs made a 20-minute fan film based on Resident Evil 7 and says he would welcome working with director Zach Cregger on another film in the franchise.

Princess Eugenie shares video of daughter on eighth wedding anniversary

Princess Eugenie posted a video of Jack Brooksbank holding their two-month-old daughter, Adelaide, as she marked their eighth wedding anniversary.

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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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.

Shane Gillis hosted “SNL” and joked about women’s workout clothes in his monologue.

Dan Levy posted a reaction criticizing the jokes.

Ego Nwodim shared a gym photo and a post-workout meal photo with pointed captions on Instagram Story.

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

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

Agency
INTENTION
Closure date
March 31, 2027
Announcement date
October 13, 2026
Reason cited
Kenichi Suzumura’s adjustment disorder

Glen Schofield says Krafton made him release The Callisto Protocol early

Glen Schofield says Krafton withdrew three promised months of development time during the pandemic, forcing his team to release The Callisto Protocol in December 2022 with problems still unresolved.

Glen Schofield Krafton

Development time

Schofield said Krafton promised three extra months and then withdrew them, forcing the game to ship.

Schofield said Krafton thought the game was a complete failure; Krafton’s own account is not included in the sources.

Management and development

Schofield said many of the studio’s problems were caused by Korean management.

Schofield said Krafton required a PlayStation 4 version, which he said would cost an extra $20 million; the sources do not include Krafton’s response.

Ben Affleck calls Justice League reshoots the low point of his career

Affleck says making Justice League was a deeply negative experience, citing the reshoots after Zack Snyder left the film and tension between the director and studio.

Health

Study links several health issues to early-onset Alzheimer’s years before diagnosis

A Finnish study found several health conditions were more common in people later diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, especially in the five years before diagnosis. The findings do not show that these conditions cause the disease.

“Most previous studies have focused on late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and considerably less is known about early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.”
Suvi-Johanna Krügerstudy co-author and clinical lecturer at University of Oulu

UK stroke rates are rising faster among Black African and Caribbean people

Research cited by a BBC programme found strokes are increasing faster among Black African and Black Caribbean people in the UK than among white people, mainly because of high blood pressure.

Early studies suggest soup may ease respiratory infection symptoms

A review of four studies found people who ate soup sometimes had milder symptoms and recovered up to 2.5 days sooner. Researchers say the evidence is still limited.

Cellular recycling does not always decline with age, study finds

A study of blood and skin samples found that cellular recycling changes differently with age depending on cell type and sex, challenging the idea that it always declines.

Everyday conditions can combine to raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis risk is not limited to hospital stays or surgery. Prolonged immobility can add to risks such as obesity, cancer, pregnancy and hormone use.

Pope Leo XIV to have surgery to remove early-stage lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled for surgery in Rome this week to remove a lung nodule detected during routine medical tests. The Vatican expects him to recover for about a week.

Pope Leo XIV to have lung nodule removed in surgery this week

Pope Leo XIV says doctors found a small, early-stage lung nodule and recommended surgery. The Vatican expects him to stay in hospital for about a week.

Pope Leo XIV, who is 71, says he will have surgery to remove a nodule from his lung.

Doctors found it during recent medical tests and described it as being at a very early stage and well located.

The operation is expected in the first days of this week at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

A lung nodule is a small area of tissue seen on scans, and it can have several causes, including infection, inflammation or a tumor.

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Pope Leo XIV to have surgery to remove an early-stage lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV, 71, is due to have surgery to remove a lung nodule found during a routine exam. Most lung nodules are benign, and many cause no symptoms.

Doctors identified a lung nodule in Pope Leo XIV.

The pope was expected to be admitted to hospital for surgery to remove the nodule.

Pope Leo XIV to have surgery to remove early-stage lung nodule

Pope Leo XIV says doctors found a small, localized lung nodule and advised surgery. The operation is scheduled for early this week, followed by about a week of hospital recovery.

Nodule
Small and localized; detected at a very early stage
Planned surgery
First days of the week after October 11, 2026
Estimated recovery
About one week
Reported hospital
Gemelli Hospital, Rome

Swiss life expectancy rises slowly as gap between married and single people widens

Swiss life expectancy continues to rise, but more slowly than before. At age 65, married people can expect to live several years longer than single people.

Married people Single people

Life expectancy at age 65

Married men can expect 20.8 more years and married women 24.1.

Single men can expect 16.4 more years and single women 20.4.

Change among women since 2010

Not stated for married women.

Single women’s life expectancy at age 65 fell by 0.3 years.

Pope Leo XIV says he will have a lung nodule removed

Pope Leo XIV said doctors found a small, early-stage nodule in his lung and advised surgery. The operation is planned for the coming days, but no date was given.