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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 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.

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Wadden Sea centre faces bankruptcy after public funding offer withdrawn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.

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.

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.

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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.

Dutch environmental law makes permits easier but oversight harder

A report says the Dutch Environment and Planning Act has made permit applications easier, but left supervisors with less oversight, putting compliance with environmental rules at risk.

World

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.

“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today”
Six Flags spokespersonCompany spokesperson

Saudi-led coalition tells civilians to leave Yemen oil site in Sanaa

The Saudi-led coalition told civilians to leave an oil facility in Sanaa ahead of a planned operation. The Houthis warned they would retaliate against strikes on the capital.

Hezbollah announces housing aid of up to $14,000 for displaced families

Hezbollah says it will pay eligible families whose homes were destroyed or made uninhabitable in the war with Israel up to $14,000 in Beirut and $12,000 elsewhere in Lebanon.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Drones struck two cargo ships off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast overnight on October 13.

One ship sank, and five crew members were rescued, while 11 others remained missing as search efforts continued.

The other ship, the Ukrainian-owned Chelsea 3, was hit by three drones, and all 15 crew members were evacuated; five had minor injuries.

The attacks came a week after two other commercial ships were hit in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, with one sinking and its crew presumed dead.

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Spanish royals visit Ceuta after deadly migration crisis

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited Ceuta to show support for residents after a mass border crossing from Morocco. They are due to travel to Melilla on Wednesday.

More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, according to Africanews; SCMP and AP reported about 80,000 crossings in July and more than 140 deaths.

More than 350 police officers and soldiers took part in an operation to clear the last major informal settlement at El Guano.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia began their first visit to Ceuta.

The royal couple are due to travel to Melilla.

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.

Vessel
DF Peak
Location
More than 450 nautical miles south of Réunion
Flag
Benin
EU sanctions status
Listed among the EU-sanctioned ships

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.

A senior Ukrainian official U.S. counterparts

Advance warning

The Ukrainian official said, “They say they didn't cut it off, but they didn't warn us (about the attack) either.

U.S. counterparts said they had not cut off intelligence sharing; the official said they were told the Americans “just didn't see (the launch)...

Possible explanation

The official called the explanation “a weak excuse” and said the incident might have been “a game” to test Ukraine's reaction.

The sources report no evidence that the incident resulted from a deliberate decision to withhold intelligence.

MI5 chief warns of rising threats from Russia, Iran and AI

MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum said the service is devoting more resources to state threats than during the Cold War, citing Russia, Iran and emerging risks from AI.

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

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.

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.

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.

Traders on Kalshi, a prediction market, expect US inflation to remain high even if it has already peaked this year.

They forecast that September consumer prices rose 3.6% from a year earlier, up from 3.4% in August.

That September figure is due Wednesday, and the forecast matches economists’ estimate cited in the reports.

The inflation contracts are settled using official data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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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.

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.

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.

Dutch organisations develop MyCheck digital identity wallet

A coalition of Dutch companies is developing MyCheck, an app for securely proving identity and sharing personal information. Users choose what details to share.

Evidence does not show Yandex strikes reduced Russian disinformation bots

Ukrainian strikes knocked Yandex data centres offline, but claims that they sharply reduced Russian disinformation bots rely on misread or unverified data.

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.

Ledger links CryptoBilis wallet implants to confirmed crypto thefts

Ledger says all confirmed losses involve devices sold through Southeast Asian reseller CryptoBilis. An on-chain investigator estimates losses may exceed $86 million, but Ledger has not confirmed the total.

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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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

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.

Critics of the apps Supporters of the apps

AI-generated code

Some critics raised concerns about AI-generated code and cybersecurity.

Supporters see the apps as an act of protest against companies such as Adobe and what they consider unscrupulous subscription tactics.

Scientists call for stronger safeguards against AI hacking

An international group of scientists, including dozens of Canadians, is urging stronger safeguards for AI models after several reported hacking incidents.

Sports

Fog keeps LSU coaches and players from SEC Basketball Media Day

LSU's men's and women's basketball representatives missed SEC Media Day in Birmingham after fog caused a ground stop in Baton Rouge.

“What we're doing is unconventional”
Will WadeLSU men’s basketball coach

Clippers waive Yuki Kawamura before 2026-27 NBA season

The Los Angeles Clippers waived Japanese guard Yuki Kawamura as they finalize their roster for the 2026-27 season. He could join the team’s G League affiliate.

Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey sells privately for $14 million

A jersey Jordan wore in Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $14 million in a private sale, setting a record for basketball memorabilia.

LeBron James says Miami Heat have strong defensive potential

The Lakers star praised Miami’s defensive talent and coach Erik Spoelstra’s ability to make the roster fit ahead of the upcoming NBA season.

Knicks assess roster needs as Bruce Brown seeks a spot

Bruce Brown is trying to earn one of the Knicks’ remaining roster spots in training camp. The team is also preparing to defend its title as Karl-Anthony Towns focuses on winning again.

Warriors and Brandin Podziemski agree to five-year, $110 million extension

Golden State has agreed to a fully guaranteed five-year, $110 million extension with guard Brandin Podziemski, keeping him off next summer’s restricted free-agent market.

KJ Simpson Expected to Join Galatasaray in Turkey

The former Denver Nuggets guard is expected to sign with Galatasaray, which is seeking to strengthen its roster. The club has not yet formally announced the deal.

KJ Simpson is expected to sign with Galatasaray, a club based in Istanbul, Turkey.

The 24-year-old American guard was cut by the Denver Nuggets near the start of training camp after previously playing for the Charlotte Hornets.

He has made 56 NBA appearances, averaging 6.7 points and 2.8 assists per game.

Simpson was drafted 42nd overall in 2024 and has also played in the G League.

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Kings sign Aaron Nkrumah and Damari Monsanto to Exhibit 10 contracts

The Sacramento Kings signed undrafted wings Aaron Nkrumah and Damari Monsanto to Exhibit 10 contracts. Both are likely to play for the team’s G League affiliate in Stockton.

Monsanto went undrafted.

Nkrumah earned Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year honors at Tennessee State.

Monsanto played in the G League, appearing in 45 games for three teams.

The Stockton Kings acquired Monsanto’s G League returning rights from the Capital City Go-Go.

The Kings’ signings of Nkrumah and Monsanto were reported.

Porzingis to meet Warriors medical staff after two-week absence

Kristaps Porzingis is expected at the Warriors’ San Francisco facility Tuesday for a medical evaluation. The team has not said when he can return to play.

Absence
Two weeks
Expected meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026
Location
Chase Center, San Francisco
Medical contact
Rick Celebrini, director of sports medicine and performance

Maxime Raynaud to miss at least two weeks with knee injury

The Sacramento Kings say center Maxime Raynaud has a right kneecap subluxation and will be reevaluated in about two weeks. The injury is not considered serious, but he is expected to miss the start of the regular season.

A Search for the 2026-27 Utah Jazz’s Historical Equivalent

A story asks which past team offers a historical comparison for the 2026-27 Utah Jazz, but its available text gives no answer.

Entertainment

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.

“This was not an intentional assault.”
Shawn BarnesBlair’s lawyer

GTA 6 PC release reportedly planned for early 2027

Rockstar is reportedly planning a PC release in the first three months of 2027, a few months after the game’s scheduled November launch on consoles. The company has not confirmed a PC version.

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.

Carmelo Hayes returns on Raw and joins 946 in attack on The Bloodline

Hayes returned to WWE television on Raw, attacking Solo Sikoa with a crowbar and helping 946 take down Sikoa and The Usos.

Keri Russell says she and Matthew Rhys had sex on ‘The Americans’ set

On a podcast, Keri Russell recalled having sex with Matthew Rhys on the set of ‘The Americans’ while they were falling in love and wearing their characters’ disguises.

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.

Thélyson Orélien denies using AI to write novel, admits plagiarism

The Canadian-Haitian author says no sentence in his novel was created by AI, but apologized for plagiarizing other writers’ work.

Thélyson Orélien denies that AI wrote any sentence of his novel, “C’était ça ou mourir.”

The Canadian-Haitian writer says he used tools for research but wrote the book himself.

He apologized and accepted responsibility for plagiarizing texts by established authors after moving to Canada.

He says he began writing the novel in Quebec in 2017 and finished a first draft in 2019.

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Hillary Clinton and Kara Swisher to launch political podcast

Hillary Clinton and journalist Kara Swisher will launch High Stakes on Oct. 14 with Vox Media. They plan to discuss political issues ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

Clinton guest-hosted Swisher’s podcast “Pivot.

High Stakes” is set to premiere as the third episode of “On With Kara Swisher.

The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled to take place.

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.

U.S. price
$149.99
Included items
Light-up Faye statue, 51-card Oracle deck and mini artbook
Game included
No disc or digital download code
Release date
Feb. 16, 2027

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.

Xbox leadership Critics of Xbox’s recent restructuring

New games

Sharma reportedly said Xbox must create enduring new intellectual property and find new ways to reach audiences.

The articles argue that studio departures, project cancellations and a focus on major franchises conflict with that goal.

Company strategy

Sharma reportedly said Xbox is backing its strongest franchises.

Critics say the recent changes appear to prioritize established brands over creative risks and new ideas.

Critics praise Paul Bettany’s new take on Vision in ‘VisionQuest’

Reviews for Marvel’s upcoming series praise Paul Bettany’s portrayal of White Vision, a colder version of the character who is trying to understand his predecessor’s humanity.

Health

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.

“Normally we are not learning new rules about something toward which we already have feelings.”
Alex RichFormer graduate student in Ifat Levy’s lab and current MIT researcher

Early-onset Alzheimer’s linked to different health problems than later-onset disease

A study found that people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s before 65 had a different pattern of health problems from those with later-onset disease, especially in the five years before diagnosis.

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.

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.

Olive oil before glucose reduced blood sugar spikes in mice

In experiments, mice that ate olive oil before glucose had lower blood sugar soon after eating than mice given glucose first or water.

Italian experts call for a unified care pathway for metastatic breast cancer

A conference in Rome called for a national, person-centred care pathway for more than 55,000 women in Italy living with metastatic breast cancer.

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.

Fertility doctors explain what happens after egg freezing and why thawing is not the end of the process.

The discussion focuses on how eggs are frozen and thawed.

Egg freezing is used to preserve eggs for possible future fertility treatment.

Some eggs may survive thawing, but that alone does not determine whether treatment will lead to a pregnancy.

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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.

A lung nodule was detected.

Leo XIV announced that he would have surgery, saying the nodule was at a very early stage and well located.

The surgery is planned at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

The Holy See expects the pope to stay in hospital for about a week.

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.

Treatment
Hormones used for egg freezing
Side effects
Bloating, breakouts and increased sexual desire
Outlet
CNN
Video length
1 minute, 42 seconds

Studies differ on whether sperm counts are falling worldwide

A 2022 global analysis estimated large declines in sperm concentration and total count, while a 2025 review of US studies found no overall change in its initial analysis.

2022 global analysis 2025 review of American men

Overall trend

Estimated average sperm concentration fell 51.6% and total sperm count fell 62.3% between 1973 and 2018.

Found no overall change in sperm concentration in its initial analysis of samples collected from 1970 through 2018.

Adjusted findings

Not stated.

After adjustments for geographic region and fertility status, found a modest annual decline.

Scope

Combined 223 studies involving more than 57,000 men from 53 countries.

Covered 58 studies involving 11,787 American men without known infertility issues.

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.