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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.

“Die Schweiz könne nicht am Vormittag als Vermittlerin in Konflikten auftreten und am Nachmittag die Munition für dieselben Konflikte liefern”
Marc JostEVP member of the National Council

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.

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.

Uznach backs away from plan to halve its stork population

Uznach proposed cutting its stork population by half because of droppings and concerns about protected areas, but the town has softened its position and plans talks with a local stork group.

Around 1,000 join unauthorised protest in Bern one year after violent Gaza rally

Around 1,000 people protested against capitalism and imperialism in Bern. Police blocked a march through the city centre, and said there were no major incidents.

About 1,000 people joined an unauthorised protest in Bern on Sunday against capitalism and imperialism.

It was held on the first anniversary of a Gaza-related demonstration in Bern that turned violent, injuring police officers, protesters and bystanders and causing major damage.

Police blocked a march through the city centre, directing protesters from several meeting points along a route through outer neighbourhoods towards the Reitschule.

The police said there were no major incidents; they detained one person carrying several knives, carried out identity checks and seized material.

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Swiss village plans truck deliveries to protect drinking water supply

Domleschg plans to truck water to Feldis and Scheid as drought threatens their supply. The measure is intended to keep water flowing through winter.

Domleschg, like many other regions in Switzerland, faced water shortages because of drought.

The municipality warned that supplies in Feldis and Scheid were becoming scarce.

The municipality informed residents that it planned to truck water to the two districts.

If spring flows continue to fall at the same rate, Feldis may not have enough water to meet demand.

If spring flows continue to fall at the same rate, Scheid may not have enough water to meet demand.

Swiss Helicopter accused of exceeding flight limits in Bernese Oberland

Residents counted about 5,000 more flight movements than allowed in 2025; the company’s chief estimated about 3,000. Swiss aviation authorities have opened proceedings against the airfield manager.

Company
Swiss Helicopter
Location
Bernese Oberland
Residents’ estimate for 2025
About 5,000 excess flight movements
Company chief’s estimate
About 3,000 additional flight movements

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.

Swiss tenants’ association Swiss Federal Council

Proposal’s effect

The association says the proposal would fuel rent increases and remove existing limits on returns.

The Federal Council presented the counterproposal; its view of the association’s criticism is Not stated.

Rent-setting approach

The association wants regular checks and reductions for rents deemed excessive, and says any counterproposal should include cost-based rents and a review mechanism.

The counterproposal would link rents to statistical comparisons of similar homes rather than binding control values.

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.

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.

“(We) deeply apologize for causing great concern to the public”
Justice ministrySouth Korean government ministry

Fire at plastic recycling plant in Nara; workers escape unharmed

A fire broke out at a waste-plastic recycling plant in Nara, Japan, on Oct. 13. Workers evacuated safely, and firefighters were still battling the blaze hours later.

North Korean hackers target Ukrainian experts for wartime intelligence

The Kimsuky hacking group used fake invitations and research requests to target Ukrainian experts, possibly seeking information about the war and North Korean troops in Russia.

Trump says he may meet Kim Jong Un during Asia trip in November

Donald Trump said he may meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a November trip to Asia, which includes a summit in China. No meeting has been confirmed.

Australian study finds rising sexual and family violence against children

A University of Sydney study found child sexual assaults rose between 2014 and 2024, with a sharp increase among teenage boys after 2021. Researchers called for a more coordinated response.

Philippines rejects China’s call to restore military communication channels

The Philippine military said it would not restore direct communication with China before maritime operations, arguing the channels did not build trust. Beijing has warned their absence could increase the risk of miscalculation.

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.

A US Marine was arrested on suspicion of killing an Okinawan woman at a hotel in Naha, the prefectural capital.

He has denied the allegations, and the case remains under investigation.

Japan and the United States have begun talks to review rules for troops off base and consider ways to prevent similar incidents.

The discussions will cover the military’s liberty policy, education and joint patrols by US forces and Japanese police.

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Chinese courts sentence three Myanmar crime group leaders to death

Courts in Fujian sentenced three leaders of crime groups operating in Myanmar to death. The case involved scam operations and the deaths of four Chinese citizens.

The Wei crime group and the Henry crime group carried out crimes from compounds in Laukkai, in Myanmar’s Kokang region, according to China News Service.

The trial was held, according to SCMP.

Courts in Fujian province announced sentences for 61 defendants in the Wei syndicate cases.

Australia seeks to stop online broadcast of planned US execution

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia will try to keep online footage of Nidal Hasan’s scheduled execution from being available in the country, though regulators’ powers are uncertain.

Prisoner
Nidal Malik Hasan
Scheduled execution
December 3
Location
Fort Hood, Texas
Planned method
Firing squad

US strategists debate ending ambiguity over Taiwan

A small group of US strategists is urging Washington to rule out military intervention in a Taiwan conflict, challenging a policy designed to deter both China and Taiwan from changing the status quo.

Realist strategists seeking to rule out intervention US strategic ambiguity

Policy

They want the United States to rule out military intervention over Taiwan to reduce the risk of a catastrophic war.

The policy leaves open whether the United States would intervene militarily.

Purpose

Not stated.

The policy was designed to deter Beijing from using force while preventing Taipei from formally declaring independence.

North Korea says tactical missile test upgraded a key weapons component

North Korea said it test-fired a tactical ballistic missile on Oct. 12, claiming the test confirmed an upgrade to a key component of its weapons systems.

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

Ezra Caudell shares first update after Philadelphia race crash

The 20-year-old cyclist says he has left rehabilitation after a severe crash at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic and will continue outpatient treatment in Georgia.

“I don’t remember anything about the actual crash personally, because I hit my head real good and don’t have much memory of that day entirely,”
Ezra CaudellModern Adventure Pro Cycling rider

Final Demand disqualified after positive test; Mullins fined

Final Demand was disqualified from second place in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at Cheltenham after testing positive for mepivacaine. Trainer Willie Mullins was fined £1,100.

Brisbane 2032 Olympics CEO Cindy Hook to leave when contract ends

Cindy Hook will leave her role as CEO of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games organising committee when her four-year contract ends early next year. A search for her replacement will begin immediately.

Filippo Ganna joins Lidl-Trek on a three-season deal

The Italian rider will leave Ineos after eight years to join Lidl-Trek through 2029. He says he hopes to race the Classics and support the team in Grand Tours.

Penguins trade Ryan Johnson to Sabres for Caleb Jones and Daniel Laatsch

Pittsburgh sent defenseman Ryan Johnson to Buffalo in exchange for defensemen Caleb Jones and Daniel Laatsch. The Sabres said Jones adds defensive depth while Rasmus Dahlin is day to day with an upper-body injury.

Wild forward Nico Sturm leaves game after puck hits his head

Nico Sturm left Minnesota’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights late in the first period after a puck hit him in the head.

Sindhu and Tanvi begin Denmark Open campaigns on Tuesday

P.V. Sindhu will play Germany’s Yvonne Li, while Tanvi Sharma faces Japan’s Natsuki Nidaira in their Denmark Open Round of 32 matches. Both matches will be streamed online.

P.V. Sindhu and Tanvi Sharma start their Denmark Open campaigns with Round of 32 matches on Tuesday in Denmark.

Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist from Hyderabad, was initially scheduled to face South Korea’s world No.

1 An Se-young but will play Germany’s Yvonne Li instead.

Seventeen-year-old Tanvi will face Japan’s Natsuki Nidaira.

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Matt Richardson withdrawn from Great Britain’s track cycling squad

British Cycling has withdrawn sprinter Matt Richardson from the world championships in Shanghai amid reports of an investigation into alleged misconduct.

Richardson was named in the British squad for the championships.

British Cycling confirmed that Richardson had been withdrawn from the squad.

The UCI Track Cycling World Championships are scheduled to take place in Shanghai.

DP World Tour bars LIV players from 2027 membership

Golfers who play in LIV Golf’s planned 2027 season will not be allowed to join the DP World Tour. Without tour membership, European players cannot qualify for the Ryder Cup.

DP World Tour CEO
Guy Kinnings
LIV investment
$300 million proposed from BC Partners, subject to conditions
LIV sign-up deadline
25 October 2026
DP World Tour application deadline
16 November 2026

Nick Blakey leaves Sydney Swans for North Melbourne after hotel scandal

North Melbourne secured defender Nick Blakey in a major trade with Sydney. Blakey apologised for his role in the Pullman Hotel incident, which led to club suspensions and a police investigation.

Women who made allegations Nick Blakey and the other suspended Sydney players

Allegations

Three women variously alleged sexual assault and inappropriate touching without consent.

The five players who served club-imposed bans denied criminal wrongdoing.

Grant Forrest wins Spanish Open to earn first Masters place

The Scottish golfer birdied the final hole in Madrid to win the Spanish Open by one shot. The victory earns him a place at next year’s Masters and The Open.

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

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.

“Our study found physical activity may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition.”
Dong-Woo Ryustudy author, University of Cincinnati

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.

Mexico’s military health system faces medicine supply pressure

Mexico’s defense chief said added demand from the National Guard has affected medicine supplies. He cited higher supply figures than official documents reported for prescription filling.

Beam shares early data on rare-disease gene-editing therapy

Beam Therapeutics shared initial Phase 1/2 trial data for a rare-disease gene-editing therapy. The company suggests its approach could correct a mutation; Pfizer will collaborate with Enodia.

Heal Italia proposes national plan for precision medicine

A Heal Italia white paper proposes a national strategy to bring precision medicine into Italy’s public health service, with a plan to strengthen care in the south.

Suki raises $90 million to develop AI agents for healthcare tasks

Healthcare AI company Suki raised $90 million in Series E financing. It plans to build AI agents for tasks such as referrals and prior authorizations and expand features offered through technology partners.

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.

A 39-year-old woman in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, has been reported as the state’s sixth measles-related death in less than two months.

The woman was unvaccinated and had underlying medical conditions, the county coroner’s office said.

The coroner’s spokesperson said the probable cause was an acute cardiac event that may have resulted from measles complications.

Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,136 measles cases and 219 hospitalizations, with two-thirds of cases in adults.

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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.

In the mouse protocol, the researchers trained mice for four to eight weeks.

The mice then had a period with no exercise.

The researchers trained the mice again to examine how cells recalled earlier exercise.

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.

Study population
More than one million women
Lab tests analyzed
More than 300 million
Study cohorts
United States and Israel
US dataset
52 of 90 lab tests showed statistically significant sudden changes

US man nearly dies after eating large amounts of beetroot

An 82-year-old man in the US developed a dangerous blood disorder after eating nearly three kilograms of cooked beetroot each week while taking heart medication.

Four medical staff suspended after cannula found in woman’s abdomen

Two assistant professors and two postgraduate students at Kakinada Government General Hospital were suspended for one month after a cannula was found in a woman’s abdomen following surgery.