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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 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.

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.

Swiss voters will decide on November 29 whether to keep or reject a relaxation of the country’s war-material export rules.

Parliament approved the change in December 2025, partly to support Swiss arms companies.

Exports to countries involved in armed conflicts would still be banned, but 36 countries would be exempt from that ban.

Representatives of the Social Democratic Party, the Greens and the Evangelical People’s Party are campaigning against the change.

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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

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

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

“It is not going to have any impact on prices. The first amount [due to be shipped to the US] is so small.”
Ashley KeltyEnergy analyst, Panmure Liberum

Durham police warn of online group coercing children into harmful acts

Durham Regional Police say an online network called “The Com” is targeting young people and coercing some into harmful or criminal activities. They urge adults to talk with children and report safety concerns.

Pennsylvania grandfather kills eight people in Erie home shooting

A 45-year-old man killed eight people, including children and a pregnant woman, in a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, then took his own life. Police are investigating what led to the shooting.

Mexican cartels steal US rental vehicles for use and conversion

Mexican cartels are stealing rental vehicles across the United States and taking them to Mexico. Some trucks are fitted with armor and weapons, while only a small share of stolen vehicles are recovered.

Michael Mosbach, Neil Peart’s longtime security and riding partner, dies

Michael Mosbach, who worked with RUSH drummer Neil Peart for decades, has died after a battle with glioblastoma. He later organized a charity event raising money for brain cancer research.

Duane Davis faces life sentence for Tupac Shakur murder

Duane Davis, convicted of first-degree murder for orchestrating Tupac Shakur’s 1996 killing, was due to be sentenced in Las Vegas. He faces life in prison without parole and says he will appeal.

Cornell suspends student events after sexual assault allegations

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

Cornell suspended student-group events for the rest of the school year after a former student’s sexual assault allegations prompted widespread anger.

The case involves a woman identified as Jane Doe and seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity at Cornell in Ithaca, New York.

She alleges they sexually assaulted her at a party in October 2024 after she consumed alcohol and ketamine; the men deny wrongdoing.

A planned homecoming concert by Between Friends was canceled by the student-run Cornell Concert Commission, which said it stands with survivors.

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Navi Pillay urges US to defend human rights amid ICC sanctions

Nobel Peace laureate Navi Pillay urged the United States to resume its role as a human rights defender after it imposed sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court. The sanctions were suspended for six months.

The United States announced sanctions aimed at the ICC hours after Pillay was named the Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Pillay urged the United States to return to its role as a defender of human rights in an interview in The Hague.

Florida Executes James Robertson, Its 17th Prisoner This Year

Florida executed James Robertson, who said he deliberately killed another inmate to get on death row. It was the state's 17th execution this year and its first since a botched injection in Tennessee.

Prisoner executed
James Robertson
State
Florida
Executions this year
17
Reported
October 13, 2026

Texas man hit by ICE vehicle says he did not know its alleged target

Miguel Parra-Hernandez was badly injured by an ICE vehicle in Houston. His representatives say he did not know the man agents were pursuing, and the county district attorney is investigating.

ICE Parra-Hernandez's representatives

Target and circumstances

ICE said Parra-Hernandez was not its target and ran in front of its vehicle.

His attorney said he did not know who was in the vehicle and that neither he nor his passenger knew the man ICE was allegedly pursuing.

Vehicle's movement

ICE said it struck Parra-Hernandez as he ran in front of the vehicle.

Video described by the Guardian shows an unmarked SUV following him and veering towards him as he ran across the parking lot.

Truck and bus collide head-on in Delta, B.C

A truck and a transit bus collided head-on in Delta, British Columbia. The available information does not provide details about injuries or what led to the crash.

Business

Trump agrees to Russian diesel supply deal as US fuel prices rise

Donald Trump agreed to allow more than 4.8 million tonnes of Russian diesel to be supplied, as US diesel prices surged. The deal includes a temporary exemption from export sanctions.

“made the right choice for the American People — ALWAYS, AMERICA FIRST!”
Donald TrumpUS president

UnitedHealth raises its profit forecast again as turnaround efforts advance

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

JP Morgan raises Apple price target to $360 despite iPhone demand concerns

JP Morgan raised its Apple price target from $340 to $360, saying reported iPhone 18 Pro production cuts may reflect normal adjustments. It expects the iPhone Duo to help offset a delayed base-model launch.

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

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

Warner Music sues Ray-Ban owner over alleged use of its music in ads

Warner Music Group sued Luxottica and affiliated companies, alleging they used at least 427 Warner works in social media marketing without licenses or payment.

Apple reportedly cuts iPhone 18 Pro parts orders amid weaker demand

Apple has reportedly asked suppliers to reduce parts production for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. One account puts October order cuts at 15% to 20%.

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

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

The United States is due to announce the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment on Wednesday, Oct.

14, after September inflation data is released.

The adjustment, known as COLA, changes Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments to help recipients keep up with rising prices.

Forecasts put the increase at 3.5% or 3.6%, though the official figure has not yet been announced.

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Starbucks denies plans to buy Chipotle

Starbucks said it is not planning to buy Chipotle, contradicting a Financial Times report that it had been working on a possible offer. Starbucks shares rose after the denial, while Chipotle shares fell.

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

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

Kalshi traders expect US inflation to stay high after a likely 2026 peak

Kalshi traders expect US inflation to remain elevated, with September CPI forecast at 3.6% year over year. They see limited odds of new highs this year.

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

Mike Tomlin shares a 12-year Minecraft city project

The former Pittsburgh Steelers coach has launched a YouTube channel to show a sprawling city he built in Minecraft over 12 years.

Admirers of Tomlin’s project Critics of the project

Time spent

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

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

Sushi-Con 2026 draws crowds to New York expo

More than 60 companies took part in Sushi-Con 2026 in New York, where visitors sampled Japanese foods and watched a bluefin tuna-cutting show.

Science & Tech

Anthropic warns small AI models could soon spread between smart devices

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

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

Cyberattack disrupts IT systems at three TFG London fashion brands

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

Perseverance rover sets record for driving distance on another world

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

Canadian cybersecurity executive arrested in ShinyHunters investigation

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

Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at hundreds of French supermarkets

Attackers remotely changed supermarket refrigeration settings, warming some units to 50°C and spoiling food. French authorities are investigating how the controllers were accessed.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apple launches smart home accessories with LG and Schneider Electric

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

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

Beats and Pokémon reveal Pikachu and Mimikyu edition of Beats Pill

Beats and The Pokémon Company revealed a special-edition Beats Pill featuring Pikachu and Mimikyu. It goes on sale October 15 for $149.99 in the United States.

Paris Auto Show puts affordable cars and electric models in focus

The Paris Auto Show opened to the public on October 13, featuring more than 60 automakers. Its 2026 lineup highlights small cars, family models and electric vehicles, including options priced below €20,000.

Sports

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

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

“It's been a fantastic season for me winning in Paris and New York and knowing that I will finish the year on top of the rankings is just a dream come true”
Alexander Zverevtennis player

Alex Eala loses Wuhan opener but has more matches ahead

Alex Eala lost to Chinese qualifier Shi Han after winning the first set at the Wuhan Open. She is still due to play doubles there and compete in Hong Kong in November.

Alexander Bublik smashes racket and cooler, then wins at Shanghai Masters

Bublik smashed his racket and a drinks cooler after losing the first set to Brandon Nakashima, cutting his hand. He recovered to win in three sets.

Retired Kei Nishikori reflects on his career and French rivals

The former world No. 4 from Japan looks back on his career, his love of clay courts and his relationships with French players.

Zverev and Bublik meet in the Shanghai Masters round of 16

Alexander Zverev and Alexander Bublik are set to face each other in the round of 16 in Shanghai.

Alex Eala and Zeynep Sonmez lose in Wuhan Open doubles first round

Eala and Sonmez lost 6-2, 6-3 to Dayana Yastremska and Anhelina Kalinina. Eala is expected to play in Ningbo, Tokyo and Hong Kong over the next three weeks.

UN rights office condemns racist abuse aimed at Coco Gauff

The UN human rights office condemned racist abuse posted online against Coco Gauff after her match against Sun Xinran at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.

The UN human rights office condemned racist abuse posted online against US tennis player Coco Gauff.

The abuse followed her third-round match against China's Sun Xinran at the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing.

Gauff won the match 7-5, 6-1.

During a point, Gauff stopped play because of problems with advertising lights, and the point was replayed while Sun was close to winning it.

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Arthur Gea beats Ben Shelton in straight sets at Shanghai Masters

Frenchman Arthur Gea defeated US Open finalist Ben Shelton 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3) in the third round of the Shanghai Masters on Sunday.

Shelton won his first match in Shanghai on his 24th birthday.

Gea beat Shelton in the third round of the Shanghai Masters.

Zheng Qinwen and Mirra Andreeva withdraw from Wuhan Open

After meeting in the China Open final in Beijing, Zheng Qinwen and Mirra Andreeva both withdrew from the Wuhan Open. Zheng cited fatigue after a demanding run of matches.

China Open final
Zheng defeated Andreeva 7-5, 6-4
Zheng's withdrawal
Fatigue cited in her statement; shoulder injury also reported
Andreeva's withdrawal
Cited a schedule change, according to AP
Replacement for Zheng
Camila Osorio

Isner and Querrey oppose ending best-of-five Grand Slam matches

John Isner and Sam Querrey say men’s Grand Slam matches should remain best-of-five sets, disagreeing with Juan Carlos Ferrero’s prediction that the format will soon end.

Juan Carlos Ferrero John Isner and Sam Querrey

Future of best-of-five

Ferrero predicted that five-set matches at Grand Slams would soon be a thing of the past.

Isner said the five-set format should stay, and Querrey said he agreed.

Players' views

Ferrero's prediction was not accompanied by a stated view about how many players support the format.

Isner said the majority of players want to keep five sets; Querrey estimated about 98% of top-100 players would agree.

Rafa Jódar faces Botic Van de Zandschulp for a place in Shanghai quarter-finals

Jódar meets Van de Zandschulp in the Shanghai Masters round of 16, with a quarter-final place at stake. The match is scheduled for about 6 a.m. Spanish time.

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

Sean Combs Taken From Fort Dix for Treatment of Head Injury

Sean Combs was taken from Fort Dix prison for treatment of a head injury early Saturday and returned before sunrise. How he was injured has not been confirmed.

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.

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.

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.

Rodrigo Faro says he worked as a child to help support his family

The Brazilian presenter says he and his brother began making commercials at age eight and gave their earnings to help support their mother.

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.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19.

A report based on people familiar with Rockstar’s plans says the PC version could arrive between January and March 2027.

Rockstar has not announced a PC release, and the game is currently listed only for those consoles.

If the reported timing is accurate, PC players would wait only a few months after the console launch.

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Lucian Piane, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ composer, dies at 46

Lucian Piane, a composer and guest judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” died at 46 after being struck by a vehicle in Glendale, California, according to authorities.

Glendale emergency crews responded to a reported collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at San Fernando Road and Harvard Street.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

News outlets reported Piane’s death and his work on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Jade Anna says she and Kenneth ended their engagement over future plans

Jade Anna says she and Kenneth made a joint decision to end their relationship because their future plans and careers no longer aligned. She is moving from Rome back to the Netherlands.

Move
Jade moved to Rome in January.
Proposal
Kenneth proposed in May.
Breakup announcement
Jade said the relationship ended about three months after the proposal.
Reason
Jade cited their future plans and careers.

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.

Kristi Noem Kacey Musgraves

Political support

Noem said she would take Ken Paxton over James Talarico.

Musgraves welcomed Talarico at her Dallas concert.

Criticism

Noem said she preferred Ella Langley over Musgraves.

Musgraves replied with a reference to Noem’s account of killing her dog.

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.

Health

BioNTech cancer vaccine misses one goal in pivotal trial

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

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

Suspected cholera cases triple in Yemen amid renewed fighting

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

Kudumbashree promotes local nutritious foods during Poshan Maah in Kozhikode

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

Review finds insufficient evidence for medicinal cannabis to treat insomnia

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

EU regions urge stronger local role in cardiovascular health strategy

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

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.

DEA proposes strict controls on concentrated kratom compounds

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

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

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

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

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

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Sixth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

A 39-year-old unvaccinated woman in Franklin County is the sixth person reported to have died in Pennsylvania amid the state’s largest measles outbreak in three decades.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Muscle and liver cells may retain benefits of past exercise

Research suggests muscle and liver cells retain a memory of exercise after training stops. This may help people regain fitness faster when they return to exercise.

Traditional view of exercise adaptation Exercise-memory research

Effects of a break

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

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

Regaining fitness

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

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

Flu season is starting early, raising questions about vaccination

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