Koblenz – October 29, 2026 -- If household income suddenly stops, 51 percent of adults in Germany (excluding retirees) could cover their running costs for three months at most. For 22 percent, the savings would not last even one month. That is the finding of a representative Civey survey commissioned by insurer Debeka.

Only 23 percent could last beyond six months

Just under a quarter of respondents (23 percent) could get by for longer than half a year without income. Almost twice as many women as men say their household could cover expenses for less than a month.

A surprise bill of 3,000 euros overwhelms 37 percent

Single large bills are also a problem. 37 percent could not pay an unexpected 3,000 euros at short notice without getting into financial difficulty. Among 18- to 29-year-olds, the share is 63 percent. Households with children are hit harder (46 percent) than childless ones (34 percent).

Platteville, Wis. – October 29, 2026 -- A Brewers fan says she spent nearly $400 at MLBshop.com on Christmas gifts for her family, then was offered only store credit when she tried to return the gear. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says holiday rushes for team merchandise bring both scammers and return headaches.

The gear arrived, but the quality fell short for her

The longtime fan says the colors and fabric were not what she expected. She describes the gear as thin, with logos that looked like stickers. She says she is disabled, lives on very little income and saves all year for the one holiday she spends with relatives, who live in Iowa.

Her order confirmation email shows it came from the official site, so the problem was not a scam. It was the return.

MINNEAPOLIS – October 29, 2026 -- More than two-thirds of Americans (68%) plan to cut at least one holiday expense this year, with dining out, gifts and travel the most likely to shrink, according to Thrivent's 2026 Holiday Spending Survey.

Rising everyday costs are squeezing holiday budgets

More than half of Americans (52%) expect the economy to affect their holiday spending at least a fair amount. Some 35% say they have already reduced spending on essentials in the past 6-12 months.

Nearly four in ten (38%) are more concerned about managing holiday finances than in past years. Among them, 75% blame the rising cost of everyday items. Overall, 72% say inflation is hurting their household finances heading into the holidays.

Munich – October 29, 2026 -- Paulaner Cola Zero goes on sale across Germany in January 2027, giving shoppers a sugar-free version of the brewer's cola in supermarkets, beverage retailers and restaurants.

Zero variants already take about 36 percent of German cola sales

The Paulaner Brauerei Gruppe is adding the new drink to its classic Paulaner Cola. That cola launched in spring 2026 and, within a few months, became the number 2 seller in the German cola can market.

The Munich-based family company points to demand for sugar-free and reduced-sugar drinks. Zero variants make up roughly 36 percent of the German cola market, and the segment is posting double-digit growth. About one third of German households now buy sugar-free cola.

Cangzhou – October 29, 2026 -- Photographers and video creators worldwide can enter the 2026 Nandagang International Wetland Photo Contest for free until November 28, 2026, with a US$1,500 Grand Prize on offer. The contest is part of Global Wetland Week, a campaign launched by the Cangzhou International Communication Center.

Six categories cover landscapes, birds, people and video

Entries fall under the theme "Together for Wetlands." The categories are Global Wetlands; Wetlands and Migratory Birds; People and Wetlands; Nandagang Wetland; Youth Imaging for entrants under 28; and Wetland Conservation Stories, which is a video category.

The contest is open to photographers, videographers, nature observers and young creators. Beyond the Grand Prize, organizers promise additional cash prizes, special awards and honorable mentions. A ten-member international jury will review the entries.

DUBAI – – October 29, 2026 -- The HONOR X9e Pro packs an 11,000mAh battery into a body about 8.08mm thin and 203g, so it handles like an everyday smartphone rather than a bulky rugged device.

The battery uses fourth-generation silicon-carbon cells

HONOR's fourth-generation silicon-carbon battery raises energy density to store more power in limited space. The company also redesigned the mainboard, display structure and mid-frame to make room for it. AI Power Saving manages consumption across reading, scrolling, video playback and background apps.

Charging runs at 80W with HONOR SuperCharge, and 27W wired reverse charging lets the phone power compatible devices.

Delray Beach – October 29, 2026 -- Men who want an erectile dysfunction treatment without an hour of advance planning can now get a prescription pill that dissolves under the tongue. Rocket Rx, a US telehealth brand from HeliosX, has launched Rocket Melts, available through its website from October 29, 2026.

Rocket Melts dissolve under the tongue within 3 minutes

Each mint and citrus flavored pill combines sildenafil and tadalafil. Nothing needs to be swallowed and no water is required, which Rocket Rx says makes taking the treatment simple and discreet.

The pills are designed to deliver results from as few as 15 minutes, at lower doses, with the potential for fewer side effects. Traditional ED pills often mean planning 30 to 60 minutes ahead.

Dr. Ashley White, Medical Director for North America at HeliosX, said the fast onset leaves "space for spontaneity without the worry."

Irvine, Calif. – October 29, 2026 -- BOTOX Cosmetic Day returns on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, and Allē loyalty members can double a $50 gift card for treatments at participating providers. Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, calls the offer its biggest of the year.

The gift card deal opens at 9 a.m. PT on Nov. 18

Allē members who buy a $50 gift card that day, starting at 9 a.m. PT, receive a second $50 card at no cost, while supplies last. The cards can be used personally or given as gifts. They are redeemable for future BOTOX Cosmetic treatments with participating Allē providers.

A separate referral offer runs through November. Members who refer a friend get $50 off any qualifying Allē product or treatment, and so does the friend. The friend must register for Allē between Nov. 1 and 30 and get treated, and must consent for the referrer to qualify. Each member is limited to one referral offer.

Cologne – October 29, 2026 -- The WDR Funkhausorchester will play around 50 concerts across the Lippe district from November 9 to 14, 2026, and the concerts at host venues are free. Under the banner "Deine Region – dein Orchester!", the orchestra brings seven formats to daycare centers, schools, senior facilities, companies and unconventional venues.

Hosts who applied turn community spaces into concert halls

The project began in spring with a call for applications. Host venues now include community centers and school auditoriums that are being cleared for the occasion, churches that become concert halls, and a municipal theater opening its doors. Daycare centers are teaming up so more children can attend. Regional orchestras are moving their rehearsal times to take part in masterclasses with members of the WDR Funkhausorchester. Companies are organizing after-work concerts, including for apprentices who rarely get to see an orchestra.

Munich – October 29, 2026 -- From October 28, McDonald's Germany is bringing back the 1955® Burger, the McFarmer and a set of five collectible song radios under the campaign "Endlich wieder bei Mecces."

Five radios play hits from the 2000s and 2010s

The small radios were once an occasional Happy Meal® toy, and each played a single song. The new set features hits by Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, Cro and Justin Bieber.

They are available from October 28 to November 24, 2026, in participating restaurants while supplies last. Customers can add one for an extra charge to a McMenü® (excluding McMenü® Small and McSmart Menü), a McCafé® Duo Grande or a Frühstücks-Duo Grande.

The 1955® Burger returns with smoky sauce

The 1955® Burger comes back on October 28 with 100% beef from Germany and its smoky 1955® Sauce.