• The Nobel Prize in Physics went to three scientists for their work on laser technology: Arthur Ashkin of the U.S., Gérard Mourou of France and Donna Strickland of Canada, the third woman to receive the physics prize. As our Back Story below notes, the prize in chemistry comes today. [The New York Times]

• Cambridge University said it would accept students from disadvantaged backgrounds who might not meet its high entry standards but show potential. [BBC]

• The Trump administration has stopped giving family visas to same-sex domestic partners of foreign diplomats or employees of international organizations who work in the U.S. [The New York Times]

• The F.B.I.’s investigation into allegations of sexual assault against Judge Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court nominee, could end as early as today. Republican leaders said they expected to vote on his confirmation this week. [The New York Times]

• U.S. officials said they had intercepted multiple packages containing what they suspected was ricin, a lethal substance, that were addressed to President Trump and at least two top Pentagon officials. [The New York Times]

• Bootleg alcohol has killed at least 42 people in Iran, blinded more than a dozen others and sent hundreds to the hospital in recent weeks, the Health Ministry said. [The New York Times]

Smarter Living

Tips for a more fulfilling life.