Tropical Storm Polo, which was a powerful hurricane, has hit Mexico and is moving toward the southwestern United States. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain and flood risks to millions of people from Arizona to Iowa.
Key Facts
Polo was a hurricane with winds up to 180 mph before being downgraded to a tropical storm with 65 mph winds.
The storm made two landfalls in Mexico: first in Baja California Sur, then in Sonora.
Polo is moving northeast at about 21 mph and will pass near El Paso, Texas.
More than 30 million people from Arizona to Iowa are at risk of flash floods.
Flash flood watches are active from Phoenix, Arizona to Des Moines, Iowa.
Some areas could see up to two inches of rain per hour and totals over seven inches in parts of Texas.
Polo rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in about one day.
The Pacific region’s unusually warm waters and El Niño weather patterns contributed to strong storms this season.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump is considering Jay Clayton, the current Director of National Intelligence, for the role of AI czar to oversee artificial intelligence issues. Trump plans to decide on the appointment within a few days and aims to create a new government agency called the AI Force to manage AI safety and innovation.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton is the Director of National Intelligence and advises the president on intelligence matters.
Clayton described AI as both an opportunity and a threat during his confirmation hearing.
President Trump wants to appoint an AI czar to lead efforts in managing AI.
The exact responsibilities of the AI czar are not yet clearly defined.
Trump plans to create a new agency called the AI Force focused on AI oversight.
Trump hopes to choose the AI czar within the next three or four days.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and AI industry leaders recently met with Trump to discuss AI regulation.
David Sacks, a venture capitalist, previously held the AI czar role but left in March and now serves as an outside advisor.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
AMD announced it will buy World Labs, an AI startup focused on creating models that simulate the physical world, in a deal worth $8.2 billion pending approval. This acquisition aims to help AMD compete with Nvidia by gaining advanced AI models and expert researchers for applications like robotics and simulation.
Key Facts
AMD will acquire World Labs by the end of 2024, with the deal valued at $8.2 billion.
World Labs was founded in 2024 by Fei-Fei Li and other researchers, focusing on AI "world models" that predict physical environments.
World Labs developed Marble, a tool that creates small 3D virtual spaces for use in movies, games, and more.
The company also works on generating synthetic data to train robots, an area where Nvidia currently leads.
Fei-Fei Li will become AMD’s Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist after the acquisition.
AMD aims to expand its AI capabilities, especially in robotics and simulation, by using World Labs’ expertise.
This deal brings top AI researchers to AMD and strengthens its position in the AI chip market against Nvidia.
AMD had previously supported World Labs with funding and open-source AI models but lacked a full competing product like Nvidia’s.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Defense Department will stop giving lifetime job security, called tenure, to civilian teachers at U.S. military academies. This change aims to keep the academies focused on preparing students for military combat rather than traditional academic research.
Key Facts
Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo ending tenure appointments for civilian faculty at U.S. military academies.
Tenure means a professor has job security for life, protecting academic freedom.
Current tenured civilian faculty will keep their status, but no new tenures will be granted.
Military academies hire civilians to teach subjects military officers are not trained in, like English and humanities.
The change is meant to stop “academic stagnation” and keep the curriculum focused on military skills.
The Naval Academy has about half its faculty as civilians; the numbers vary at other academies.
This action is part of a larger shift toward more patriotic and military-focused education in military schools.
The Pentagon also cut ties with some traditional universities and started new partnerships with Christian and public schools.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to its lowest point during his second term, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. The poll shows 34% of people approve of his job, while 61% disapprove, with key issues like the economy and the war in Iran affecting public opinion.
Key Facts
Trump’s net approval rating is -27 points, the lowest so far in his second term.
The poll surveyed 1,032 registered voters from September 24 to 27, 2026.
34% approve of Trump’s job, while 61% disapprove.
Only 25% of independent voters approve of Trump; 69% disapprove.
Among Democrats, 4% approve and 96% disapprove of Trump.
81% of Republicans approve, while 13% disapprove.
Women’s approval rating is 26%, men’s is 41%.
Approval on handling the economy is 31%, foreign policy 34%, and the Iran war 28%.
The poll has implications for the upcoming midterm elections five weeks away.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two candidates, Democrat Ben McAdams and Republican Riley Owen, debated in Utah’s newly drawn First Congressional District as voters decide who will represent them in the U.S. House. The district lines were recently redrawn by a judge after legal challenges aimed at making them less partisan.
Key Facts
The debate took place at Salt Lake Community College and was hosted by the Utah Debate Commission.
Ben McAdams is a Democrat who served in the U.S. House from 2019 to 2021.
Riley Owen is a Republican and former White House staffer under President Donald Trump.
Utah’s congressional districts were redrawn after a judge rejected the previous map for not meeting nonpartisan standards.
The new First Congressional District includes Salt Lake City, which leans more Democratic.
The current representative, Republican Blake Moore, is running in a different district after the redistricting.
Riley Owen would be one of the youngest members of Congress if elected.
PBS Utah partnered in broadcasting the debate live.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Students in France have blocked many schools to ask for more teachers, smaller classes, and better school equipment. Some protests turned into fights with police. Other workers like teachers and firefighters also joined protests about funding and resources.
Key Facts
French students blocked schools across the country.
They want more teachers and smaller class sizes.
Students also ask for better school equipment.
Some protests led to clashes with police.
Teachers, firefighters, and other public workers protested too.
These workers demand better funding and resources for their jobs.
The protests show wider concerns about education and public services in France.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
White phosphorus is a chemical that can cause serious burns and produce thick, toxic smoke. Israel has used white phosphorus in southern Lebanon, which has affected civilians and farmland. Its use is limited by international law, especially in areas where people live.
Key Facts
White phosphorus causes severe burns and can catch fire again and again.
It gives off very hot flames and toxic smoke when it burns.
Israel has used white phosphorus in southern Lebanon during military actions.
This use has harmed civilians and damaged farmland in the affected areas.
International law restricts using white phosphorus in places where people live.
The chemical can be dangerous both as a weapon and to the environment.
White phosphorus is often used to create smoke screens in combat but is controversial due to its harmful effects.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump met with technology leaders at the White House to discuss artificial intelligence (AI). He announced a new AI-powered government website and said he does not want to cooperate with China on AI safety rules.
Key Facts
President Trump held talks about AI development with tech company executives.
He introduced a new government website using AI to improve services.
Trump expressed that he does not want to work with Chinese President Xi Jinping on AI oversight.
The goal is to support AI growth without restricting the technology.
The meeting focused on how AI can affect national security and innovation.
This announcement came ahead of a special lunch called the "superintelligence" luncheon.
The discussion reflects concerns about AI competition between the U.S. and China.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An 87-year-old woman named Maricarmen was evicted from her home in Madrid after her rent was raised sharply by a real estate company. After protests, the company agreed to reduce her rent to about $570 a month, and Spain’s government is preparing new tenant protection laws.
Key Facts
Maricarmen’s rent was increased from about $570 to $1,880 per month after her building was bought by an investment fund.
The rent hike aimed to force her out so the property could be used for tourist apartments.
Tens of thousands protested in Madrid and across Spain against the eviction and housing crisis.
The real estate firm agreed to reduce her rent back to about $570 for the next eight years.
This rent will be about 30% of Maricarmen’s pension.
Spain’s government proposed new rules to protect tenants from eviction until 2030.
These new tenant protections still face opposition in parliament from conservative parties.
Spain has a housing shortage of about 755,000 homes, expected to grow to one million by 2028.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that tech leaders at the White House agreed to create strong safety rules for artificial intelligence (AI). An expert said these rules protect large U.S. AI companies by making it harder for open-source and new AI models to compete.
Key Facts
President Trump hosted tech executives to discuss AI regulation.
The tech leaders signed a "morally binding" agreement to build safety measures for AI.
These safeguards are designed to control the rapid development of AI technology.
An expert explained the rules create a "moat," meaning they protect big U.S. AI firms from outside competition.
Open-source AI models and new companies face more difficulty advancing under these rules.
The goal is to ensure AI development happens safely and responsibly.
This discussion happened amid concerns about the risks and rapid pace of AI progress.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump and several technology leaders signed an agreement called the AI "constitution" to set voluntary rules for artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Special Counsel Jack Smith gave testimony before the Senate.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump joined tech leaders to sign a voluntary AI "constitution."
The AI "constitution" is a set of guidelines for the safe use and development of artificial intelligence.
Jack Smith, a Special Counsel, testified before the U.S. Senate.
The goal of the AI agreement is to encourage responsible AI use without government mandates.
The Senate hearing aims to provide oversight and gather information on various matters, possibly including AI.
This event was covered by CBS News on September 29.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Leaders of major AI companies agreed to follow a set of voluntary rules to oversee AI development safely. President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson announced this agreement after a meeting at the White House.
Key Facts
AI industry leaders signed a pledge to self-police the development of artificial intelligence.
The pledge is called “The White House Accord on Superintelligence Joint Commitment on Frontier SI Responsibilities.”
The agreement includes voluntary commitments, meaning companies choose to follow them without legal force.
President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson spoke about the agreement after a White House meeting.
The focus is on responsible development of advanced AI, sometimes called superintelligence.
The goal is to encourage safety and ethical behavior in AI innovation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A recent Quinnipiac University poll shows that 51% of registered voters want Democrats to keep control of the House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections. Meanwhile, 39% of voters said they support Republicans to win the House majority.
Key Facts
Democrats lead Republicans by 12 points in the poll for the House majority.
51% of registered voters favor Democrats controlling the House.
39% of registered voters favor Republicans controlling the House.
The poll was conducted by Quinnipiac University.
The data reflects voter preferences if the election were held on the day of the poll.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The White House released three videos described as public service announcements that praise President Donald Trump. These ads have faced criticism from many people and legal experts say they may break laws against using government funds for propaganda.
Key Facts
The White House calls the videos public service announcements, similar to those used by earlier administrations.
The ads highlight positive aspects of President Donald Trump’s actions.
Many critics across political parties disagree with how these videos portray the president.
Legal experts argue the ads violate federal rules that forbid government-funded propaganda.
The videos are funded by taxpayers.
The controversy was reported by France 24 and explained by Emerald Maxwell.
Similar ads have been a concern for possible misuse of government resources in political messaging before.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that he and leaders from major artificial intelligence (AI) companies signed a voluntary agreement to oversee AI development through internal and external reviews. This announcement came after a meeting at the White House with top tech executives who are investing heavily in AI infrastructure.
Key Facts
President Trump hosted a meeting at the White House with leaders of leading AI companies.
A voluntary accord was signed to include self-monitoring and outside reviews of AI technology.
The tech companies involved are spending billions to build AI-related data centers across the U.S.
Some communities oppose these new data centers, with support from both political parties.
Many tech executives present have called for a slowdown in AI development due to past AI failures.
President Trump praised the companies for their efforts to "self-police" the technology.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Police raised an alert about a possible bomb plot involving Iran targeting RAF Fairford, a British military base used by the US for strikes against Iran. The situation is being examined to determine how serious the threat really was.
Key Facts
RAF Fairford is a British military base used by the US for operations against Iran.
A police alert reported a possible bomb plot linked to Iran.
The alert indicated a potential attack involving explosives.
Authorities are investigating to assess the threat’s seriousness.
The story involves concerns about Iranian actions against Western military sites.
The information was reported by Al Jazeera journalist Marah Rayan.
The US has used RAF Fairford for military strikes against Iran in March.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tau Robotics offers humanoid robots that are controlled remotely by humans to clean houses. These robots can perform tasks like wiping surfaces, doing laundry, and making beds, and they cost $30 per hour.
Key Facts
Tau Robotics makes humanoid robots for house cleaning.
The robots are operated remotely by human workers.
They can wipe surfaces, do laundry, and make beds.
The cleaning service costs $30 per hour.
A customer in San Francisco tested the service.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Caleb Flynn, a former American Idol contestant and pastor from Ohio, was found guilty of murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn, in February 2026. He shot her while she was asleep and then lied about burglars being responsible. Flynn now faces life in prison without parole.
Key Facts
Caleb Flynn, 40, fatally shot his wife Ashley twice in the head in their Ohio home on February 16, 2026.
Flynn falsely claimed burglars killed his wife.
The jury found Flynn guilty of murder, aggravated murder, and tampering with evidence after less than three hours of deliberation.
Evidence included police body camera footage and data from Flynn’s iPhone and Apple Watch.
Flynn was having an affair with Alleigha Botner, a church intern, who testified against him.
Text messages between Flynn and Botner showed Flynn expressing wishes to kill his wife.
Flynn’s gun was missing from his truck, and some phone apps were deleted before the murder.
Flynn appeared on American Idol in 2013 but did not reach the main competition.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
