Microsoft, Yahoo, and other companies are working to make artificial intelligence (AI) tools more useful for their workers by understanding how people actually do their jobs. They found that just adding AI without changing work processes and infrastructure does not always improve productivity, so careful planning and focus on business needs are important.
Key Facts
Microsoft introduced its AI assistant, Copilot, but sales staff stopped using it because it was not helpful in their daily work.
Microsoft engineers worked closely with salespeople to create better AI tools tailored to their specific tasks.
Yahoo found its software systems were not ready for AI and tested retooling its development setup to improve engineering speed.
Research shows only about 32% of companies see clear improvements from AI investments, and many stop or pause their AI projects.
Companies with weaker technology foundations are more likely to give up on AI if they do not focus on core technical needs like computing power and data.
Experts say AI projects should prioritize business goals to decide where to invest in technology and data.
Improving only one part of software development with AI can move the bottleneck instead of solving it, so a broader approach is needed.
Faster AI coding makes it more important to carefully plan what to build and thoroughly check AI outputs before use.
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Tom Skerritt, an actor known for his roles in movies like "Alien" and "Top Gun" and the TV show "Picket Fences," has died at the age of 93. His family confirmed he died from natural causes and shared their feelings about his life beyond acting.
Key Facts
Tom Skerritt was 93 years old when he died.
He acted in famous films such as "Alien" and "Top Gun."
He also starred in the TV series "Picket Fences."
Skerritt died on a Wednesday from natural causes.
His family described him as humorous, curious, wise, generous, and loving.
His death was confirmed by his publicist to CBS News.
The family issued a statement expressing their heartbreak.
The article is a breaking news story with potential updates coming.
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President Donald Trump expressed sadness about New York City’s plan to ban horse-drawn carriages. The city council is expected to vote on the ban, which would begin in 2028.
Key Facts
President Trump shared his feelings on the upcoming ban of horse-drawn carriages in New York City.
The New York City Council is expected to vote on the ban on Thursday.
If approved, the ban will start in 2028.
Horse-drawn carriages have been a popular attraction in Central Park.
The ban is part of a broader effort to address animal welfare concerns.
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Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir used AI-generated videos to mock Palestinians in Gaza, including one showing them as "donkeys" and another transporting a Gazan to Paris. These videos sparked criticism and a public response from the French Foreign Ministry because France banned Ben-Gvir from entering the country last year.
Key Facts
Itamar Ben-Gvir is a far-right Israeli Minister using AI videos for political messages before elections.
One video shows Gaza in 2030 as destroyed and calls Palestinians who stay "donkeys."
Another video presents a fictional story where a Gazan magically goes to Paris with Ben-Gvir's help.
The videos relate to Ben-Gvir’s plan encouraging Palestinians to leave Gaza voluntarily.
French officials responded publicly on social media, reminding that Ben-Gvir is banned from France.
Ben-Gvir replied with another AI video showing a destroyed Paris and Palestinian flags.
The French protests linked to Muslim migrants have no proven connection, but some Israeli leaders claim otherwise.
AI-generated content is widely used by Israeli parties in election campaigns, raising concerns about misinformation.
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Turkiye and Libya have renewed a maritime agreement that defines sea boundaries and energy rights. This deal is causing tensions with countries like Greece, Egypt, and Israel, as it affects control over parts of the Mediterranean Sea.
Key Facts
Turkiye and Libya signed a new maritime deal.
The agreement sets boundaries for parts of the Mediterranean Sea.
It defines who can explore and use underwater energy resources.
Greece, Egypt, and Israel have raised concerns about the deal.
The deal affects regional influence and control in the Mediterranean area.
The renewed agreement is causing political and territorial disputes.
Energy rights linked to the seabed are a major point of conflict.
The situation impacts security and diplomacy in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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Ole Bielfeldt, a 25-year-old photographer from Germany, won the 2026 Nikon Small World photomicrography contest with a close-up photo showing ink droplets from an inkjet printer on paper. He used a microscope and creative techniques to capture the fast-moving ink drops without expensive equipment or AI.
Key Facts
Ole Bielfeldt won the 2026 Nikon Small World contest among 1,802 entries from 69 countries.
He became interested in photomicrography during the COVID-19 lockdown after finding an old microscope.
Bielfeldt built a homemade adaptor to connect the microscope to a camera and taught himself the craft.
To photograph the ink drops, he modified the printer so the paper moved while the printhead stayed still.
He took the photo in a dark room with a flash to freeze the fast-moving ink droplets in mid-air.
Bielfeldt does not use artificial intelligence in his images, relying instead on traditional photography methods.
Nikon Small World is a long-running contest (since 1974) that celebrates the beauty seen through microscopes.
The contest also includes a “Small World in Motion” category for videos made with microscopes.
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President Donald Trump’s support among white evangelical Protestant voters has dropped from 77% in January 2025 to 63% recently. White evangelicals are an important group for the Republican Party as the November 3 midterm elections approach, where control of Congress is at stake.
Key Facts
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Trump’s support among white evangelicals fell to 63% from 77% at his second inauguration.
Trump’s overall approval rating has dropped to 31%, a historic low.
White evangelicals make up about 13% of the US population and nearly a third of Trump’s 2024 voting base.
Trump campaigned in South Carolina, a state with many white evangelical voters, focusing on social issues important to them.
Some Republican Senate candidates in key states like South Carolina, Kansas, and Texas face close races with Democratic challengers.
White evangelicals remain more supportive of Trump than other groups, despite controversies surrounding him.
Shifts in evangelical support may impact Republican turnout in the midterms even though Trump is not on the ballot.
Other evangelical groups, such as Black Protestant evangelicals, largely support Democrats.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the Ebola outbreak that started in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is now spreading to multiple African countries, making the situation more complicated. New cases have been confirmed in Nigeria and Kenya, and health officials are still trying to find how the first Nigerian patient got infected.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak began in DRC in mid-May and has caused over 4,000 deaths among more than 9,000 cases.
Cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola are now found in DRC, Kenya, Nigeria, and earlier in Uganda.
Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case recently, involving the wife of a Swiss diplomat living in Abuja.
It is unclear where the Nigerian patient caught Ebola; investigations are ongoing about her travel history.
Kenyan and Nigerian first Ebola cases may have crossed paths at Uganda’s Entebbe airport.
Kenya has reported a total of nine Ebola cases so far and traced 135 contacts related to the first case.
Nigeria is tracking 44 contacts connected to its confirmed Ebola patient, with more contacts being identified.
The Ebola outbreak in DRC is the deadliest in the country's history, with a fatality rate nearing 50 percent.
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President Donald Trump criticized NBA player LeBron James for not standing still during the US national anthem at a recent basketball game. Trump said James disrespected the country and should apologize to American heroes.
Key Facts
LeBron James was seen moving and making golf swing motions during the national anthem before a game.
President Trump said on social media that James disrespected the US and should apologize.
James has not replied to Trump's recent comments.
The national anthem is usually observed by standing still at sports events as a sign of respect.
This issue is part of a broader, ongoing debate about protests and respect during the anthem in sports that began around 2016.
Trump and James have publicly criticized each other multiple times since 2016.
James has supported Trump’s political opponents, while Trump has made negative personal remarks about James.
The criticism reflects ongoing tensions between political and sports figures in the US.
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A federal judge limited the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from investigating suspected noncitizen voting in nine states. The judge said these investigations might scare away eligible voters and interfere with their rights ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
The judge blocked DHS operations targeting people likely to be U.S. citizens in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin.
DHS had created a "target list" from sources like state voter rolls and private data, but the judge questioned the accuracy of this data.
Lawsuit groups showed evidence that DHS's actions could intimidate voters and stop people from encouraging voter participation.
DHS said it focuses on finding and removing noncitizens who vote and does not plan to investigate people they believe are citizens.
Previous court rulings have stopped the Trump administration from getting state voter data, but the administration still seeks to investigate noncitizen voting by other methods.
A whistleblower report claimed some DHS staff used questionable data and pressured officials to investigate voter fraud with little training.
The administration recently sued California to try to stop about 20,000 voters from having mail-in ballots counted.
Democratic groups are suing the government for using unfounded fraud claims to influence how elections are run.
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President Donald Trump supported Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s political ad in Ohio, which features the Democratic candidate Amy Acton’s estranged mother. Trump criticized Ohio Governor Mike DeWine for asking Ramaswamy to remove the ad.
Key Facts
President Trump defended Vivek Ramaswamy’s political ad in Ohio.
The ad includes Amy Acton’s estranged mother making statements.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, asked Ramaswamy to take down the ad.
Trump criticized DeWine for his request on the social media platform TruthSocial.
Trump encouraged Ramaswamy to continue running the ad.
The dispute happened during the Ohio gubernatorial race.
Ramaswamy is the Republican candidate for governor in Ohio.
Amy Acton is the Democratic candidate running against Ramaswamy.
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A 27-year-old woman has been charged after a police officer was shot in Nottingham city centre. The officer is in hospital receiving treatment, and several other people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Key Facts
The shooting happened near a bus stop in Angel Row, Nottingham, early Sunday morning.
Aisha Zaman, 27, was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm and possession with intent to commit a serious crime.
She has been remanded in custody and will appear in Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Friday.
Multiple other arrests were made, including two men (aged 24 and 30) and two women (aged 25 and 21) on suspicion of helping an offender.
A 35-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman were arrested for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and assisting an offender; they remain in custody.
The injured police officer is currently in hospital receiving treatment.
Police continue to investigate the incident, and more updates are expected.
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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine criticized a political ad by Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy that targeted his opponent Amy Acton by featuring her estranged mother. President Donald Trump disagreed with DeWine and encouraged Ramaswamy to keep the ad shown in the governor’s race.
Key Facts
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said the ad was wrong and called it “deeply troubling.”
The ad features Amy Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, making negative claims about Acton.
Amy Acton has not seen her mother for decades due to past family abuse.
Ramaswamy’s campaign said they would spend $4 million to run the ad statewide.
President Trump called DeWine “disloyal” and said Ramaswamy should keep the ad up.
Some Republicans, including Senator Jon Husted and Secretary of State Frank LaRose, criticized the ad but DeWine still supports Ramaswamy’s full Republican ticket.
Acton’s brother called the ad “a despicable low” and noted his and Acton’s removal from their mother’s custody in childhood.
Vice-President JD Vance defended the campaign, saying politics is tough and more focus should be on Democrats’ policies.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has banned U.S. military personnel from using private military information to bet on U.S. military actions. The ban covers both secret and public information and includes online prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi because such betting could help enemies learn about U.S. military plans.
Key Facts
The ban applies to all Defense Department workers, including military and civilian staff.
Bets on military-related prediction markets could reveal sensitive information to foreign enemies.
Prediction markets named in the memo include Polymarket and Kalshi.
Violating this ban may lead to disciplinary or criminal charges under military law or federal law.
The memo was sent on October 20, 2026, to senior Pentagon leaders and combat commanders.
This action comes after a U.S. Special Forces soldier was arrested for allegedly betting on a secret operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
The soldier reportedly won over $409,000 by betting shortly after President Trump announced the capture.
The soldier pleaded not guilty in federal court in New York.
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Actor Tom Skerritt, known for his roles in movies like "Alien" and "Top Gun," has died at the age of 93. His family said he passed away from natural causes.
Key Facts
Tom Skerritt was 93 years old when he died.
He acted in well-known films such as "Alien," "Top Gun," "Steel Magnolias," and the TV show "Picket Fences."
Skerritt died on a Wednesday.
His family released a statement confirming his death and mentioned they are heartbroken.
The cause of death was natural causes.
The news is still developing with more updates expected.
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President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. did not give anything in return for the release of American Stephen Hubbard from Russia. However, the U.S. waived new Russia-related sanctions during negotiations, which some see as a concession to Russia.
Key Facts
Stephen Hubbard, a retired U.S. teacher, was detained in Russia on mercenary charges but was later declared wrongfully detained by the U.S. State Department.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Hubbard’s release during a meeting with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg.
Steve Witkoff publicly called Putin a “humanitarian” after Hubbard’s release.
President Trump waived some new sanctions against Russia to avoid disrupting negotiations for Hubbard’s release.
Trump said previous administrations gave money and other things in hostage negotiations, but his administration did not.
Some experts worry that waiving sanctions might encourage Russia to detain more Americans to gain political benefits.
The article references a 2023 deal where the Biden administration released Iranian funds to free American detainees, showing complexities in hostage negotiations.
Critics say Russia uses hostage-taking to pressure the U.S. politically.
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Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the Department of Homeland Security is reviewing new technology for use at the U.S. border. The Pentagon has given DHS a military device called the Active Denial System, which uses a heat ray to repel people by sending out invisible waves that cause discomfort but no permanent harm.
Key Facts
DHS is testing new technology to improve border security.
The Pentagon provided a device called the Active Denial System.
The device uses electromagnetic waves to create a heat sensation on the skin.
This heat ray is designed to discourage people from crossing the border illegally.
The beam is invisible and causes temporary discomfort, not injury.
Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed ongoing evaluation of such technologies.
The goal is to find safe and effective tools to support border enforcement.
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Vice President JD Vance supported an attack ad by Republican Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign in the Ohio governor race. The ad features the Democratic candidate Amy Acton's mother disputing Acton's claims of childhood abuse and homelessness. Vance told Republicans to stop complaining about the ad and focus on winning the election.
Key Facts
JD Vance is the Vice President of the United States.
Vivek Ramaswamy is a Republican candidate running for Ohio governor.
Ramaswamy’s campaign released a strong attack ad against Democrat Amy Acton.
The ad shows Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, challenging Acton’s claims of abuse and homelessness when she was a child.
Amy Acton says she was sexually abused by her stepfather at age 12.
The stepfather was charged with rape but fled and never went to trial; he died in 2004.
Acton and her brother were removed from their mother’s custody due to abuse and neglect.
Vance urged Republicans to stop complaining about the ad and focus on winning the governor’s race.
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Calley Means, a health adviser known for supporting the MAHA agenda in President Trump’s administration, resigned two weeks before the midterm elections. Means cited frustration with slow food policy changes and mentioned respect for President Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s efforts to improve health guidelines and reduce harmful food additives.
Key Facts
Calley Means resigned from his senior adviser position in the Trump administration.
He was a leading supporter of the MAHA agenda, which focuses on health and food policy reforms.
Means expressed frustration with slow progress on food policies, especially pesticide use.
He praised President Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for their vision for change.
The administration has worked to update dietary guidelines and remove artificial food additives.
The government banned using food stamps (SNAP benefits) for sugary drinks under this effort.
Conflict arose after President Trump issued an executive order to boost production of the weed killer glyphosate.
Means’ sister, Casey, was nominated for surgeon general but the Senate stalled her confirmation, leading to her nomination being withdrawn.
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Calley Means, a senior advisor involved with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement within President Donald Trump’s administration, resigned over frustrations with delays in changing food policies. Means criticized the influence of the food industry and special interests on policy decisions and expressed respect for President Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a leading figure in MAHA.
Key Facts
Calley Means resigned from his role in the Trump administration working on food policy.
Means was an ally of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the anti-vaccine Health Secretary and MAHA leader.
Means helped push policies like changes to Dietary Guidelines, psychedelic reforms, and removing soda from food aid programs (SNAP).
He grew frustrated with slow progress and the influence of the food industry and special interests on policy.
The administration delayed two key MAHA priorities: regulating ultraprocessed foods and improving school meal nutrition.
MAHA’s image suffered due to corporate sponsorships from companies like Walmart and OpenAI at a recent summit.
Means co-authored a book considered a key MAHA text, promoting unusual health advice and skepticism toward doctors.
Casey Means, Calley’s sister, was nominated for surgeon general by President Trump but her nomination was dropped over concerns about her medical views.
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