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After the September 11, 2001 attacks, a group of New York City chefs organized an effort called "Operation Chefs with Spirit" to provide food for the workers at Ground Zero. They fed rescue and recovery workers for two months using meals prepared in local kitchens and transported by boats on the Hudson River.
Key Facts
Chef Don Pintabona and other New York chefs wanted to help after the 9/11 attacks but did not know how at first.
Pintabona was inspired by a page from a dictionary floating near his home that had encouraging words like "persevere" on it.
The chefs began cooking meals and delivering them to staging areas like Stuyvesant High School for first responders.
Transporting food through damaged streets was difficult, so they used boats on the Hudson River to deliver meals.
The group worked continuously for about two months to feed Ground Zero workers around the clock.
"Operation Chefs with Spirit" was a volunteer effort organized quickly by chefs, food workers, city officials, and a boat company.
The experience remains memorable for those involved, even 25 years later.
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Monty Don will leave the BBC gardening show Gardeners' World after more than 20 years as the host. He announced he will step down at the end of the current series to pursue other projects but will continue gardening at his home.
Key Facts
Monty Don has been the host of Gardeners' World since 2003, making him the show's longest-serving gardener.
The BBC says Don has inspired millions with his knowledge and passion for gardening.
Don began presenting the show in a rented garden and later at his own garden in Herefordshire.
He has made around 700 episodes over his time with the programme.
Don has written over 20 gardening books and appeared on other TV gardening shows.
He took a break in 2008 after a stroke but returned to the show.
Don has openly talked about his struggles with depression and how gardening helps mental health.
The BBC praised Don’s calm style and his influence on viewers' gardening skills.
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Prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs, which help with weight and blood sugar control, have risen by more than 30,000% for children since 2019. Children with obesity-related health problems like high cholesterol or sleep apnea are much more likely to get these prescriptions than kids without those issues.
Key Facts
GLP-1 medications are used to help control weight and blood sugar.
Since 2019, the number of GLP-1 prescriptions for children has increased by over 30,000%.
Children with conditions linked to obesity, such as high cholesterol and sleep apnea, are more often prescribed GLP-1 drugs.
The data shows a strong link between obesity-related health problems and GLP-1 prescriptions in kids.
GLP-1 prescriptions for children without these related health issues are much less common.
The increase indicates a growing use of these drugs to manage childhood obesity and related conditions.
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A mom from Tacoma, Washington, signed her toddler daughter up for a 5K run to help her use up energy and sleep better. The toddler surprised the race organizers by running most of the race on her own, leading to the family taking part in more children's running events.
Key Facts
Shelby, a mom in Tacoma, wanted to help her toddler daughter sleep better.
Her husband began taking their daughter on "bedtime runs" to burn off excess energy.
The daughter, at 19 months old, participated in a free 5K family fun run organized by Tacoma Central Church.
Race organizers were surprised to see such a young child running the race.
The toddler managed to run and walk nearly the whole 5K and received support from other participants.
After the experience, Shelby's daughter ran other shorter kids’ races between 1K and 3K.
Shelby herself started running regularly to keep up with her daughter and completed her first half marathon.
Shelby encourages other parents to trust their children's abilities and enjoy activities at their own pace.
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Some people have worried that artificial intelligence (AI) is causing many job losses, especially in office work and entry-level positions. However, recent data show that AI is not the main reason for job cuts, and other factors play a bigger role in how jobs change.
Key Facts
For two years, many have blamed AI for layoffs and fewer entry-level jobs.
CEOs often mention AI when they announce job cuts.
New data suggest AI is not causing a large-scale loss of jobs.
Other reasons beyond AI explain why jobs are changing or disappearing.
The idea that AI will cause a job apocalypse is not supported by current evidence.
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King Charles, through a formal letter, reminded government and military departments that Harry and Meghan are non-working royals, meaning they do not perform official royal duties. Harry and Meghan were surprised by the timing of the letter’s release, which came shortly before a meeting that will decide their security arrangements in the UK.
Key Facts
The letter was sent by Richard Benyon, the lord chamberlain at Buckingham Palace.
It stated Harry and Meghan’s status as non-working royals, meaning they do not carry out official royal roles.
Their royal titles “His and Her Royal Highness” remain unused and in abeyance (inactive).
Their charity work is done privately and is not part of official royal duties.
The letter clarifies they live similarly to private citizens with business and charity roles.
Harry and Meghan’s team got the letter less than an hour before it was shown to the media.
Security decisions, including taxpayer-funded protection for the couple, are under review by a committee called Ravec.
Harry recently visited a London studio known for filming podcasts.
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A memorial event marking the one-year anniversary of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, is planned at Utah Valley University. Some student groups are protesting the event, criticizing the university for supporting the memorial and expressing concerns about Kirk’s views.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10 last year while addressing a large crowd.
Turning Point USA, a conservative group Kirk co-founded, is organizing the "Freedom Built to Last Memorial" at the university’s UCCU Center on the anniversary date.
Several student groups, including Students for a Democratic Society, plan to protest the memorial event outside the venue.
Protesters say the university’s decision to close campus that day is seen as endorsing Kirk’s and Turning Point USA’s views.
The university states the campus closure is meant to provide time for reflection and healing, not to endorse the event.
Tyler Robinson, accused of killing Kirk, will stand trial and could face the death penalty; he pleaded not guilty.
An open letter from UVU students criticizes the university and calls for the memorial event to be canceled due to concerns about racism and divisiveness.
The letter asks UVU to deny future event permissions to Turning Point USA on campus to protect marginalized students.
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Canada has started new tariffs on $20 billion of U.S. goods to respond to U.S. tariffs on Canadian products, worsening the trade dispute. The U.S. tariffs, announced by President Donald Trump, include a 50% tax on cars and raw materials from Canada. Negotiations between the two countries broke down over disputes about trade terms and language rights.
Key Facts
Canada imposed tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on U.S. imports worth $20 billion.
These Canadian tariffs target steel, dairy, appliances, farm equipment, and electronics.
President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Canadian cars and raw materials last month.
The U.S. tariffs impact goods like hockey sticks and cement and affect about 5.5% of Canadian exports to the U.S.
Trade talks ended in August after disagreements over trade restrictions and language protections for French speakers in Canada.
Canadian officials said U.S. negotiators criticized language protections, causing tensions.
The dispute reflects increasing trade tensions between Canada and the United States under President Trump.
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President Donald Trump threatened to stop Bombardier, a Canadian airplane maker, from selling jets in the U.S. unless it makes the planes in the United States. Bombardier said it already uses many American parts and suppliers, supporting thousands of U.S. jobs across many states.
Key Facts
President Trump said Bombardier must build planes in the U.S. to sell in the American market.
Bombardier makes many parts of its jets, like wings and flight controls, in the U.S. and works with about 2,800 American companies.
Bombardier supports tens of thousands of jobs in the U.S., with a significant workforce in Kansas.
Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas highlighted Bombardier’s importance to local jobs and asked the Trump administration to recognize this.
Canada’s government is buying early warning planes from Saab and Bombardier, which include 20% U.S. content.
Alternative Canadian plane purchases could have come from U.S. companies Boeing and L3Harris.
Bombardier was founded in Quebec and started by making snowmobiles before focusing on private business jets.
The Canadian government is reviewing plans to buy U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, while Saab plans to build fighter jets in Canada.
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European Union leaders expressed shock after Serbia held a funeral with military honors for Ratko Mladic, a Bosnian Serb general convicted of genocide and war crimes. The EU questioned Serbia’s readiness to join because the funeral showed official support for a figure linked to severe crimes in Europe’s recent history.
Key Facts
Ratko Mladic died while serving a life sentence for genocide and war crimes from the Bosnia war.
Serbia held a funeral with military honors for Mladic in Belgrade.
The Serbian Orthodox Church’s Patriarch led the funeral service.
Some Serbian government ministers attended the funeral, but President Aleksandar Vucic did not; his son was present.
EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa called the funeral and official support for Mladic "shocking" and "regrettable."
The EU said the funeral shows Serbia has not fully faced its past crimes and doubted its values match those needed to join the EU.
Mladic remains seen as a hero by many in Serbia despite his conviction.
Serbia is trying to balance supporting Mladic’s supporters and maintaining its goal to join the EU, with upcoming elections playing a role.
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Prediction markets are online platforms where people trade bets on election results. These markets are growing fast but face criticism because some states say they act like unlicensed casinos and could affect trust in elections. Election officials worry that betting on outcomes might damage democracy, while market operators compare the activity to regular stock trading.
Key Facts
Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket allow people to trade contracts based on election outcomes.
These contracts are priced between 1 and 99 cents and cover races for offices like mayor, governor, and U.S. Senate.
Some states are trying to ban or regulate these platforms, calling them unlicensed gambling.
Election officials are concerned that financial betting could reduce public trust in election integrity.
Operators say their markets have insider trading rules to stop candidates from betting on their own races.
Kalshi suspended and fined a North Carolina candidate for trading on her own election.
Markets tend to predict election results accurately but have had some high-profile misses this year.
Courts are currently deciding how much control states have over regulating prediction markets.
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Jerry Sandusky, a former Penn State football coach convicted of sexual abuse, had a court hearing about one accuser who is trying to take back his claims. Sandusky’s lawyers want a new trial, but the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office doubts the accuser’s recantation.
Key Facts
Jerry Sandusky was convicted in 2012 of 45 counts of sexual abuse.
He has been serving a long prison sentence since then.
One accuser named R.R. wants to recant his allegations of abuse from 1998.
Sandusky’s lawyers say R.R. was pressured by authorities and coached to change his story.
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General calls the recantation doubtful.
Sandusky worked for Penn State under coach Joe Paterno, who was fired due to the scandal.
Sandusky founded The Second Mile, a charity for at-risk youth, where he allegedly groomed victims.
Penn State paid over $100 million to people who said Sandusky abused them.
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Sherri Shepherd will play the Genie in the Broadway musical "Aladdin" from October 16 to January 3. She is excited about the role and is preparing by taking dance and voice lessons.
Key Facts
Sherri Shepherd is a Daytime Emmy and NAACP Image Award winner.
She will perform as the Genie, a character known for the song "Friend Like Me."
Shepherd has done Broadway before, playing the Stepmother in "Cinderella" in 2014.
She is working hard to prepare by practicing singing and dancing.
Shepherd wants children watching the show to feel inspired and see new possibilities.
The musical is based on the 1992 movie "Aladdin," starring Robin Williams as the Genie.
Shepherd plans to perform in "Aladdin" from October 16 through January 3.
She has asked Broadway friends for advice to help with the role.
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AI-generated images of extremely thin bodies are appearing on social media and influencing people’s ideas of what is an ideal body. Even when people know these images are fake, they can still feel pressure to look like them, which affects their satisfaction with their own bodies.
Key Facts
AI-created body images often show very thin, unrealistic bodies that are hard or impossible to achieve naturally.
Some AI influencers promote wellness products or share beauty advice using these altered images.
Studies show that knowing an image is AI-made does not stop people from feeling body dissatisfaction.
Social media trends encouraging thinness, like those banned on TikTok, still exist and impact mental health.
Tech companies use AI influencers because they are cheaper and can quickly promote products worldwide.
Platforms like Meta and TikTok ask users or creators to label AI-generated content, but many fake images remain untagged.
Despite this trend, real body diversity can still be found online and in everyday life by searching positive body acceptance terms.
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Sir Richard Alston, an important British choreographer and teacher, died at age 77. He was known for his creative and thoughtful contemporary dance work and led well-known dance companies like Rambert and the Place.
Key Facts
Sir Richard Alston died on September 7 after a period of illness.
He was a choreographer, teacher, and former artistic director of Rambert and the Place.
Alston created over 50 dance pieces for his own company.
He was praised for his clear, emotional, and musical approach to dance.
The Richard Alston Foundation was created in 2021 to keep promoting his work and contemporary dance.
He studied under important choreographer Merce Cunningham in New York.
Alston became artistic director of Rambert in 1986 and led the company through important changes, including dropping "ballet" from its name.
He was knighted in 2019 for his contributions to dance.
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The Argentine government announced it will press criminal charges against Navitas Petroleum for operating near the Falkland Islands, a territory claimed by both Argentina and the UK. Argentine President Javier Milei strongly reaffirmed Argentina’s claim and condemned the oil drilling, while the UK maintains its current position supporting the Falkland Islands as a British overseas territory.
Key Facts
Argentina plans to take legal action against Navitas Petroleum for offshore drilling near the Falklands.
President Javier Milei called oil drilling there a threat to Argentine sovereignty.
The Falkland Islands are claimed by both Argentina and the UK, with tensions lasting over 40 years since a 1982 conflict.
A 2013 vote showed nearly all residents of the islands want to remain under British control.
Milei said the islanders have no legitimate right to decide their status because he sees the land as taken illegally.
Navitas Petroleum owns 65% of the Sea Lion oil project, expected to begin production in 2028.
The Sea Lion oilfield has an estimated 1.7 billion barrels of oil and is about 130 miles from the Falklands.
Both Navitas and Rockhopper (another stakeholder) say their licenses from the Falklands government are valid.
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Fourteen men are going on trial in Paris for their roles in the deaths of at least 31 people who drowned trying to cross the English Channel in a small boat in November 2021. They are accused of manslaughter and helping illegal immigration as part of a criminal group linked to smuggling migrants from France to Britain.
Key Facts
The incident occurred on 24 November 2021 when an inflatable dinghy sank in the Channel, killing at least 31 people.
Most victims were Iraqi Kurds; others were from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Iran, Somalia, Vietnam, and Egypt, including a seven-year-old girl.
Only two men survived after about a dozen distress calls were made during the crossing.
The accused men are believed to be part of Afghan and Iraqi-Kurdish smuggling networks operating near Calais and Grande-Synthe in northern France.
Charges include involuntary manslaughter, facilitating illegal immigration, and participation in an organized criminal group.
Evidence like phone records placed some defendants near the boat’s departure point and linked them to organizing crossings.
Investigators say the boat was unsafe, crowded, uncertified, and lacked enough lifejackets.
A separate investigation is looking into French military personnel for allegedly failing to help during the disaster.
A UK inquiry found that poor coordination, staff shortages, and slow responses by British and French authorities contributed to the deaths.
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The UK government will run a large exercise in 2027 to test how well it can call up retired military veterans if there is a war. The drill aims to improve the readiness of the armed forces by using veterans from the strategic reserve, which includes around 95,000 former soldiers and officers.
Key Facts
Some veterans from the UK’s strategic reserve will be mobilized in a military exercise in 2027.
The strategic reserve has about 95,000 retired regular and reserve officers from the Army, Navy, and Royal Air Force.
The Ministry of Defence wants to use the strategic reserve more actively due to a workforce retention problem.
The age limit for the strategic reserve was recently raised from 55 to 65.
The exercise will test procedures to call up, equip, and use retired troops on a large scale.
The UK government is under pressure to increase defense spending to 3% of the GDP by the end of the decade.
A public awareness campaign will encourage people to prepare for emergencies like extreme weather or cyber attacks.
The government is also expanding programs like a military "gap year" to boost youth involvement in defense.
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President Donald Trump has a large amount of campaign money but has spent little of it so far in the 2024 midterm elections. Experts believe he plans to use the money and his rallies mainly to promote himself rather than support other Republican candidates.
Key Facts
Trump’s fundraising group, Maga Inc, had over $400 million as of July 31, more than any major party committee.
He has not spent much money early in the campaign, missing chances for cheaper advertising.
Trump said he will decide where to spend money, focusing on candidates he thinks can win.
Analysts doubt he is holding money to silence critics or to support future candidates beyond 2024.
Polls show Trump’s approval rating is low, around the mid-30% range.
Trump’s nonprofit Securing American Greatness has begun spending about $1 million on ads promoting him.
Trump plans to travel widely and hold many rallies in competitive areas during the fall.
Political experts warn Trump’s unplanned remarks at rallies could create problems for other Republican candidates.
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