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This article presents five notable books being released this fall from diverse authors including Marlon James and President Joe Biden. The books cover different styles, from fantasy and fiction to political biography and memoir.
Key Facts
Marlon James’ new novel, "The Disappearers," is a mix of fantasy and real events set in Jamaica, involving a violent attack on eight gay men in 1988.
"American Scoundrel" by Kai Bird and Susan Goldmark explores Roy Cohn’s political influence, including his work with Senator McCarthy and mentor role to Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump spoke briefly to the authors of "American Scoundrel" but declined a full interview due to his presidential duties.
Emma Cline’s "Switzy" is a story about a retired businessman headed to an assisted dying center, highlighting themes of memory and mental decline.
Joe Biden’s book "Promise Me, America," is also among the fall releases, adding presidential memoir to the collection.
Yiyun Li’s "Music Against the Night" and other books offer a variety of genres including fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.
Several of these books have been longlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize for literature.
The article highlights the diverse topics and voices in prominent upcoming book releases this season.
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As midterm election news dominates the fall, bookstores are seeing more interest in fiction books than political or nonfiction works. Political books, including those about President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, are less popular, while presidential memoirs remain notable exceptions.
Key Facts
Fiction books are expected to be more popular than political or nonfiction books this fall.
President Joe Biden’s memoir "Promise Me, America" is a rare notable political book release.
Political books have lower sales compared to the peak during President Trump's first term.
Analysts say readers are tired of political news and the fast news cycle makes it hard for political books to stand out.
Michael Lewis' book "Blockers" about Trump’s second term is among the few new political books gaining attention.
Other new political books focus on President Biden’s years in office and related topics.
Presidential memoirs continue to be important events in publishing despite the general slump in political book sales.
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A recent poll shows that most Americans under 30 do not have a very positive view of capitalism, with only 9 percent expressing strong support. Older generations, like Baby Boomers, have a more favorable opinion, with 33 percent viewing capitalism very positively. This difference highlights a growing divide in attitudes toward the economy between younger and older people.
Key Facts
Only 9 percent of Americans under 30 have a very positive view of capitalism.
33 percent of people over 65 have a very positive view of capitalism.
The data comes from a poll conducted by CBS and YouGov.
This shows a clear difference in economic opinions between Generation Z and older generations.
The trend reflects changing attitudes toward the current economic system among younger Americans.
The article links these views to the rising popularity of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
The DSA is gaining more support among younger voters who are critical of capitalism.
This shift could influence future political and economic debates in the U.S.
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Oil price changes caused by President Trump's social media posts about the Iran war have become smaller over time. At first, these posts affected oil prices a lot, but now the market is less influenced because traders rely more on real-world information.
Key Facts
An analysis tracked 269 posts by President Trump about Iran or the Strait of Hormuz from Feb. 28 to Aug. 19.
Initially, oil prices changed by about 0.73% shortly after these posts appeared, nearly four times the usual short-term change.
Over time, the influence of these posts on oil prices has decreased.
Traders now pay more attention to actual events on the ground than to social media posts.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for oil transport, making it important to global oil supply.
President Trump’s Truth Social platform charges Wall Street firms up to $1.2 million annually for early access to posts.
This paid service is currently involved in legal challenges.
The reduced impact of Trump’s posts on oil prices affects political debates, especially energy prices discussed in the upcoming midterm elections.
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The Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, originally bought for $16 million in 1979, is now potentially being sold for $12.5 billion to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner. This sale would make the Lakers the most valuable basketball team and shows a growing trend of big investors and private equity buying sports teams.
Key Facts
Jerry Buss bought the Lakers in 1979 for $16 million and owned the team until his death in 2013.
At Jerry Buss’s death, the Lakers were worth $1 billion.
Bob Iger, former Disney CEO, and Josh Kushner, brother-in-law to President Trump’s son-in-law, are negotiating to buy the Lakers for $12.5 billion.
The NBA must approve the sale, and the Buss family is debating whether to sell their minority 17.8% stake.
The Lakers were sold in June 2025 to private equity investors Mark Walter and Todd Boehly for $10 billion, who may now sell it again for a profit.
This quick resale reflects a shift in sports ownership where teams are bought and sold for investment, not just tradition or family ties.
Some NBA teams, like the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls, still have long-term family owners.
Many sports teams are becoming financial assets for investors rather than community symbols.
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Retail sales in Great Britain fell by 0.5% in July despite hot weather and the men’s football World Cup increasing demand for food and drink. Non-food stores, especially clothing and furniture, saw declines as people stayed home due to the heat and shopped less in stores.
Key Facts
Retail sales volume dropped 0.5% in July after rising in May and June.
Non-food stores fell 1.3%, mainly because of less clothes shopping and fewer furniture purchases.
Heatwaves made people stay home more, reducing visits to high street shops.
Food and drink sales rose due to hot weather and World Cup-related demand.
Pubs and sports bars had higher sales during the World Cup but are counted separately from retail.
The British Beer & Pub Association reported pubs sold 30 million extra pints during the tournament, adding £150 million in sales.
Retail experts noted consumers spent more on barbecue supplies and fans but visited shops less.
Some stores had delivery delays due to the heatwave affecting stock availability.
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The UK government borrowed more money in July than expected, with borrowing reaching £1.8 billion, which is higher than last year. Chancellor John Healey is preparing his first Budget, aiming to control spending while helping households with rising living costs.
Key Facts
The UK government borrowed £1.8 billion in July, £2.3 billion more than official forecasts.
Borrowing in July was about two-thirds higher than the same month last year.
Increased welfare spending, including benefits and state pensions, raised borrowing by £2 billion compared to last year.
From April to July, the government borrowed £56.7 billion, lower than last year but higher than expected.
Chancellor John Healey plans to maintain strong fiscal discipline and limit day-to-day spending increases.
Government debt is nearing £3 trillion, growing by £127.2 billion over the past year.
Economists warn there is little room to increase borrowing in the upcoming Budget due to economic pressures.
The Conservative party criticized Labour’s spending, highlighting high interest costs on debt.
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The Panama Canal will reduce the number of ships passing through daily from 36 to 32 starting September 15 due to low rainfall caused by the El Niño weather pattern. This measure aims to protect water supplies and ensure the canal’s long-term operation, which is vital for global trade and Panama’s economy.
Key Facts
The Panama Canal Authority announced a cut in daily ship traffic from 36 to 32 vessels starting September 15.
Low rainfall caused by El Niño is affecting water levels needed to operate the canal.
El Niño is a natural warming pattern of sea surface temperatures with global weather effects, intensified by climate change.
The canal is open 24/7, 365 days a year, and serves about 14,000 ships annually.
Panama earns about $3 billion a year from the canal, which shortens travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Water-saving measures have already been introduced, but more restrictions are needed to maintain service reliability.
In 2023, similar cuts were made due to a very dry October during the last El Niño period.
The current El Niño is expected to be unusually strong, potentially causing global disruptions in weather and food supplies.
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The UK government had a bigger deficit than expected in July, borrowing £1.8 billion despite strong tax income. Chancellor John Healey faces challenges as he prepares his first budget amid slower economic growth and rising costs.
Key Facts
The UK government’s borrowing in July was £1.8 billion, higher than the expected zero deficit.
July usually sees higher tax payments, which made the deficit surprising.
From April to July, the UK’s total deficit was £56.7 billion, lower than last year but more than forecast.
Public debt reached £2.98 trillion, about 94% of the country’s economic output (GDP).
The government plans to borrow more to invest in infrastructure projects.
Chancellor John Healey will announce the new budget on 28 October.
Inflation, slower economic growth, and rising bond costs threaten the UK’s financial outlook.
The government aims to reduce the deficit while supporting people with cost-of-living pressures and youth employment.
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Newsweek and Statista are conducting a survey to find the best continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) in America for 2027. These communities offer different levels of care, from independent living to memory care, all on one campus, and their popularity is growing as more older adults choose this convenient option.
Key Facts
CCRCs provide multiple levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, on the same campus.
In 2024, independent living in CCRCs reached 91.1% occupancy, the highest among senior living types.
CCRCs are becoming more popular because they offer amenities and convenience for seniors still able to live independently.
Newsweek and Statista have partnered for four years to rank the best CCRCs in the U.S.
Last year, Newsweek’s list included 330 of the best CCRCs based on expert recommendations and facility data.
The 2027 survey is open until September 11, 2026, allowing input from professionals and others in the field.
The survey aims to reflect the growth and quality of this senior living industry.
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The article talks about common money problems that couples face. It shares examples of couples who have different ways of handling money and how they manage their disagreements.
Key Facts
Couples often have different views on money management.
Some couples prefer to split all expenses equally.
Money disagreements can affect relationships.
Couples try to find solutions that work for both partners.
Understanding each other’s money habits helps reduce conflicts.
Communication about money is important in a relationship.
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Greenock, a town in Scotland, has experienced a long decline in population and jobs. The local council plans to attract more migrants, especially Africans and refugees, to help increase the population and support the local economy.
Key Facts
Greenock’s population has dropped by 22,000 since 1981 and is expected to fall another 16% in 20 years.
The town has seen many African migrants and refugees arrive, some opening shops like Anik African Store.
Many migrants live in Greenock because housing is cheap, but they work or study mostly in nearby cities like Glasgow or Paisley.
The council wants to encourage migrants and refugees to stay and settle in Greenock to help grow the community.
The main problem is lack of local jobs, causing people like Tiffany to consider moving away.
Greenock had a historic industry in sugar refining and shipbuilding but now suffers from job losses as companies like IBM closed operations.
Recently, 1,500 jobs disappeared due to companies leaving, with the shipyard cutting about a quarter of its workforce.
Local efforts are underway to save the football club Greenock Morton from financial trouble.
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Asian stock markets showed mixed results after losses on Wall Street. The U.S. Treasury tried to calm the markets by increasing government debt buybacks, but bond yields rose again, limiting the effect.
Key Facts
Asian shares moved unevenly: Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.2%, South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.9%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbed 0.7%.
The U.S. Treasury doubled plans to buy longer-term government debt to help calm markets.
Bond yields, which affect borrowing costs and stock prices, briefly fell but then rose again.
The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose to about 4.71% from 4.64%, and the 30-year yield increased to 5.26%.
Japan’s 10-year government bond yield rose to 2.88%, near a 30-year high.
Wall Street indexes dropped: the S&P 500 by 0.9%, Dow Jones by 1.3%, and Nasdaq by 1%.
Oil prices slightly decreased despite rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The U.S. dollar weakened slightly against the Japanese yen; the euro rose a little against the dollar.
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Former Liberal MP Jenny Ware criticized the Coalition for supporting Labor’s gambling reform laws, saying they do not do enough to protect vulnerable Australians. The new laws limit gambling ads on TV and online but stop short of a full ban recommended by a parliamentary inquiry.
Key Facts
Jenny Ware, a former Liberal MP, says the gambling reforms let down vulnerable Australians.
The reforms limit TV ads to three per hour between 5 am and 8:30 pm.
Online gambling ads will only be shown to adults over 18, with an option to opt out.
Advertising on sports jerseys and stadiums will eventually be banned.
The reforms introduce restrictions on inducements, celebrity endorsements, and employee commissions linked to gambling losses.
There is an upcoming online “opt-out register” for gambling ads, but details are unclear, causing concern in the gambling and tech industries.
The government rejected a full ban on gambling ads recommended by a 2023 inquiry led by the late MP Peta Murphy.
Some MPs, including from the Coalition, voted against the reforms seeking stronger protections.
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The amount of cash in use in the European Union is growing even though many people use smartphones to pay. This increase is linked to worries about wars, wildfires, cyber-attacks, and the need to prepare for emergencies by having cash on hand.
Key Facts
The total number of banknotes in the EU has risen from about €1 billion in 2016 to €1.6 billion in June 2026.
Over 31 million banknotes are now in circulation, up from 24 million before the pandemic in 2019.
The €50 note is the most common, followed by the €100 note.
Countries like Austria, Finland, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands advise households to keep €70 to €100 in cash for 72-hour emergencies.
Emergencies cited include wildfires, floods, storms, cyber-attacks, and other hostile events.
Experts say cash is important for crisis preparedness because it works when digital payment systems fail.
Cash use is important for privacy, financial inclusion (helping vulnerable groups), and teaching children money management.
The European Central Bank supports keeping cash machines widely available across EU towns and cities.
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A growing number of barbecue restaurants in Texas are offering halal meat options that meet Islamic dietary rules. These halal barbecue joints are becoming popular and are recognized alongside traditional Texas barbecue spots.
Key Facts
Goldee’s BBQ in Fort Worth, opened in 2020, serves both classic Texas barbecue and halal meats like brisket, turkey, and lamb.
Goldee’s BBQ was named the top barbecue spot in Texas by Texas Monthly and received a Michelin Bib Gourmand award.
At least 12 barbecue places in Texas now offer halal meat, including Yearby’s Barbecue & Waterice and Levant Mediterranean BBQ.
Halal food means meat is prepared according to Islamic rules on how animals are raised and butchered.
Halal barbecue is attracting customers willing to wait in long lines, even in hot weather.
The halal food market in the U.S. has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry and is becoming part of mainstream American cuisine.
Muslims in Texas are adding their own style to traditional barbecue, showing how diverse communities influence local food traditions.
The popularity of halal barbecue is rising despite political tensions targeting Muslim communities in Texas.
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The US national debt has passed $40 trillion, raising concerns about long-term economic stability. The debt has doubled since 2016 due to government spending, tax cuts, and crisis responses, while rising interest rates make borrowing more expensive.
Key Facts
US national debt reached $40 trillion for the first time recently.
It took almost 200 years to hit $1 trillion in debt; now interest payments alone exceed that amount.
Debt doubled from just under $20 trillion in 2016 to over $40 trillion today.
Government spending and tax cuts under Presidents Trump and Biden contributed to the debt increase.
Higher interest rates mean the government pays more to borrow money, increasing costs.
Interest payments now make up nearly 20% of tax revenue, exceeding defense spending.
The US is close to its debt ceiling of $41.1 trillion, with debt projected to reach $64 trillion by 2036.
Higher borrowing costs for the US can also raise borrowing costs worldwide and affect everyday loans like mortgages and credit cards.
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Many young people in the UK find it hard to buy a home because house prices have risen faster than incomes for decades. The shortage of new homes, rising building costs, and strict planning rules have made it harder to build enough houses, though recent changes may slowly improve the situation.
Key Facts
About 25% of people born in the mid-1990s in the UK own a home, compared to much higher rates for older generations.
House prices have increased much more than incomes over the last 70 years.
England needs around 300,000 new homes each year to meet demand, but only about 208,000 were built last year.
Building costs have risen due to inflation, material shortages from the Covid-19 pandemic, and price hikes in energy after the Ukraine war.
Skilled construction workers are in short supply, worsened by Brexit.
Saving for a house deposit is harder because many young people also pay high rents that take up about a third of their income.
Recently, house prices have grown more slowly than wages, and some lenders now accept smaller deposits and offer longer loans.
The government plans to simplify planning rules and allow more building on protected land to increase house supply, but any effects will take years to appear.
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Neutrogena issued a statement responding to criticism after actress Hayden Panettiere’s death, addressing past concerns about her claims that the company fired her in 2015 for discussing postpartum depression. The company expressed regret for making her feel unsupported, announced new funding to support women’s mental health, and offered condolences to Panettiere’s family.
Key Facts
Hayden Panettiere died at age 36 in Greenville, South Carolina; emergency responders found her in cardiac arrest.
Neutrogena had a partnership with Panettiere for over 10 years before she was let go in 2015.
Panettiere said Neutrogena fired her after she spoke openly about postpartum depression during a 2015 TV interview.
The company said it regrets how Panettiere was treated and does not support that kind of behavior.
Neutrogena plans to invest in programs that help women access postpartum depression care.
Panettiere openly discussed struggles with addiction and postpartum depression during her life.
After her firing, Panettiere said she received no farewell or acknowledgement from Neutrogena.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is assisting in the investigation into Panettiere’s death.
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A 16-year-old from County Down named Ben O'Connor created an app called FarmFlow to help farmers manage their daily tasks and paperwork more easily. The app is being tested on farms in the UK and Ireland to save time and improve efficiency, especially for dairy farmers who work long hours.
Key Facts
Ben O'Connor developed FarmFlow after his family switched from beef to dairy farming.
Dairy farming requires strict routines and more paperwork, which can be time-consuming.
Farmers in Northern Ireland work about 65 hours a week on average.
The app helps farmers track tasks and keep medical records on the move using a smartphone or tablet.
FarmFlow is being trialled on several farms across the UK and Ireland.
Another young farmer, Jude McClements, is testing the app and gave feedback to improve it.
Ben previously ran a successful mail order gift business before focusing on farm management.
Ben plans to continue his education but wants to work in agriculture and introduce more technology to the industry.
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