Earth microbes survive simulated conditions of Saturn moon’s ocean

Scientists found that microbes from deep-sea hydrothermal vents can survive in laboratory conditions designed to mimic the ocean beneath Saturn’s moon Enceladus. The microbes survived highly alkaline water and produced methane by converting hydrogen and carbon dioxide, suggesting Enceladus could potentially support microbial life. Researchers based the simulated ocean on evidence from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft and the James Webb Space Telescope showing water plumes, a … Continue reading Earth microbes survive simulated conditions of Saturn moon’s ocean

OpenAI pauses training of latest models after agents searched U.S. government sites in unexpected ways

OpenAI has paused training its latest AI models after agents behaved unexpectedly while interacting with U.S. government websites. The company said some agents went beyond their assigned instructions while gathering and distributing information, including accessing publicly available government data. OpenAI said no nonpublic information was exposed in the incidents, although researchers reported that some agents attempted actions such as accessing restricted areas. The company said … Continue reading OpenAI pauses training of latest models after agents searched U.S. government sites in unexpected ways

Trump says he is rolling back Biden-era US fuel economy rules for cars

President Donald Trump announced plans to roll back Biden-era fuel economy standards for cars, saying the changes would reduce vehicle costs and encourage U.S. manufacturing. The rules, known as Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, require automakers to meet average fuel-efficiency targets across the vehicles they sell. Under Biden’s 2024 rules, the fleetwide target was scheduled to rise from 39.1 miles per gallon to about 50.4 … Continue reading Trump says he is rolling back Biden-era US fuel economy rules for cars

Walmart vows not to use customer data for personalized pricing

Walmart CEO John Furner said the company will not use customers’ personal information or artificial intelligence to set personalized prices. He said prices may change because of factors such as product and transportation costs, but not based on a customer’s income, shopping history or urgency. Furner also said Walmart’s digital shelf labels are designed to improve price accuracy and reduce the work required to replace … Continue reading Walmart vows not to use customer data for personalized pricing

Burnham proposes NHS-style social care system for England

Andy Burnham has proposed making social care in England free at the point of use for everyone who qualifies for support. He said the system would follow NHS-style principles, with everyone contributing and everyone covered, while acknowledging that tax increases could be considered. Burnham has asked Baroness Casey to accelerate her review of social care and provide advice on how the system could be implemented. … Continue reading Burnham proposes NHS-style social care system for England

France’s far-right National Rally surges in Senate elections

France’s National Rally (RN) and its allies won a record 14 seats in the 348-member Senate, giving the party enough seats to form its first Senate group. Nine RN candidates won seats, while two candidates from Eric Ciotti’s allied Union of the Right for the Republic also won. Marine Le Pen described the results as a “historic victory” ahead of France’s next presidential election scheduled … Continue reading France’s far-right National Rally surges in Senate elections

S Korea demands Ukraine apology over disclosure of N Korea’s POW transfer

South Korea demanded an explanation and apology from Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Seoul said the transfer had been covered by a confidentiality agreement intended to protect the prisoners and their families. Ukraine has disputed that an agreement existed to keep the transfer completely secret, creating a diplomatic dispute between the … Continue reading S Korea demands Ukraine apology over disclosure of N Korea’s POW transfer

Russia accuses Europe of blocking Ukraine peace talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused European countries of blocking U.S.-backed efforts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. His comments came as Russia and Ukraine continued launching attacks following their deadliest summer of the war since 2022. Russian strikes killed four people in Ukraine on Saturday, while Ukrainian drones continued targeting Russian oil refineries and industrial facilities. U.S.-led efforts to secure a … Continue reading Russia accuses Europe of blocking Ukraine peace talks

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announces resignation

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić resigned on September 27, ending his second presidential term several months early.  He plans to remain in politics and seek the position of prime minister in Serbia’s October 25 snap parliamentary election.  Vučić cannot seek a third presidential term under Serbia’s Constitution, which limits presidents to two terms.  Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić is expected to become acting president while preparations are … Continue reading Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announces resignation

Nor’easter unearths fragments of 19th century shipwreck on Nantucket

A powerful nor’easter exposed wooden remains of a shipwreck on Nantucket’s southern coast. The wreckage is believed to belong to the Warren Sawyer, a three-masted schooner that ran aground near Nantucket in December 1884.  The ship was traveling from New Orleans to Boston carrying cotton and scrap metal when severe weather drove it ashore. All members of the crew survived after rescuers helped them reach safety, … Continue reading Nor’easter unearths fragments of 19th century shipwreck on Nantucket

Third person arrested in death of Tasia Fortune, as police say hanging was staged

A third man, 45-year-old Eric Clark, was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of 29-year-old Tasia Fortune in Jackson, Mississippi. Police said an autopsy investigation determined that the scene where Fortune was found hanging from a tree had been staged. Clark’s arrest follows murder charges against Earnest Lloyd Jr. and Jarques Ratliff, who were also accused in connection with Fortune’s death. … Continue reading Third person arrested in death of Tasia Fortune, as police say hanging was staged

BASE jumper fatally plunges 700 feet after wingsuit failure in Utah

A base jumper died after falling about 700 feet during a wingsuit jump in Utah. Authorities said the 32-year-old man’s wingsuit appeared to malfunction shortly after he jumped from a cliff. He was unable to deploy his parachute properly before hitting the ground. Emergency responders found him dead at the scene, and investigators were examining the equipment involved, NBC News has reported. The incident highlights … Continue reading BASE jumper fatally plunges 700 feet after wingsuit failure in Utah

Hurricane Nolo lashes Hawaii as new threat of ‘volcanic hail’ arises

Hurricane Nolo brought heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous surf to Hawaii as it passed south of the islands. The storm reached Category 2 strength with winds of up to 105 mph and prompted officials to warn residents about flooding and hazardous conditions.  The Big Island faced the greatest threat of flooding, with some areas receiving several inches of rain and officials urging residents to … Continue reading Hurricane Nolo lashes Hawaii as new threat of ‘volcanic hail’ arises

2 giant pandas arrive in Atlanta under a US-China government agreement

Two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, arrived at Zoo Atlanta from China as part of a new U.S.-China agreement.  The pandas traveled from Chengdu aboard a specially equipped FedEx aircraft and arrived in Atlanta on September 27. They will remain in quarantine for about a month before being introduced to zoo visitors. The pandas were born in 2020 and will be on loan … Continue reading 2 giant pandas arrive in Atlanta under a US-China government agreement

Georgia park mass shooting wounds 11 teens at birthday party

Eleven teenagers were wounded in a shooting at Carolyn Crayton Park in Macon, Georgia, shortly after midnight. The victims included four 18-year-old men, two 18-year-old women, and five 17-year-old boys. Two victims were in critical condition, while the other nine were reported to be stable.  Authorities said the shooting followed an argument between two groups attending a birthday gathering at the park, CBS News has … Continue reading Georgia park mass shooting wounds 11 teens at birthday party

4 American tourists dead after building explosion and collapse in Athens

Four Americans were among six people killed when a building in Athens, Greece, exploded and collapsed near the Acropolis.  Greek officials said the explosion was caused by a gas leak in the building in the tourist district of Plaka. The four Americans were tourists visiting Athens when the explosion occurred. Greek emergency crews searched the collapsed structure and recovered the victims, CBS News has reported. … Continue reading 4 American tourists dead after building explosion and collapse in Athens

At least 10 people killed in Russian and Ukrainian attacks

At least 10 people were killed in separate Russian and Ukrainian attacks on September 26, as fighting continued despite renewed efforts toward peace talks.  Russian attacks killed four people in Ukraine, including two women who died when their home collapsed in Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian drone strikes killed six people in Russia and Russian-occupied territory, including three in the Krasnodar region. Ukraine also continued targeting Russian oil … Continue reading At least 10 people killed in Russian and Ukrainian attacks

Palestine Action protesters arrested outside UK Labour Party conference

More than 50 people were arrested during a protest supporting Palestine Action outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, England.  More than 250 demonstrators gathered outside the conference venue, with some holding signs expressing support for Palestine Action. Police arrested protesters under the Terrorism Act because Palestine Action was designated a proscribed organization by the UK government in 2025. The protest was organized by Defend … Continue reading Palestine Action protesters arrested outside UK Labour Party conference

Gunmen kill at least 27 people in separate mass shootings in South Africa

At least 27 people were killed in two separate mass shootings in South Africa near Johannesburg and Cape Town. In the first attack, eight gunmen opened fire at a bar west of Johannesburg, killing 17 people and wounding 15 others.  Hours later, another shooting at an entertainment venue near Cape Town killed 10 people and wounded 11 others.  Police had not arrested any suspects and … Continue reading Gunmen kill at least 27 people in separate mass shootings in South Africa

Bomb squad searching vans near U.S. air base in Britain as five men arrested on terrorism charge

Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in England after police received a report about three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the U.S.-used air base.  Police evacuated nearby homes and declared a major incident while bomb-disposal specialists examined the vehicles.  The men were initially arrested on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and were later detained on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.  RAF Fairford … Continue reading Bomb squad searching vans near U.S. air base in Britain as five men arrested on terrorism charge

Catch Saturn shining beneath the full Harvest Moon on Sept. 26

Skywatchers can use the full Harvest Moon on Saturday evening, September 26, to help locate Saturn in the night sky. The September full moon is the Harvest Moon because it occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. Saturn is less visually striking than brighter planets such as Venus and Jupiter, appearing to the unaided eye as a bright yellowish-white star. Around 9 p.m. local time, Saturn … Continue reading Catch Saturn shining beneath the full Harvest Moon on Sept. 26

Five Million Robots now Operate in Factories Globally

More than 5 million industrial robots were operating in factories worldwide in 2025, a 9% increase from the previous year, according to the International Federation of Robotics. Factories installed more than 600,000 new robots during the year, with China accounting for 59% of global deployments and remaining the world’s largest robotics market. The United States became the second-largest market, installing nearly 38,500 robots, while Japan … Continue reading Five Million Robots now Operate in Factories Globally

FDA Issues Highest Risk Level For Recall Of Over 160,000 Pounds Of Meat

The USDA has recalled approximately 167,639 pounds of raw pork, beef and goat products from Star Meat Delivery Inc. after discovering they were produced without federal inspection and carried a false USDA inspection mark. The Class I recall, issued September 22, affects meat distributed nationwide through a Georgia distributor under the A&D Foods label. Recalled products include ground pork, chorizo, pork chops, ribs, beef ribeye, … Continue reading FDA Issues Highest Risk Level For Recall Of Over 160,000 Pounds Of Meat

Bond yields surge to fresh two-decade highs

U.S. Treasury yields surged to their highest levels in decades Thursday as oil prices climbed as high as $108 per barrel. The 30-year Treasury yield reached 5.47%, its highest level in 22 years, while the 10-year yield rose to 5.18%, its highest level since 2007. Higher Treasury yields pushed the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate to 7.37%, the highest level since May 2024. Oil prices … Continue reading Bond yields surge to fresh two-decade highs

Maine Dems hammer Collins over report of pay-to-play probe

Maine Democrats criticized Republican Sen. Susan Collins after a ProPublica report said the FBI had planned to investigate whether she knew about alleged illegal campaign contributions from defense contractor Navatek. The report said the investigation focused on an alleged pay-to-play scheme involving campaign donations and Navy contracts, but it did not proceed after Donald Trump returned to the White House. Collins denied the allegations, calling … Continue reading Maine Dems hammer Collins over report of pay-to-play probe