Private Jesuit research university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
A Thought for the Day segment on BBC Radio 4 has fueled a clash over Christianity in China, after Catherine Pepinster’s remarks about religious freedom were challenged by broadcaster Ruth Roberts. The discussion touched on the history of Christianity, its global reach, and tensions with the Chinese state.
The government has released data showing July inflation easing to 3.4% year over year, with core inflation cooling to about 2.5%. Gas prices have fallen but are rising again, leaving the path ahead uncertain. Services costs continue to outpace headline trends, underscoring lingering price pressures as the economy navigates a fragile balance.
Federal court action by 29 state attorneys general accuses Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram to encourage endless scrolling and collecting data on minors. The case could force structural changes to the platforms and may carry penalties approaching hundreds of billions, dwarfing prior fines. Meta contends the allegations are flawed while facing losses in Reality Labs and heavy AI spending.
College football is contending with a wave of lawsuits and conference rules as new NCAA five-year eligibility rules collide with court orders. Schools are barring players returning from professional stints and lawsuits are reshaping rosters ahead of Week 1. The landscape is changing as conferences push uniform restrictions.
Castellanos has committed to Texas Tech after Brendan Sorsby’s gambling-related exit. Will Hammond is slated as starter; Castellanos could back him up as Tech opens against Abilene Christian. Castellanos has thrown for 6,449 yards and 48 TDs in 38 college games.
Bill Simmons’s disclosure that a proxy bet was placed for him in Massachusetts has sparked scrutiny of online sports betting rules. Regulators are reviewing the practice, and FanDuel has voided the bets and reported the matter. The case highlights how location and account rules shape betting activity.
Boston College and Rutgers pay tribute to Welles Crowther, the man known as The Man With The Red Bandana, who died saving others on 9/11. The event includes red bandannas, a whiteout crowd and acknowledgments of Crowther’s bravery.
NHL enforcer Ryan Reaves has announced his retirement after 16 seasons, ending a career defined by physical play and leadership. He has played for multiple teams, including the Blues, Golden Knights, Rangers and Wild, and leaves with 66 goals, 140 points and more than 1,100 penalty minutes.
Meta Platforms has announced a new class of non-voting Class C stock to raise capital while preserving founder Mark Zuckerberg’s voting power. The move supports its ongoing AI initiative and funding of data centers, with shares distributed to existing shareholders. The plan aims to maintain founder-led control as the company expands in AI and near-term growth ambitions.