A Western U.S. state and economic powerhouse
Federal prosecutors have charged Abdulrahman Alfozan, a 35-year-old OpenAI engineer, after the company has found a sophisticated audio recorder concealed in an executive conference-room television on Sept. 30. OpenAI has fired the engineer, used its models to trace the device to him, and referred the matter to the FBI; Alfozan has been held in federal custody and appeared in court.
The Department of Homeland Security has ordered federal civilian agencies to remove DeepSeek products and any tools built with its models from government IT systems and to stop new purchases. The order, issued in late July and made public Monday, cites risks that sensitive U.S. data on systems used by government employees could be accessed from servers in China.
Meta’s chief global affairs officer Joel Kaplan has announced his departure, staying through the midterms and exiting next year after more than 15 years at the company. The move follows a shift in policy leadership and leadership changes at Meta.
Jio Platforms has opened an initial public offering to raise 302bn rupees to repay telecom debt and fund growth, offering shares at 1,065–1,119 rupees and targeting a roughly 10.3tn-rupee valuation. Global fund managers and dozens of anchor investors have backed the deal, while a separate spat between Elon Musk and Reliance over Starlink approvals remains unresolved.
Prosecutors have charged Abdulrahman Alfozan, a former OpenAI engineer, with using a device to intercept oral communications. They say he sought to flee to Saudi Arabia; OpenAI has terminated him. The case hinges on new court filings and travel plans connected to Saudi ties.
Australian and international leaders push for stronger AI safeguards as authorities weigh safety, worker rights and public control. New data-centre concerns fuel calls for transparency and independent reviews while industry players advocate a cautious pace amid rising doomsday rhetoric.
Apple has announced the HomeView smart home hub and the iPhone Duo foldable, alongside updates to Mac and HomeKit devices. The devices are designed to deepen Apple’s domestic manufacturing push and expand its hardware ecosystem as Tim Cook’s successor, John Ternus, leads a fast-paced launch cadence.
Netflix has announced Peter Rice will replace Bela Bajaria as Chief Content Officer. Rice, a former Fox and Disney executive, will oversee global content, including scripted, unscripted, films and live events. Bajaria is leaving after nearly a decade, amid a period of layoffs and a drive to diversify content, including live sports.
The Iran war continues to drive global energy volatility. US forces maintain a naval blockade; oil prices have risen sharply, pressuring consumers as fuel costs stay elevated amid ongoing clashes and attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
A whale-trapped climactic sequence has Austin Abrams fighting for breath as he recalls his relationship with his father, while other new releases explore identity, memory and power on stage and screen. The slate includes The Scotsman’s review of Whalefall and Guardian critics on contemporary theatre.
Housing data shows September weakness across sales, starts and sentiment as higher mortgage rates and inflation bite. Pending sales fell to record lows, starts dropped, and builder confidence sunk, signaling a tougher 2027 for housing and construction.
Netflix has announced a round of layoffs totaling about 1,000 roles, the largest in years, while reporting quarterly earnings that beat revenue expectations but miss on next-quarter guidance. The leadership shake-up includes Bela Bajaria stepping down as Chief Content Officer, to be replaced by Peter Rice.
The Justice Department has filed a suit in Los Angeles to block the counting of mail-in ballots tied to individuals identified as noncitizens while citizenship is verified. California officials are required to review lists within 48 hours, as federal authorities say noncitizen voting is illegal in federal elections.
Voters face a wave of new election laws as Republican-controlled states implement changes this year. Tighter ID requirements, proofs of citizenship, and in-person verification are among the measures taking effect, with some provisions affecting student IDs and birth certificates. Officials say the changes aim to safeguard elections, while critics warn of barriers to participation.
A fresh set of polls shows Americans blame high prices for a widening affordability crisis as voters demand change ahead of the midterms; inflation and energy costs are central, while economic concerns cut across party lines.
Supermarket bottles now offer quality, value and variety in champagne and sparkling wines. Top supermarket labels have won awards, with English sparkling wines gaining traction as climate shifts open new opportunities. Experts say shoppers can find well-made options that rival specialist shops, though true grower Champagne remains rarer.
Prosecutors have filed new materials relating to Abdulrahman Alfozan, a former OpenAI engineer, detailing enticements from Saudi figures and a plan to record meetings at OpenAI. The filings indicate national-security concerns and possible flight risks ahead of a court hearing.
This article synthesizes AP News and Independent reporting on U.S. organ transplantation. It highlights how patients struggle to understand options, the variability among hospitals, and the push for patient-friendly tools to compare waiting times, organ offers, and hospital performance. About 100,000 people await transplants while more than 49,000 transplants were performed last year.
A US district judge has dismissed Ann Altman’s civil lawsuit against her brother, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, after she failed to attend three independent medical examinations. The lawsuit, filed in January 2025 in Missouri, alleged years of sexual abuse starting when she was three; Sam Altman has denied the allegations. The family says Ann Altman has mental health challenges and has received financial support. The decision ends the case with prejudice.
SpaceX and Tesla have formed independent- directors committees to explore a potential merger, with Elon Musk saying it would be a good idea but shareholders must approve. The development follows a surge in SpaceX revenue driven by its AI and cloud activities and signals the most consequential corporate tie-up in history.
The United Airlines chief executive has publicly backed a nationwide wealth tax and higher inheritance taxes, saying they are necessary to address wealth inequality. He has defended airline pricing practices, arguing fares reflect service value, and notes prices remain below 2019 levels after inflation. The remarks come as California contemplates a billionaire tax and as other tech leaders weigh in on tax policy.
SpaceX and Tesla are discussing a potential merger. Boards have formed independent committees to explore the deal. Musk is recusing himself from discussions, saying there is merit to combining the companies, though shareholder approval and terms remain unresolved.