American photo and short-form video sharing platform owned by Meta
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has published an essay calling for frontier AI development to slow and for embedded third‑party evaluators with employee‑level access. Rivals Sam Altman and Elon Musk have publicly backed the idea, lawmakers are debating regulation, markets have reacted and a former researcher has warned of catastrophic risks.
Russia has held a three-day parliamentary election from Sept. 18–20 that is set to return a United Russia-dominated State Duma. Most anti-war candidates were barred, the liberal Yabloko party was disqualified from the nationwide list, voting is being held in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, and Moscow reported large drone attacks and a sustained cyberattack on electronic voting in the capital.
Ed Sheeran has publicly defended his decision not to engage in politics amid a volley of pro-Palestinian statements from Macklemore on the Loop Tour. The tour has seen several acts leave in solidarity, and venues have pressured promoters, citing concerns about audiences and safety. Sheeran says his shows remain a safe space and that multiple approaches to advocacy exist.
A wave of essays from UK writers reveals growing anxiety about AI’s impact on jobs, education, and daily life. Contributors describe juggling teenage and adult responsibilities while navigating rapid technological change, from college planning to concerns about cognitive effects and digital time‑capsules.
A roundup of gardening guidance from The Guardian, AP News, BBC Business and Independent highlights fall strategies: deer-deterrent bulbs, lawn recovery after a hot summer, and clover-grass lawns. Guidance emphasizes careful planting, natural defenses, and practical autumn lawn care to prepare for winter.
Meta’s smart glasses remain popular but face criticism over privacy. Reports indicate a camera-free variant is in development to address concerns while preserving AI chat features. Regulators in Europe and Norway consider rules; clubs and venues look to ban or limit usage.
Consumer-facing AI agents are expanding beyond labs, with Muse and Instinct leading a wave that lets apps, services, and devices act on users’ behalf. The race centers on privacy, data access, pricing, and real-world adoption as tech giants and startups push to embed agents into daily life.
Schools and families have been preparing for the new term while arguing over how to support pupils' mental health. Local NHS and charity services are offering practical tips for first-day anxiety, researchers have reported mental-health gains where communities delay smartphones, and teachers and parents are adapting volunteering and transitions to reduce stress.
A wave of AI tools is reshaping how startups form and scale, with Altman and investors arguing AI can unlock opportunity even as the public questions benefits amid data-center backlash. New business filings have surged, reflecting a shifting landscape for entrepreneurs.
Napoli's Scott McTominay has undergone a pulsed field ablation for a mild benign arrhythmia and will rest for two weeks before resuming training, keeping him out through the international break and affecting Scotland duty.
Rights groups report a sustained crackdown on civil society in Tunisia, with arrests, financially targeting NGOs, and suspensions widening under President Saied. The move is described as a strategic clampdown on dissent amid protests and deteriorating living conditions.
Aryna Sabalenka has retained focus at the US Open, addressing questions about off-court activities while stressing that training and mental strength drive her. She is preparing for the next rounds after a dominant performance, with analysts noting the evolving landscape as rivals push for top rankings.
The Grand Tour has a new trio of hosts: Francis Bourgeois, Thomas Holland and James Engelsman have stepped into Clarkson, Hammond and May’s roles. The team has worked to win over fans, with Clarkson making a cameo and the newcomers stressing the show’s car-enthusiast core as they premiere on Prime Video.
The New York Times Cooking section has curated a list of 100 dinners that take under an hour to prepare. The guide emphasizes efficient recipes ideal for busy families and includes options suitable for kids and various diets.
Oscar winner Susan Sarandon says studios are still avoiding her because of her outspoken support for Palestinians. At Venice, she notes shifts in public opinion but reports ongoing gatekeeping by agencies and studios despite her new film, The Echo Chamber.
Negotiations for a landmark all-British heavyweight fight have stalled over venue and contract terms. Fury is pressuring Joshua to confirm a November showdown, with Usyk floated as a potential backup. The parties have signed separate UK deals, but location remains unsettled as promoters weigh Wembley versus Madison Square Garden.
Australia has proposed a Digital Duty of Care that will force social platforms to offer users aged 16 and over a choice between algorithmic recommendation feeds or a feed limited to accounts they follow. The draft bill will require platforms to notify users, target addictive design features for under‑18s and allow fines up to A$109.2m for non‑compliance.
The Scotsman profiles a Welsh-born rugby winger turned performance-psychology founder, linking mental dexterity with elite sport and life skills; Business Insider and CNBC explore parenting, wealth transfer, and resilience in the AI era.
Meta has reached landmark settlements in the US over harms to young users and is now facing tighter design restrictions and age-verification requirements. The changes are aimed at limiting teen use and protecting privacy, with ongoing questions about how effectively the measures address deeper concerns about content and addiction.
Sir Paul Smith marks his 80th birthday with Threads: My Life in Style, reflecting on a career built on curiosity, patient growth, and hands-on leadership. Interviews reveal a designer who values real shops, personal connection, and careful stewardship of his brand as fashion evolves.
ITV confirms a panel refresh for The Voice UK, with Cheryl and Aitch joining as coaches and Sir Tom Jones leaving a full-time role. Emma Willis will host, with Solomon and Dixon taking over the presenting duties. The changes come amid insurance cost concerns and a push to refresh the show.
Meta has reached an $18 billion settlement over teen-time limits. The agreement ties $5.3 billion to peers joining similar measures, with pressuring others like TikTok and YouTube to follow suit. Snap’s CEO comments and new features for Specs are underscoring a broader push toward digital well‑being amid scrutiny of youth mental health.
Meta has launched Muse, an AI agent that can autonomously send emails, book travel and act across apps. The tool is available in the U.S. via a Muse app and WhatsApp, with free and paid tiers. Internal testers have reported mixed results and security concerns even as Meta highlights virtual-machine safeguards and opt-out training options.
A US-based watchdog has identified 332 paid ads containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Meta’s Facebook and Instagram over the past 10 months, with a large share in August. The findings implicate ads promoting AI-generated CSAM and nudify apps, drawing responses from Indian authorities and Meta. Meta says it does not tolerate child exploitation and highlights its detection efforts.
South Park has announced a name change to South America for its 29th season, in a move that mirrors President Trump’s recent renaming attempts for lakes, gulf and even a state. The show’s creators say the rename is inspired by Apple and Google and thanks Paramount Skydance, as the merger and regulatory backdrop grow.
Céline Dion has returned to full live performance with a sold‑out 26‑show residency at the Plenitude Arena outside Paris. The 58‑year‑old has opened the run with a 2‑hour, 25‑song set; she has been performing despite a 2022 diagnosis of stiff‑person syndrome and has adjusted keys and pacing to protect her voice and stamina.
A US magistrate has denied Andrew and Tristan Tate’s motion for release, saying their wealth and frequent travel make them "quintessential flight risks." The brothers have been held in Miami since July 18 while UK extradition and Romanian proceedings continue; the UK has until 16 September to submit its full extradition request.
The creators of South Park have announced that the show will officially be known as SOUTH AMERICA for its 29th season, a move inspired by Apple and Google renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America. The announcement comes as Donald Trump has pushed for names changes in U.S. maps and fronts a broader political clash with Canada and tech platforms.
A store manager at a Puebla supermarket has saved a toddler from running into a multi-lane road. Security footage shows the manager sprinting into the street, grabbing the child, and returning her to her parents. The store later celebrated the act, awarding him Manager of the Year and a reward.
Oil prices have risen above $108 a barrel as Middle East tensions escalate, with markets watching U.S. inflation data and the Federal Reserve meeting. Global stock indices are mixed, and Treasuries remain volatile as energy costs weigh on households and corporate margins.
Polish developer Pawel Szydlowski has launched Zuckoff, an app that detects Bluetooth signatures from nearby smart glasses and estimates distance. It has drawn 5,000 users since its Apple App Store debut, as Meta faces backlash over its “perv glasses.” Regulators are contacting the creator while privacy advocates warn of surveillance risks.
Arab News reports GCC members have welcomed Turkiye’s peace efforts, including dissolving the PKK, integrating the SDF into Syria’s security structures, and broader regional cooperation. The GCC Secretary-General backs centralized governance and regional stability as the SDF fate linked to Damascus’s future. Education and higher education ties are also emphasized as part of broader reconciliation.
California has signed a package of 13 laws aimed at protecting minors online and regulating AI-enabled toys and tools. The measures penalize platforms for harmful content, ban addictive features for users under 16, require risk assessments for AI chatbots, and require parental controls. The bills are highlighted as the nation’s broadest set of youth-tech safeguards to date.
Various athletes have publicly discussed mental health challenges, including Feaunati discussing therapy after her World Cup win, Humphries reflecting on anxiety and the relief of seeking help, and Jones revealing depression after retirement. A BBC report also covers a missing-persons update and a bee story, illustrating broader human experiences in sport and crisis.
South African police have confirmed that six Nigerians linked to the Black Axe network have been extradited to the United States. The Hawks coordinated the handover to FBI and Secret Service officials at Cape Town International Airport, with Interpol South Africa assisting. The group faces wire fraud and money laundering charges for defrauding more than 100 women in the United States of over $6 million through online romance scams.
Pink has addressed backlash over her reposting of a message criticizing Macklemore’s remarks at Ed Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium show, stating she does not speak for Israel or any government. She reiterates Hamas is a terrorist organization and Palestinians deserve a future with dignity, while she explains she would have chosen different words if she had written the post herself.
Novig’s Sydney Sweeney campaign has triggered a wave of criticism from athletes and commentators who say the nude-to-minimal advertising sexualises women’s sport. The campaign is defended by Sweeney and Novig, who say it focuses on sport, not bodies, and leverages the attention for the platform’s bets on outcomes.
Australian Hyrox champion Joanna Wietrzyk has withdrawn from the Beijing race after contending with fecal incontinence during the competition. Organisers have apologised and introduced rule changes to address bio-contamination and safety concerns. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about hygiene, athlete welfare, and event governance.
Bob Mackie, a legendary fashion and costume designer known for dazzling looks for Cher, Dolly Parton, Elton John and more, has died at 87. His career spanned six decades with nine Emmys and a Tony, and his designs shaped show business fashion while remaining controversial and iconic.
AP and Independent profiles converge on photographer Vadim Ghirda, highlighting his advocacy for human stories, night shoots, and risk-filled assignments across conflict zones and iconic landscapes. The interviews underscore photography as a universal language and a lifelong pursuit of ‘soul’ in a moment.
Meta has rolled out new paid tiers for its AI tools across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, expanding access to Muse AI capabilities for power users, businesses and creators. Core and Premium consumer plans boost AI usage and add features like AI-generated media tools, Restyle editing, and more extensive analytics and team access for businesses. Early data suggest rising revenue from existing Plus subscriptions, while analysts forecast further revenue growth by 2028-2030.
Artists including Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas withdraw from Ed Sheeran's US Loop tour after Macklemore is dropped for pro-Palestinian remarks. Ed Sheeran says the decision rests with promoters as tensions rise around Gaza conflict coverage.
The EU has proposed a comprehensive EU Kids Act to restrict minors’ access to social media, apps and online gaming. Under 13s are banned; 13-14-year-olds access through parent-supervised “mini accounts” with strict time limits; 15+ may have standalone accounts. The proposal requires platforms to prove safety by design and exposes firms to enforcement and heavy fines.
A U.S. district court has ordered Google to share data on its ad auctions, make its ad tech interoperable with rivals, and appoint an internal monitor. The judge rejected a forced breakup, instead mandating targeted remedies intended to open competition in ad tech markets.
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 over 1,100 penalty minutes.
A compendium of recent reports covers personal resilience, medical rehabilitation, and travel-reentry experiences. One individual recounts embracing humor to reclaim identity after vitiligo; another describes a Guillain–Barré syndrome recovery; a third reflects on returning to Mexico City after years away, noticing shifts in its cosmopolitan fabric.
Turkish authorities have intensified a crackdown on LGBTQ+ groups, detaining dozens, raiding offices, and blocking websites in a government-led operation called “My Family is Safe.” The moves aim to protect children and family values, but rights groups warn they violate civil liberties. International observers have urged release of detainees.