A mountainous state of the Southern/Mid-Atlantic US
Kroger has been consolidating its store footprint, closing around 60 underperforming locations over 18 months as part of a broader restructuring. The company is accelerating moves after acquiring Giant Eagle, with some stores shifting to Kroger Marketplace formats and others staying market-adjusted.
Four people have been charged in connection with the Putnam County case in Florahome, Florida, after officials investigated a baby with severe diaper rash and weight loss. The home reportedly contained animal feces, black mold and hazardous flooring. A social worker and then officials removed four children, three dogs and three kittens. The baby is now thriving in DCF care.
The UK and parts of England face an ongoing extreme heat event. Amber heat-health alerts are in place across much of the country, with health officials urging caution, travel adjustments, and cooling measures as temperatures reach near-38C and drought conditions worsen.
OpenAI has added an Apple Messages plugin to ChatGPT for Mac that can read, search, summarise, draft and send iMessages. The feature is optional, runs on the desktop app and requires user permission; OpenAI says processing happens locally on the Mac but privacy experts, Apple’s on-device privacy stance and some users have raised concerns about message access and authenticity.
Iran reports a new gas discovery in the south of Fars province, with more than 160 billion cubic metres of sweet natural gas. Officials say production could last around 15 years, but Bloomberg suggests full-scale output may take years given sanctions and repairs. Other outlets note the field is not yet in operation.
Anthropic has announced Enterprise Frontier Safeguards and new Claude 5.1 family models as it expands data handling controls for enterprise customers. The move coincides with major cloud and hardware partnerships to scale compute capacity, as the company positions itself for a possible IPO amid fierce competition in AI infrastructure.
The Hawk Fire near Reno has reached about 27% containment and stretched over roughly 23 square miles. Officials say Modest progress is being made as evacuation orders remain for tens of thousands. The fire is considered human-caused, with questions still surrounding its origin. Schools are closed and residents face ongoing danger as winds shift.
Nvidia has acquired a minority stake in Cloverleaf Infrastructure and has announced a partnership to help build data‑centre sites. The move follows Nvidia’s recent $1.5 billion investment in an Ohio data‑centre project and signals the company is directly financing and developing the power and site infrastructure that supports demand for its AI chips.
The administration has ended Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and other nations, and deportations are expanding. ICE has shifted from criminal targeting to people in limbo, asylum seekers, and long-term residents, with thousands already detained or facing removal as flights increase and new detention capacity is built.
Justus Kelley has won Miss USA 2026, becoming the first married woman, first mother, and the first contestant in her 30s to win the pageant as the 75th edition crowns her in Miami. The Virginia native uses the platform to champion foster care and reflects on her family’s dedication.
Grey Beard has completed the 2,193-mile Appalachian Trail, reclaiming the oldest-hiker record at age 91 after a challenging campaign. He faced multiple falls, a hospital visit, and a pinch nerve, but his perseverance ended at Maine's highest peak with a moment of prayer.
Developments across multiple regions have kept negotiators busy. The week has seen ongoing discussions while some participants push for concrete concessions and timelines.
President Donald Trump has said the US war with Iran will end immediately after the November midterm elections and has predicted oil prices will tumble once voting is over. His comments have come as Brent crude has climbed above $100 a barrel, attacks around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified and US gas and diesel prices have risen.
Trump has pledged a $5,000 dividend for every American if Republicans retain control of Congress; the plan faces legal, fiscal and political hurdles and is criticized by experts and opponents as economically risky.
A judge in Vinton County accepts an evaluation finding that 73-year-old Gary Siders Sr. is not competent to stand trial on 16 counts of child endangerment connected to the Hamden case. Co-defendants remain in the case while victims receive protective care.
A guide to lesser-known fall landscapes across the United States, highlighting offbeat spots from the Midwest to New England and beyond, with practical tips on crowds, reservations, and hidden gems.
West Virginia running back Noel Devine is arrested on Sunday and held on $40,000 bail. Coach Rich Rodriguez has placed Devine on indefinite leave from the Mountaineers’ coaching staff as more information becomes available. Devine faces a Sept. 23 preliminary hearing.
The whistleblower disclosures have prompted lawmakers to demand answers as officials face scrutiny over how voter data is accessed and logged. Officials say state restrictions on voter lookups are at risk of being bypassed as federal probes seek data across multiple states.
Germany has announced temporary fuel relief and is considering a windfall tax on oil companies as oil prices top $100 a barrel amid Middle East tensions. The plan includes cuts to energy taxes and a potential cap on gas and diesel prices, with implementation aimed for early 2027 and ongoing EU discussions.
Sports leagues have pressed regulators to permanently revoke betting privileges for anyone who threatens or harasses athletes, coaches or staff. The initiative seeks uniform rules across states to curb harassment as legal sports betting expands.
Federal prosecutors reveal a global network linked to Russian intelligence that has paid individuals to surveil and kill dissidents and to carry out attacks on infrastructure in Europe. The operation has extended since 2024, including attempts in the United States, with several key figures remaining at large.
Residents near the AGC Chemicals site in Thornton-Cleveleys have shown elevated PFAS levels, especially PFOA, in blood tests. Authorities warn that tests cannot predict individual health outcomes, while calls for more research and clearer guidance intensify as investigations continue.
Senators have reached a bipartisan deal to streamline federal energy permitting, accelerating infrastructure projects while preserving environmental safeguards. The measure would require large data centers to cover transmission costs and would overhaul major environmental reviews. Supporters say the pact unlocks faster, cheaper energy expansion; opponents warn of concessions to fossil interests. The White House backs quick passage as midterms loom.
Multiple states have filed lawsuits alleging OpenAI’s ChatGPT poses safety risks to children, including dangerous medical guidance and coercive behaviors. The actions seek changes to how the product works for young users and to surrender profits tied to minors’ usage. OpenAI says safeguards are in place and is engaging with states.
The Supreme Court is set to decide whether the 1868 prohibition on home distilling can stand as an exercise of Congress’s taxing power. Lower courts have split: the Sixth Circuit upholds the ban; the Fifth Circuit finds it unconstitutional. The Court will determine if a private home can host distilled spirits under federal law.
Michigan has replaced offensive coordinator Jason Beck with interim OC Jim Harding as the Wolverines struggle offensively. The move follows a season of poor offensive output and a closely watched quarterback situation, with underperformance threatening bowl eligibility.