A chip shop in Gloucestershire, England, uses an AI system to take phone orders to save money. This decision was made due to rising costs, including fish prices and wages.
Key Facts
The chip shop is called The Nippy Chippy and is located in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire.
Brad Lee, the manager, implemented an AI answering service to handle phone orders.
The AI system helps the shop save on hiring costs.
Rising costs, like fish prices and wages, prompted the use of technology.
The AI service has been in use for about six months and has received mixed feedback.
Customers appreciate the quick response times when ordering by phone.
The system allows customers to place orders easily for pick-up or delivery.
Great Britain's team is preparing to compete in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals taking place in Shenzhen, China. They will face Japan in the quarter-finals with hopes to win their first title. Key players include Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Jodie Burrage, and Francesca Jones, who replaces Emma Raducanu.
Key Facts
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals begin this week, and Great Britain's team will compete against Japan on Thursday.
Eight nations are vying for the trophy, with the event held in Shenzhen, China.
Britain has reached the finals four times but has never won the title.
Katie Boulter, ranked 50th, is an experienced team member, playing in her seventh BJK Cup.
Sonay Kartal is considered a future star, with a current world ranking of 48 and a strong BJK Cup record.
Jodie Burrage, ranked 117, has overcome injuries and is making significant contributions to the team.
Francesca Jones, ranked 85, joins the team as a substitute for Emma Raducanu.
The article reports on job losses and disciplinary actions faced by people who posted comments about Charlie Kirk. This issue highlights challenges related to free speech, especially under political pressure to avoid criticizing Kirk. Several individuals, including teachers and airline workers, have been affected across various sectors in the U.S.
Key Facts
Several employees have lost their jobs after posting about Charlie Kirk's death.
The Trump administration is pushing for legal consequences for critics of Kirk.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned visa revocations for foreigners celebrating Kirk's death.
Technologies like AI will help identify and take action against foreign students seen as "pro-Hamas".
Teachers and university staff across the U.S. have faced disciplinary actions for related posts.
Private companies such as airlines and restaurants have also disciplined employees.
The ACLU has criticized these actions as harassment for political statements.
The Washington Post and MSNBC have fired media professionals for expressing views on related issues.
Homeowners in the U.S. saw a decrease in home equity by about $9,200 on average over the last year as the housing market cooled. Despite these losses, the average homeowner still has significant equity due to high home prices during the pandemic. Most states experienced a drop in home equity, with only 14 states seeing increases.
Key Facts
U.S. homeowners lost an average of $9,200 in home equity over the past year.
The average homeowner has about $307,000 in equity.
Home prices rose greatly during the pandemic due to high demand and low inventory.
In 2025, total homeowner equity decreased by $141.5 billion.
Homeowners' total equity now is $17.5 trillion, a high number historically.
Negative equity homes increased to 2% from 1.7% last year.
32 states saw a decline in home equity, while 14 states saw gains.
The largest equity losses were in the District of Columbia, Florida, and Montana.
Connecticut, New Jersey, and Rhode Island saw the largest equity gains.
A charity in Bedford, UK, called The Harpur Trust, has increased its bursary funds for university students from the local area to help them deal with rising living costs. Sixteen students received £4,500 each, £1,000 more than previous years, to assist with education-related expenses. The bursary aims to help students focus on their studies without the burden of financial stress.
Key Facts
The Harpur Trust increased its bursary amount by £1,000, providing £4,500 to each of 16 students.
Rising costs, like student rents and degree fees in England and Wales, have put more financial pressure on students.
The bursary supports various study expenses, including accommodation, books, and transport.
The scheme has been running for about 20 years, distributing approximately £1 million to 300 students.
Students from specific educational institutions in the Bedford area are eligible to apply.
Two beneficiaries, Eshe Powell and Russell Terrey, shared that the bursary relieved financial stress and allowed them to focus on their studies.
The scheme will accept new applications starting in January from current year 13 students in the local area.
Lucy Powell, who is running for the deputy leadership of the UK's Labour Party, has criticized the government for mistakes in welfare policies. She wants the party to be clearer about scrapping the two-child benefit cap and aims to bridge gaps between leadership and party members. Powell also addressed speculations about her potential links to other political figures.
Key Facts
Lucy Powell is a candidate for the deputy leadership of the Labour Party.
Powell criticized government welfare policies, calling them "unforced errors."
She wants clearer positions on removing the two-child benefit cap.
Powell emphasized her independence, denying she's a proxy for other politicians like Andy Burnham or Ed Miliband.
Andy Burnham, though not an MP, has been speculated as aiming to return to Westminster.
Powell aims to be a link between party members and leaders if elected.
Bridget Phillipson is her main opponent in the deputy leadership race.
There is a focus on maintaining party unity in the context of the upcoming election battle.
Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was killed at Utah Valley University. Newsweek contributors Paul du Quenoy and Nina Turner discussed whether Kirk was a positive influence on political discussions in the U.S. The debate featured differing views on Kirk's approach and his impact on public discourse.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA.
He was assassinated at Utah Valley University.
Newsweek published a debate about his influence on political discourse.
Paul du Quenoy argued that Kirk was a model for polite debate.
Nina Turner criticized Kirk's approach, saying it framed his views as correct from the start.
Kirk's events were named "Prove Me Wrong," which some say implied a bias.
Kirk's influence extended to political matters, according to Turner.
The debate addresses broader themes of civility and political violence in America.
Chef Marcus Samuelsson is a well-known figure with restaurants around the world and appearances on TV. He has a diverse background, growing up in Sweden as an Ethiopian adoptee and gaining culinary experience in various countries. Samuelsson faced challenges in his career due to race but found success with the help of mentors and hard work.
Key Facts
Marcus Samuelsson was born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden.
He has worked in kitchens in Tokyo, Switzerland, and New York City, among other places.
His flagship restaurant is called Red Rooster, located in Harlem, New York.
Samuelsson initially wanted to play soccer but turned to cooking after being cut from a team.
He trained in Europe, including in a Michelin-starred kitchen in France.
Samuelsson faced skepticism about opening a Black-owned restaurant but found support from other chefs.
Mentors like Chef Charlie Trotter and Leah Chase helped him in his career.
More students have enrolled in charter schools in the United States since the COVID-19 pandemic, while traditional public school enrollment has decreased. Charter schools operate with greater flexibility than traditional public schools, which has attracted more families seeking different educational environments.
Key Facts
Charter school enrollment increased by 492,210 students between the 2019-2020 and 2024-2025 school years.
Charter schools operate in nearly all states, offering tuition-free education and receiving public funding.
Charter schools function under a charter, which allows for flexibility in curriculum and rules compared to traditional public schools.
Traditional public school enrollment fell from 50.8 million in 2020 to 49.6 million students by 2022.
Public school enrollment is projected to decrease by 5% by 2031 to 46.9 million students.
Charter schools currently have 3.8 million students, the highest number ever recorded.
41 out of 43 states reported more students in charter schools.
Parents cite safety and academic rigor as reasons for choosing charter schools over traditional public schools.
China is making significant progress in clean energy with major solar and wind projects, while the United States is not keeping up, according to some experts. China has built the largest solar park and produced the largest wind turbine, indicating its lead in renewable energy.
Key Facts
The China Green Development Group showcased a large solar park in Xinjiang covering more than 230 square miles.
The Midong solar project could supply electricity to 5 million homes.
Dongfang Electric Wind Power Co. unveiled the world's largest wind turbine, capable of powering 55,000 households.
Chinese automaker BYD is creating a massive electric vehicle and battery plant in Zhengzhou.
China's investments in renewable energy are outpacing those of the United States.
Experts suggest the U.S. is trailing far behind China in renewable energy competitiveness.
The article discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace many jobs in the U.S., potentially affecting 45 million American workers by 2028. It explores the idea of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a solution to the economic disruption caused by AI replacing human jobs. Experts believe both blue-collar and white-collar jobs, especially those involving routine tasks, are most at risk due to AI.
Key Facts
AI could disrupt 45 million American jobs by 2028.
Management consulting firm McKinsey predicts 30% of U.S. jobs may be automated by the end of the decade.
Both blue-collar and white-collar jobs, including data entry and customer service, are at risk.
Experts suggest jobs with repetitive tasks are most likely to be replaced by AI.
Some customer service roles have already been largely replaced by AI chatbots.
There is ongoing discussion about using Universal Basic Income (UBI) to help people affected by job losses due to AI.
AI adoption has been linked to layoffs in the tech industry.
UBI is suggested as a way to provide financial security in the face of increasing job automation by AI.
The article describes a personal story about a woman named Jessica Fein, whose sister, Rachel, was in the intensive care unit due to stage 4 lung cancer. Before her sister's passing, Rachel asked Jessica to contact a psychic medium. The narrative includes memories of their late mother, Zelda, and Jessica's efforts to support Rachel during her final days.
Key Facts
Rachel was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer during a routine breast checkup.
Rachel was in the ICU at Massachusetts General Hospital for five days.
Two years was longer than the average life expectancy for Rachel's diagnosis.
Jessica curated a playlist of favorite songs for her sister while in the ICU.
Rachel requested Jessica to contact a psychic medium named TJ before she passed away.
Their late mother, Zelda, is remembered as having a big, bold personality.
Jessica had believed her sister might beat the odds of her diagnosis.
Actors Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are starring in a new production of the play "Waiting for Godot" at New York's Hudson Theater. This marks their first on-stage reunion since their roles in the "Bill & Ted" movies. The play started preview performances on September 13 and will run until January 4, 2026.
Key Facts
Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are performing in "Waiting for Godot."
The play is taking place at New York's Hudson Theater.
This is Reeves and Winter's first stage appearance together since "Bill & Ted."
The play started previews on September 13, 2025.
"Waiting for Godot" is a surrealist play by Samuel Beckett.
The play explores themes like faith, patience, and existence.
Keanu Reeves is making his Broadway debut in this play.
The performances are set to run until January 4, 2026.
President Trump fired Cathy Harris from the Merit Systems Protection Board, a federal agency that protects government employees, even though her term was not supposed to end until 2028. The firing challenges existing federal laws that say board members can only be removed for specific misconduct.
Key Facts
Cathy Harris was removed from her position on the Merit Systems Protection Board by President Trump.
The Merit Systems Protection Board is an independent agency that ensures federal employees are treated fairly.
Harris' term was not set to expire until 2028, and she argued her firing was against federal law.
Federal law states that board members can only be fired for specific reasons like inefficiency or misconduct.
The Supreme Court allowed her firing to stand while legal challenges continue.
Trump's administration has been involved in more than 300 lawsuits, affecting the government's checks and balances.
The Merit Systems Protection Board was created by Congress in 1978 to protect federal workers from managerial abuses.
The Federal Reserve is expected to reduce interest rates to help the U.S. job market, influenced by pressure from President Trump. The decision to cut rates comes amid concerns of slower job growth and political influence on the Fed's independence.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve plans to cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point.
The decision follows pressure from the White House and signs of a slowing job market.
Investors expect the new interest rate range to be 4% to 4.25%.
This will be the first rate cut in nine months.
President Trump has been pushing for much lower interest rates.
Trump appointed economist Stephen Miran to the Fed's governing board.
Trump attempted to dismiss Fed Governor Lisa Cook, a move blocked by federal courts.
U.S. employers added only 22,000 jobs in August, indicating a slowdown.
Concerns about inflation from import tariffs are present, but job market issues are a higher priority.
A woman named Juli Cobb ran out of gas near a homeless encampment in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Three homeless men helped her move her car out of the road and one of them fetched gas. This act of kindness left a lasting impression on Cobb.
Key Facts
Juli Cobb ran out of gas near a homeless camp in Albuquerque, N.M.
Her car stopped in the middle of the road, leaving her feeling anxious.
A man from the camp approached her first and offered help.
Three men in total helped move her car to safety.
One of the men rode a bike to get gas for her car.
The man named Dominic advised her to call someone for additional help.
Cobb was able to start her car and drive home safely after they assisted her.
The kindness of the three men had a significant impact on Cobb.
Recent shootings in the U.S. have brought attention to gun violence, particularly in schools and politically motivated attacks. Data shows that gun-related incidents in schools are increasing since the pandemic, and mass shootings are occurring more frequently than in the past. However, mass shootings account for a small portion of overall gun violence deaths.
Key Facts
Recent high-profile shootings occurred at a Utah college, a Colorado high school, and a Minnesota church.
There is no single definition for mass shootings, leading to varying data on their frequency.
The Gun Violence Archive reports over 300 mass shootings in 2025.
The majority of mass shooting incidents are linked to domestic violence.
Mass shootings are more frequent now compared to 50 years ago.
Gun-related incidents at K-12 schools have increased, with over 160 cases so far this year.
Most school shootings arise from disputes that escalate, according to researcher David Riedman.
In some school shootings, factors such as easy access to firearms at home contribute to the incidents.
The article explains the history and cultural significance of the zarf, a decorative item used in the Ottoman Empire to hold hot coffee cups. This practice was part of a ritual in Turkish coffee culture, which is recognized for its cultural importance.
Key Facts
A zarf is a decorative holder used for hot coffee cups, originating from the Ottoman Empire.
The practice of using zarfs is tied to Turkish coffee culture, which UNESCO recognizes for its cultural importance.
Zarfs were used in Ottoman coffee-serving rituals, emphasizing art and elegance.
They came in various designs, from simple metal to ornate jewel-inlaid styles.
Zarfs date back to the end of the 17th century and were made in several countries, including France and Switzerland.
The term "zarf" is derived from Arabic, though it is often linked with Turkish coffee.
High-status individuals and common people both used zarfs, with fancier versions for special occasions.
A man named George Zinn falsely claimed he shot Charlie Kirk, who was killed during an event at Utah Valley University. Zinn has been charged with obstruction and possession of child pornography. Police arrested another man, Tyler Robinson, for the actual shooting.
Key Facts
George Zinn, 71, claimed to have shot Charlie Kirk, but police determined he was not involved.
Zinn faces charges of obstruction and four counts of child exploitation, unrelated to the shooting.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder in connection to Kirk's death.
Zinn admitted he falsely claimed to be the shooter to help the real suspect escape.
Authorities found child pornography on Zinn's phone during the investigation.
Zinn has a history of disrupting public events and has prior convictions for minor offenses.
Authorities confirmed that Zinn did not collaborate with the real shooter, Robinson.
President Trump announced a deal with China that permits TikTok to keep operating in the U.S. The agreement involves reducing the Chinese ownership stake in TikTok to less than 20%. Critics have raised concerns about political influences and privacy issues related to the app.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a plan allowing TikTok to continue in the U.S. under certain conditions.
Trump set a December 16 deadline for TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to reduce its ownership or face a ban.
The deal reportedly limits China's ownership in TikTok to under 20%.
Trump claimed the app was important for winning young voters in the presidential election.
There is concern TikTok could be used for Chinese spying or propaganda.
The Chinese government's newspaper, People’s Daily, described the deal as cooperative and beneficial.
Some experts criticized the deal-making process, calling it inconsistent with legislative rules on the matter.
TikTok has over 170 million users in the U.S., making its future a significant issue for many.
