SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " Rob " 7,277 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Please Stop Conflating Sports Betting Handle With Spending On Entertainment
Editor’s note: The Cashout for paid subscribers will publish on Tuesday. Every September there’s a huge uptick in how much people bet on sports with the start of football season. Which means it’s time to get ahead of a ridiculous narrative before it picks up steam on social media or in mainstream media. Subscribe Every few months I see some version of this: [ Charlie Bilello@charliebilello Americans bet over $165 billion on sports last year, which is more than they spent on movies, books, concerts and sports tickets - combined. 1:00 PM · Jun 28, 2026 · 4.1M Views 258 Replies · 674 Reposts · 4.23K Likes ](https://x.com/charliebilello/status/2071217050328895935?s=20) Fortune published this in July. The headline and start of the story tell the same narrative (emphasis added): Gambling becomes America’s favorite pastime as Americans spend more on sports bets than movies, arts, museums, and music combined: The North American box office totaled $8.87 billion in 2025, which is still 22% below pre-pandemic levels. Recorded music revenue hit a record $11.5 billion. Live music like concerts and festivals brought in $18.51 billion. Meanwhile, book publishers tracked by the Association of American Publishers reported $14.6 billion for the year. And the U.S. museum industry generated an estimated $16.4 billion. Add it up and the total comes to roughly $70 billion, which is less than half what Americans wagered on sports. The story, to its credit, goes on to tell us why sports betting is entirely different, although people who only read headlines will miss that nuance. (The tweet above definitely skips over the nuance.) I will mostly be preaching to the choir here, but it’s worth saying out loud: Wagering money on sports is not the same thing as spending on entertainment from a financial perspective. When you spend money on a movie or concert ticket, that money is gone. You exchanged money for an experience. It’s a good trade! I get to have fun for “x” dollars. (Unless the movie sucks, I guess.) When you bet money on sports, the money is not necessarily gone every time you wager it. It could be gone, but sometimes it’s not and you actually get more money back! That’s not “spending” money or something you should try to compare directly to entertainment spend. A far better comp would be how much people lose at sports betting. That number was more like $17 billion in the US last year, at least for state-regulated sportsbooks. Why are we trying to equate handle and entertainment spending? I dunno. It makes for splashy headlines, I guess. Now, people should be betting for entertainment, and not because they expect to win in the long term; no doubt about it. Anyway, here’s hoping I don’t see people saying Americans “spent” hundreds of millions of dollars on sports betting this fall. Mindway AI and DraftKings Expand Responsible Gaming Drive with Launch of Gamalyze American Football In time for the NFL kickoff, Mindway AI has expanded its partnership with DraftKings to launch Gamalyze American Football the second title in the neuroscience-based Gamalyze Sports collection. Following the success of Gamalyze Football (soccer) during the FIFA World Cup, this gridiron-themed update replaces static questionnaires with immersive, stadium-inspired gameplay. Backed by 10+ years of Aarhus University research, Gamalyze evaluates real-time decision-making to deliver instant, unbiased player risk assessments. Integrated into DraftKings’ platform and nationwide activations, it engages fans when excitement peaks. Ready to upgrade your player protection? Contact Mindway AI to try Gamalyze Sports today. Gambling news roundup 🚨The important stuff 1st NFL Sunday of Season ‘Champagne-Popping Day for Bettors’ (Covers): “The first NFL Sunday of the season was a champagne-popping day for bettors, while the book was left cleaning up the corks,” Caesars’ head of football Joey Feazel said prior to the Sunday night game. “Caesars Sportsbook reported that Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs, Baltimore’s Derrick Henry, Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor, and Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson were among the top five most-bet players to reach the end zone, and all of them cashed tickets.” [ Ben Fawkes@BFawkes22 A @CaesarsSports oddsmaker on how Week 1 has gone so far: “The first NFL Sunday of the season was a champagne-popping day for bettors, while the book was left cleaning up the corks.” ➡️8 of 10 most popular anytime TD scorers cashed 1:31 AM · Sep 14, 2026 · 276K Views 16 Replies · 16 Reposts · 615 Likes ](https://x.com/BFawkes22/status/2099310001927995849?s=20) 🔍 Are we already getting a “customer-friendly results” narrative in Week 1? NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke with CNBC about the prediction markets industry: “We think that there needs to be stronger regulations into the predictive markets,” Goodell said. “We want to see that to protect the integrity of our game. We want to make sure we’re protecting the consumers that are on those platforms for the NFL. So, we’re continuing to have conversations with them and talk to them about the things that we think they need to do to strengthen that so that they could be potential partners at some point in the future.” More on the NFL + PMs: [ Straight to the Point Quid Pro Quo The NFL has asked Kalshi and other prediction markets to remove certain easy to manipulate markets. Does a potential partnership hang in the balance… Read more 6 hours ago · 19 likes · Steve Ruddock ](https://straighttothepoint.substack.com/p/quid-pro-quo?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web&embedding_publication_id=1472492) Kalshi was on my podcast?: Kalshi was on my podcast [ The Event Horizon Episode 32: Talking Prediction Market Enforcement With Kalshi’s Robert DeNault Kalshi? On my podcast? Yep… Listen now 5 hours ago · 6 likes · 1 comment · Dustin Gouker ](https://nexteventhorizon.substack.com/p/episode-32-talking-prediction-market-enforcement-kalshi?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web&embedding_publication_id=1472492) DraftKings Enhances Responsible Engagement Efforts With New Customer Initiatives, Tools and Education (press release): DraftKings Inc. today announced a series of new initiatives designed to promote responsible engagement and increase awareness and use of the tools and resources to help customers make informed decisions and engage responsibly. The efforts include a new digital advertising campaign featuring Kevin Hart and Nick Jonas that promotes responsible engagement, a PGA TOUR sweepstakes that promotes customer engagement with responsible engagement features, the launch of Gamalyze American Football in collaboration with Mindway AI, and new custom cool-off options that give customers enhanced flexibility when choosing a cool-off period. The initiatives build on DraftKings’ commitment to making responsible engagement an integral part of the customer experience and providing players with accessible tools and resources that help them make informed choices about their gaming experience. “At DraftKings, responsible engagement is embedded in how we operate and is essential to building trust with our customers and our long-term sustainability,” said Lori Kalani, Chief Responsible Gaming Officer at DraftKings. “We’ve continued to invest in tools and resources that give customers enhanced access to information about their play and more choices for managing how they engage. From My Budget Builder and My Stat Sheet to player-set limits and new custom cool-offs, we’re continuing to evolve our approach while promoting awareness and use of the tools and resources available to help customers play responsibly.” … DraftKings is launching a new digital advertising campaign featuring Kevin Hart and Nick Jonas that continues the pair’s road trip and promotes responsible engagement and awareness of the tools and resources available to help customers make informed choices about their gaming experience and engage responsibly. The campaign was initially launched on Sep. 10th and will reach customers through digital channels, bringing responsible engagement messaging to fans in an engaging way. bet365 Launches “The Matchup,” a New Weekly Video Podcast Hosted by Super Bowl Champions Chris Harris Jr. and Emmanuel Sanders (press release): "bet365, a global leader in online sports betting and gaming, today announced the launch of “The Matchup,” a new weekly video podcast hosted by former Super Bowl Champions Chris Harris Jr. and Emmanuel Sanders. Featuring current and former NFL players, the original series marks a significant, intentional investment in football as bet365 works to become a go-to destination for U.S. bettors throughout the season. “The Matchup” premieres September 10, with new episodes released weekly in both video and audio formats. Full episodes will be available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever podcasts are available, with clips and additional content rolling out across YouTube, X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and TikTok. The show is being produced by Last Row Digital Media. Each week, Harris and Sanders will be joined by guests from across the game to break down the biggest NFL matchups, unpack the latest league news and share perspectives that go beyond the box score. By bringing together two former players with distinct perspectives and firsthand experience, “The Matchup” will give audiences timely context and a deeper understanding of the teams, players and storylines shaping the week ahead. “Every great football conversation starts with a matchup—who has the edge, what everyone is overlooking and what could change the game,” said Chris Harris Jr. “Emmanuel and I have experienced the game from different perspectives, and we want the audience to feel like they are part of the conversation and leave every episode knowing more about the week ahead.” Today’s iGaming companies face new litigation threats as expansive consumer protection statutes spark lawsuits with sky’s-the-limit aspirations, sometimes backed by private funders. Clients of Ifrah Law have a staunch defender in Robert Ward – an agile litigator and case tactician who responds to the changing state of play with creative legal defenses and efficient case-closing strategies. Robert draws on federal clerkship experience and appellate defense work to advise iGaming clients on litigation exposure, white-collar risk, and regulatory defense across multiple jurisdictions. Read More: Robert Ward on Helping iGaming Clients Outmaneuver Lawsuit-Obsessed Adversaries 🔮 Prediction markets Update on legal action in Connecticut: [ Daniel Wallach@WALLACHLEGAL Connecticut says gaming service license holders which received subpoenas over sports prediction markets “are not under investigation” by the @CTDCP but may possess information that could assist the state “in evaluating the conduct of prediction market platforms.” 2:31 PM · Sep 13, 2026 · 844 Views 5 Likes ](https://x.com/WALLACHLEGAL/status/2099143914271670576?s=20) American Gaming Association Opposes CFTC Bid to Block New York Prediction-Market Enforcement (DeFi Rate): “The brief points to the Ninth Circuit’s Aug. 28 decision in KalshiEX LLC v. Assad, which the AGA says supports New York’s authority to regulate sports contracts as gambling. It also cites Kalshi advertising, product comparisons and reporting on Kalshi’s sports volume to argue that the economic product resembles a sportsbook wager more than a conventional financial hedge.” [ Daniel Wallach@WALLACHLEGAL AGA intervenes in CFTC v. NY case to oppose CFTC request for preliminary injunction, says the CFTC’s arguments “obfuscate a simple truth: prediction markets offer sports betting.” Highlights CA9 decision, @DustinGouker (6x), and $1.32 billion in OSB taxes for NY (0 from PMs). Daniel Wallach @WALLACHLEGAL High stakes hearing on Monday in CFTC v. New York State. If SDNY judge Lorna Schofield denies the CFTC’s motion for preliminary injunction, the New York AG would have a clearer path for securing a state court geofencing order against Kalshi, Coinbase, and Gemini Titan. 2:08 AM · Sep 13, 2026 · 4.78K Views 1 Reply · 2 Reposts · 8 Likes ](https://x.com/WALLACHLEGAL/status/2098957043474280584?s=20) Gaming Commission remains member of gambling council after questions raised over ties to Kalshi (Mass Live): “The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will not follow the leads of gaming regulators in Ohio and Michigan and drop ties with the National Council on Problem Gambling over its new association with Kalshi.” Sponsor’s messageTrusted Voices: Conversations About Betting is designed to equip adults, including parents and coaches, with tools and resources to talk to young people about gambling, including information on warning signs, risks and proxy betting. The program is led by retired professional basketball player Randy Livingston and his wife, basketball agent Anita Smith, who share their personal stories related to problem gambling, with the hope of preventing others from experiencing similar harms. Learn more and join the conversation here. 📣 Industry news Gaming M&A: Latest Mergers, Acquisitions and Deals (SBC Americas): “But what else is happening in the world of gaming mergers, acquisitions, investments, and partnerships? Here, we round up some of the news you might have missed.” BetMGM Named Official Sports Betting and Online Casino Partner of the Minnesota Vikings in Canada (press release): BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, announced a multi-year partnership with the Minnesota Vikings, naming it the Official Sports Betting Partner and Online Casino Partner of the team in Canada. The agreement gives BetMGM rights to use Vikings marks across approved sports betting, online casino and marketing activities in Canada. In addition, Vikings Big Kick LuckyTap™, a casino game by Design Works Gaming, is available now exclusively at BetMGM Casino in Alberta and Ontario. “Vikings fans bring a level of passion and loyalty that extends well beyond game day,” said Matt Prevost, Chief Revenue Officer at BetMGM. “As the home of one of the largest collections of sports-themed casino content in North America, BetMGM is uniquely positioned to combine sports fandom with iGaming. We are eager to start football season off strong with another fantastic partnership especially as we expand our reach in Canada to Alberta.” Martin Nance, Minnesota Vikings Chief Marketing Officer, said, “As we continue to deepen our connection with Vikings fans across Canada, we’re proud to welcome BetMGM as the team’s official sports betting and online casino partner in Canada. Their commitment to innovation and fan engagement aligns well with our organization, and we’re excited to create memorable experiences that celebrate Vikings football and connect with Canadian fans in new and meaningful ways.” Caesars Entertainment Launches Ball Rush Jackpots™ in New Jersey,the Latest Proprietary Online Title from Empire Creative™ (press release): Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR) (“Caesars”) today announced the launch of Ball Rush Jackpots™, a new ball-and-peg style online casino game developed by Empire Creative™, the Company’s in-house game development studio. Now live in New Jersey across Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino, Ball Rush Jackpots is expected to become available in additional jurisdictions where Caesars offers online casino gaming following regulatory approval. The title expands Caesars’ growing portfolio of proprietary online casino titles, following the successful launch of Ca$hline™ earlier this year and further diversifying the Company’s lineup beyond traditional slots and table games. Ball Rush Jackpots follows the traditional ball-drop gameplay experience where players drop a ball down a board filled with pegs to land in a prize slot. As balls navigate independently through a field of pegs, every drop creates new opportunities to collect feature symbols, unlock bonuses and pursue jackpots, delivering a different experience with every round. “Ball Rush Jackpots delivers a different kind of casino experience for our players, combining easy-to-understand gameplay with meaningful customization, exciting bonus opportunities and jackpot potential,” said Matthew Sunderland, Senior Vice President and Chief iGaming Officer at Caesars Digital. “As we continue expanding our proprietary content portfolio, we’re focused on creating games that are simple to pick up, rewarding to revisit and designed around the features players enjoy most.” Bally’s Corporation Secures New Financing to Support the Development of the Bally’s Bronx Project (press release): Bally’s Corporation (NYSE: BALY) (“Bally’s” or the “Company”) announced today that it secured new financing led by WhiteHawk Capital Partners, LP to fund further development of the Bally’s Bronx project and general corporate purposes. The new financing comprises closing date term loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $400 million and delayed draw term loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $160 million (together, the “Facilities”). … Bally’s Chairman of the Board, Soo Kim, commented, “This important financing allows us to progress the pre-construction planning process so that we are ready to complete the remainder of the capital raise and remain on schedule. Furthermore, the additional liquidity provides us greater flexibility for other capital opportunities.” WORLD JAI ALAI LEAGUE LAUNCHES CENTENNIAL SEASON AND ENTERS NEXT CHAPTER IN MIAMI (press release): The World Jai Alai League will open its 2026 fall season on Tuesday, September 15 at Miami’s JAM Arena, beginning a milestone season that marks 100 years since professional Jai Alai first arrived in Miami. Season X, the tenth season of the Battle Court team-based competition launched in 2022, will also be the first since entrepreneur and sports asset investor Rob Gough acquired the World Jai Alai League in August 2026. The acquisition marks the beginning of a new chapter for the league. World Jai Alai League will maintain the existing Battle Court competition and operating format, with Chief Operating Officer Scott Savin overseeing Season X. Gough and his team will use the coming months to listen to players and fans, evaluate opportunities across the league, and execute plans for a broader evolution of Jai Alai’s presentation, live experience, media, marketing and commercial strategy beginning in 2027. “This is a really unique moment for Jai Alai,” said Rob Gough, Owner of the World Jai Alai League. “We have a sport with more than 100 years of history in Miami, extraordinary athletes and incredible speed, but I also believe there is enormous untapped potential.” bet365 reveals most popular online slots in 3 US states in August (SBC Americas): “In its monthly Gaming Insights and Performance report, growing online casino operator bet365 tracks player trends and game performance in online slots across its North American online casino markets.” The Closing Line is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
EverWonder Names Lizzy Roberti EVP, Brand Partnerships
EverWonder Names Lizzy Roberti EVP, Brand Partnerships, Business Development
2026 Emmy Predictions: Jean Smart Wins, and Everyone Knows It
Jean Smart wins, Colbert probably wins and the rest is a formality. The speeches are where this year's Emmys actually happen.
Packers news: Could Tucker Kraft be NFL's best tight end?
There were not many good things that the Green Bay Packers could take away from their Week 1 loss against the Minnesota Vikings. Some of the s ame problems they dealt with last season came back to haunt them, one of them being falling apart in the fourth quarter. The Vikings were able to run away with the game, scoring 22 points in the fourth, […] The post Packers news: Could Tucker Kraft be NFL's best tight end? appeared first on ClutchPoints.
It's happening, Unwanted Liverpool double-deal now looks certain
Liverpool can't escape it. A double deal now looks certain to happen and it's exactly what the Reds didn't want.Liverpool thought they'd solved a few problems in the last two transfer windows. They've...
Lickety Split AC, Plumbing & Electric Built Its Business Around Florida’s Most Urgent Home-Service Problems
Lickety Split AC, Plumbing & Electric built its operating model around shortening the time between a customer’s call, a technician’s arrival and a completed repair.
Vault: Credit card politics on the trail
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti is vowing to crack down on credit card fees as part of her campaign to flip Rep. Rob Bresnahan’s seat in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
'Water for Elephants' at the Pantages is a circus in a play
The touring production of Broadway's 'Water for Elephants' puts a circus on stage. It's not as easy as its highly trained acrobats make it look.
Yankees Have a Ryan McMahon Problem They Might Not Address
Will the New York Yankees replace Ryan McMahon at third base this offseason?
No Camera Crew? No Problem.
Use A Free AI Video Generator - One Stop Solution For All Your Creative Videos
Robots reshape the future of homebuilding
America’s housing industry is facing a severe labor shortage and a longstanding productivity problem, creating growing interest in robotics and automation to increase homebuilding capacity, CNBC reports. The U.S. is short roughly 1.2 million homes, while nearly 300,000 construction jobs were open at the end of 2025. Labor shortages cost builders an estimated $11 billion […]
Old Dominion University Selected for Two Federal Genesis Mission Awards Advancing Artificial Intelligence for Scientific Discovery
The next generation of scientific discovery will not come from artificial intelligence (AI) replacing scientists. It will come from AI helping them ask better questions, solve more complex problems and reach reliable answers faster.
The Premier League uses two systems for VAR: Does it cause problems? Did it impact Haaland goal?
England’s top flight has a separate deal with Genius Sports to oversee SAOT, while Hawk-Eye provides goal-line technology.
Research finds meetings are a robust predictor of wage growth
A new study examined the relationship between wage growth and workplace activities such as meetings.
Dr. Mae Jemison, first woman of color to go into space, to deliver Sept. 22 URI Honors Colloquium lecture
KINGSTON, R.I. – Sept. 14, 2026 – Dr. Mae Jemison has spent her entire aerospace career integrating the physical and social sciences with art and culture to spark innovation and build meaningful solutions to critical problems facing the world. Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut whose work on improving science literacy, […]
BioMarin appoints Robert Plenge to its Board and Science & Technology Committee
BioMarin appointed Robert Plenge, M.D., Ph.D., to its Board of Directors and to the Science and Technology Committee, effective September 10, 2026.Original SEC Filing: BIOMARIN PHARMACEUTICAL INC [ BMRN ] - 8-K - Sep. 14, 2026This is an AI-powered summary. It may contain inaccuracies. Consider veri…
“Sister Wives” stars Kody Brown and Robyn Brown exit reality series after 16 years
His former wives Christine Brown Woolley, Meri Brown, and Janelle Brown will return for season 21.
VAR is not the problem, the people running it are
The shocking VAR mistake in the Manchester derby, allowing Erling Haaland’s winning goal, will renew calls for the system to be scrapped. After all, without it, the correct decision was effectively made – the assistant referee raised his flag for offside – and we would not have had the seemingly interminable wait while the incident was reviewed and reviewed and reviewed and the right call was inexplicably overturned.
PRC approves Welcome Hall at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Permit Review Committee has approved plans for a new Welcome Hall and entrance to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry at 5700 S. Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Located on the Chicago Park District-owned lakefront site, the museum occupies the last surviving building from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The building has undergone several major changes since the fair, including a 1990s renovation that added underground parking and new visitor facilities in front of the historic structure.
Arbeloa on Sessegnon injury, being 'self-demanding' and Affengruber
Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Carabao Cup third-round fixture against West Ham United at London Stadium (kick-off 19:45 BST). Ryan Sessegnon is dealing with a "small groin problem", which explains his exclusion from the matchday squad last time out. The club are waiting on his scan results, but he won't be available for the cup tie, confirmed Arbeloa, and he will be assessed again before Sunday's game against Manchester United.
Atlanta Braves News: Atlanta loses Series Finale to Phillies, Robert Suarez Update, More
Braves win big series over Phillies.
What Do Scientists Want from AI?
Scientists are already using AI in the lab – but many are doing so without the safeguards their employers may assume are in place
Pistons' biggest statistical Jalen Duren concern amid contract stalemate
The Pistons led by Cade Cunningham might be projected to have a glaring statistical problem when it comes to Jalen Duren amid his contract dispute.
Villa's drop-off at home should now be alarming
Defender Tyrone Mings summed up the Aston Villa mood as he slumped to the floor at full-time following a 2-1 defeat at home by Nottingham Forest. Three defeats in their opening four games only leaves further questions for manager Unai Emery to answer following a summer rebuild. Villa may have ended a run of 372 Premier League minutes without a goal but their problems remain.
Arsenal 28yo struggles with groin injury
Ben White appears to be struggling with a groin injury, but Arsenal will be hoping the problem is simply tightness rather than a strain.Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesBen White was forced off...
Would you try a pink pineapple vaginal probiotic gummy?
The new hormone-free gummies pair a clinically studied probiotic strain with vitamin D and sea buckthorn to support vaginal health, gut health and overall women's wellness.
UMass Amherst forges the "future of food" with $120 million investment
UMass Amherst is leading the charge to bring together everyone from farmers to food scientists to solve problems facing our global food system.
Rajarshi Krishna Muppaneni: A Journey of Building Intelligent Business Solutions
AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / September 14, 2026 / Every successful digital transformation begins with a simple objective: helping people solve business problems more effectively. Throughout his career, has embraced that philosophy by designing technology solutions that simplify complexity, strengthen collaboration, and create lasting business value.
What supplement formulators can borrow from pharmaceutical delivery science
Poor absorption is a problem the pharmaceutical industry solved decades before most supplement formulators had to think about it. Compounds that show real biological activity in a lab often perform far worse once they're inside the body, because getting a molecule to dissolve, cross the gut wall and reach circulation is a separate engineering problem from proving the molecule does something useful
New York Yankees news: Breaking down Gerrit Cole’s troubles
The Cole problem; magic number down to 1; Schmidt almost ready to join the bullpen; Stadium linked to outbreak
Klomp, nominated for No. 2 health post, faces Senate gauntlet
The man nominated to be Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s No. 2 has quietly met with nearly 35 senators ahead of his confirmation hearings.
Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott Suffer Brutal Gateway Playoff Blows
Gateway was already chaotic. Then it became a nightmare for Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott. Both drivers entered Sunday’s race with legitimate championship hopes. Both left World Wide Technology Raceway with major playoff problems. And neither driver could blame another competitor. Blaney’s Day Ends With No Brakes Ryan Blaney looked like a contender for much…
Andy Robertson’s Anfield return highlights Liverpool’s big left-back problem
Robertson exited Liverpool in the summer and his departure has made the club much weaker at left-back
Samsung will apparently launch the Galaxy Tab S12 series a bit later than expected
Two of the best Android tablets you're probably going to be able to buy this holiday season will only arrive next month in stores around the world.
Spurs 'a blunt instrument' as 'stuttering start' continues
Tottenham's goalless league streak extended to 407 minutes as a stuttering start to what was meant to be brave new era continued in Saturday's 0-0 draw at home against Everton. It was the first time they have failed to score in their opening four league games across all four tiers - and also in four successive Premier League matches since September 2006. The grim statistic would be bad enough in any circumstances, but it is even worse after Spurs spent in excess of £300m in the summer, much of it designed to give Roberto De Zerbi's side an added edge.
IPO for humanoid robot maker Boston Dynamics unlikely in 2027, executive says
Boston Dynamics, Hyundai Motor Group's humanoid robot unit, is unlikely to pursue an initial public offering next year, a senior executive at the parent company with direct knowledge of the matter said, as it has yet to deploy its flagship Atlas robots at scale and remains unprofitable.
Should race affect BMI guidelines? Doctors are split
BMI is a quick, cheap way for doctors to estimate body fat and screen for conditions like heart disease and diabetes. But medicine has long known that BMI is problematic and unnuanced. By using it, groups of people have fallen through the cracks and conditions have been caught late. So, some doctors want to add nuance – to consider race when using BMI. But using race in medicine comes with its own problems. So what’s the way forward? To find out, we talk to Katie Wu, a science writer at The Atlantic.Read more of Katie’s reporting on BMI and race.Interested in more science health stories? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Snakepit Roundtable: Burnes, Gallen, Soroka return
All three of Burnes, Gallen, and Soroka returned from the IL this week. Which do you expect to have the biggest positive impact on the team? James Attwood: Probably Soroka. Burnes is still pitch-limited and is still looking for the feel and timing on his breaking pitches, especially the curve. Gallen has had a rough […]
‘I Am Not a Robot’: author’s key takeaways
“I am not a robot.” How many times have you clicked this box? In this digital age, it’s probably close to thousands. This phrase has become almost second nature to
INTERVIEW: Mamdani shows the way for EU socialists, Athens mayor says
'This is the new model we should follow in Europe: to be bold and to confront the problems head-on,' he told Euractiv
This Common Health Problem Is Linked to a 58 Percent Higher Risk of Cognitive Decline, New Study Finds
A study of more than 833,000 adults found that one trait was associated with a higher risk of dementia.
Packers HC Matt LaFleur Admits Coaching Problem Against Vikings
A squandered fourth-quarter lead and Brian Flores’ relentless blitz packages extended Green Bay’s losing streak, leaving Matt LaFleur searching for answers as offensive line struggles mount.
Fernando’s Notebook from Bills at Texans in Week 1
No film, no problem! These were my notes straight off the broadcast — unfiltered, written down as the game happened.
Scientists Resurrect 160-Million-Year-Old Molecules With Surprising Power Against Superbugs
Ancient mammalian antimicrobial peptides revealed stronger bacteria-killing activity in some cases, offering clues for designing future treatments against resistant infections. Some proteins that vanished millions of years ago may still have something to teach scientists about fighting modern infections. University of Oregon biologists have reconstructed antimicrobial molecules dating back as far as 160 million years,
Dr. Anthony Robbins, Who Expanded Health Care for the Poor, Dies at 85
As Vermont’s health commissioner, he helped create a model for providing food and dental care. Later, he directed the first national vaccine program.
Tech CEO worries about AI development spur political reaction
Top U.S. lawmakers are calling for talks to begin on Capitol Hill about a regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, after the heads of some of the most prominent tech companies called for a slowdown of their own industry’s development of AI. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org. This episode was produced by Daniel Ofman. It was edited by Brett Neely, Michael Levitt and Sarah Robbins. Our director is Jordan-Marie Smith. And our interim executive producer is Courtney Dorning.
Carnevali: ‘Juventus built competitive squad, pleasing to see Sassuolo’
Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali admits it’s emotional returning to his old club Sassuolo as an opponent, but they built ‘a competitive squad’ to deal with injury problems.It kicks off at th...
Savage reveals Forest Green deal for West Ham's Fearon
Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage reveals the club are signing West Ham United midfielder Preston Fearon on loan.
Bijan Robinson 23-yard touchdown gives Falcons 7-3 lead
Crystal Palace make Pierre Sage 'decision' as 'major problems' emerge
Steve Parish in the stands at Selhurst Park, with Pierre Sage on the sidelines
Apple is designing its own game controllers for iPhone, could be Beats branded
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has today corroborated references discovered in macOS beta code that indicated Apple is designing its own game...
Can robots beat treasure hunters to keep Seattle-area Goodwill afloat?
Evergreen Goodwill, the Seattle-area branch of the major nonprofit discount store, is hoping for a turnaround after multi-year losses.
Eagles face a healthier, more commanding Jayden Daniels in opener
Jayden Daniels enters Week 1 healthy and with more control of Washington’s offense, creating several problems for the Eagles’ defense
People Are Taking More Probiotics—but Still Skimping on This Important Nutrient for Gut Health
Here’s why it’s a problem, per R.D.s.
Fart-tracking ‘smart underwear’ provides insights on gut health
Smart underwear tracks how often a person farts, offering a non-invasive way to gain insight into how a person’s gut microbiome is functioning.
Tottenham player ratings vs Everton: Solanke struggles in goalless draw
Tottenham Hotspur were held to another frustrating 0-0 draw, this time by Everton, as Roberto De Zerbi’s side extended their Premier League goal drought.
New York Jets Flight Connections 09/13/26
Happy game day, Jets fans! The 2026 regular season officially gets started today at 1:00 pm Eastern in Nashville as the Jets face former coach Robert Saleh and the Tennessee Titans. Below are your game day Jets links to prepare you for the game. Eric Allen – Jets Elevate K Jason Sanders to Active Roster […]
Arsenal analysis: Raya proves worth with crucial contribution
Arsenal's first-half frustration was encapsulated in manager Mikel Arteta being booked shortly before the break for leaving his technical area too many times. Greece winger Christos Tzolis continued his inconsistent start to the season, more reminiscent here of his toothless showing against Aston Villa rather than the productive display at home to Chelsea. Konsa, even before giving away the penalty, struggled to deal with Sunderland's direct attacking approach and the physicality of striker Brian Brobbey.
14 Daytime TV Shows That Only Had 1 Season
David Letterman, Jeff Probst and Howie Mandel are among the celebrities who hosted daytime television shows that lasted only one season. Here’s what to know about the past programs.
CEO Jensen Huang offers candid advice to departing Nvidia staff
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang gives blunt feedback to departing employees, influencing startups like Flexion Robotics and INT21 with direct insights.
William Osula Injury Timeline Takes Dramatic Turn After Newcastle Scare
Newcastle United’s early-season injury problems have deprived Matthias Jaissle of several important players, with William Osula among those unavailable after suffering a foot problem in the opening game of the campaign. There is now significantly better news surrounding the striker. The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope reported before the weekend that Osula has come out of […]
Robert Jenrick faces questions after Reform nets £72m in donations in just 24 hours
Reform UK’s economic spokesperson talks to Sky News and BBC after record donations
The new Roberto Firmino is here, and he’s incredible
There's an exciting heir to Roberto Firmino who has finally arrived on the scene. Roberto Firmino is arguably one of the most underappreciated club icons of the modern era. The Brazilian never seemed ...
Bone Health Without the Hype
I am at the Australasian Menopause Society meeting and we had a fantastic lecture on Bone Health on Day 2, called, “Everything you need to know about bones - except the boring bits!” Spoiler alert, there were no boring bits. The lecture was given by Dr. Amanda Beech, who is a senior staff specialist in Obstetric Medicine and Endocrinology at the Royal Hospital for Women, where she is director of the Bone Density Unit. I want to summarize my top 10 take-aways for you. Share Osteoporosis is a disease of low bone mass, disruption of bone microarchitecture, and fragility of the skeleton. It is a silent disease…until someone develops a fracture. The diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on either fragility/minimal trauma fractures or a T-score of less than -2.5 on a DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) or bone scan. It is important to recognize that about 50% of minimal trauma fractures occur when women have low bone mass (often referred to as osteopenia), but not osteoporosis. This tells us that bone strength is more complicated than a number on a DXA report. I am going to add a little here that wasn’t in the talk (one can only include so much in 25 minutes), as many women might read the above paragraph and think, “Shouldn’t we be treating everyone with low bone mass if this is when 50% of the fractures occur?” Many fractures happen for women with low bone mass because there are so many women with low bone mass –it is a statement about the population on a whole, not about the fracture risk of low bone mass. For you as an individual, bone density is only one component of fracture risk and many women with lower bone mass will not have a significantly elevated fracture risk. This is why individualized risk assessment matters. Subscribe We build bone in our teens and twenties, and by the time we are about thirty we have reached peak bone mass. This is why, when we discuss risk factors for osteoporosis, it is important to consider factors that might have affected us in our teens and twenties when we were actively building bone, such as nutritional restriction/energy imbalance. It is important to ask women about a history of eating disorders, and for those with such a history, getting a bone scan in perimenopause or at age 50 is likely warranted. (This image below isn’t from the talk, but is similar to one that was). Bone mass is relatively stable until about two years before the final menstrual period, and perimenopause marks a time of rapid bone loss for women. Using urinary markers of bone loss we know that the time of significantly accelerated bone loss starts about 1 year before the final period and ends about 2 years after the final period. The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) shows that over the menopause transition women lose an average of 10.6% of the bone at their lumbar spine and 9.1% at the femoral neck While this wasn’t covered in the lecture, I want to add that the rapid bone loss during perimenopause is clearly related to more than estradiol, because during this time estradiol levels can be erratic and not uniformly low. Bone loss during perimenopause is likely a multi-hormone event. For example, rising FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) tracks with bone loss better than estradiol, and there is evidence that FSH may act directly on bone. While decreased estrogen matters, there is clearly more going on. FSH and bone is an active area of research. Subscribe Screening for osteoporosis was recommended fairly broadly before age 65, and was taken from the “Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause,” from Monash University. Here is a screenshot from the toolkit that was used as a slide: I am going to add a little bit more about body weight here for clarification. Low body mass (typically 152.1 lb): 0 points (risk neutral) 60–69 kg (132.3–152.1 lb): 3 points (adds some risk)
Broncos Come Up Clean On Injury Report After Early Issues
The Denver Broncos came up clean on their final injury report after some minor problems at the start of training camp.
Buccaneers OC Robinson Excited About Having Healthy Offensive Line
Tampa's dominant offensive line is back at full strength, and new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is excited to see the starters back together in game action.
Buccaneers OC Robinson Excited About Having Healthy Offensive Line
Tampa's dominant offensive line is back at full strength, and new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is excited to see the starters back together in game action.
Celtics' Mitchell Robinson Reveals Mentality With NBA Season Approaching
Robinson will play a large role in Boston's success this season.
Is Red Sox’ Roman Anthony trying to ‘overcook it?’ (notebook)
Red Sox' Chad Tracy said about Roman Anthony: "He probably got into some spots where he’s starting to like overdo it, overcook it a little bit.”
Tottenham 0-0 Everton: Spurs’ Goalscoring Misery Continues
Tottenham Hotspur are still searching for their first Premier League win and goal of the season after Roberto De Zerbi’s team played out a frustrating 0-0 draw with Everton on Saturday afternoon.
Reaction: “Satisfied with my team’s display!”
Ole Book (in the mixed zone): “After the Champions League match, we had a few problems getting into the game. Paderborn was very aggressive, especially in the opening phase, and had a good plan for ...
Dodgers on Deck: Sunday, September 13 at Marlins
The Dodgers and Marlins conclude their 2026 business on Sunday afternoon at loanDepot Park in Miami. The Dodgers haven’t listed a starter, but Emmet Sheehan is in line to pitch bulk innings after his stellar Monday start at home. Justin Wrobleski was previously listed as the Sunday starter, perhaps as an opener, as the left-hander […]
Rutgers Researchers Find Stigmatizing Language in Most Gender-Expansive Patient Records
Rutgers researchers found stigmatizing language in 62% of hospital discharge notes for gender-expansive patients and propose AI tools to flag the problem.
$50M technical school opens in Lee County
The institute will offer career and technical education to about 500 students from across the region.
Notes: MLB expansion, position players pitching, 2028 Olympics
One aspect of the upcoming labor battle this offseason, after the collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, is Major League Baseballs desire to expand from 30 to 32 teams. MLB’s last expansion was in 1998, and Jeff Passan at ESPN in his outline of potential new cities notes that commissioner Rob Manfred wants the […]
Could Utah Jazz Have Center Problem?
Despite boasting elite height and frontcourt versatility, the loss of Walker Kessler leaves a void in the middle that could derail Utah’s promising postseason ambitions.
Tiny sound waves could help solve a major quantum computing problem
Researchers at Harvard have demonstrated a way to protect quantum information using microscopic sound waves. By continuously surrounding a diamond-based qubit with mechanical vibrations, they extended its coherence time by roughly threefold. The same phonons could eventually both transmit and protect quantum information, opening the door to compact sound-based quantum networks on chips.
Want to lower your risk of dementia? It doesn't involve a blood test
New blood tests are helping doctors diagnose whether Alzheimer’s or something else is causing a patient’s memory problems
Germany’s Political Tailspin: Your Weekly SPIEGEL Recap
It might be tempting to dismiss the results of last Sunday’s state election in Saxony-Anhalt, in which the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party raked in 43.8 percent of the vote, as a rather unimportant extremist blip in a state that hardly anyone can find on the map. And you wouldn’t necessarily be wrong to do so. The state’s population – around 2.1 million – is a mere 2.5 percent of the German total. And while the state capital of Magdeburg was once the political heart of the Holy Roman Empire back when Otto the Great used to hang out there (more than a millenium … no … milennium … nope … millennium ago), it is today something of a backwater, albeit one with a ginormous cathedral in its center. We wanted to briefly interrupt this week’s newsletter to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our subscribers, both new and old. And to remind you all that a free subscription gets you access to this newsletter every Saturday. A paid subscription, by contrast, gets you one DER SPIEGEL article every weekday, delivered to your inbox. We strive to select pieces that both demonstrate what Europe’s leading newsmagazine has to offer and provide an international audience – namely, you – with an insight into how Germany and Europe view the world. If you haven’t already signed up for a paid subscription, please consider doing so if you can. Our Substack channel relies entirely on reader support and we are excited to continue offering you the best of DER SPIEGEL. Subscribe But even beyond the fact that a huge percentage of the voters in the state decided to place an X next to a party with an ideological lineage that runs rather directly back to the right-wing extremist soup out of which the Nazi Party was born, the results are a perfect example of a phenomenon that has been plaguing German elections in recent years: the lack of an obvious path to a majority. Call it the Balkanization of German politics. There are a number of developments driving the phenomenon, but for the purposes of this newsletter, here are two of the most salient: Persistent voter frustration with the country’s two (former) big-tent parties – the Christian Democrats (CDU) on the center-right (17.2 percent in Saxony-Anhalt last Sunday) and the Social Democrats (SPD) on the center-left (9.3 percent). The presence of parties on the far left (Left Party), the populist left (the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance – BSW) and the far right (AfD) with which mainstream parties are reluctant to form coalitions. So what happens now? Stories of the Week A Lack of Leadership The answer for many people in the country, and particularly within the CDU, is clear: pin (some of) the blame on Chancellor Friedrich Merz. According to a survey taken directly after the election in Saxony-Anhalt, 88 percent of respondents agreed with the statement that if the federal government in Berlin were doing a better job, the AfD wouldn’t be as strong. And it is true that the predominant impression of the federal government ever since Merz was sworn in on May 6, 2025, is one of ineffectiveness and bickering. His rather unique combination of bumbling-plus-bravado has also not exactly endeared him to the German public. Indeed, his standing in the country is so shaky that his popularity – according to recent polls – has now dropped even below the historic lows associated with his predecessor Olaf Scholz. The situation is such that the CDU even opted to keep him largely out of the campaign ahead of the Saxony-Anhalt vote. And since then, dissatisfied rumblings within the CDU have grown louder. DER SPIEGEL’s Swantje Karich notes that the problems with the CDU go much deeper than Merz. “The center-right has a trust problem. At a press appearance following the devastating election result in Saxony-Anhalt, Friedrich Merz said that the party wanted to ‘reach people more effectively’ through ‘emotional engagement.’ It sounded as though he were announcing a political program. On the basis of that statement, it is difficult to take his empathy seriously.” “The Chancellor’s chastened appearance did, at least, reveal where he stands: with his back to the wall. Elections will be held in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania next week, and the CDU could fare even worse there. The party is polling at between 8 and 10 percent in the state.” “What is at stake is the political tradition that has lent stability to the Federal Republic since 1945: a democratic conservatism that understands what must be preserved, but also how to embrace progress and openness to the world. If the Union continues along its current path, it risks becoming politically irrelevant after the 2029 federal election – and Germany could soon find itself with a government of the far right.” The Trumpification of Political Debate? It is often said in Germany that to understand the political and social trends that will soon be dominant in Europe, one need only look across the Atlantic to the United States. When it comes to political debate, that has certainly proven true. Donald Trump understood early on that triggering mouth-foaming outrage among Democrats is an ideal way to both generate headlines and to secure loyalty among supporters. And he realized that far more quickly than the left side of the political spectrum understood that simply ignoring the old man might be the best recipe. To be sure, there have been signs recently that the US president may be over-relying on the strategy. Earlier this week, in an apparent grandpa-discovers-AI moment, Trump sent out 60 posts in the space of 10 hours, many of them AI-assisted images portraying him as a hero – or showing Iceland as part of the US (outrageous!!!). It was also during that slew of schlock that he explicitly backed the AfD with an “MGGA” post. In Germany, though, the outrage cycle remains in full swing, with much of the focus on those who would dare to vote for the AfD. They are alternately portrayed as being dim-witted, ungrateful, backward, racist or all of the above. That, argues DER SPIEGEL columnist Sabine Rennefanz, is not particularly helpful. “Everywhere on election night, people spoke of a watershed moment, a rupture, a turning point. But what is that supposed to mean in concrete terms? A watershed would imply an interruption, a moment of pause – perhaps even a willingness to rethink and learn. At first, there was little sign of that in the main television panels. Instead, the familiar rituals that had already shaped the election campaign continued: outrage, lecturing and abuse.” “That’s just the tone, one might object. They’re only talk shows. Given that the party’s state branch has been classified by domestic intelligence officials as confirmed right-wing extremist, there are more important problems than hurt feelings on television. Yet although the condescending tone is not the cause of the AfD’s success, it is an expression of the broader mood within the so-called political center – a kind of institutional blindness that too often treats material concerns as a communications problem.” “People have a pretty good sense of whether you like them – whether you approach them with curiosity or merely study, lecture and manage them as a problem group. They notice whether you genuinely want to understand their fears and pain, or whether you are simply waiting for the chance to correct them. They can also tell whether someone still has the energy to change things, or whether they have barricaded themselves behind platitudes and empty phrases.” “Anyone who wants an egalitarian democratic society cannot promise equality only to those whose language, tastes and moral convictions they share. They must also acknowledge the wounds, resentments and fears of those whose political conclusions they consider wrong. Acknowledging them does not mean agreeing with them. But a democracy that communicates with almost half its citizens only through warnings and labels gives up on political debate before it has even begun. An atmosphere must be created in which people can express their opinions without fearing that they will be canceled. We are currently a long way from that.” East-West? One of the clear undercurrents in the election last Sunday was, of course, Germany’s ongoing east-west divide, particularly as it pertains to the success of the AfD. Historically, the party has been far stronger in the former East German states than in former West German states. The fact that this generalization no longer reliably holds is certainly one of the primary concerns that many have about the party’s growth. And yet, there is still a distinct flavor of “stupid easterners, they don’t understand democracy” to the coverage. In the weeks before the vote, there was even a rather interesting back-and-forth in Germany’s culture pages about how ungrateful eastern Germans allegedly are for being pulled out of their pre-reunification backwardness and into the light of the West. DER SPIEGEL’s Jochen-Martin Gutsch has had enough. “Ten years ago, in 2016, elections were also held in Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD won more than 20 percent, which at the time rightly provoked outrage and incomprehension in western Germany. Today, in 2026, the AfD is also polling at around 20 percent in western German states, but this no longer provokes outrage and incomprehension. Instead, it is now regarded as proof of democratic conviction and civilizational resistance. After all, in the east, it’s 40 percent!” “This allows people to continue feeling morally superior to the East, but the wiser course would be to admit: if something doesn’t happen soon, the West will turn AfD-blue too. Or bluish.” “But will anything happen? The truly depressing thing about election night was not so much the AfD leaders intoxicated by their own success. It was the representatives of the other parties, who once again said that they were utterly shocked, needed some time to digest the result and would, of course, not simply return to business as usual. The SPD, a former big-tent party, celebrated its ‘stable’ result of 9.3 percent. Congratulations!” “For 10 years, the AfD has gone from one electoral success to the next. And still, the established parties remain ‘shocked’ and scratch their heads in astonishment. How long can they keep being shocked? Friedrich Merz says he may need to communicate his reform ideas in a more ‘emotional’ way. So the CDU’s political professionals sit down together after the election, mull over a strategy, and in the end come up with this: Fritz, try to be a little more relaxed, charismatic and emotional – or something. Beyond that: no political plan, no defiance, no promise of a future. That is frightening.” What was good, what was bad for democracy? Good: Voter turnout in Saxony-Anhalt was 77.8 percent, the highest ever recorded in the state. Whatever one thinks of the result, that figure is encouraging. Democracy needs citizens to take an interest. Bad: Although a strong AfD result had been expected in Saxony-Anhalt, many politicians from the mainstream parties – including in Berlin – appeared confused, helpless and overwhelmed in their initial reactions. That is not how they will win back voters’ trust. Last Week’s Highlights: 🗳️ Meet the Germans Who Voted for the AfD: Why would voters in a country like Germany, with its Nazi past, vote for a right-wing party? It’s a question only an editor in Berlin could come up with. On the ground, the view is different. 🟦 How the AfD Wants to Expand Its Power Across Germany: The far-right AfD is planning to decimate public broadcasting in Saxony-Anhalt, revamp education and install extremists in positions of power. And it is eyeing victory on the national stage as well. 🕯️ The Continuing Reverberations of September 11: It was a generational shock, and the consequences can still be felt today - from massive surveillance and significant increases in presidential power to violent excesses at ICE. 🤝 “For Europe, Canada Is the Preferred Partner in Trans-Atlantic Relations”: In an interview with DER SPIEGEL, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne discusses his country’s failed trade deal with the US and why Canada is looking to Europe. 🏛️ The True Historical Roots of the AfD: During the Weimar Republic in the 1920s, there were numerous parties on the extreme right espousing “Germany first” nationalism. The Nazis may not be the best comparison for today’s AfD. 🌊 AfD in a Landslide: Merz Is the Wrong Leader for Germany: The right-wing Alternative for Germany won in a landslide in Saxony-Anhalt state elections on Sunday. What does that mean for the country at large? Thank you for your continued support and have a wonderful week! Subscribe Share Leave a comment Your SPIEGEL Substack Team Compiled and edited by Charles Hawley
Could Jack Draper Follow the Path of Robin Soderling?
The summer of 2011 should have been Robin Soderling's. He was ranked No. 4 in the world, had reached consecutive French Open finals, and had beaten Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros in 2009, the only player to do so on clay before 2015. He was 26 years old and playing some of the best tennis …
The African roots of three Colorado leaders
Colorado’s political transformation is measured in many ways. A once reliably red state (with asterisks) became purple and is now a rather deep blue. For better or worse, probably the latter, power is ever more consolidated along the Front Range corridor. Counties such as Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Larimer, once Republican strongholds, are now at the […]
The Twin Towers came down in a cloud of toxic dust. Its health impact has lasted decades
Newly released records have renewed questions about the dust that blanketed Ground Zero and the health problems that have emerged since.
How A Super-Intelligent AI Designed To Make Paperclips Could End Up Killing Us All
An AI doesn't have to be evil to end up destroying us all. Some might just want to make office equipment.
Trump says Iran probably responsible for attack on Saudi pipeline
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Iran was probably responsible for an aerial attack on Saudi Arabia that shut down its East-West pipeline, one of the kingdom's main routes for exporting crude while bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
Flavio Bolsonaro faces graft probe weeks before Brazil vote
Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, Lula's top rival in next month's election, is under investigation for alleged corruption linked to financing a biopic about his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
CDC vs. Pennsylvania: Why conflicting public health messages jeopardize public safety
Squabbles like the one between HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Gov. Josh Shapiro spark confusion and breed mistrust.
Dating apps are ditching ‘the swipe’ for meet-ups IRL
Rob Perez only has one dealbreaker when it comes to dating – his partner needs to be a gym rat like him.
‘Immature playground boasting’: Mathematicians uneasy at OpenAI’s latest scalp
As OpenAI model cracks Millennium Prize Problem that puzzled experts for decades, many feel shocked at pace of change
Catherine Thorbecke: You don't have to trust Chinese AI
When DeepSeek’s reasoning model burst onto the scene last year and put Chinese artificial intelligence on the global map, the internet responded by probing its views on Taiwan or Tiananmen
The politics and possibilities of ‘AI could kill us all’
I found myself fielding a lot of questions from folks who don’t usually talk much about AI this week. They were mostly along the lines of “do you think AI is going to kill us all?” or “how worried should I be about this human extinction stuff?” Motivating this wave of existential anxiety was the highly dramatic resignation of now-former Anthropic employee Jacob Coxon, who quit his job while publicly sharing his concerns about safety practices at the leading AI companies. More specifically, he declared that almost everyone at OpenAI and Anthropic, the leading AI labs, believes that there’s a decent chance the AI systems they’re producing could “kill us all” by the end of the decade, and the companies aren’t “acting responsibly.” Other AI safety researchers, including those still employed at Anthropic and OpenAI, all confirmed that yes, Coxon is correct, they’re all worried that their company’s products might prove fatal for the entire human race as well. Two more AI employees quit and joined the chorus. Now, the warning shot has been covered everywhere from the Wall Street Journal to Fox News to WIRED to the Guardian. I understand why all this sounds scary, but my response to those who have asked, has generally been: No, you don’t need to worry that AI will kill go rogue and kill us all. But that does not mean we shouldn’t worry, period. Far from it. The companies building AI products are now among the wealthiest and most powerful entities in the world. And they very much are building enormous engines of mass surveillance, extraction, and automation. They can and have allowed their AI systems to carry out felony hacks of other companies, provided the government with autonomously generated kill lists, and sold enterprise technology to firms around the world that is explicitly intended to replace jobs. But “AI” has done these things not because they have all-powerful minds of their own but, ultimately, because people have programmed, calibrated, and directed them to. In other words, it’s not AI we need to worry the most about. It’s the people and corporations working to profit from and gain power by deploying it. The technology is sophisticated, sure, and, especially in cybersecurity contexts, potentially disruptive to plenty of existing systems. But if we want to stop this predatory, profiteering, and extractive form of AI—and it’s worth noting that at this point, most people do—we absolutely can. A quick note/plea: I can only do all of this with the support of readers like you, so if you find value in independent, critical tech journalism and analysis, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. I want to keep as much of this un-paywalled as absolutely possible, and I need your support to do so. Many thanks to all who continue to chip in, it’s very much appreciated. Onward. Subscribe First, some context: AI industry folks like Coxon have been discussing the prospect that AI will destroy humanity for years. Even before the beginning of the AI boom, many working in the industry, from the executive staff to the rank and file researchers, have obsessed over ‘x-risk’, or the possibility that AI will become sentient or semi-sentient and move one way or another to exterminate humanity. This is ostensibly why Elon Musk bankrolled OpenAI in the first place, and is the grounds for his lawsuit alleging OpenAI betrayed its charter by abandoning its nonprofit status to become a commercial enterprise. Many AI engineers and startup founders have calculated their own personal p(doom), or the probability that the tech product they are working on will initiate an actual humanity-extinguishing apocalypse. 10-25% p(doom)s are pretty common. (I wrote about a long weekend I spent among these folks at one of their top conferences here, to give you an idea of their ideas and belief systems.) Sam Altman himself drove the narrative of the imminent rise of a super-powerful AI, or artificial general intelligence, to prominence by declaring that the technology he was building posed an existential risk to humanity. This idea is in other words baked into the DNA of modern AI companies and into the products they engineer. It’s also why the industry is routinely accused, by myself and others, of “doom marketing,” ie, using such proclamations and framings to impart the sheer power of the technology behind your product onto investors, partners, consumers, and the state. Some ambient understanding of this tendency may have helped prevent the press from repeating the claim every time one of the x-risk folks made it over the years, including when they quit their jobs at AI companies while doing so. Yet Coxon’s AI x-risk alarm has broken containment, as they say, and has exposed the idea to the mainstream media once again. This has happened, I think, for a number of reasons. First, when AI CEOs were going around saying AI might kill everyone in 2023, their companies were well-capitalized, but not nearly to the extent they are today. They were more easily dismissed as eccentric geeks of the sort that Silicon Valley is supposed to produce. Now, not only do their products have much greater market saturation, but people are more aware of a) the often unethical ways the executives and companies comport themselves b) the other adverse impacts of AI that have already arrived, and c) the physical cost of building these systems, particularly when it comes to data centers. Finally, toss in the constant stream of headlines in 2026 about AI models going rogue or potentially upending the world’s infrastructure. [ ](https://www.bloodinthemachine.com/p/with-the-backlash-to-data-centers) [ With the backlash to data centers, Flock and AI glasses, a mass opposition to big tech is underway. Silicon Valley is in denial. ](https://www.bloodinthemachine.com/p/with-the-backlash-to-data-centers) Brian Merchant · Aug 27 [ Read full story ](https://www.bloodinthemachine.com/p/with-the-backlash-to-data-centers) As a result, general sentiment was already overwhelmingly skeptical of AI and its overlords, so the table was pretty well set for someone to come along and say ‘just a reminder, the companies that are building the product that promises to take your job and leave a data center in your neighborhood also think that it might exterminate the human race’ and get a strong reaction from the media and the public. The question is: Should we understand this stuff as hype, strategically fanned to feed already swelling valuations? Is it doom marketing? Genuine cause for alarm that the infrastructure that undergirds modern life is facing a novel threat vector? Or reason to be sincerely worried that AI companies are amassing too much power, and that their products are genuinely dangerous? The answer, I’m afraid, is “yes.” Let me try to untangle all of this a bit, because arguments over how to navigate this moment are extremely heated right now, as they are essentially arguments over how to approach the politics of AI at a moment where there may be a unique opening for action. Those sympathetic to AI alignment concerns and x risk arguments—which increasingly includes a faction on the left who want to shut down AI over safety concerns—argue that people who dismiss AI as all hype have their heads in the sand. Meanwhile, critics of the x-risk narrative—which I might note includes a cadre of investors and tech folks on the right, too—argue that it is hype and can be used to further inflate valuations or for pursuing regulatory capture. The challenge is that many feel that dismissing AI as just hype or purely marketing also diminishes the urgency of taking on the AI industry as the novel and threat to labor, civil society, and the public sphere it is; others that by accepting the industry’s own terms, we imbue it with undue power and enable it. But let’s be clear: Declarations that AI is so powerful it might end the world are a kind of marketing, and anyone who says otherwise is just as off base as those who say that’s all that it is. If you don’t think that these sub-trillion dollar companies have higher-ups who noticed that when their founders talked about super-powerful dangerous AI they got spikes in media interest and phone calls from investors, or that those founders didn’t notice that themselves, and lean into certain narratives to advantage their products, then I don’t know what to tell you. Not all marketing is a Pepsi ad campaign with a celebrity spokesperson. Yet confronting the AI industry should certainly be considered an urgent project. Do I share the x-riskers’ fear that out-of-control, super-intelligent AI agents might end the world? I do not. I’ve read a good deal of AI extinction literature over the last couple of years and I have not come across a credible, step-by-step documentation of how exactly AI might move from self-recursively improving AI to killing every single human on the planet. Most of what I’ve read seems predicated on a sort of reverse Ian Malcolmian logic: Eventually, it becomes smart enough and AI, uh, finds a way (to exterminate humanity). Are the AI companies also overstating and dramatizing what their products can do? Yes, pretty much all the time. They’re in a knife fight for market share and are trying to win customers and government contracts before their investors come knocking. And yet. They have concentrated enormous amounts of compute, have extensive data collection and surveillance capacities, have inserted themselves into the state in numerous capacities, including military kill chains, and they are being run by egomaniacal billionaires who are rushing to monopolize an entire new market. The way I think about their most recent frightening-seeming exploits is not as a “swarm of rogue AI agents building a new civilization” or whatever, but as corporations with a hitherto-unimaginable amount of compute at their disposal recklessly experimenting with automation programs, completely unafraid of any repercussions because we have been unwilling or unable to impose any on them. So I think we should welcome any newfound imperative to hold them accountable. I also think that ultimately, the AI critics, Pause AI folks, leftists, doomers, effective altruists, and, honestly, most of the public, want a lot of the same things: legitimate checks and limits on AI companies’ power, actual transparency into what the companies are doing, and for more of AI to be under public control. (Ultimately, a lot of what animates the x-risk fears are rooted in just that: a fear of losing control.) How we move towards all this, exactly, is the question of the day, and while there’s much to be argued over in terms of building a viable political platform to challenge the AI industry’s power, I do want to cast a vote against one particular approach. Not to pick on Chris here, as there are a lot of folks out there proposing stuff like this, and the policy ideas actually stem from AI safety groups. But not only would this be challenging to land politically (I can already hear the ‘China will beat us to AGI’ calls) and all but unworkable in practice, this approach is a) far too limiting, b) fails to address the current harms caused by AI and c) would likely only wind up serving Anthropic and OpenAI; it’s what regulatory capture looks like in action. Full model transparency is the floor for what should be on offer here. If these companies believe their products will kill us, the very least we deserve is to know how. It’s in the public interest. I would also argue we might get a lot of the way to stopping any currently envisioned robot apocalypse simply by forcing AI companies to assume liability, and to submit to the full brunt of the law. If Sam Altman were liable to be charged with a felony for approving the hack on Hugging Face1, if Google was forced to pay defamation fines each time it published a false and injurious AI Overviews, these companies might suddenly find cause to restrain their models’ output, and we might hear less about rogue AI. We would need to introduce new frameworks and available tools for tracking automated lawbreaking, to be sure, but I’d wager that little would frighten the AI companies more than actually being held accountable for what their products enable. To that end, Illinois has passed an AI liability law, which the industry fought tooth and nail, and Florida is considering one. The next steps would be towards moving AI under public control; again, it’s only reasonable, since everyone, not just AI insiders, should get a say over how a technology whose developers say might kill us is developed and deployed. Dismantling the whole industrial project as currently structured should be on the table, too, pending democratic input. But that’s for another post. For now, suffice to say that while I won’t be losing any sleep about an AI-enabled extinction event, Mr. Coxon and co. have given us an opportunity to underscore the urgency of the clear and present damage AI companies are doing, the extreme power they wield and the extent to which they hold themselves unaccountable, and the abundance of political capital there is out there for taking them on. Subscribe 1 Purely speculative! I do not know if he did or not.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton – Predicted lineup and team news
Tottenham Hotspur host Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday still searching for their first Premier League win of the season. Roberto De Zerbi’s side sit 18th after collecting a sing...
A.J. Hinch Gives Unfortunate Wenceel Pérez Injury Update
A.J. Hinch says Wenceel Pérez is most likely finished for the 2026 season as lingering vision problems continue following his orbital fracture.
Rival GM Makes Eye-Opening Comment About Dylan Larkin Situation
Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell made an eye-opening comment that appears to reference the trade-market problem facing Dylan Larkin and Detroit.
LA Rams’ Offensive Split Exposes Clear Problem After 49ers Loss
The Los Angeles Rams assembled one of the NFL’s deepest-looking skill groups around Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but their season opener sent an early warning about what happens when Sean McVay turns to a third wide receiver.Sports Illustrated‘s Blaine Grisak highlighted a striking personnel split from Los Angeles’ 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers […] The post LA Rams’ Offensive Split Exposes Clear Problem After 49ers Loss appeared first on HEAVY.
Is AMC Entertainment Holdings (AMC) Undervalued Following Its Robinhood Token Dispute?
AMC Entertainment Holdings (AMC) is back in the spotlight after a public clash with Robinhood over tokenized products tied to AMC shares and the possibility of regulatory scrutiny around those digital instruments. Against this backdrop, AMC Entertainment Holdings has been volatile, with a 1-day share price return of 4.24% and a 7-day share price return that declined 7.17%, while the 30-day move fell 2.77% and the 90-day share price return sits at 5.13%. The year-to-date share price return of...
GTA 6 Reviews Plague Real-Life Nudist Resort After Fans Draw Comparisons to Leaks
GTA 6 fans believe its nudist resort was inspired by a real-life location, and its owners are already being bombarded with problematic reviews.
Group says Floridians are owed $48 billion in unclaimed funds
The national organization Reclaim.org says despite state's efforts to connect people with their money, 13 million accounts are unclaimed.
Skilled Nursing Dealbook: Norbert Health Raises $14M to Scale Robotic Care; Black Pearl Completes Tender Offer for Selectis
Investment group Black Pearl completed a tender offer for Selectis Health. Meanwhile, Norbert Health raised $14M in Series A funding to expand robotic
Judge Releases 1999 Murder Defendant Amid Health Issues
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a homicide defendant’s unopposed motion for release on Sept. 11. George Mudd, 72, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder and felony murder, with aggravating factors of being especially heinous or cruel while committing or attempting to commit a robbery. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the […]