ANDREW SMALL
Quantum could solve AI energy drain, says tech founder
Quantum computers could curb the vast energy demands of artificial intelligence data centres with their ability to run complex calculations, one of the tech's pioneers told AFP. Australian startup Diraq is conducting the first field test worldwide putting a small quantum computer based on a silicon chip in a commercial data centre in Sydney. Diraq's computer installed in Equinix's Sydney data centre has eight quantum bits, or qubits, on a silicon chip.
Ousted Paraguayan President Santiago Pena placed under house arrest after bank collapse; Pedro Alliana sworn in as sudden successor
Santiago Pena, the ousted President of Paraguay, was placed under house arrest on charges of misconduct. His removal follows the collapse of Ueno Bank, affecting nearly half of Paraguay's population. Vice President Pedro Alliana has assumed presidency amidst public outcry for accountability. Regulators seized Ueno Bank, locking depositors out of their accounts and triggering a political crisis. Lawmakers allege Pena abused his political influence regarding Ueno's operations and regulatory oversight.
Bank of England hikes rates to 4%, first raise since 2023, says more may come amid high UK inflation
In a decisive move, the Bank of England has escalated interest rates to 4% amidst spiraling inflation, projected to hit 4.8% in Q2 next year. Governor Andrew Bailey cautioned that further hikes may be necessary, especially with ongoing global conflicts. Market reactions were notably favorable, with the British pound gaining strength against the US dollar. Enhancements in economic data have prompted economists to revise growth forecasts upwards.
Musk's $445 million midterm bet goes awry. Is his political influence at risk?
Elon Musk's $445 million spending spree on Republican candidates yielded limited results in the US midterms, with most of those he backed losing. As Democrats gain control, Musk faces potential congressional investigations, calls for campaign finance reforms and greater scrutiny of his companies, government contracts and political influence.
Bank of England raises rates for first time since 2023, says more may come
British inflation is likely to reach around 5% in the middle of next year, the BoE said, more than double the central bank's target and a blow for new Prime Minister Andy Burnham who has sought to ease of cost of living pressures.
Is Sabrina Pasterski the next Einstein? Meet the physicist who built her own aircraft at 12 and is exploring Einstein’s biggest unanswered questions about gravity
Sabrina Pasterski's journey from building an aircraft as a teenager to studying Einstein's biggest unanswered questions has drawn attention to her work in physics. The MIT graduate now researches quantum gravity, black holes and space-time at Canada's Perimeter Institute. She also leads an $8 million research initiative exploring how gravity and quantum mechanics could fit together.
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We Were Here: Priyanka Chopra backs Oscar-qualified Indian short film exploring AI's threat to human jobs
Priyanka Chopra has produced a short film titled We Were Here, focusing on the effects of AI. Directed by Pranav Bhasin, the film portrays retirees protesting against AI's impact on job security. The film has won over 20 awards at various festivals, including recognition at SXSW and Palm Springs International ShortFest. We Were Here is expected to premiere on The New Yorker’s official YouTube channels.
In 2026, 5 US businesses reached a $1 million pitch competition judged by Nicki Minaj; meet the entrepreneurs behind them
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) organised the Million Dollar Pitch Competition as part of its Freedom 250 initiative marking America's 250th anniversary. Five businesses reached the final after being selected from 1,182 businesses representing all 50 US states. The final was held before a live audience in Washington, DC, on September 18, 2026.
In 1994, Georgia mixed damaged factory roofing shingles into Chatham Parkway asphalt; later checks found the recycled road performing as well as its control
Every year, millions of tons of asphalt shingles end up in landfills, presenting significant waste management issues. The Georgia Department of Transportation has launched trials to incorporate recycled shingle materials into asphalt mixes, discovering potential cost savings. Performance tests showed these mixes were comparable to traditional asphalt, despite some minor concerns. Other states have mirrored this effort, yielding diverse outcomes regarding durability.
Meet ‘Mozart of Math’ Terence Tao: A mathematics genius who started playing with numbers at 2, won International Olympiad at 13, and earned a PhD at 20
Terence Tao, who was born in Australia, demonstrated extraordinary mathematical skills from a young age. He began learning calculus at the age of 7 and became the youngest winner of the International Mathematical Olympiad at 13. After earning his Ph.D. from Princeton University, he became a full professor at UCLA by age 24. Tao has received numerous awards, including the Fields Medal and the MacArthur Fellowship.
Mark Zuckerberg, worth $240 billion, threatens to leave California over 5% billionaire tax as Meta creates new Class C shares to keep him in state
Mark Zuckerberg has threatened to leave California if the state introduces a proposed 5% billionaire wealth tax. In response, Meta has approved a new class of nonvoting Class C shares that would allow the Facebook co-founder to raise money to pay a potential tax bill without losing control of the company. The new stock arrangement also comes with an eight-year commitment from Zuckerberg to remain a California resident.
A NASA engineer wanted an extra $200 a month to treat her daughter. Now her voiceover side hustle has earned $227,000 in 2026 so far
Eryn Andrews wanted to earn an extra $200 a month but turned a small voiceover side hustle into a business that has generated more than $227,000 in 2026 earnings so far. The NASA engineer records corporate voiceovers from a makeshift studio in her bedroom closet while pursuing character roles in video games.
Eateries cut corners as high costs and hygiene crackdowns take a toll
New strategies include pausing high-cost menu items and introducing smaller portions for diners. Increased operational expenses due to regulatory compliance have also led to price hikes for consumers. Many restaurant operators indicate they must share some inflation costs with patrons to maintain profitability. Consequently, price increases of 10-15% are expected across several restaurants in Mumbai.
Lena Dunham to bring back 'Girls' for a 5-episode run on HBO 10 years after its finale
HBO will revive the show 'Girls' for a limited five-episode run starting production in 2027. Lena Dunham will return as the lead character Hannah, alongside the core cast members. The revival comes a decade after the original series concluded and gained recognition for its cultural impact. Judd Apatow is returning as executive producer, ensuring continuity in production.
Meet Andrew Bialecki and Ed Hallen, whose startup Klaviyo faced early rejections, the founders later built a multibillion-dollar software company
Bialecki had earlier worked on a website that listed the dates and locations of running races. Maintaining the website meant repeatedly contacting race organisers. This experience made him think about a larger problem. It was about how businesses could connect with people using their products and services. He later discussed the idea with Hallen, and the two founded Klaviyo in 2012.
Who was Andrew Brokes? 24-year-old Durham firefighter killed in roof collapse during fire
In a tragic incident on Marly Drive in Durham, firefighter Andrew Brokes lost his life while two others suffered injuries due to a massive fire. Reports indicate all occupants had evacuated safely before the firefighting team arrived. Investigators are currently looking into the fire's cause and the building's safety measures are under review.
Newsom vs Trump: California governor demands 25th Amendment after controversial LA, San Diego remarks. Here's what the US President said
California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for the invocation of the 25th Amendment against President Donald Trump. Newsom labeled Trump as mentally ill following his controversial comments at a Nebraska rally. Various California politicians criticized Trump's remarks about cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. Trump's statements are concerning for Republicans as they may energize Democratic voters ahead of the midterms.
Chip startup Efficient Computer raises $100 million at $650 million valuation
Data-flow chips have bounced around academic literature for decades without commercial traction, largely because they are difficult for software developers to program for the wide variety of tasks that can be handled by chips from Intel or Nvidia.
Noah’s Ark Hunters sent a robot inside 515-foot boat shaped mysterious formation, here's what they found
The investigation is focused on the Durupınar Formation in Turkey’s Agrı Province, just south of Mount Ararat.Its boat-like shape has fueled speculation about a possible connection to Noah’s Ark for decades.
Michigan-born TV producer claimed she was heir to family behind F-15 Eagle, defrauded banks of nearly $30 million and vanished: Meet Mary Carole McDonnell, now on FBI’s Most Wanted list
Mary Carole McDonnell is a former television producer who is now a fugitive wanted by the FBI. She allegedly committed fraud involving nearly $30 million by misrepresenting her identity to banks. McDonnell claimed connections to the McDonnell Douglas family, seeking a large inheritance and lying about family tragedies. After her indictment in 2018, she disappeared, and the authorities believe she may be in Dubai.
Watch what Melania Trump does with her hand after shaking hands with Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, the US First Lady’s gesture sparks attention
On September 23, US First Lady Melania Trump and President Trump warmly welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping and his spouse. After the handshake, Melania's hand gesture sparked diverse interpretations online, leading to a flurry of theories on social media, from comical to serious. No official clarification has been made regarding her intriguing gesture.
Space investment more than doubled to $23 billion in year to June, report says
SpaceX's June IPO has reshaped the funding landscape for the sector, drawing in new investors as venture firms look for the next space company capable of a similar payoff.
In 2017, Tracy Donahue paid about $4 for a thrift-store painting. Experts later authenticated it as an N.C. Wyeth work, leading to a six-figure auction sale
In 2017, Tracy Donahue picked up a dusty canvas at a New Hampshire thrift store, mostly wanting its heavy frame. An art conservator later spotted the painting online, authenticating it as a 1939 illustration by N.C. Wyeth. The humble bargain eventually earned the family a life-changing six-figure payout from a private collector.
India’s street food paradox: Cleaner cities, but where do vendors go?
Street-food vendors in India are facing tighter enforcement as cities reclaim pavements and push for cleaner public spaces. But without designated vending areas, basic infrastructure and consistent regulation, thousands of small businesses risk being pushed further into informality. From Mumbai to Singapore, the challenge is balancing hygiene, accessibility, livelihoods and urban planning.
In 1993, a few bison were introduced to America's dying grasslands. Now, thousands of those beasts, once hunted to near extinction, are helping bring the prairie ecosystem back to life
Oklahoma's Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is restoring bison populations and their habitat. Bison grazing and wallowing create favorable conditions for diverse plant and animal life. Controlled burns also remain essential for prairie recovery and renewal. These efforts help rebuild ecological relationships within the ecosystem. The preserve demonstrates successful species restoration alongside modern land use.
This man left his corporate sales job in Washington DC to sell pizzas from a van. Now sells in over 6 cities in the US. His restaurant later received a Michelin award
After leaving his corporate sales job, Chris Brady teamed up with a friend to launch a mobile pizza venture. With a $20,000 investment in a truck and oven, they honed their pizza-making skills at a unique camp. This endeavor transformed into Timber Pizza Co., which opened its flagship location in 2016. Following remarkable growth post-2021, Timber Pizza Co. now boasts several locations and mobile units serving the region.
A black hole destroys a star, then fires off a powerful jet years later — scientists discover the 'burping' feeding pattern behind these cosmic outbursts
Scientists have found a new trend in black hole feeding patterns. Powerful jets emerge during two distinct phases of a black hole's feeding process. These jets appear during heavy feeding and later when feeding slows significantly. This discovery helps explain jet appearances long after a star's destruction. The findings may aid astronomers in planning future radio observations more efficiently.
New Jersey high school students turn waste plastic bottles into 3D-printer filament. Later use it to make tools for cleanups
US high school students are transforming plastic bottles into 3D-printer filament. This recycled material is then used to create essential tools for community clean-up efforts. The project, called Project Respindle, aims to establish a circular economy at a local level. Students collect plastic waste and process it into usable equipment for environmental organizations. This initiative demonstrates how technology can enhance recycling and promote environmental action.
Psychology says the first 10 minutes of a date can shape how attracted you feel to someone - Here’s why
First encounters, though brief, are powerful indicators of future romantic attraction. It's the perceived similarities, not necessarily the real ones, that ignite initial sparks of interest. After just four minutes, flirtatious nonverbal cues can show women's desire. Open body language and harmonized movements boost appeal and create the foundation for a meaningful connection between individuals.
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