News
August 26, 2025
Spate of hoax calls about active shooters stir fear at college campuses around the US
A rash of hoax calls about active shooters on college campuses has spread fear among students around the country as the school year begins at institutions of higher learning. The calls have prompted schools to issue campus-wide texts to “run, hide, fight.” They’ve also sent students and teachers running for cover, seeking safety in utility closets or huddling in classrooms. Officers swarmed campuses looking for the threat. In every case, the threat didn’t exist. The hoax calls and false alarms have hit at least 11 college campuses from Arkansas to Pennsylvania. Security experts say that risk remains, but campus officials must find the right balance in keeping students and teachers on guard for any real threats in the future.
After fearsome dust storm rips Phoenix area, trees cleaned up and power restored
PHOENIX (AP) — Crews are cleaning up downed trees and have mostly restored power after a powerful dust storm hit the Phoenix area. The storm was what’s known as a haboob. It blackened skies and knocked out electricity for 15,000 customers late Monday afternoon. Drenching rain followed. Flights were halted at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. By Tuesday afternoon things were mostly back to normal. Only about 100 customers were still without power in Maricopa County. The weather was warm and clear, with scattered thunderstorms expected to give way to hot and dry weather through the rest of the week.
A US tariff exemption for small orders ends Friday. It’s a big deal to some shoppers and businesses
NEW YORK (AP) — Low-value imports are losing their duty-free status in the U.S. this week as part of President Donald Trump’s agenda for making the nation less dependent on foreign goods. A widely used customs exemption for international shipments worth $800 or less is set to end starting on Friday. Trump already ended the “de minimis” rule for inexpensive items sent from China and Hong Kong, but having to pay import taxes on small parcels from everywhere else likely will be a big change for some small businesses and online shoppers. Purchases that previously entered the U.S. without needing to clear customs will be subject to the origin country’s tariff rate, which can range from 10% to 50%.
Study says AI chatbots need to fix suicide response, as family sues over ChatGPT role in boy’s death
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A study finds that AI chatbots often avoid answering high-risk suicide questions but are inconsistent with less direct prompts. Published Tuesday in the journal Psychiatric Services, the study highlights the need for improvement in chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. Researchers from RAND Corporation emphasize the importance of setting benchmarks for how AI handles mental health queries. Concerns arise as more people, including children, rely on these tools for support. The study coincides with a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT contributed to a California teenager’s suicide. Researchers urge companies to enhance safety measures.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It’s a love story and, baby, she said yes. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged. The superstar singer and football player revealed the news in a five-photo joint post on Instagram on Tuesday. It’s the fairytale culmination of a courtship that for two years has thrilled and fascinated millions around the world. It’s unclear when and where the two got engaged. The announcement comes not long after Swift’s appearance on “New Heights” as part of the rollout of her upcoming album. That’s the podcast hosted by the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and his brother Jason Kelce.
