McDonald's sued over AI tool that recommends prices to US franchisees
McDonald’s is facing a federal lawsuit that alleges its AI-enhanced pricing tool violates antitrust laws because it shares nonpublic data with competing franchisees. The lawsuit was filed on Friday in Illinois. It claims that the McDonald’s platform collects data that franchises competing in the same market wouldn’t normally share, like store-level sales. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a consumer who said he noticed different prices at McDonald’s restaurants near his home. McDonald's said Tuesday that the lawsuit is “filled with inaccuracies” and it will vigorously defend itself. The Chicago-based company said the tool is optional, and ultimately franchisees are responsible for setting prices. Frachisees own 95% of U.S. McDonald's.
Grammy-nominated R&B singer Freddie Jackson, known for '80s hits like 'You Are My Lady,' dies at 70
Grammy-nominated R&B singer Freddie Jackson, known for hits like “Rock Me Tonight” and “You Are My Lady,” has died at 70. His family confirmed he died Monday through a statement on Instagram. Jackson was born and raised in Harlem, where he learned all about soul music and sang gospel at White Rock Baptist Church. He began his career in the New York club scene before finding success with his debut album in 1985. In 2024, he revealed a kidney disease diagnosis and partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness. Details about arrangements will be announced soon.
Axe from 'The Shining' and other props from Stanley Kubrick's archive up for auction
LONDON (AP) — Stanley Kubrick's personal archive is up for auction. The collection features iconic items from his films. Highlights include the axe wielded by Jack Nicholson in “The Shining” and the prop infant from “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Auction house Bonhams announced Tuesday that Kubrick’s director’s chair, the twin girls' dresses from “The Shining” and costumes from “Eyes Wide Shut” are also available. The original “Star Child” prop from “2001: A Space Odyssey” is expected to fetch up to 800,000 pounds or $1.06 million. The auction will be held in London in February with a free public exhibition beforehand.
Orphaned kittens meet sharks and stingrays on an aquarium field trip at the Mall of America
Rescue kittens with names like Turkey Leg and Mouth Trap got to explore the aquarium at the Mall of America in Minnesota, watching in awe as fish soared by just out of reach. For six years, these field trips have been organized by the Bitty Kitty Brigade, which finds foster homes for orphaned neonatal kittens. This year, two dozen kittens played — and napped — alongside sharks, stingrays and sea turtles. The aquarium calls it a fun and engaging experience for the young cats. An event director with the rescue organization says the excursions also help the young cats socialize, making adoption easier. The group is currently overseeing around 1,000 kittens this year.
Cleveland strikeout king Sam McDowell dies at 84, leaving a legacy of redemption
CLEVELAND (AP) — Sam McDowell, a six-time All-Star and former major league pitcher, has died. He was 84. Known for leading the American League in strikeouts four times, McDowell played 15 seasons, including 11 with Cleveland. He was a key figure in baseball, with a 141-134 record and 2,453 strikeouts. His life inspired the Sam Malone character on the sitcom "Cheers." After battling addiction, McDowell became a counselor for athletes. He quit drinking in 1980 and earned a degree in sports psychology. He was recognized with the B.A.T Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for his contributions to recovery support.
Former press secretary Karoline Leavitt lands her next gig: Fox News contributor
NEW YORK (AP) — Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is joining Fox News as an on-air contributor starting Nov. 1. The network announced the move on Monday. Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott noted Leavitt's firsthand experience in the White House and on the presidential campaign trail. Leavitt said she looks forward to sharing her perspective with Fox’s audience. At 29, she was the youngest person to serve as press secretary. She left the role at the end of August. Leavitt follows Kayleigh McEnany, the former press secretary who joined Fox in 2021.
On cusp of merger, 'Digger bombs for Warner Bros., 'Verity' takes No. 1 at box office
NEW YORK (AP) — On the cusp of the studio’s merger with Paramount, Warner Bros.’ “Digger” flopped in its opening weekend, handing Tom Cruise one of the worst debuts of his career and serving as a bitter final note for Warner Bros. as a standalone studio. No. 1 in North American theaters instead went to Amazon MGM’s “Verity,” extending the streak for Colleen Hoover adaptations at the box office. It debuted with $32.6 million. But all eyes were on how “Digger,” one of the year’s biggest gambles, would perform. Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s critically panned satire grossed a paltry $8 million domestically.
Wagging tails fill a Philippine church where priests bless pets for St. Francis feast
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A church in the Philippine capital has celebrated the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi with a special blessing for animals. Every Oct. 4, Catholics honor St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and ecology. Many parishes hold community animal blessings on the first Sunday of October. Parishioners at Manila's Malate Church brought their pets, including dogs, cats, and even a snail, for a blessing. Father Leonito Distor emphasized the connection to St. Francis. Pet owners expressed gratitude for their pets' companionship. The church also offered free pet vaccinations in the parking lot.
Remains of medieval king Czar Samuel arrive in Bulgaria after decades of talks with Greece
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — The remains of medieval ruler Czar Samuel have arrived in Bulgaria after decades of negotiations with Greece. Samuel, a warrior emperor who fought the Byzantine Empire, is a symbol of Bulgaria’s national identity. His remains, discovered 60 years ago, were flown to Sofia on Saturday. Thousands of Bulgarians, along with politicians from across the political spectrum, gathered to pay tribute. The remains were taken to the Church of Saint Sophia, where Samuel was baptized. The handover follows an agreement between the two countries to return religious relics. Greek and Bulgarian leaders attended the ceremony, emphasizing unity and cooperation.
A famed Hawaii sea arch collapses, prompting NPS warnings of unstable cliffs
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii (AP) — A scenic cliff on the wave-swept coast of Hawaii’s Big Island has collapsed. That is according to the National Park Service. The Holei Sea Arch, located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, was about 90 feet high before it collapsed sometime between Sept. 23 and Sept. 27, possibly when the park was temporarily closed during Tropical Storm Nolo. Its collapse into the Pacific Ocean was not unexpected. Officials at the NPS warned visitors to stay away from the site since it is unstable and presents a serious falling hazard. The popular tourist site was formed about 550 years ago. The name Holei comes from a small endemic plant in the milkweed family.
