Sunday, September 20th

What happened

President Donald Trump said he will create an “AI Force” and appoint an AI “czar” to oversee the fast-growing artificial intelligence industry. He also asked supporters on Truth Social to vote on a new name for artificial intelligence. The announcement came as researchers, executives, and state officials press for stronger safeguards against advanced systems that could become dangerous if built too quickly. Trump instead framed AI as an economic and strategic prize, saying it could reach 25% of U.S. GDP and that America must beat China. He said government should not stifle the industry and that existing courts can handle bad actors. Details remain unclear.

What happened

Ed Sheeran went ahead with his Philadelphia concert as the first show since Macklemore was removed from the U.S. leg. The remaining billed openers, including Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, Finneas and Sheeran’s backing band Beoga, quit in solidarity, leaving him without support acts. Macklemore was dropped after saying “Free Palestine” and performing a pro-Palestinian song at MetLife Stadium, drawing backlash from Jewish and pro-Israel groups. Sheeran said the removal was the promoter’s call, while Macklemore said Robert Kraft and venue owners pushed for it. Before singing, Sheeran apologized and described Gaza as catastrophic. The tour now continues without clear replacements.

What happened

Yemen’s Houthi rebels said they launched missile and drone attacks on Riyadh and Saudi oil facilities in Yanbu. Saudi civil defense issued overnight warnings across the kingdom, then gave an all-clear after the threat passed. The alert was Riyadh’s first since fighting with the Houthis escalated in July. It raised fears for oil supplies and shipping because the war has spread near the Bab el-Mandeb and Red Sea energy routes. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a missile toward Riyadh and thwarted attacks on civilian infrastructure. The Houthis said they hit sensitive sites and acted in retaliation for Saudi strikes on Sanaa. No casualties or major damage were immediately reported.