ME sufferers

A new study examines whether artificial intelligence systems could experience pain, a question that touches on machine consciousness and ethics. Researchers are weighing whether AI responses that mimic suffering reflect genuine experience or statistical pattern-matching. The work has drawn attention as AI systems grow more sophisticated, prompting debate about how society should treat machines that appear to express distress.

Researchers are calling on organisers of the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, to use the Games as a catalyst for improving the region's air quality. Utah's valleys regularly suffer from pollution-trapping inversions, and scientists argue the Olympic spotlight should be leveraged to push for lasting clean-air policies rather than short-term measures.

Sam Darnold returned to action and led the Seattle Seahawks to a comfortable win, while the Las Vegas Raiders dropped their first game of the season in NFL Week 3. Sports betting outlets are highlighting last-minute picks from the weekend's slate, with Seattle's dominant performance and Las Vegas' first defeat standing out as the key results bettors and fans are reacting to.

Alex Bregman was struck in the face by a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle and was forced to exit the game. The scary moment is drawing wide attention from baseball fans, who are sharing clips and awaiting word on the extent of his injury and how long he might be out.

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen has suffered a shoulder injury and is no longer considered an option for the team's bullpen in the playoffs. The news leaves manager Dave Roberts with one fewer experienced arm as the Dodgers finalize their postseason pitching plans. Treinen has been an important high-leverage reliever when healthy.

UFC bantamweight Raoni Barcelos, who headlined UFC Vegas 121, is reported to be awake and responsive after a frightening finish to his fight that left fans and fellow fighters concerned about his condition. News of his recovery has brought relief to the MMA community, which had been awaiting updates following the worrying scenes inside the octagon.

Top-ranked Texas, No. 7 Ohio State and No. 11 Texas Tech all remained undefeated in the latest round of college football results, while No. 16 Louisville suffered its first loss. The wins keep the three unbeaten powers firmly in the national championship conversation, while Louisville's defeat is expected to knock the Cardinals down or out of the next rankings.

Sylvester Stallone has spoken publicly about suffering from severe anxiety, describing recurring attacks. The actor's admission is drawing attention as fans and media react to an unusually candid disclosure about mental health from the longtime action star, whose public image has long been tied to toughness on screen.

A deadly flood in Nepal has renewed debate over climate justice, with Inside Climate News examining what fair support for the country should look like. Nepal contributes little to global greenhouse gas emissions yet suffers severe losses from climate-driven disasters, raising calls for wealthy nations to provide greater funding and accountability for adaptation and recovery efforts.

A nor'easter is moving through the New York region, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to New York City and Boston. Commenters worry that Prospect Park in Brooklyn, which has already lost large numbers of trees in recent storms, will suffer damage again. The New York Times is running live coverage of the storm's impact across the area.