Town & Country

A 60 Minutes report examines how the race to build artificial intelligence is driving a rapid expansion of data centers across the United States, and the growing resistance from communities where the facilities are being built. Residents have raised concerns over energy demands, water use, noise and strain on local power grids, turning data center approvals into a contested political issue in towns across the country.

The Sudanese army and its allied forces have seized the town of Sodari, in what is described as a fresh setback for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The advance marks another gain for the army in its ongoing war with the paramilitary group, which has ravaged Sudan since fighting broke out in April 2023, displacing millions and pushing the country toward famine.

Pope Leo has arrived in Lourdes as part of his visit to France. The pontiff will lead a prayer in the town, a major Catholic pilgrimage site in the southwest of the country. The visit is drawing widespread attention as the new pope continues his travels and engagement with Catholic communities across Europe.

The New York Times has published a report detailing conditions in a gold mining town in Venezuela, describing what reporters observed on the ground. The piece examines the realities of gold extraction in the country amid ongoing attention to Venezuela's economy and mining sector. Readers are sharing the report as part of wider discussion about conditions inside Venezuela.

The Guardian reports on Crowborough, once called Britain's most welcoming town, now deeply divided over local tensions. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has told the BBC that rejoining the EU is among options the UK should consider. The two stories are drawing attention across British news and social media, prompting discussion about community cohesion and the country's relationship with Europe.

Sudan's army says it has taken control of Al-Mazroub in North Kordofan from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, pushing forward its offensive against the RSF in the country's west. The development comes as fighting between the two sides, ongoing since April 2023, intensifies across Kordofan after battles in Darfur and Khartoum. Recapturing towns in Kordofan is seen as part of the army's effort to cut RSF supply lines toward Darfur.

'Mother City' has released in cinemas nationwide. The film takes its name from Cape Town's well-known nickname, and its wide release makes it available to audiences across the country. Details about the cast, plot and reception have not yet been widely reported, but the nationwide rollout gives the title a broad theatrical opening.

The UK is emerging as a leading testing ground for autonomous delivery robots, with sidewalk robots operating in towns and cities across the country as companies trial last-mile deliveries of groceries and takeaway food. Industry observers point to supportive regulation and growing public acceptance as reasons robotics firms increasingly choose Britain to pilot their technology.

Israeli forces fired machine guns toward the town of Kfarchouba in southern Lebanon, in the latest cross-border exchange between the two countries. The incident was reported as a firefight in the ongoing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, an area that has seen repeated strikes and shelling tied to the broader conflict in the region.

Texas Tech's cross country program travels to Indiana to compete at the Nike XC Town Twilight meet. The event is part of the Red Raiders' fall schedule as the team builds toward the postseason. The school's athletics department announced the trip, giving fans a look at the squad's lineup and goals for the meet.

Town & Country Magazine has published its roundup of the key cultural releases for October, covering films, television series, books, theatre productions and exhibitions. The guide aims to help readers plan their month around the most noteworthy entertainment and arts events.

UC San Diego's cross country team, the Tritons, is traveling to Terre Haute, Indiana, to compete in the Nike XC Town Twilight meet. The announcement confirms the program's participation in the event, which is held in a city known as a hub for collegiate cross country racing. Further details on results or the team roster were not available.

The former Town & Country Sports Complex in Wilder, Kentucky, has been taken over by new ownership. The change in control of the long-standing recreational facility was reported by local Cincinnati-area news. Details about the new owners' plans for the site, including whether it will continue operating as a sports complex, have not yet been fully laid out publicly.