Free baby clothes scheme to support parents facing hardship

Character.ai has announced it will ban children from interacting with its chatbots following mounting regulatory pressure and lawsuits from families of children who have tragically died by or attempted suicide. This decision highlights the growing concerns about the impact of AI on vulnerable users, particularly minors, and underscores the need for stricter regulations in the tech industry to protect children from potential harm.

In England, many schools are now offering a two-week half-term break, which some parents appreciate for its potential benefits to teachers and students. However, this change has sparked concerns among parents regarding increased childcare costs during the extended holiday. As schools adapt their schedules, the debate continues about the balance between necessary breaks for educators and the financial implications for families.

Character.ai, a popular AI chatbot app with millions of users, has announced it will ban teenagers from interacting with its chatbots. This decision comes in response to concerns raised by parents and regulators about the safety and appropriateness of such interactions. By implementing this ban, Character.ai aims to address these worries and ensure a safer environment for younger users.

In Strabane, a new initiative is providing free baby clothes to families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. This scheme is a vital support for those facing financial hardships, helping to alleviate some of the burdens that come with raising children during tough economic times. By offering essential clothing, the program not only meets immediate needs but also fosters a sense of community and solidarity among residents.

Cris Sholto Heaton discusses the uncertain future of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that while its potential to revolutionize the world is still unclear, the consequences of failing to embrace it could be significant. This conversation is crucial as it highlights the importance of adapting to technological advancements and the risks of inaction.

The US is set to announce that Nexperia's facilities in China will resume shipments, a move that is expected to boost the semiconductor supply chain. This decision is significant as it reflects a potential easing of trade tensions and could help stabilize the market, which has faced disruptions in recent months. By allowing Nexperia to continue operations, it not only supports the company but also contributes to the broader tech industry, which relies heavily on these components.

Qualcomm has reported a 10% increase in revenue for Q3 FY25, driven by significant growth in its automotive and IoT segments. This surge highlights the company's successful adaptation to market demands and its strategic focus on emerging technologies, which are becoming increasingly vital in today's digital landscape. As the automotive industry shifts towards more connected and automated solutions, Qualcomm's advancements position it well for future opportunities.

Qualcomm's Q3 2025 earnings call revealed impressive revenue growth, leading to a rise in its stock price. This positive financial performance highlights the company's strong market position and effective strategies, which are crucial for investors and stakeholders looking for stability and growth in the tech sector.

A new technique in prompt engineering called verbalized sampling is making waves in the AI community. This innovative approach encourages generative AI to think more freely, moving beyond just providing the top-ranked answers. By guiding users through this process, it enhances the quality of responses, making interactions with AI more meaningful and effective. This development is significant as it opens up new possibilities for how we engage with AI technology, potentially leading to richer and more nuanced conversations.

Hastings, located in East Sussex, has been identified as one of the most deprived towns in England, highlighting significant social and economic challenges faced by its residents. This situation matters because it sheds light on the broader issues of inequality and the need for targeted support and resources to improve living conditions and opportunities for the community.