Giant Iceberg, Giorgio Armani, & Fall Foliage

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Adam Rogers
September 05, 2025

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A23a, once the world's largest iceberg and the size of Rhode Island, has lost 80% of its mass since May. It is now just 656 square miles compared to 1,418 in January.
The “megaberg” broke off Antarctica’s Filchner-Ronne ice shelf in 1986 but stayed grounded for more than 30 years before currents finally pulled it free. After drifting toward South Georgia Island, it became trapped in a powerful Antarctic current that is now tearing it apart, just as it did to past giants A68 and A76.
A23a has surrendered its largest crown to iceberg D15a near Australia. Scientists will continue to track it until it breaks into small pieces that no longer pose a threat to passing ships. Researchers say warming temperatures are causing more icebergs to break off Antarctica, potentially sending more giants on similar paths.

Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who revolutionized business dress with understated elegance, died Thursday at 91. His unlined jackets and relaxed silhouettes transformed how executives and Hollywood stars dressed for nearly 50 years.
Armani and his partner Sergio Galeotti launched the company in 1975, using $10,000 from the sale of his Volkswagen. He created the "power suit" for businesswomen and dressed Hollywood stars in over 200 films, including Richard Gere in "American Gigolo." His empire grew to include 600 stores worldwide, restaurants, hotels, and a basketball team, valued at over $10 billion.
Unlike most fashion houses, Armani never sold any part of his company and maintained control until his death. He planned succession through a foundation, placing creative leadership in the hands of longtime collaborators Leo Dell'Orco and his niece Silvana Armani.

LSD significantly reduced anxiety symptoms in a midstage study of nearly 200 patients with generalized anxiety disorder, making it the first major medical research on the drug since it was banned in 1970. A single supervised dose of 100 micrograms provided benefits lasting up to three months, according to results published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
At 12 weeks, 65% of patients taking the optimal dose showed continued benefits, with nearly 50% in remission from the disorder that affects 3% of US adults. However, the study had limitations: most patients could identify whether they received LSD or a placebo, and significant numbers dropped out early, potentially skewing results.
The FDA has designated LSD as a potential 'breakthrough' therapy alongside other psychedelics. Health Secretary RFK Jr. has expressed interest in fast-tracking treatments for veterans. Mindmed plans larger trials needed for FDA approval, which could take several years if successful.

Northwestern University president Michael Schill is stepping down after three years marked by federal funding disputes, campus scandals, and political scrutiny over protests and university governance. (More)

Ten House Republicans introduced legislation to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits for one year past the 2026 midterms. (More)

The Justice Department is suing power company Southern California Edison for $40 million over the deadly Eaton Fire that killed 19 people. (More)

In the UK, an asylum seeker staying at Essex’s Bell Hotel was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman. The hotel is mainly used to house asylum seekers through a government contract. (More)

Taiwan accused China of illegally drilling oil in its waters after a Guardian investigation found Chinese rigs secretly operating there for five years. (More)

French President Macron said 26 countries agreed to send troops to Ukraine after the war ends to prevent future Russian attacks. (More)

US stock markets closed higher on Thursday (S&P +0.83%, Nasdaq +0.98%, Dow +0.77%). The S&P closed at a record high on hopes that Friday’s jobs report will bolster rate cut chances. (More)

A jury ordered Google to pay $426 million for secretly tracking 98 million smartphones over nearly a decade. (More)

US private sector hiring rose less than expected in August, with only 54,000 jobs added versus 75,000 forecast. (More)

The defending champion Eagles edged the Cowboys 24-20 in the NFL season opener, surviving Jalen Carter’s ejection, a lightning delay, and two late CeeDee Lamb drops to avoid an upset. (More)

Five-time Pro Bowl receiver Amari Cooper retired from the Las Vegas Raiders just days after signing a one-year deal. (More)

Saturday Night Live added five new cast members: Ben Marshall, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. (More)

Cornell researchers discovered that sugar-phosphate buildup inside bacteria weakens their cell walls, offering a new approach to fighting antibiotic resistance. (More)

A study of 13,000 Brazilians found artificial sweeteners in middle age accelerated cognitive decline by 62% over eight years. (More)

OpenAI announced plans to launch an AI-powered job platform by mid-2026 to compete directly with LinkedIn. (More)

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