Friends & Family

A new report finds that close to half of young people say they would trust artificial intelligence more than a human when it comes to checking facts. The finding highlights a generational shift in how information is verified, with many younger people turning to AI tools rather than friends, family or traditional sources. Commenters are debating what this means for media literacy, misinformation and trust in institutions.

The Washington Post is examining platonic co-parenting, an arrangement in which friends or committed non-romantic partners raise children together without being a couple. The feature asks whether this model could become a mainstream family structure as more people delay or opt out of marriage while still wanting children. It highlights how single adults and friends are increasingly choosing to build households and share parenting responsibilities deliberately.

A week after the death of Presley Gerber, son of model Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, his ex-girlfriend posted an emotional tribute saying the two were 'connected for life'. The message has drawn attention as friends, family and fans continue to react to the young model's sudden passing and share memories of him online.

A guest commentary argues that artificial intelligence can genuinely benefit students, but only when treated as a learning tool rather than a companion. The piece warns against students forming emotional attachments to AI chatbots, arguing the technology should support study and problem-solving without replacing human relationships, teachers or peer interaction in schools.

Arch Manning is drawing attention as Texas prepares to play Tennessee football, with the matchup carrying extra meaning inside the Manning family. Peyton Manning starred at Tennessee before his NFL career, while nephew Arch now leads the Longhorns, setting up a friendly battle for bragging rights. Coverage is focusing on the family storyline as much as the game itself.

A family's golden retriever greeted a home intruder rather than acting aggressively during a break-in, according to a Fox News report. The dog's unusually friendly response to the burglar has drawn widespread attention online, with many amused by the breed's famously gentle temperament and others questioning how their own pets would react in a similar situation.

Venture capital firm Friends & Family says the startups it backs are asking for hands-on financial support rather than additional board members, according to a Wall Street Journal exclusive. The firm's stance signals a shift in what early-stage founders expect from investors: practical help with cash management and financial planning over governance overhead. The report is drawing attention among investors and startup operators weighing how much involvement venture firms should have in portfolio companies.

Matthew Perry's sister says the late Friends star spent $7 million on his sobriety, saying the figure shows 'how seriously he took his disease'. The remarks are drawing attention to the actor's long, costly battle with addiction ahead of continued discussion of his legacy and the memoir in which he detailed his struggles.

Spotlight Children's Theatre opens its production of 'Too Many Ghosts' this weekend. The show marks a new staging by the youth theatre company, giving young performers a chance to present a spooky family-friendly story on stage. Local audiences are being invited to catch the opening performances as the run begins.

Lighthouse Christian Theatre is putting on a production of 'Willy Wonka', according to WSPA 7News. The local theatre group's staging of the classic story is drawing attention in its community, with the production billed as a family-friendly take on Roald Dahl's beloved tale. Further details about dates, cast and venue were not immediately available.

JoAnn Marie (Hopman) Caskey has died, with an obituary published through Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home announcing her passing. Notices like this typically outline her life, family members and funeral arrangements, giving friends and relatives a chance to pay respects and share condolences.

The Mercury News has published its events calendar for the Bay Area covering the week of October 2-8, listing fairs, concerts, festivals and other local activities across the region. The roundup gives residents a guide to what is happening over the coming week, from music and arts to family-friendly events, as the autumn season picks up.