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News from October 28, 2025

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Chhath Mahaparv celebrated with great devotion at New Jersey
Technology

Chhath Mahaparv celebrated with great devotion at New Jersey

New Jersey [US], October 28 (ANI): The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) organised a grand and spiritually enriching celebration of Chhath Mahaparv at Papaianni Park, Edison, New Jersey, where the Indian-American community came together with deep devotion and cultural pride to honour the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. Around 40 Vratis (devotees) observed the sacred fast and performed Sandhya Arghya (evening offering), while over 700 members of the community gathered to witness and take part in the rituals. The park was filled with devotion as families sang traditional songs, lit diyas, and offered Thekua and fruits while standing in the holy water. Among the devotees, nine Vratis walked in together, carrying baskets of offerings on their heads — a touching, symbolic gesture reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of Bihar and Jharkhand. Their presence added authenticity and emotional depth to the celebration, reminding everyone of the sacred ghats back home.BJANA President Sanjeev Singh expressed heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, saying, “The energy among the community this year was truly inspiring. I thank every volunteer for their tireless efforts in organising such a meaningful event that brought everyone together like one family.” BJANA Vice President Priti Kashyap shared her sentiments, adding, “This festival takes us back to our roots in Bihar and Jharkhand. It revives our childhood memories and connects us deeply to nature. None of this would have been possible without our dedicated volunteers and the continued support from Mayor Sam Joshi and the Township of Edison.” Alok Kumar, Chairman of Bihar Foundation USA East Coast Chapter, also shared his heartfelt reflection, stating, “When Sharda Sinha’s songs play during Chhath, it feels exactly like being back on the ghats of Bihar and Jharkhand. The feeling is beyond words — it’s like reliving those sacred moments with our families and our soil.” The event was marked by enthusiastic participation from children and youth, who helped with rituals, sang traditional hymns, and learned about the festival’s connection with nature and gratitude. Their involvement showed how the next generation is proudly carrying forward cultural traditions.The Chhath Mahaparv celebration at Papaianni Park beautifully captured the spirit of faith, unity, and nostalgia — bringing the vibrant essence of Bihar and Jharkhand to New Jersey once again. (ANI)

Johnson claims Trump 'trolling' on major constitutional question
Nordson Corp (NDSN) Stock Price Prediction: 2025, 2026, 2030
Technology

Nordson Corp (NDSN) Stock Price Prediction: 2025, 2026, 2030

Analysts are saying that Nordson could fall by 2030. Bullish on NDSN? Invest in Nordson on SoFi with no commissions. If it’s your first time signing up for SoFi, you’ll receive up to $1,000 in stock when you first fund your account. Plus, get a 1% bonus if you transfer your investments and keep them there until December 31, 2025. Nordson Corp. (NDSN) makes precision machines that apply glue, coating, and other materials, helping other companies become more efficient. Its model has resulted in high revenue growth from a vast customer base, which could accelerate as artificial intelligence demands grow. The company’s business is heavily tied to the U.S. economy, however, and its stock movement can reflect macro fluctuations. In this article, we’ll look at NDSN’s latest share price, Wall Street sentiment, multiyear price forecasts, and the key factors that are playing a critical role in the company’s path going forward. Current Stock Overview Market Cap: $13.38 billion Trailing P/E Ratio: 29.21 Forward P/E Ratio: 21.01 1-Year Return: -6% 2025 YTD: 14% Shares of Nordson are currently trading around $238. The stock is down 6% over the past year but has rallied 14% year to date. Shares have significantly recovered from a 52-week low near $167 in April, and are approaching their 52-week high of $264 set in November of 2024. Nordson boasts a vast customer base of manufacturers, and since its services are vital for factories to run smoothly, it has high retention rates. The company doesn’t have a single client that makes up more than 10% of its total income, which helps diversify its revenue. That high diversification could improve with the growing demand for artificial intelligence. AI data centers may turn to Nordson for equipment, which can translate into additional revenue streams. Of note for income investors, Nordson has raised its dividend for 62 years running, putting it in a class of companies known as “Dividend Kings” with more than 50 consecutive years of payout hikes. The company is vulnerable to any U.S. economic downturns, however, since a slowdown would affect manufacturers. Nordson also carries a high debt load, based on its 0.07 cash-to-debt ratio at the end of Q2, which is higher than more than 90% of industrial companies. NDSN has a consensus Buy rating from nine analysts, according to Benzinga. The average price target is about $273 per share, which suggests a moderate upside from current levels. The highest target is $315, and the lowest is $240. The three most recent ratings suggest a near-term average target of $259, suggesting an 11% upside. Quick Snapshot Table of Predictions & Methodology for Forecasting Bull & Bear Case Nordson is a fixture in many factories, and it’s a Dividend King, but a large amount of debt on its balance sheet could stifle growth. Nordson’s diversified customer base cushions it from potential loss of clients.The company could tap into the growing demand from AI data centers, which can unlock new sources of revenueNordson has raised its dividend for 62 consecutive years, demonstrating financial stability and durability in any economic cycle Nordson has significant debt and not enough cash to cover it, which may hinder growth opportunities in the futureThe company is vulnerable to U.S. economic downturns since it works directly with manufacturersIts cash-to-debt ratio is higher than more than 90% of industrial companies Stock Price Prediction for 2025 CoinCodex’s forecast suggests a low possibility that NDSN loses value over the rest of the year, and the average and maximum prices suggest that the stock continues to rise. Nordson’s diversified customer base and the growth of AI data centers could help shares reach the high end of the forecast. Stock Price Prediction for 2026 CoinCodex anticipates Nordson stock will stumble in 2026, possibly due to a slowdown in the U.S. economy. Even the highest price target suggests upcoming bearishness. The company’s high debt may also prompt investors to wait for the stock’s valuation to go down before accumulating additional shares. Stock Price Prediction for 2030 CoinCodex projects a modest downside for NDSN in 2030. A prolonged economic slowdown could cause the stock to stay put, but if demand for AI data centers continues to rise, NDSN may beat these forecasts. A strong U.S. economy would also help shares gain value, since manufacturing activity could increase. Investment Considerations Nordson is deeply integrated in the U.S. economy since its machines are used by various factories, and a well-diversified customer base makes it less dependent on a single revenue source. The company could also benefit from the rise of AI data centers, but a high debt load may give some investors reasons for concern. Income investors have longevity on their side, with management’s 62 consecutive years of dividend hikes. NDSN may be suitable for value investors who want to accumulate a dividend stock with a respectable 1.4% yield. Frequently Asked Questions

You can make $264,000 tutoring an anxious teenage girl from New Jersey—and you get to stay in a private house and take 45 days of vacation
Technology

You can make $264,000 tutoring an anxious teenage girl from New Jersey—and you get to stay in a private house and take 45 days of vacation

A family in New Jersey posted an advertisement on Tutors International looking for an experienced, witty, and innovative tutor for their ninth-grade daughter. The job offers $264,000 per year, 45 days of vacation, use of a car for academic adventures, and a fully-furnished private New Jersey home to stay in. The right fit will spend 40 hours a week helping “ameliorate her anxieties surrounding academic work,” helping her catch up in studies including math, science, and Spanish language. The job posting notes the high school student has a very high IQ, but her extreme empathy and sensitivity has made traditional schooling difficult. The family hopes an enthusiastic, patient, and engaged tutor will catch her up in required studies while moving the needle on her uneasiness. “The student will best be served by a Tutor who understands the importance of consistent academic progress, and who has the kindness and patience to explain concepts fully in a way that she can understand,” the listing reads. The job asks the private tutor take the student out on local and international excursions to fortify her education, leaning on the family farm for enrichment in “biology, chemistry, mathematics, and related subjects.” But beyond serving up the daily curriculum, ideal candidates should also serve as an example for the young pupil. “Beyond the academic tutoring, the Tutor should be personable, unpretentious and fun, and an excellent role-model for this young woman,” the posting said. “The student must be made to feel at ease, valued and supported by her Tutor, while likewise being inspired to work hard and succeed in understanding.” See if you qualify for the $264,000 private tutoring job Parents are willing to shell out for their children to succeed, even if that means spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for a private tutor. But this isn’t just an American phenomenon—the website even has a London gig up for grabs, paying $240,000 to get their toddler in shape for top schools. “Everything else about it is so remarkably normal for us,” Adam Caller, CEO of Tutors International, recently told Fortune speaking of the British listing. “It might not be normal for other people reading it, but for us as a company, it’s such a common kind of request.” However, parents want to ensure they’re getting the best talent possible to justify their big spendout—especially since the role could last several years. Not every person will qualify for the job, and the New Jersey family has some stiff qualifications to land the gig. Here are the academic and personal qualities job-seekers need to land the role: Expertise in American curriculum: No candidates taught outside the American education system will be considered for the role. The family is looking for an “innovative” teacher who can help their daughter return to in-person schooling by the end of the year, so helping her “reach at least appropriate grade level” is most important. Have a relaxed and flexible teaching style: The posting notes the ninth-grader’s least favorite teachers were “downright mean,” so the ideal match would be “easy-going and not overly strict, someone who is happy to be an educator.” Be persistent with progress: While it’s important to make the student comfortable in her studies, the family specifies candidates should understand the “importance of consistent academic progress.” They should also stay organized and consistent. Have a flexible mindset: The student will pursue an asynchronous online schedule, so the right fit will build upon that education and create “bespoke” materials to accompany the studies. Ideal tutors will also integrate her extracurricular interests—such as golfing, boxing, and cosmetology—into her academic agenda. Respect political and social beliefs: The parents do not mind what political affiliation the tutor has, but ask their own beliefs be respected. The listing notes that in the past, the family has found teachers had “social agendas that they inappropriately include into unrelated teaching of their subjects.” Get comfortable with sarcasm: The pupil’s family describes their speaking style as “English and sarcasm,” and seeks a tutor with a “good sense of humor.”

Trump’s lawyers have asked a New York state appeals court to toss out his hush money criminal conviction
Technology

Trump’s lawyers have asked a New York state appeals court to toss out his hush money criminal conviction

The lawyers filed their written arguments with the state’s mid-level appeals court just before midnight Monday. In June, the lawyers asked a federal appeals court to move the case to federal court, where the Republican president can challenge the conviction on presidential immunity grounds. The appeals court has not yet ruled. Trump was convicted in May 2024 of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels, whose affair allegations threatened to upend his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump denies her claim and said he did nothing wrong. It was the only one of the four criminal cases against him to go to trial. Trump was sentenced in January to what’s known as an unconditional discharge, leaving his conviction on the books but sparing him jail, probation, a fine or other punishment. Appearing by video at his sentencing, Trump called the case a “political witch hunt,” “a weaponization of government” and “an embarrassment to New York.” The Manhattan district attorney’s office, which prosecuted the case, will have a chance to respond to the appeals arguments in court papers. A message seeking comment was left with the office on Tuesday. At trial, prosecutors said Trump mislabeled payments to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen as legal fees to conceal that he was actually reimbursing the $130,000 that Cohen paid Daniels to keep her quiet in the final weeks of Trump’s successful 2016 presidential run. At the time, Daniels was considering going public with a claim that she and the married Trump had a 2006 sexual encounter that Trump has consistently denied. In their arguments to the New York state appeals court, Trump’s lawyers wrote that the prosecution of Trump was “the most politically charged prosecution in our Nation’s history.” They said Trump was the victim of a Democrat district attorney in Manhattan who “concocted a purported felony by stacking time-barred misdemeanors under a convoluted legal theory” during a contentious presidential election in which Trump was the leading Republican candidate. They wrote that federal law preempts the “misdemeanor-turned-felony charges” because the charges rely on an alleged violation of federal campaign regulations that states cannot and have never enforced. They said the trial was also spoiled when prosecutors introduced official presidential acts that the Supreme Court has made clear cannot be used as evidence against a U.S. president. “Beyond these fatal flaws, the evidence was clearly insufficient to convict,” the lawyers wrote. The lawyers also attacked the conviction on the grounds that “pure, evidence-free speculation” was behind the effort by prosecutors to persuade jurors that Trump was thinking about the 2020 election when he allegedly decided to reimburse Cohen.

Baseball-Ohtani too hot to handle: Blue Jays plan to walk him for rest of World Series
Technology

Baseball-Ohtani too hot to handle: Blue Jays plan to walk him for rest of World Series

After watching Los Angeles Dodgers two-way standout Shohei Ohtani baffle their pitching staff during Game Three of the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays have made a bold decision: they are done pitching to baseball's biggest star. Blue Jays manager John Schneider did not mince words after the Dodgers prevailed 6-5 on Monday in an 18-inning classic during which Ohtani smacked two doubles and two home runs in his first four at-bats before Toronto essentially surrendered. "He had a great game, he's a great player, but I think after that, you just kind of take the bat out of his hands," Schneider said after the Dodgers took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Fall Classic which resumes on Tuesday in Los Angeles. When asked if walking Ohtani for the remainder of the World Series would be the plan, Schneider's response was blunt: "Yeah." 'BEST PLAYER' That strategy played out in real time during Game Three, which tied for the longest postseason game by innings and is also the second-longest postseason game by time after lasting six hours, 39 minutes. When Ohtani hit a game-tying homer in the seventh, the Blue Jays intentionally walked him four times and unintentionally once more. The message was clear: pitch around the superstar at all costs. "His performance was really good. He's arguably the best player on the planet," said Schneider. By the time Game Three ended, Ohtani had become the first player to reach base nine times in a postseason game, surpassing the previous mark by three. Ohtani also became the first player in postseason history with multiple home runs, multiple doubles and multiple walks in a single game. 'SIGN OF RESPECT' Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised the Blue Jays' tactical decision, calling Ohtani "the best player on the planet" and noting that Schneider "smelled that and wasn't going to let Shohei beat him at all." "You just don't see that type of behavior from opposing managers and that's just the ultimate sign of respect," said Roberts, highlighting the extraordinary lengths to which teams will go in order to neutralize baseball's most dominant force. But the Ohtani avoidance strategy that the Blue Jays employed comes with a built-in problem - the loaded Dodgers lineup that follows. Even after intentionally walking Ohtani, who is the first player with three multi-homer games in a single postseason, the Blue Jays immediately face Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. It was Freeman, after all, who ended Game Three with a home run to begin the bottom of the 18th inning, marking the first walk-off win in the World Series since his Grand Slam ended Game One of last year's Fall Classic. "There's certain times where I feel like you feel better about someone else beating you," said Schneider. "If that someone else is Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman it still stings. But (Ohtani) had a great game and we're just going to try to continue to execute." OHTANI PITCHING The Blue Jays will be unable to avoid Ohtani in Game Four as he is set to make his World Series pitching debut, in which he will try to put the Dodgers on the brink of a repeat title. "He's spent. He was on base eight, nine times tonight, running the bases," said Roberts. "He's elated. But, yeah, he's taking the mound tomorrow. He'll be ready." It will be Ohtani's first pitching start since he pitched six scoreless innings, struck out 10 batters and hit three home runs in the clinching game of the National League Championship Series 11 days ago, in a performance that left the sporting world in awe.

Strictly Come Dancing judge 'bans' pro dancer from replacing Tess and Claudia
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Strictly Come Dancing judge 'bans' pro dancer from replacing Tess and Claudia

Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has put her foot down and banned her sister Oti Mabuse, who was a former professional dancer on the show, from replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman . The presenting duo of the beloved BBC dance competition shocked the nation last week when they announced they were quitting the series in a bombshell statement. In an emotional Instagram video, Tess and Claudia announced they would be stepping down from the show after this series. They stated: "We have loved working as a duo, and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together, and now feels like the right time." Their last appearance on the show, will be during the pre-recorded Christmas Day special. The pair are yet to be replaced, however, several names have been circulating in regards to who will take over, these include Zoe Ball and Janette Manara or Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder. Now, Motsi - who serves as a judge alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas - has ruled out her sister Oti taking up presenting the show, Wale Online reports. Oti, who was a pro on the competition for seven years, quit the show in 2022, moving on to judge the ITV show Dancing On Ice. During an appearance on Loose Women, Motsi revealed that she had no idea that Claudia and Tess would be leaving the show, before they announced the news. She explained: "It was a surprise for all of us, it happened unannounced, we didn't expect it" When asked if Oti could be the next host, Motsi fiercely stated: "I wouldn't let her do it, because I would want to protect her from it. "I know what type of show it is, I know what type of pressure it is, I know whose shoes she is stepping into. "As an older sister, I wouldn't want to do that to my sister. I want her to be in a safe space, where she can develop, where she has time to grow, where there's a future, and I don't want everything on her back." She added: "I would love her to do it, I would love it for her, but at the same time, I wouldn't want what it comes with for her." This comes after Motsi showed support online for Tess and Claudia as they announced their exit, commenting below Tess' post: "I'm reeling from the news, Tess! "You've left me speechless, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. Sending you love and best wishes. your absence will be deeply felt on Strictly. What an end of an era!" She added on Claudia's post: "Going to miss you so much! You're an icon and inspiration. Still in shock, but wishing you love and best wishes."

‘Your life has no value. Kill yourself’: Mobs inflicting lasting mental anguish on academics
Technology

‘Your life has no value. Kill yourself’: Mobs inflicting lasting mental anguish on academics

A new survey from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression reveals the massive damage inflicted by hate campaigns that are launched against academics across America when they say something of which “the mob” disapproves. FIRE surveyed more than 600 academics listed in its Scholars under Fire database who were sanctioned or targeted from 2020 to 2024, and 209 responded. “Nearly all (94%) who participated in the survey described the impact of their experience as negative. Roughly two-thirds (65%) experienced emotional distress, and significant chunks reported facing harrowing social setbacks, such as being shunned at work (40%) or losing professional relationships (47%) and friendships (33%),” the organization reported. “For some, the consequences were severe. About a quarter of the scholars who completed the survey reported that they sought psychological counseling (27%), and 1 in 5 lost their jobs entirely (20%).” Nathan Honeycutt, the organization’s manager of polling and analytics, said, “Cancellation campaigns are often wrapped in the language of preventing ’emotional harm.’ But our survey shows that it’s the mobs themselves that inflict lasting mental anguish on academics, many of whom still suffer the consequences long after the controversy subsided.” The report found the attacks to be one-sided, citing large numbers of professors, one in three, who say they have “toned down” their statements for fear of causing controversy: “These concerns are especially pronounced among politically moderate and conservative faculty members, who report self-censoring more frequently than they liberal and progressive colleagues. “They also express greater worry about damaging their reputations or losing their jobs. In the 2024 faculty survey, for instance, more than half of conservative respondents reported at least occasionally hiding their political beliefs from peers in order to protect their careers. It remains unclear whether this climate of fear is primarily driven by the threat of cancellation itself or by the broader unwillingness of faculty to defend foundational principles of free expression,” the report said. The database from which FIRE drew contact includes a list of those who faced calls for sanction for their speech from 2000 to now. “This database includes almost 1,700 documented sanction attempts, including a record number this year, with 300 of these attempts resulting in faculty terminations. Most of these incidents have occurred over the past decade.” One professor wrote, “Due to the extreme amount of hate mail and voicemails I received, I had a campus police officer posted outside my class for a period of time and an escort to my vehicle. My husband was constantly worried about my safety, we rarely went places in public, and my mother was harassed online by complete strangers.” Another found an email message: “You are unintelligent. You are poorly educated. You are nauseatingly fat and hideous. Your life has no value. Kill yourself.” The study found that 94% of respondents reported negative impacts including reputational damage, PTSD and/or job loss. They reported their families frequently were caught in the fallout, and there was a chilling effect. “”Overall, scholars were split on whether they’d speak similarly again. Along ideological lines, liberals were more likely to report their speech being chilled (i.e., that they were less likely to say similar things in the future), while conservatives were more likely to indicate they were not detracted (i.e., that they were as much, if not more likely, to say similar things in the future),” the survey found. Further, “Public silence sends a message about what views are acceptable and safe to express, effectively narrowing the range of ideas deemed reasonable to discuss on campus. This may result in topic avoidance in teaching and research, especially on contested or policy-relevant issues.” Of the respondents, 65% reported emotional distress, 53% lost sleep, 47% lost professional relationships, 40% were shunned at work, 29% had family members with collateral damage, 27% sought counseling, and 20% lost jobs. One of the problems that was revealed, FIRE said, was that “Nearly all institutions of higher learning promise academic freedom and free speech rights to their scholars. But many of the targeted scholars reported that they received no support from precisely the institutions and individuals who were supposed to have their backs in moments of crisis and controversy. Only 21% reported that they received at least a moderate amount of public support of their faculty union, for example, and a paltry 11% reported that they received public support from administrators.” FIRE said its report “also found a noticeable partisan gap in the level of public support reported by scholars. Larger proportions of conservative than liberal faculty reported that they received support from the general public (55% vs. 37%). But far fewer than their liberal peers reported that they received public support from their faculty union (7% vs. 29%) or their university colleagues (19% vs. 40%).” “Support for academic freedom should never depend on the views being expressed, but our survey shows that’s exactly what’s happening,” said FIRE research advisor Sean Stevens. “If faculty unions and institutions of higher learning won’t stand by scholars in their moments of crisis, they can’t claim to stand for free speech and inquiry.”

4 Gujarati Men Held In Iran While Attempting Illegal 'Donkey Route' To Australia Return Home
Technology

4 Gujarati Men Held In Iran While Attempting Illegal 'Donkey Route' To Australia Return Home

Four Indians from Gujarat, who were held captive in Tehran after attempting to reach Australia via the illegal “donkey route,” returned home on Tuesday. The group landed at Ahmedabad airport earlier in the day and have since reunited with their families, Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police (SP) Ravi Teja Vasamasetty confirmed. SP Vasamasetty noted that they tried to question the group but could not gather much information, as they remain in a state of shock and trauma. “We hope to get more details in a day or two,” he said. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the four individuals are Ajaykumar Chaudhary (31), Priyaben Chaudhary (25), Anilkumar Chaudhary (35), and Nikhilkumar Chaudhary (28), all residents of Bapupura village in Mansa taluka, Gandhinagar district. Officials said the group left Mansa for Delhi on October 19 and then travelled via Bangkok and Dubai on Emirates Airlines before arriving in Tehran. Upon reaching Imam Khomeini International Airport, they were allegedly taken captive. The case was first flagged by Mansa MLA Jayantibhai Somabhai Patel, who wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on October 26, detailing the group’s journey and listing their Tehran hotel as Hallay Hotel, Bimeh Alley, between Somayeh Street and Taleqani Street. The letter alleged they were held by a man known locally as “Baba”. This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of the so-called “donkey route”, an illegal migration path from India to Western countries. On Sunday, 54 youths from Haryana were deported by the US for attempting to enter the country via the same route. These individuals, mostly aged between 25 and 40, were handed over to their families at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Trump administration’s strict stance on illegal immigration has led to increased deportations in recent months. Officials said that US authorities are actively cracking down on people entering the country without valid visas, with hundreds of Indians sent back earlier this year. (With inputs from agencies)

How ChatGPT Can Make More Engaged Leaders
Technology

How ChatGPT Can Make More Engaged Leaders

Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash UNSPLASH.COM Millennials are known as the “burnout generation” for a reason. The cohort has unseated Gen X in holding the most leadership positions in the workforce, but they’re struggling to keep it together. Social media is filled with reels depicting relatively young executives trying to juggle a daunting list of demands—between protecting their direct reports from overwork and appeasing board members and investors, they barely have enough time to choke down a sad desk salad. These memes are funny, but they’re also depressingly accurate. Leaders—milennial and otherwise—don’t have enough time. Multitasking not only makes people more error-prone, it also leads to a sense of disengagement between higher-ups and their teams. No one wants to schedule an important discussion with their boss only to find that they’re only half-listening while updating a spreadsheet or responding to a Slack message at the same time. The good news is that there’s a better way. These days, LLMs like ChatGPT can step in as a quiet force multiplier, simplifying or even removing mundane, time-consuming tasks so they can better focus on what really matters. Here’s how. Why Engaged Leaders Matter Engaged leadership begets engaged employees, which are necessary for a company to flourish. According to a poll from Gallup, 70% of the variance in a team’s engagement is related to management. In other words, the tone a leader sets is often the single most important factor in whether a team feels energized or checked out. If a leader is constantly frazzled and distracted, their team mirrors that energy. If, on the other hand, they’re focused and present, it creates a foundation of stability that others can build on. As it stands, leaders haven’t had a great track record. Feeling valued is the single highest driver of engagement, but, as Forbes reported previously, only 28% of employees feel that leadership genuinely cares about their health and wellbeing. Disturbingly, more than 80% of employees say they don’t get enough recognition at work—unfortunate, since employees are 40% more engaged when leaders prioritize acknowledging their efforts. MORE FOR YOU Engaged leadership is about presence—and unlike many things, it can’t be delegated or outsourced. If you’re treating check-ins like a box ticking exercise, or meetings are held with one eye on your notifications, your employees will not only notice—they’ll check out, too. I point this out not to place blame, but to point out the depth of the problem. Many higher-ups are exhausted and overworked, and when that happens, things fall by the wayside. This is where tools like ChatGPT can shift the equation. By handling repetitive work, LLMs free leaders to give their full attention to the conversations and decisions that only they can make. How ChatGPT Frees Leaders To Be Present Before I launched Jotform, I had a preconceived idea of how a CEO spent their days: bold visions sketched on conference room white boards, spirited strategy debates, regular product breakthroughs. The reality? I was bogged down by busywork. At the time, freeing myself from tedious tasks meant either hiring people to take them off my plate, or simply not doing them. I automated what I could, but this being 2006, the options were limited. Now, I regularly find myself using LLMs to clear my plate. In the last few hours alone, I’ve asked ChatGPT to write me a summary of a dense industry report, draft a first pass of an internal memo and assemble a list of gluten-free eateries within delivery-range of our office. With the time I saved, I was able to block off an entire hour for a one-on-one with one of our senior product managers, who had asked me for a meeting to discuss her career. She’s been with us for a long time and does stellar work, so I was more than happy to set aside part of an afternoon to hear her thoughts on how she wanted to advance in the company, and give her my feedback on how she could get there. No getting distracted by notifications, no urge to quickly respond to an email. That’s the kind of conversation every leader knows they should have more often, but rarely find the time for. Far from being an afterthought, these are the types of interactions that build trust and earn loyalty. Final Thoughts Being a good leader has always been a balancing act. You will never not be pulled in a million different directions, dividing your time between vision and execution, strategy and people. “You’re managing more people than ever with far less support. Responsibilities keep multiplying, but the resources haven’t. And even though you’re supposed to be thinking strategically and focusing on the big picture, you’re often stuck in the daily firefight,” wrote Rebecca Knight for Harvard Business Review, a sentiment that many of us feel. AI isn’t a magic fix for these competing priorities, but it is a powerful sieve capable of filtering out tasks and unlocking hours of productivity. When you give someone your full attention, you’re not just managing, you’re leading, and your whole enterprise will be all the better for it. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions

Southside Italian favourite ORO announces reopening after major revamp
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Southside Italian favourite ORO announces reopening after major revamp

Glasgow Southside Italian favourite have announced that they will reopen their doors after a major revamp next month. We reported back in September that the restaurant on Kilmarnock Road in Shawlands was temporarily closing to undergo a full renovation. The restaurant is slowly approaching three decades in the Southside with upgrades being part of their continued efforts to improve the environment and elevate the experience they offer to their employees and to guests. Taking to social media, ORO said: “We’re coming. “Reopening 5 November. Reservations now live.” We visited ORO last year, and writing about our experience said: “ORO in Shawlands remains one of Glasgow’s best Italian restaurants, a busy place that locals and people from further afield head to for dinner. “Those who have lived in the area will have known the restaurant as Bella Napoli which first opened its doors back in 2000, it then became ORO about seven years ago. “We went along to sample their newly refreshed menu which has many of the old familiar favourites as well as twists on other dishes. One of the things which you notice about Oro right away is the the interiors of the restaurant which slightly differ as you head downstairs. “When you enter the restaurant on Kilmarnock Road, you are always greeted with a warm smile and welcome. The dining area at street level is really relaxed meaning you don’t really need to dress up to head here. Those who live in the area don’t have to worry about popping in after a busy day at the office to enjoy a bowl of pasta and a glass of wine. “Whereas I always feel that when you head downstairs there is a more intimate feel to the restaurant with the huge golden pizza oven being a real star attraction of the venue. “A crisp cool pint of Birra Moretti kicked things off before the starters arrived at our table with the presentation of them all being first class. I had went for the mozzarella fritters which consist of fresh Fior di Latte mozzarella coated in a golden crisp crumb which is served with the most delicious peach and tomato salsa. “It was then on to the mains, but one thing I noticed was how busy the restaurant was for a Wednesday night. This is a place where people want to come to do wine with their friends and family. As the plates began to arrive at the table, those around me looked stunned at the size of the portions. “Sitting beside me at the table was a native Italian from Genoa who had commented on the fact that she liked that Oro offered two different versions of spaghetti carbonara. The first version on the menu is the typical Scottish way which you will find in restaurants across the city which features smoked bacon with a creamy garlic and parmesan sauce. The other option on the menu is a bit closer to what you might be served in Italy which includes smoked Italian pancetta, egg yolk, pecorino and no cream. “After enjoying my bowl of spicy chicken penne, I had a cappucino to round off the meal with others going for tiramisu, cheesecake and brownies. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to head to in Glasgow for Italian food.

Boy, 9, stabbed mum to death after argument about his behaviour
Technology

Boy, 9, stabbed mum to death after argument about his behaviour

A nine-year-old boy stabbed his mum to death after an argument about his behaviour. The schoolboy stabbed Caline Arruda dos Santos, 37, in the stomach after she asked him to stop playing in the street. Afterwards, at her partner's home - the boy's stepfather - she apparently warned her son that she would inform a relative about his behaviour, the Civil Police report states, via Brazillian news site Metrópoles. The child then allegedly went to the kitchen and took a knife before hiding it under the sleeve of his top. Caline and her eldest son, 19, were at the door leading into the street when the mum was stabbed. Witnesses claim that shopkeeper Caline asked her son for one last hug as she lay bleeding , the Mirror reports. According to one witness, she heartbreakingly said: "Come here and give me one last hug, because I won't survive." A neighbour then took Calina to A&E, from where she was transferred to Parelheiros Hospital in Brazil. Tragically, she was pronounced dead on arrival. Due to the boy's age he cannot be prosecuted by the Children's Court. He's currently under the care of a cousin of the victim. In an interview, the relative stated that the boy apparently hasn't "realised" yet what he had done. "He knows his mother died after another boy told him so," she said. The case remains under investigation by the Civil Police. It comes after a teen was seen grinning in court after she was charged with the murders of her mum and stepdad. Sarah Patrick, 17, was arrested after her mum, Kirstin Brock, 41, and stepdad, James Brock, 45, were found with multiple gunshot wounds inside their home in Georgia, US. As she waited to be called into the courtroom, the teen laughed with another young inmate, and was seen smiling and hugging her lawyers, before sitting down. But she later broke down in tears as she heard testimony from her pastor, friends, and a woman who gave her a home following the alleged murders. The suspect was arrested in July after her six-year-old sister found the bodies of her parents who were shot dead. The teen called police to report the deaths of her parents and then begged true crime influencers on TikTok to solve the case. She pleaded to a crime blogger on the social media app, who revealed she had a note from "Sarah Grace" who allegedly offered to provide "intel" on their deaths. "I think it would be a really big hit," user "Sarah Grace" wrote in the message to the crime blogger. Patrick has been charged as an adult with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault. Her trial is set for January 5, 2026.

Scottish seaside hotel announces Christmas 'winter wonderland' this December
Technology

Scottish seaside hotel announces Christmas 'winter wonderland' this December

A five-star hotel in a seaside Scottish town will host a "winter wonderland" this December. The festive programme will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including brunches and a Santa's Grotto. The Fairmont St Andrews resort in Fife has unveiled its winter programme. The hotel, which is perched among the dunes above the coast in St Andrews, will become "alive with festive events and seasonal magic to set the stage for Christmas". Among the events on offer will be "heartwarming family experiences". These include a Christmas brunch at the hotel's Squire restaurant, featuring seasonal dishes, festive cocktails, and even a visit from Santa Claus. Meanwhile, there will also be a Santa’s Grotto Package available to guests. Little ones will be able to meet Santa in his grotto, share their Christmas wishes, and capture a keepsake photo surrounded by twinkling lights. READ MORE: The seaside Highlands town with fish and chip van named 'Scotland's best chippy' READ MORE: Fife beach that appeared in famous movie crowned Scotland's 'best to visit in autumn' For the grown ups, Fairmont’s Festive Party Night will offer a glitzy seasonal celebration. Guests can enjoy a welcome drink, a three-course festive dinner, and live DJ entertainment . Alternatively, there is the option to celebrate the festive season during the day with a three-course Christmas lunch. The restaurant benefits from sweeping views out across St Andrews Bay. The hotel's traditional afternoon tea will also be reimagined, served beneath its picturesque Zephyr sculpture. The special festive edition of the tea will include five courses—featuring sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and festive treats. On Christmas Eve, visitors will be able to unwind with an evening of mulled wine, spiced apple cider, and festive sweet treats. Meanwhile, the St Andrews Musical Society Choir will perform festive carols. Additionally, little ones can collect reindeer food and treats for Santa. Saint Nick will stop by every guest's room with a special treat on December 24. On Christmas Day itself, guests can enjoy a festive meal served beneath the Zephyr light installation. Mr and Mrs Claus will also be present, visiting children at every table. If the Fairmont St Andrews does not appeal, there are many other St Andrews hotels that can be booked for a festive getaway this year. Among these are the renowned Old Course Hotel and The New Inn. The Old Course Hotel , which overlooks the town's legendary golf course, features 175 rooms, suites, and penthouses. Additionally, it is home to an award-winning spa and a selection of bars and restaurants. A lower-cost option is The New Inn , which is located a short walk from St Andrews East Sands Beach. All of its rooms include a private bathroom, a television, and free Wi-Fi. The New Inn also features a family-friendly restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner and accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Other highlights of the inn include a garden, an open-air bath, and a bar. More information about the Fairmont St Andrews can be found on Booking.com .