Latest Summaries

Learn MoreTokyo-based artificial intelligence startup Sakana, co-founded by former top Google AI scientists including Llion Jones and David Ha, has unveiled a new type of AI model architecture called Continuous Thought Machines (CTM). As such, each neuron is far more informationally dense and complex than in a typical Transformer model. In maze-solving scenarios, the model produces step-by-step directional outputs from raw images—without using positional embeddings, which are typically essential in transformer models. Sakana AI presents the model as a platform for further research and exploration rather than a plug-and-play enterprise solution. What enterprise AI leaders should know about CTMsThe CTM architecture is still in its early days, but enterprise decision-makers should already take note.

Season 2 of *Andor* is a massive hit, boasting an impressive 99% rating on review aggregator sites with only 68 reviews, outperforming previous seasons and even matching the high ratings of The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels despite receiving fewer reviews. IGN praised the season for its compelling narrative and sharp contrast between rebellion and Empire life but noted that it falls just short of the latter's slight edge in ratings. The show is currently airing on Disney+ and will premiere its final three episodes on May 13, 2025.

Educators are urging schools to designate relationship violence prevention leaders inspired by mental health coordinators, as teachers struggle to address complex issues like emotional abuse and power imbalances in RSHE classes. A study reveals that nearly a third of teachers lack training in recognizing healthy relationships or helping students break harmful connections. The Youth Endowment Fund proposes a pilot scheme offering £8,000 to schools for training these leaders or external support, aiming to enhance discussions on empathy, negotiation, and emotional resilience.

An Israeli woman attempting to give birth in the West Bank was tragically shot and killed during an attack that Hamas described as a heroic act. The baby boy survived after surgery but remains in serious condition. Despite no immediate claim of responsibility from Palestinian groups, the attack has been labeled as terrorism by Israeli authorities, with officials actively seeking the perpetrator. Recent escalations in violence in the occupied West Bank, where hundreds of Palestinians have been killed and tens of thousands displaced, highlight the ongoing tensions and security concerns facing the region.

The FIA has softened its stance on drivers using profanity during on-track or off-track incidents, halving penalties and giving stewards discretion to differentiate between misconduct in controlled versus uncontrolled environments. Drivers like Max Verstappen have criticized the policy, which initially penalized him for swearing during a Singapore Grand Prix press conference. Stewards now face clearer guidelines to apply penalties based on context, aiming to balance enforcement while preserving the sport's competitive integrity ahead of an Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.

Tesla's website lists numerous Cybertrucks with substantial discounts, including models priced up to $119,990 offering $11,990 off. However, some are ineligible for the federal tax credit due to age or sticker price limitations. Recently, Tesla offered up to $2,600 off on Cybertruck inventory. On CarGurus, used Cybertrucks now average $85,000, down from their November and December prices.

"AI-driven conversation management is booming, with Manychat raising $140 million in a Series B round led by Summit Partners to expand its global reach and enhance AI-driven interactions. The startup, serving over 1.5 million customers worldwide across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Messenger, including major clients such as Nike, the New York Times, and Yahoo, has already proven profitability since its 2015 launch after only $23 million in funding prior to this latest round."

Trump's subtle support through his envoy Steve Witkoff temporarily halted the Gaza conflict but now fuels Israel's aggressive plan for depopulation, with Netanyahu at the precipice of a new war chapter. The administration has repeatedly shown disengagement, enabling far-right Israeli politicians to push for harsh measures like forced migration, while Trump’s broader strategic withdrawal from diplomacy accelerates this dangerous trend. This pattern repeats, as seen in his recent focus on investment and regional crises over Middle East peace efforts.

Pope Francis, a transformative leader of the Catholic Church from 2013 to 2025, championed social justice and reform, advocating for the marginalized and promoting environmental sustainability through his influential encyclical "Laudato Si'." His papacy also saw efforts to address sexual abuse scandals and increase transparency within the Church, while he used his global influence to mediate conflicts and advocate for human rights. Despite facing health challenges in later years, Francis left a lasting legacy as a pope deeply committed to peace and justice.

Kevin De Bruyne’s potential move to MLS has sent transfer rumors into high gear, with Chicago Fire FC making strides in their quest for the Belgium playmaker as he considers opportunities beyond Manchester City. The 33-year-old, who is set to leave Man City at season's end, has expressed interest in joining MLS' competitive landscape after rumors surfaced earlier this week about his decision to depart Europe. Meanwhile, De Bruyne remains open to staying in Europe, stating he’s willing to listen to offers from various clubs while emphasizing his love for the game and potential projects that could enhance his impact on the field.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are considering whether to trade for Jonnu Smith after initially expressing interest but now turning their attention to free agent Gabe Davis during his visit this week. Smith remains a Dolphins favorite, having had a record-breaking season and earning his first Pro Bowl selection, while Davis has yet to find a new team due to a $39 million contract with the Jaguars. The Steelers are seeking help in their receiving unit after trading George Pickens, and both players could be options for the club based on their backgrounds and current situations.

Exciting news is on the way for Helldivers 2 fans! Arrowhead Game Studios has announced that the next Warbond will be revealed on May 8, with more thrilling updates to follow. The team hinted at a "pointy" and "grabby" Super Earth flag teaser, sparking speculation about its potential role in their strategy. This aligns perfectly with the ongoing impact of recent events in the Major Order, where Helldivers' efforts have slowed a critical threat. Until then, gear up, keep an eye on the skies, and prepare for whatever comes next—a new update or a legendary weapon is just around the corner.

The administration of US President Donald Trump will move to sever remaining federal contracts with Harvard University, escalating a row centred on issues such as pro-Palestine student activism and racial diversity. The New York Times and Reuters news agency reported on Tuesday that a draft letter from the General Services Administration (GSA) instructs all federal agencies to review and possibly cancel existing contracts with Harvard, worth an estimated $100m. AdvertisementThe Trump administration has portrayed efforts to encourage greater racial diversity at US universities as a form of discrimination that prioritises racial identity over merit. “The Trump administration has gone after Harvard because of the pro-Palestinian protests, and also has made a list of demands that goes far beyond any of that,” Al Jazeera correspondent Patty Culhane reported from Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Harvard is located. The administration also cut $400m in grants to Columbia University in New York City in March, despite a series of concessions to government demands.

With that said, Empire of AI is a powerful work, bristling not only with great reporting but also with big ideas. The second theme is more complex and forms the book’s thesis about what Hao calls AI colonialism. “I’ve found only one metaphor that encapsulates the nature of what these AI power players are: empires,” she writes. She documents how workers in Kenya who performed data-labeling content moderation for OpenAI came away traumatized by seeing so much disturbing material. In Chile she documents how the industry extracts precious resources—water, power, copper, lithium—to build out data centers.

Kyiv shows cautious optimism over the US-Ukraine minerals deal, which appears advantageous for the country despite lingering details. Analysts note significant concessions from Kyiv, defying Trump's assertion of no leverage. The agreement preserves Ukraine's control over resources without requiring repayment of aid or imposing US jurisdiction. Initial plans, proposed by Zelenskyy and involving rare earths to attract Trump, backfired under Trump's pressure, leading to ongoing negotiations for a revised text. The deal requires parliamentary approval but could enhance Trump administration goodwill if signed.

The Israeli military conducted airstrikes in Gaza on Thursday, targeting multiple locations including affiliated groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, resulting in dozens of deaths and significant casualties. The health ministry reported that many more civilians were injured in the strikes, which are part of an ongoing escalation in response to Hamas's threats. Hundreds of targets were hit over the past two days, with hospitals in Jabaliya reporting increased fatalities from these operations.

Duolingo has expanded its offerings, adding 148 new language courses, doubling their current count, to cater to beginning learners across 28 supported languages including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and more. The company is now enabling users of various languages to learn top languages like Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin for the first time or gaining access to multiple new languages. To support this growth, Duolingo has implemented an AI-first strategy, replacing human content creators with AI to accelerate course development and customization across languages.

The loss of a key protein called TIM-3 in the brains of mice with Alzheimer’s disease reduces amyloid-beta levels, leading to improved cognitive function, according to a study led by researchers from Kyoto University. By genetically removing TIM-3, they observed a 50%-60% decrease in amyloid-beta and enhanced memory ability in the animals. This finding could pave the way for new therapies that combine targeting amyloid-beta with substances like TIM-3, potentially offering safer treatment options than current drugs like lecanemab, which have caused brain swelling and bleeding.

The Eta Aquariids meteor shower, one of the biggest in the southern hemisphere, is expected to peak on May 7th. Brighter than usual due to clear skies, it will be visible from early morning until mid-morning, with optimal spots including dark areas like Uluru and national parks across Australia. Check the weather first, avoid bright lights, and use apps like Star Mapper for guidance. Causes include debris from Halley’s Comet as Earth slices through it each year.

A suspect has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's mansion while Shapiro and his family were inside. The suspect, Cody Balmer, expressed anger over the Gaza War during a 911 call after the incident. He claimed friends had been killed and that the governor was complicit in harm against Palestinians. Shapiro, who is Jewish and supports a two-state solution for Israel-Palestine, has faced criticism for past comments on the conflict. Balmer broke into the residence by scaling a fence, breaking windows, and using homemade firebombs. He later turned himself in to authorities.

Ford has issued a nationwide recall of nearly 274,000 SUVs, including the Expedition and Navigator models, due to potential front brake line defects that could lead to loss of braking function. The defect involves parts becoming in contact with an air cleaner outlet pipe, causing leaks or complete brake failure. Dealer inspection and replacements are planned as a fix, with owners notified via mail by mid-May. Drivers should check their vehicle's status on NHTSA’s website or Ford’s recall page for updates. The recall affects models from 2022 to 2024, with only 1% of affected vehicles estimated to have the issue.

The article highlights how Donald Trump's authoritarian tendencies threaten U.S. democracy by undermining checks and balances through actions like purging disloyal civil servants, ignoring court rulings, and investigating political rivals. Despite these challenges, the United States' unique features, including its advocate groups, independent judiciary, federalism, and speech protections, offer resilience against such threats. Additionally, mechanisms like media independence and strong defamation laws help counteract potential autocratic tendencies.

Amber Scorah founded Psst to empower tech and government whistleblowers with a secure method to share sensitive information anonymously. The nonprofit's digital safe and escrow system enable users to report concerns confidentially, sharing later with trusted organizations. In a notable case, Psst helped Microsoft employees leak their dissatisfaction with AI marketing tactics to The Atlantic, illustrating its role in protecting whistleblowers while fostering transparency.

"The U.S. military has announced a 20% reduction in four-star generals and admirals, along with cuts in general and flag officer ranks, including a 10% decrease in general officers and a 20% cut in National Guard leaders. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth explained the moves aim to enhance strategic readiness while maintaining operational effectiveness, calling it part of a broader effort to streamline the armed forces and reduce bureaucracy rather than punitive measures. The cuts reflect President Trump's strategy to replace perceived political enemies within his administration, including key military leaders who have recently been demoted or removed from leadership roles."

President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Madagascar highlights the ongoing dispute over the Îles Éparses, a group of islands in Mozambique Channel contested by both France and Madagascar since decolonization. Despite years of talks without resolution, these islands provide significant maritime control for France, including access to vital shipping routes and hydrocarbons akin to the "new North Sea." Madagascar argues they should retain their colonial territories' boundaries as an independent state. The issue has seen failed attempts at UN retrocession and involvement from Russia, with Macron signaling a renewed effort through joint efforts but slow progress in reaching a shared solution.

Engaged and attentive? Not anymore—sometimes your spouse can take over the conversation in a way that leaves you drowsy. James Parker asks if your husband talks at length, if his tendency to ramble is increasing, and suggests he might benefit from trimming his rambles or self-editing. He also advises considering whether your own attention span could be contributing to the issue, as you've already heard so much of what he's about to say. Maybe it’s time to talk—or get professional help.

AI's rise in legal proceedings raises significant concerns due to its potential for introducing errors or biases. A California lawyer mistakenly cited an AI-generated document, leading to a false hallucination that slipped through, while an Israeli defense attorney criticized AI's role in producing misleading evidence. Both cases highlight the growing concern that AI might one day influence court decisions with its own flaws. Professors and legal experts warn that unchecked AI integration could lead to systemic inaccuracies and misuse, underscoring the need for robust safeguards as technology evolves.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has escalated once more as thousands of reserve soldiers are deployed to bolster the fight against Hamas. The move comes amid severe humanitarian crises in Gaza, including months-long food and medicine blockades that have exacerbated the suffering of displaced people. Israel's security cabinet is expected to approve a broader offensive later on Sunday.

More couples are opting for living apart together, a trend called LAT—living apart together. This dynamic involves two committed individuals living separately yet maintaining their relationship through activities like dating or visiting each other’s homes. The reasons include seeking independence, personal space, and excitement in their bond. Despite these advantages, this arrangement has been around for years but recently gained more traction. Jo安娜·达尔希德分享了她的看法，称 LAT 使她的生活更加稳定。社会学家佩pped·施瓦茨表示，虽然爱是深厚的，但个人或职业承诺等外在因素也会影响他们共同生活的可能性。

The New Orleans Pelicans have made a splash by bringing in Troy Weaver as their senior VP of basketball operations, a role he's transitioning into from his previous positions at the Washington Wizards. Before that, he held roles with the Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz, Thunder, and篮网, where he was involved in significant draft picks but faced challenges in the NBA draft lottery. The Pelicans aim to strengthen their basketball operations under Weaver’s leadership as they look to improve their roster and success.

Cassie Ventura, testifying publicly for the first time in court, detailed her harrowing decade-long abuse by Sean "Diddy" Combs. She revealed that at 22, she was subjected to frequent, humiliated sexual encounters known as "freak-offs," during which male escorts were paid contingent on their ability to perform as expected. These encounters not only physically humilated her but also emotionally traumatic, leading to feelings of self-loathing and humiliation. Ventura emphasized how these experiences deeply impacted her mental health and coerced her into participating for fear of reprisal from Combs, who was known to punish women who didn't meet his demands.

Pierre Poilievre, once a projected Canadian prime minister, unexpectedly resigned as Conservative Party leader after facing defeat in his riding amid an Ottawa truckers' occupation. His defeat was partly due to voters disapproving of his support for pandemic-era policies under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, despite his personal connection to nature. During the chaos, he offered comfort with coffee and doughnuts to the protesting truckers, reflecting a moment of humanity amidst a turbulent political landscape.

Pastor T.D. Jakes is stepping down as head of The Potter's House church after announcing his successors following a medical emergency during a sermon, nearly causing him to lose consciousness. He will oversee the transition while focusing on bridging community and cultural connections for a stronger future. Fans expressed well-wishes, and he remains hopeful for his recovery.

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) has threatened to launch a no-confidence motion against welfare Minister Takamaro Fukuoka if the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) fails to provide a specific submission date by Friday for its pension system reform bill. The LDP, despite ruling out submitting the bill this month, is prepared to bring it forward as early as mid-May. However, internal opposition within the LDP raises concerns about the impact on this summer’s House of Councilors election and accusations of misappropriation of funds from a related budget program, with the welfare ministry confirming it will reallocate Kosei Nenkin funds under the Kokumin Nenkin program.

Amid confidence-boosting Instagram swimwear, 29-year-old Summer Walker turned heads with a jaw-dropping bikini reveal. The singer, who’s collaborated with stars like Drake, posted poolside photos showing off her curves as she swam in an uncovered indoor pool, drawing attention to her enviable physique.

In the political race for Sweden's Liberal Party leadership, Cecilia Malmström and Cecilia Rönn are making waves despite past defections or limited entries into the race. Malmström, nominated by Karlskrona, could lead if she unites opposition support from Stockholm and Western Sweden. Rönn recently entered the race but faces caution about competition, while larger districts like Stockholm remain opposed to ties with Sweden Democrats, complicating a united front effort. Wild cards include Jan Jönsson's outsider status and Karin Karlsbro's uncertain inclinations, adding layers of complexity to their potential success.

Turn an ordinary apple into a sophisticated dessert with this simple soufflé recipe. By baking apples inside, you create soft, tender shells filled with light, airy filling, topped with vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. Perfect as a lighter option for entertaining guests or enjoying on its own, this unique twist on a classic dessert is easy to prepare in just 10 minutes of prep and an hour of cooking.

From birth to nearly a year, baby KJ’s ammonia levels have improved through gene-editing therapy, now at 35th percentile in weight while requiring ongoing monitoring for potential future liver transplants. The FDA approved the customized base-editing treatment within a week after meeting with researchers, and KJ is now managing an immune response to prevent rejection of his gene change. Though still growing slower than expected, his family and medical team remain cautiously optimistic about his progress so far.

✨ Top beauty products from Amazon’s Summer Beauty Event include a lightweight SPF50 foundation with skin-boosting ingredients, a versatile 25-shade eyeshadow palette infused with vitamin E and shea butter, bold longwear lipsticks that last up to 16 hours without smudging, and a water-resistant setting powder for an all-day matte finish. These picks are perfect for creating looks from day to night! ✨

Ukrainian families in Zaporizhzhia, a key province partially controlled by Russia since 2022, are struggling to rebuild their lives after being displaced under the Russian occupation. Many, like Kateryna Kyshkan and Alyona Serdyuk, have faced terrifying living conditions filled with danger from Russian soldiers, while others have been separated from loved ones. Despite efforts to return home, their hope of reunification is uncertain as the war drags on. The region's future remains uncertain, and recognition of certain territories by Russia is a demand sought by both sides.

Just another Sunday at the Masters for Scottie Scheffler, who secured his third major title with a dominating performance that left other golfers in awe. The 2023 US Open winner earned $3.4 million and closed in on the summit of the world rankings, showcasing his ability to handle massive pressure without showing any signs of anxiety. With 15 major wins since early 2022, Scheffler’s consistency has made him one of golf’s most impressive players—already holding multiple pieces ofLIV Golf equipment after his stunning victory at Quail Hollow.

"If you have any memories of Pope Francis that you’d like to share, we’d love to hear them! You can submit your stories, photos, or voice memos through the link below. An editor may reach out to learn more."

Harrods, a prominent British retailer, has fallen victim to a cyberattack, raising alarms about the vulnerability of luxury businesses. The attack disrupted some purchases for customers, though their payment data remained secure. As a precautionary measure, the store restricted internet access after detecting unauthorized system access earlier this week. Meanwhile, other major British retailers like Marks & Spencer and Co-op have also experienced online breaches, with all three attacks likely connected due to the lack of clear evidence otherwise.

Russell Brand was granted bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on charges of multiple sexual offences, including rape, following allegations spanning 1999 to 2005 against him in the UK. Despite his denial of the claims, which involved consensual relationships with four women, he confirmed his name and date of birth before being sent to a higher court. He provided both U.S. and U.K. addresses and acknowledged potential consequences if he failed to appear.

Bells Larsen's struggle with inconsistent gender information on his visa application underscores systemic barriers trans individuals face in immigration processes, even when they legally identify as female. Despite having a male passport, this detail delayed his tour plans, revealing the rigid bureaucratic requirements that disadvantage trans artists. While rare confirmed cases highlight this issue, the broader implications remain unresolved, creating significant obstacles for trans musicians seeking to perform internationally. Advocacy groups and labor unions are part of a movement to push for policy reform but face resistance from existing laws without tangible outcomes.

The Falcons' DC's son apologized for a prank call involving his son, QB Shedeur Sanders, who fell to the fifth pick in the NFL Draft, sparking controversy over whether the Saints GM might have been involved in the fake message.

Shawn Levy, known for directing *Deadpool* & *Wolverine*, learned from *Stranger Things* to keep his mouth shut, which he used to quietly share details about his upcoming *Star Wars: Starfighter* movie. After directing episodes of the show as an executive producer since Season 1, Levy was thrilled when *The First Shadow* played out on Broadway, as it expanded *Stranger Things'* universe beyond the TV series and earned widespread acclaim. With *Star Wars: Starfighter* set to release in May 2027 featuring Ryan Gosling and Jonathan Tropper as writer, Levy continues to craft stories that blend seamlessly with the iconic *Stranger Things* legacy.

The Trump memecoin, backed by entities connected to the U.S. President, gained significant traction after President Trump announced that top holders would receive an intimate dinner event. This led to a 60% price surge within hours, primarily driven by traders seeking exclusive opportunities and profits. However, the companies controlling most of the supply prioritize trading fees over coin value, earning substantial income through market making mechanisms like surge pricing. Despite their financial gains, these entities face risks from potential sell-offs and reputational damage if their high-value holdings drop in value due to regulations or public backlash.

Russia's Supreme Court has temporarily removed the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations. This move is aimed at normalizing relations with Afghanistan and follows a request from the prosecutor general. The decision reflects years of gradual improvement in ties between Russia and the Taliban, driven by shared security interests such as counterterrorism efforts against ISIL's regional affiliate, ISKP. Russia also seeks to leverage Afghanistan as a transit hub for gas exports to Southeast Asia. While several other countries have improved relations with the Taliban, no state has fully recognized it yet.