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Concise news summaries
Concise news summaries
Highly dependent on imported fossil fuels and renewable energy technologies from foreign powers such as the US, China, and Russia, Europe’s energy security is in a precarious state. While not yet proven commercially, fusion energy could provide Europe with a vital source of safe, locally produced, always-on clean power. Francesco Sciortino, co-founder and CEO of German startup Proxima Fusion, believes fusion energy can complement wind and solar power and become a “decisive building block” for Europe’s energy security. Proxima is one of dozens of fusion energy startups racing to commercialise the technology, many of which are Europe-based. The future of fusion energyThere’s a cliche that fusion technology is always “30 years away,” but 70% of experts believe we’ll have a fusion device powering the grid by 2035, a Fusion Industry Association survey found last year.
Rondell Sheridan, a former Disney Channel star known for his role in "That's So Raven," has been hospitalized due to severe pancreatitis and is now seeking financial help via GoFundMe to cover his medical bills, which have raised $23,744 of their $35K goal. The 39-year-old, who underwent surgery last month, remains under a team of doctors and aims to recover fully before resuming work.
"Olivia Rodrigo was honored at a gala with her Catalyst of Change Award for her impactful work in empowering young women and advocating for reproductive rights. She emphasized how these roles give her the greatest privilege, sharing her passion for supporting girls' dreams and health through initiatives like Fund 4 Good and providing access to morning-after care. Additionally, she praised Planned Parenthood's life-saving efforts while expressing her wish that no woman would face unnecessary sacrifices due to restrictive laws."
The AirPods Pro 2 is on sale for $170 via Amazon, a significant discount of 32% off its usual price of $249, bringing it close to a record low. This budget-friendly version excels in the Apple ecosystem, offering seamless audio synchronization across devices and top-notch transparency mode with solid noise cancellation. Its upgraded audio tech enhances sound quality, though its average battery life—six hours per charge—stems from what could be seen as a limitation compared to premium options. Despite its high price tag of $249, today's deal provides a substantial financial relief for many buyers.
Investors were drawn into the tale of a rare confrontation between modern Chinese warplanes and Western jets after Pakistan claimed it used Chinese J-10C planes to neutralize five Indian jets, including Rafales. While the evidence is still unclear, this event piqued interest as Avic Chengdu Aircraft, the J-10C manufacturer, saw a 20.6% rise in stock prices, contrasting sharply with Dassault Aviation, the Rafale maker, which dropped 6.2%. The story underscores how geopolitical tensions can influence investor sentiment and market dynamics.
Syrian Druze recall what they believe to be past lives — even vivid detailstoggle caption Emily Garthwaite for NPRSWEIDA, Syria — Nawaf Nasr, 78, holds a creased black-and-white photo showing what he believes is himself in a previous life. Not all Druze believe in reincarnation, but many families embrace those they believe are their previous loved ones. toggle caption Emily Garthwaite for NPREvidence of past lives? toggle caption Emily Garthwaite for NPRUnlocking traumatic memoriesLike Nasr, Druze who believe they are reincarnated normally come to that awareness as small children. toggle caption Emily Garthwaite for NPRThe man, Ghassan Halabi, says he would have been her cousin before she died.
New South Wales women will soon have easier access to abortion pills after a bill allowing nurse practitioners and midwives to prescribe them was passed, despite opposition from Tony Abbott. The measure addresses concerns about healthcare access in rural areas while some fear it could increase risks due to delays or lack of timely care. However, the bill has a typo and now needs retrial.
Sling TV is offering a spring deal with discounted prices for its popular Sling Blue ($40.99, 20% off) and Sling Orange ($35.99, 22% off) plans, both available now with no contracts required to cancel anytime. The Sling Orange + Blue combo gets you even more channels for just $55.99 (15% off). Plus, bundle deals let you save extra: get AMC+ free or half off your first month of Sling while also getting $5 off monthly with the Sling Blue + Max bundle. Whether you're a sports fan, news enthusiast, or TV buff, this is one of the best values for live TV streaming online.
Environmental groups are criticizing President Trump’s executive order to speed up deep-sea mining as a threat to marine ecosystems and climate change efforts, while over 30 countries and organizations have called for a moratorium on such activities.
Looking for a tech deal without waiting for major sales? The Samsung 27-inch FHD monitor is slashed by 32%, dropping from $190 to $130 at Amazon. Ideal for both gamers and productivity users, it offers a 75Hz refresh rate and multiple ports for seamless multitasking. Its thin bezel, adjustable stand, and eye-saving features make it a great choice for long hours on the computer. Grab yours now while supplies last! See at Amazon. See at Amazon.
Britain’s railways are poised for a "new dawn" as the first train services under Labour's nationalization plan begin operations, marking a shift away from private ownership with implications for efficiency, reliability, and workers' benefits. However,保守党批评这一改革可能无法实现 intended的经济和社会改善,认为privatisation曾未能真正解决问题。 Meanwhile, unions highlight the importance of public ownership in ensuring workers’ well-being following years of privatisation failures.
Jurors have convicted a southern California judge of second-degree murder for fatally shooting his wife while the couple argued and watched television at home, a prosecutor’s office says. Orange county superior court judge Jeffrey Ferguson, 74, was on trial for the 2023 death of his wife Sheryl. The verdict comes after a previous jury deadlocked in March and Los Angeles superior court judge Eleanor J Hunter declared a mistrial. The case was heard in a courtroom about 10 miles (16km) from where Ferguson presided over cases as a judge. Immediately after the shooting, Ferguson and his son both called 911, and Ferguson texted his court clerk and bailiff saying: “I just lost it.
PNY has released a new microSD Express Flash Memory Card, and it is designed for portable gaming. In particular, this card is targeting the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This new card uses PCIe Gen3 x1 microSD Express technology to deliver read speeds of up to 890MB/s and write speeds reaching 750MB/s. ALSO READ: Lexar unveils 1TB PLAY PRO microSD Express card as Nintendo Switch 2 pricing and release date are revealedOne thing that may stand out to some users is the attention given to heat management. That means it’ll still work with your existing gear, just without the benefit of microSD Express speeds.
Sustainability meets premium tech in Vonmälchen's Evergreen Mag, a sleek power bank made from recycled materials and designed for optimal performance. - The Evergreen Mag features 37% recycled components, including aluminum, PC + ABS, and cobalt, with a focus on durability and recyclability. - Its compact size of 102 × 70 × 8.6mm (4.0 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches) and lightweight design make it ideal forOn-the-go use, easily slipping into pockets or bags. - With a Qi2 charging pad delivering up to 15W of power and USB-C port supporting up to 20W, the Evergreen Mag charges devices faster than ever—simultaneously using both outputs for even greater efficiency.
Three Maori Party MPs in New Zealand were suspended from Parliament after performing a haka during a protest against a bill supported by far-right coalition partners. The bill was ultimately defeated, but tensions between Indigenous groups and political factions remain unresolved.
"Residents in Kashmir's volatile border regions brace for a potential escalation as Indian airstrikes hit Pakistan-administered areas, with civilians enduring terrifying cross-border shelling and mortar fire. In Indian-administered Kashmir, residents reported hearing explosions and seeing fires from aircraft strikes, while Pakistani forces have also suffered casualties. The conflict has left civilians across the line of controlPerin chaos, with local officials urging immediate peace talks amid a heavy exchange of artillery fire."
Anthony Albanese, freshly re-elected as Labor leader, has ambitious plans to cut student debts by 20% as his top priority. He’s urging crossbenchers to step back from housing policies while signaling a push toward progressive environmental laws and a federal environment agency after a shaky first term. With a parliamentary majority, Labor aims to overhaul its internal structure and expand its environmental agenda to boost productivity, amid growing pressure on the government to act on climate issues.
"Mark Zuckerberg predicts that within 18 months, Meta's code will be primarily written by AI, which will automate setting goals, running tests, finding issues, and producing higher-quality code than top engineers. This reflects the evolving tech landscape and ongoing debates about AI's role in programming."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed an intense military offensive in Gaza aimed at neutralizing Hamas by moving Palestinian populations, a move that has sparked concern over displacement and humanitarian concerns. The plan, internally approved, involves significant risks of escalating violence and has drawn mixed international reactions, with some criticizing its potential impact on the region's stability.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum declined Trump's offer of U.S. troops in Mexico, emphasizing that the country's sovereignty is inviolable. Her comments followed the Wall Street Journal's report of tension during a April 16 call as Trump pushed for deeper U.S. military involvement against drug cartels. Sheinbaum offered collaboration on information sharing but urged Trump to combat the drug trade and violence. Meanwhile, Trump continues his efforts to secure the border despite legal challenges and remains committed to fighting organized crime and terrorism while pushing for a large deportation operation.
BERLIN — Friedrich Merz was elected chancellor by the German parliament on Tuesday in a second round of voting, after failing to secure an absolute majority in an earlier round. Merz, the leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), was sworn in to office as the fifth chancellor of a reunified Germany on Tuesday evening. He was expected to easily win enough votes in Germany’s lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, to win the office. But his historic setback highlighted the precarious position of Merz’s coalition as well as the growing political fragmentation in the German parliament. The domestic challenge of Germany’s rising far-right AfD party has also deepened ideological divides in Germany and spilled into the transatlantic relationship.
TechCrunch Sessions: AI is just over a month away, inviting volunteers to join as key participants in crafting this event. Limited spots are available, with priority given to those who apply soon. Volunteers gain exclusive access, complimentary tickets for the main event or Disrupt San Francisco, and full access to expert-led sessions. Tasks include registration assistance, speaker coordination, guest guidance, ticket scanning, and setup support. Companies interested in sponsorship can reach out via the provided form.
Set against the backdrop of Churchill Downs' grandeur, the 151st Kentucky Derby is a vibrant celebration where fans admire stylish hats adorned with feathers, lace, and flowers. Visitors also explore Derby history at the museum or take in iconic landmarks like the Twin Spires. Betting on the race offers an accessible yet thrilling experience, with minimal bets starting at just $2 and dedicated windows for high rollers to enjoy convenience. In the grandstand, 3-year-olds showcase their speed as enthusiasts cheer and photograph the historic event, marked by the Twin Spires overhead and a statue honoring jockey Pat Day, making it a memorable celebration of tradition and passion.
President Trump has announced a new U.S. travel ban, barring travelers from 12 nations while restricting entry for seven additional countries. Journalers in Asia, Latin America, and Africa are sharing concerns about how these regions might be impacted by the new policy.
George Clooney surprisingly revealed in an interview that he and his wife Amal have gone 10 years without fighting, but now they're seeking something to argue about for the first time. The couple's marriage, celebrated with a lavish ceremony in Venice in 2014, continues to thrive, with them sharing twin children Ella and Alexander. Clooney recently praised Amal as an incredible woman and quipped about his past claims on never being married or having kids.
An independent UN panel has found that Egyptian human rights activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah is illegally detained without a warrant, citing his continued imprisonment as arbitrary and illegal. His mother, Laila Soueif, is on day 241 of a hunger strike in London while his five-year sentence for spreading false news remains intact. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for clemency from Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, and the UN report highlights Egypt’s failing judicial standards and suppression of free expression.
Notion has introduced an AI toolkit that integrates GPT-4.1 and Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 into its platform, offering a seamless way to handle tasks like meeting notes, searches, research, and AI-driven conversations within the same interface. By supporting both models in a single chat feature, Notion aims to reduce switching between tools while maintaining speed and accuracy. This move positions it as a competitor to other platforms leveraging AI for productivity but highlights its unique advantage of consolidating multiple AI capabilities on one platform, potentially saving enterprises from needing multiple solutions.
The sudden regional blackout in Spain left tens of millions without power due to extreme temperatures affecting high-voltage lines, causing widespread disruptions including train stops, traffic jams, and blacked-out ATMs and mobile networks. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that 50% of the national electricity supply was restored overnight, but the country faced significant travel and communication challenges, with metro systems and hospital operations relying on backup generators. The situation remains asymmetric across regions, while emergency measures likeevacuating metro cars and queues for essential supplies persist as authorities work to restore power efficiently.
The release date for Borderlands 4 has shifted earlier by 11 days to September 12, with 2K revealing this change as they adjust their plans. Randy Pitchford praised the team's progress, stating that everything is going according to a "best case scenario," despite earlier delays. This move could impact GTA 6's release schedule, which remains set for fall 2025, with 2K likely keeping some buffer time before Borderlands 4 drops. Meanwhile, Sony will host its State of Play stream on April 30 for Borderlands 4 fans.
Families of Japanese nationals abducted to North Korea and their supporters held a national rally in Tokyo on Saturday to demand the immediate return of all abductees. Takuya Yokota, 56, a younger brother of Megumi and head of a group of families of abductees, gave a speech calling for a Japan-North Korea summit. We will make further approaches through various channels," he said, expressing his eagerness to meet directly with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The rally, organized mainly by the family group and an organization supporting such families, brought together about 800 people, including lawmakers. During the event, a resolution was adopted requesting the Japanese government and North Korea to realize the immediate return of all abductees.
Apple’s court ruling has allowed companies like Amazon to simplify the purchase of books on the Kindle e-reader, with a prominent "Get Book" button now enabling direct purchases via mobile web browsers. Despite Apple complying with the ruling temporarily, this update marks a significant shift from earlier attempts by Sony, who released eReaders without book-purchasing capabilities, relying instead on a discontinued service to facilitate ebook transactions. Now, users can more easily buy books directly from theirKindles when Wi-Fi isn't available, though there's still uncertainty if Apple might overturn the ruling, reverting users back to an inconvenient process.
Antonee Robinson underwent successful knee surgery to address a recurring issue, allowing him to begin rehabilitation for the upcoming Premier League season, but he remains sidelined from the USMNT's Gold Cup squad due to an injury. star Christian Pulisic is resting after a grueling European campaign, with the U.S. Soccer coaching staff explaining that his decision was made in the best interest of both himself and the team. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Patrick Schulte will also miss key friendlies due to an oblique injury, being replaced by Chicago's Chris Brady as the squad prepares for its Gold Cup opener against Trinidad and Tobago on June 15.
Russian forces have been actively strengthening their military presence along the Finnish border using satellite imagery, setting up tents, establishing vehicle storage facilities, renovating fighter jet shelters, and constructing a new helicopter base. These strategic measures, confirmed by NATO officials, reflect a deliberate expansion beyond Ukraine into this frontier region, marking a more calculated buildup compared to previous actions in 2022 along the Ukraine border. Experts predict that as much of this 830-mile stretch lies within the Arctic Circle and potentially under NATO's jurisdiction, it could become a significant flashpoint for conflict.
YouTube is introducing a new two-person Premium subscription option, testing it in India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong as part of a pilot program. This plan allows two users to share a subscription at ₹219/month, alongside the existing individual ($140/month) and family ($299/month) options. The initiative reflects YouTube's effort to cater to growing demand for flexible Premium services after previously rolling out Premium Lite in select markets, which offers ad-free viewing without ad-supported music videos or offline downloads.
Paul Danan, the Soap Opera star and reality TV legend best known for his roles in *Hollyoaks* and *Celebrity Big Brother*, passed away from a combination of prescription and illicit drugs. Coroner Debbie Rookes ruled his death as a misadventure after finding no evidence he intended harm. Despite his struggle with drug misuse and mental health, Danan was deeply loved by many, including his partner Melissa Crooks, whose statement to the coroner shared how he touched countless lives. His legacy will be felt for years as he inspired so many with his positivity and humor.
Amanda Carpenter expressed her struggle with Trump-related anxiety, reflecting the growing unease about President Trump internationally. The article describes how this anxiety has spread beyond Washington DC, affecting ordinary citizens in London as well. A forum on Trump's first 100 days in office, hosted by the Guardian and attended by notable figures including former British ambassadors and analysts, highlighted criticisms of Trump's policies and his impact on both international relations and domestic politics, with a focus on his chaotic administration and rising unfavorability among the population.
Thunderbolts* sets a new record for the longest post-credits scene in the MCU at 2 minutes and 54 seconds, outpacing five end credits from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 combined. This longer-than-average sequence surpasses other MCU films, which typically feature shorter post-credits sequences between 60 to 90 seconds. Florence Pugh and Wyatt Russell added excitement during their interviews, while the film earned a solid 7 out of 10 from IGN for its adventurous yet fitting conclusion to its beloved characters. The movie debuts this weekend, promising fans an unforgettable experience.
GTA VI has been pushed back from its original Fall 2025 release window to May 26, 2026, with Rockstar Games explaining the delay as necessary time for completion. The developer emphasized their commitment to quality and exceeding expectations, while Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick praised the decision to support Rockstar's creative vision despite the stock drop following the announcement. With GTA VI delayed, other games may see a simpler fall schedule without falling into its timing trap.
Deep-sea mining outside U.S. territorial waters has sparked controversy as President Trump fast-tracks the project, drawing criticism from the International Seabed Authority, which warns no state can exploit resources without UNCLOS—a key international convention. The authority emphasizes that this rule applies universally, even to countries not yet ratifying UNCLOS, underscoring a global legal framework.
Ukraine and the United States have signed an initial Memorandum of Intent towards a final agreement on developing minerals in Ukraine. The memorandum paves the way for an Economic Partnership Agreement and an investment fund for reconstruction. Negotiations were temporarily disrupted in February due to a disagreement between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Work continues towards finalizing the deal, which both sides hope will be beneficial.
A significant cyberattack at Yale New Haven Health has exposed sensitive patient data for over 5.5 million individuals, including personal information like names, addresses, and Social Security numbers. The breach, likely related to ransomware, was attributed to an individual or group with a history of such attacks after TechCrunch reported no major ransomware group claimed responsibility. Meanwhile, another healthcare data breach involving California's Blue Shield affecting 4.7 million patients occurred earlier in the week.
The United States may reimpose strict environmental regulations on fossil fuel-fired power plants under a revised plan proposed by Lee Zeldin, potentially reversing progress made during the Biden administration. Critics argue that coal-fired plants cause significant air pollution, resulting in up to 460,000 premature deaths annually. Despite Trump's assertion that fossil fuels don't significantly contribute to climate change, this rollback could revert measures like carbon capture technologies and promote cleaner energy adoption.
France is taking a tougher approach against tobacco use with new laws aimed at protecting children and public health, effective July 1st, which prohibit smoking near kids’ areas like beaches, parks, schools, and gardens. However, iconic coffee terraces and e-cigarettes are exempt, with offenders facing up to €135 in fines. This move follows France’s existing bans on smoking in public spaces such as workplaces and airports, signaling a significant escalation. Anti-smoking groups remain cautiously optimistic about achieving a tobacco-free generation by 2032 but worry about potential delays caused by higher taxes.
AI shopping assistants move beyond product discovery to complete purchasesVisa’s new platform addresses a critical gap in the current AI commerce landscape. “AI commerce is a new commerce experience where AI agents play an active role in helping users shop online,” explained Rubail Birwadker, SVP and Head of Growth, Products & Partnerships at Visa, in an interview with VentureBeat. The company’s existing tokenization framework and merchant relationships provide the infrastructure needed to make AI commerce viable on a global scale. By allowing AI agents to handle these transactions seamlessly, Visa aims to reduce cart abandonment and simplify the commerce experience. Visa’s AI commerce initiative asks for perhaps the most profound trust leap yet: allowing an artificial agent to not only know what we want but to spend our money acquiring it.
The MIT Alumni Association began with just 84 members but grew to over 579 by 1888, now encompassing nearly 149,000 members today. Despite its massive growth, its core values—mensch und frau, innovation, and leadership—have remained steadfast. Alumni, identified by their brass rats, represent a community deeply committed to solving real-world challenges and improving communities. As ambassadors of MIT, they continue to champion the institute's mission in areas like national security, health, and prosperity, embodying MIT's legacy of rigorous thinking and transformative impact.
On Thursday, Tiësto and Sexyy Red kick off their new chapter with "OMG," the album-opener from F1 the Album, which aligns with Brad Pitt-starrled film "F1." The track, featuring bold rhymes about racing queens and chaotic party vibes, sets the tone for a summer soundtrack. Meanwhile, the album, crafted by Atlantic Records' Kevin Weaver, drops on June 27 as part of a weekly single release campaign that includes appearances from Ed Sheeran, Raye, Burna Boy, and others, all while Pitt's movie ties together his journey with racing icon Sonny Hayes.
The Marshall Kilburn III Bluetooth speaker offers exceptional sound quality with a standout feature of up to 50 hours of playtime, double the battery life of its predecessor. Its IP54 water and dust resistance makes it ideal for outdoor use, while preserving the signature guitar amp aesthetic and user-friendly controls. Priced at $379.99, it’s available online now and will be released in retail stores on June 10, with options including a black, brass colorway and a new cream design.
A 19-year-old Massachusetts teenager, Matthew D. Lane, has pleaded guilty to hacking into a cloud company, PowerSchool, affecting tens of millions of children's data and facing an extortion attempt that threatened to leak sensitive information unless he paid $2.85 million in Bitcoin.