Latest Summaries

Remote-controlled robots successfully built a section of a support structure for a future solar power satellite in orbit, marking a milestone for assembling gigawatt-scale solar farms in space. Led by British startup Space Solar at the UKAEA's Culham Campus, the trial demonstrates the potential of advanced robotics for large-scale space infrastructure projects like data centers and energy grids. Sam Adlen highlighted that this breakthrough opens new possibilities for space-based applications far beyond solar power alone, despite the challenges of high costs and environmental impacts.

MCP, a new protocol from Anthropic, is emerging as a key standard for AI interoperability, allowing agents built on different frameworks to interact more effectively. Companies like OpenAI, MongoDB, Exa, and many others are either using MCP or integrating it into their services. Unlike APIs, which can be imperfect connectors, MCP offers fine-grained control over agent capabilities, making it easier for organizations to manage and access data. With endorsements from major companies like Microsoft and Google, MCP is gaining traction as a critical tool for the agentic ecosystem, though some firms are still cautious before fully embracing it.

The TwelveSouth AirFly Pro 2 Bluetooth adapter enables seamless wireless audio from in-flight entertainment systems to headphones with features like noise cancellation and spatial audio. Priced at $60, it offers enhanced listening quality over traditional adapters with a longer battery life compared to previous models. While initially pricey, it's a valuable tool for frequent travelers seeking better audio experiences. Consider the investment if you rely on this product regularly; otherwise, explore cheaper alternatives like the AirFly SE.

Ari Aster’s highly anticipated Western thriller Eddington is set to premiere at Cannes Film Festival 2025, following his previous success with Beau Is Afraid (2023), featuring Joaquin Phoenix. Starring alongside Pedro Pascal and Emma Stone, among others, the film will arrive in theaters on July 18, 2025, and delves into themes of the COVID-19 pandemic and protests during lockdowns, as suggested by its teaser trailer.

Kagiso Rabada has faced a provisional suspension after testing positive for a recreational drug, despite remaining second in the ICC Test bowling rankings. The South Africa fast bowler returned home from his IPL matches due to an adverse analytical result but remains committed to his craft. Known for his dedication and impressive statistics—327 Test wickets at 22 runs per match—he continues to prioritize cricket and is determined to regain his focus on the field.

Get ready for a heart-pounding THRILLER as Chung-sik, a Drug Squad detective ex-spouse of vet Min-seok, teams up to rescue her from dangerous criminals led by Do-joon. Directed by Park Gyu-tae, known for his comedic flair, the film promises witty dynamics with actors like Jin Sun-kyu and Gong Myoung in key roles, adding a tech-savvy edge. Joining Netflix's growing Korean content, this action-comedy thrills fans with its dynamic plot.

The Nintendo Switch 2 won’t be in our hands for over a month yet (sigh), but a speedrunner has already reached the credits of the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. As reported by VGC, the Japanese speedrunner known as Ikaboze posted a video of his handiwork on his YouTube channel after attending a Switch 2 preview event in Tokyo. Ikaboze was able to take down Ganon before the demo's time was up, to the delight of a crowd of onlookers, who applauded as the credits started to roll. The speedrunner was reportedly told by Nintendo staff at the event that they were the first person to have completed the Breath of the Wild demo. According to Nintendo, Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games improve performance and resolution, as well as adding HDR support.

Japan's Golden Week national holidays are underway, but inflation-driven cost increases in food, electricity, and hotel prices have deterred domestic travelers from taking longer trips. Workers may opt for shorter excursions or home stays this year as they seek to save money amid rising expenses across the economy.

Nedum Onuoha noted that Manchester City should be commended for their FA Cup progress after beating Nottingham Forest 2-0, while Pep Guardiola expressed disappointment over City’s underwhelming Premier League campaign, despite their recent achievements. Liverpool’s victory in the Premier League on the same day overshadowed Man City, which has struggled to finish higher than fifth this season.

Millions of users are experiencing widespread internet outages following a significant technical issue early this morning in ET time, with complaints spiking initially but then dropping as concerns abated. Login issues on X’s developer platform have been ongoing since Thursday, though they’ve since resolved without any immediate resolution identified, and the root cause remains unclear. Investigations point toward a fire in an Oregon data center linked to battery malfunctions, which has degraded performance without causing a broader outage as feared earlier.

Pope Francis donated his popemobile to transform into a children's clinic in war-torn Gaza, with the vehicle set to be relocated if Israel facilitates humanitarian access. The former pope's iconic vehicle, originally used for meeting crowds during his 2014 Bethlehem visit, now serves as a mobile healthcare facility after undergoing refurbishment.

Stephon Castle, the standout forward from the University of Connecticut, claimed the NBA Rookie of the Year award with an impressive season filled with 482 points, 74 steals, and a rookie-best 14.7 average points per game. The second straight San Antonio Spurs player to win this prestigious award after Victor Wembanyama last season, Castle also led his team to victory in the Castrol Rising Stars event during All-Star weekend. His stellar performance has solidified his legacy as one of the most talented rookies in recent history.

Last year, U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google maintained a monopoly in search, sparking antitrust concerns. Now, as the Department of Justice (DOJ) considers potential remedies—such as requiring Google to divest its Chrome browser—the case could reshape tech dominance, especially with AI-driven tools becoming more prevalent. Competitors like OpenAI and Yahoo have shown interest in acquiring Chrome, potentially boosting their own search capabilities, while Google argues such moves would harm privacy and security. This dynamic highlights the shifting power dynamics in the tech industry's quest for control over critical tools like web browsers.

Ronan, a 15-year-old California sea lion, continues to wow audiences with her rhythmic skills, even as she ages. She can groove to both electronic and rock music, excelling particularly in following beats from genres like disco. Thanks to studies by behavioral neuroscientist Peter Cook, scientists now recognize that Ronan's talent isn't unique to humans but also exists in other animals, including non-communicating species. A recent study led by Cook confirmed that Ronan maintains her superior ability to detect and follow rhythms, even when tested with different tempos not previously encountered, outperforming both herself as a child and human participants.

Ben Christman's sudden death was caused by cardiac arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy, leading to his natural passing. A teammate discovered him unresponsive in his bedroom after chest pains reported during practice on February 10, which had been noticed earlier but appeared normal on an EKG. No suspicious items were found at the scene, highlighting the unexpected nature of his death despite no immediate health symptoms noted.

Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American captive held by Hamas in Gaza, was released on President Trump's visit day after mediators helped broker a deal that bypassed Israeli involvement, signaling Hamas' attempt to leverage U.S. support for broader peace efforts.Alexander, who was taken during the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and spent over two years in captivity in an underground tunnel, expressed relief as he greeted his family with smiles and hugs following his rescue, though he admitted to being held captive under harsh conditions, including limited access to food and light.

With just under a month remaining until the June 22 Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election, municipalities have begun installing large poster boards in neighborhoods to accommodate an expected surge in candidates. Some areas now feature up to 70 slots, a move also aimed to prepare for the subsequent House of Councilors election later this year.

AdGuard for Linux has reached a major milestone with its release as version 1.0, marking it transition from experimental to a complete and stable tool designed for command-line users seeking powerful ad and tracker blocking. This terminal-focused utility offers features like app exclusions, differential filter updates, and an interactive setup wizard to streamline configuration, along with support for custom filters and proxy settings. For Linux enthusiasts prioritizing function over flash, this release provides an efficient and reliable solution without relying on browser extensions.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points to power the Oklahoma City Thunder into a 2-0 series lead against the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite missing several shots, his performance turned the tide in Game 2 as the Thunder dominated with a 118-99 win. The Thunder's balanced offense and defense have been instrumental, allowing them to outscore the Grizzlies by 40 points with Gilgeous-Alexander on the floor. Oklahoma City trails only the 1986 Lakers in first-round series point differential (plus-75), showcasing their depth and resilience early in the playoffs.

Jackson Irvine's foot surgery has thrown a wrench into the Australian Socceroos' plans to qualify for next year's World Cup, as their coach Tony Popovic faces challenges managing key absences, including influential midfielder Harry Souttar and Japan's Jordan Bos. The injury adds pressure for the team aiming to overcome Japan and Saudi Arabia in crucial qualifiers while also leaving a void for St Pauli, who are nearing relegation in German football. Popovic will need to juggle an already demanding schedule, particularly struggling to retain faith in midfield players like Massimo Luongo, whose recent injuries have forced changes.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a massive 1,116-page proposal, has drawn sharp criticism from conservatives for its mix of tax cuts, military spending, and immigration enforcement alongside cuts to social programs. Despite initial pushback, the bill was revived after a Saturday vote by the House Budget Committee, though it remains controversial due to its misleading name, which critics liken to absurd suggestions. Notably, while the bill includes a small positive element—a $1,000 "Maga" savings account for children under eight—its overall approach aligns with Republican priorities, using inflammatory rhetoric to shape public perception and amplify their narrative.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza remains fragile during a two-month cease-fire, with both sides holding firm on their demands. While Hamas seeks guarantees of peace from the negotiations, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected key parts of these offers, including allowing Hamas leadership to leave Gaza. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has vowed to launch a ground offensive, drawing criticism from traditional allies like Britain, France, and Germany over the harsh measures taken against the enclave. The war began in October 2023, withover 1,200 killed and more than 53,000 people taken hostage or wounded.

"A woman whose death during extreme heat in 2021 has sparked a wrongful death lawsuit against major oil companies, marking the first such case in the U.S. tied to climate change, as her daughter sues on her behalf for allegedly failing to disclose the risks of fossil fuels contributing to climate alteration."

The proposed changes could significantly increase the number of convicted individuals in Sweden sentenced to deportation, potentially raising the annual figure from 500 to 3,000 by 2027. The new rules would apply to all crimes carrying more severe penalties than fines and eliminate checks for relapse, making deportations mandatory for certain offenses. However, courts will still assess individual cases regarding whether someone should remain in Sweden despite a conviction. The changes aim to make Sweden stricter in the Nordic region for criminal deportations, but enforcement remains challenging, especially in countries that refuse to accept expats or pose risks if they return.

The Samsung 990 PRO SSDs are on sale at Amazon during Easter weekend for a massive discount—$169 for the 2TB model (32% off) and $99 for the 1TB version (38% off). These high-performance drives boast incredible speeds, robust durability, and energy efficiency, making them perfect for gamers and intensive tasks. With tariff increases looming, now's the ideal time to lock in these savings before prices surge again.

Senator Elizabeth Warren has criticized Apple CEO Tim Cook for potentially influencing President Trump's administration through a $1 million donation to the inauguration, sparking questions about whether Apple received special treatment during tariffs negotiations. The article notes that while Trump granted tariffs on smartphones, only Apple benefited from them. Warren expressed concern over potential conflicts of interest and whether Cook interacted with White House officials or if Apple received preferential treatment. Apple has not yet responded to Verge's request for comment.

Shohei Ohtani's powerful triple sparked the Los Angeles Dodgers to a thrilling 10-1 victory over the Miami Marlins. The Dodger offense scored six runs in the seventh inning, including a decisive bases-loaded triple by Freddie Freeman, while pitchers secured the win for their quest to retain the World Series crown.

Australia's recent election marked a pivotal moment in climate policy, with voters signaling a strong desire to move beyond past "climate wars" and embrace responsible energy policies. The country aims to transition its economy to low-carbon energy sources and lead the Pacific region toward sustainable development, including hosting Cop31 as a historic opportunity to shape global climate action. Success will depend on Australia's ambitious 2035 emissions target and fostering collaboration with Pacific partners to drive environmental progress.

Katy Perry surprised fans by using AI to create a deepfake image of herself attending the 2025 Met Gala, even though she wasn’t actually present for the event due to her tour. The faked look caught attention last year when she missed the Gallopp as well, and this time, her mom was pleasantly surprised to see Perry in person while avoiding online scams. Perry quipped that while her mom is safe this time, others may need to be cautious of similar AI-generated hoaxes.

Jaylen Brown, a standout Boston Celtics player, suffered a partially torn right meniscus towards the end of the season, as noted by ESPN. Despite playing through pain during the last month of both regular season and playoffs, he averaged 22.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Previously treated with knee injections since March, Brown managed to stay competitive despite his injury. After a tough loss to the Knicks, Brown emphasized his resilience and commitment to overcoming physical challenges, while acknowledging the Celtics' key departures, including Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury and Kristaps Porzingis' illness.

Emmanuel Macron's centrist party is pushing for a ban on girls under 15 wearing the Muslim headscarf in public places as part of efforts to combat what they describe as "political Islamism" in France. The move follows a report commissioned by Macron last year, which found that the Muslim Brotherhood poses significant threats to national cohesion and societal stability. While the report's findings are being debated, some on the left criticize the proposals as reinforcing far-right views. The proposals align with Macron's broader strategy of addressing religious extremism, including past bans on religious symbols in public spaces like schools and sports competitions.

At least two crew members died after a South Korean Navy turboprop aircraft crashed into a hillside near Pohang, southeast of Seoul, following a training session at an air base. The plane, used for marine patrols, was en route about five minutes before the incident. Two bodies were recovered within hours, while the other two crew members remain missing. investigators are probing the cause, supported by video footage showing smoke and fire in the area.

The article highlights the alarming number of animals being subjected to emergency euthanasia after transport to Australian export abattoirs, citing an average 10.8-hour inspection delay that significantly increased the risk of such deaths. It also reveals a robust regulatory framework was in place but faced criticism for chronic under staffing and delayed reporting of welfare issues by state regulators. Researchers emphasized the severe impact on animal welfare during transport, which led to thousands being culled and suggested necessary reforms to improve oversight and inspection processes.

Paul Feig is open to another "Simple Favor" movie, exploring a potential third sequel featuring Anna Kendrick’s character and Blake Lively’s con-woman Emily Nelson. The film would take place in Capri, where Emily, now released from prison, gets married after being enticed into a revenge plot by her Maid of Honor, Stephanie. Feig, known for not helming sequels due to the audience confusion they often cause, but this one "feels" like it's intriguing enough to continue the story.

Samsung fans are eagerly anticipating another Unpacked event as the company drops details on its next-gen devices. The event will take place on May 12 at 8PM ET and promises to reveal a slim Galaxy S25 Edge with a 200MP camera and AI-powered smart lens features.

Tesla faces fewer required safety reports after the President’s transportation department simplified reporting rules for Level 2 autonomous systems. This change streamlines operations for companies like Navya, potentially altering public perception of vehicle dependability.

Understanding secure attachment is crucial for building trusting and healthy long-term relationships. Key indicators include viewing concerns as opportunities for connection rather than criticism, maintaining personal independence through hobbies or friends, communicating openly and listening thoughtfully, expressing emotions honestly while feeling safe enough to do so, and setting healthy boundaries that respect both their own needs and those of their partner. These practices foster vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional safety in relationships.

The prominent Cannes Film Festival was thrown into chaos on its final day as a suspected arson attack caused a major power outage affecting 160,000 homes in the Alpes-Maritimes region. French police are investigating the fire at a substation near Cannes that led to the blackouts, which were restored shortly after midday. Locals celebrated as electricity was restored just before noon, though parts of the area faced significant disruptions. The outage also disrupted other regions in France and Spain, with brief issues in the Basque Country. Despite the power cut, festival organizers confirmed they maintained events normally using alternative supplies.

The heavy overnight floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo have claimed at least 104 lives and destroyed nearly 150 homes across villages in South Kivu province, with victims primarily being children and the elderly. The disasters, caused by torrential rains and a burst river, exacerbated an already dire situation marked by widespread displacement and conflict between government forces and rebels following a surprise military offensive.

Election polls are remarkably similar yet often wrong, with experts pinpointing potential 'herding' or systematic biases. They consistently underestimated Labor's support by 2-3 percentage points across various measures, suggesting deeper issues in polling practices like biased samples or weighting methods that remain unclear.

Tesla is navigating significant financial challenges amid a 20% drop in vehicle sales, causing profits to plummet by 71%. CEO Elon Musk has shifted focus away from government relations while prioritizing ethical practices to combat fraud and wastefulness. Protests organized by "Tesla Takedown" highlight concerns over unpaid volunteers and Musk's recent move towards DOGE coin use, sparking criticism about potential inefficiencies. Despite these hurdles, Tesla remains a key player in U.S. EV sales, maintaining resilience as investors remain cautiously optimistic following the CEO's remarks.

Rice shortages have sparked efforts from major grocers as they scramble to secure supply amid a nationwide shortage. Lawson began selling 1kg ($0.59) and 2kg bags of rice at ¥360 and ¥700 (pre-tax) in Tokyo and Osaka starting Thursday, with more stores nationwide opening June 14th. Meanwhile, FamilyMart has already started sales across 20 outlets and plans to have all its stores sell stockpiled rice by mid-July. Both companies aim to lower prices for certain brands to help stabilize the market as grocers compete to secure much-needed supplies.

Riot Games is expanding its popular tactical shooter Valorant beyond consoles with a mobile version set to launch in China first. Announced in 2021 and released on Xbox and PlayStation last year, the game’s mobile adaptation is being developed by Chinese studio LightSpeed, with playtesting already underway. Early adopters can earn exclusive rewards through in-game missions, hinting at a promising start to its global rollout.

A rare image captured on Mars shows the Curiosity rover mid-drive, offering a glimpse into its ongoing journey across the Red Planet. The image, taken by NASA’s HiRISE camera, reveals the rover as a tiny dark blot on its track, traveling at just 0.1 mph. This is the first time the rover has been spotted in such a candid state during orbit, and NASA engineers are closely monitoring its progress toward its planned slope climb to a rocky target in Gediz Vallis, a move that hints at plans for an upcoming mission.

Donald Trump signaled a potential shift in his trade strategy, hinting at reduced tariffs on Chinese goods but not to zero, while acknowledging tensions remain. The U.S.-China trade war has caused market volatility and growth worries globally, with Tesla's Elon Musk stepping back from his "Doge" role amid profit declines due to backlash over his White House role.

A surprising study reveals that one in twelve workers in Japan feel lonely at work, with those working long hours experiencing greater loneliness due to mental health challenges and decreased family interaction. Researchers from the University of Tokyo surveyed 24,000 individuals across various industries last October, highlighting how extended work hours contribute to loneliness by impairing mental well-being and family life.

Followers of Fortnite will be thrilled to know that creators now have access to a new tool called UEFP, allowing them to craft AI-powered NPCs with customizable voices, personalities, and even turn-based interactions. During Epic's showcase, one such NPC, Mr. Buttons, attempted to persuade players to press a button in a room by suggesting it was safe, despite environmental warnings. However, the demo revealed notable limitations, including the need for input on buttons and the AI's turn-based nature rather than real-time conversation. The tool is set to be available later this year, with a behind-the-scenes look available at [link].