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Allies, already concerned by Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs, have also begun to see the US as an intelligence-sharing liability. One person said Russian and Chinese spies were no doubt directly targeting susceptible people in Hegseth’s inner circle. “Pete Hegseth is texting his wife and his wife is posting on Instagram, clicks a link, and gets malware on her phone,” said Goldsmith, describing a hypothetical scenario. But if the advice, devices and apps provided to those officials go ignored, foreign adversaries have an opening. Hegseth’s adherence to operational security, “opsec” for short among national security professionals, referring to the general tradecraft of preventing sensitive information from being leaked, has advertised to foreign adversaries how to compromise him.

Wscripted has teamed up with global streamer Mubi to unveil its fifth Cannes Screenplay List, aiming to support female and non-binary filmmakers. The initiative features works by prominent directors like Kenyan American Peres Owino and trans filmmaker Jules Byrne, showcasing projects ranging from feature films to horror genres. Spearheaded by Wscripted’s founder Ellie Jamen, this list seeks to amplify the voices of marginalized creators and foster meaningful partnerships in the film industry.

Microsoft is eliminating its developer onboarding fees for the Microsoft Store on Windows starting in June 2025, aiming to simplify the process for creators while responding to legal pressure from Apple over similar measures. While the company retains a 12% charge for games and a 15% cut for non-gaming apps within its commerce platform, this move reflects its broader strategy to compete more effectively with Apple's App Store and Google's Play store on Android.

Curious about how preferential voting works? Here's what you need to know: It’s a system where voters rank candidates in order of preference. If their top choice wins, they get a full vote; if not, their vote goes to their second choice, and so on. This method ensures that votes are counted efficiently without wasting them on candidates who don’t win. Unlike the U.S., which uses a winner-takes-all system, Australia’s preferential voting allows for fairer elections by ensuring more votes go toward winning seats, leading to better representation for voters.

The Victorian government has used aircraft to shoot about 700 koalas in south-west Victoria. While aerial culling is routinely used in controlling invasive species such as deer and pigs, this was the first time wildlife have been shot by air for welfare reasons. Is aerial culling accurate? He says an initial aerial trial – supported by a ground-based veterinary assessment – demonstrated that aerial shooting was both accurate and humane. He questions the effectiveness and accuracy of aerial culling and thinks a ground-based approach would have been preferable, albeit more expensive.

Eric Pearson, known for co-writing "Thunderbolts," was shocked when he saw Taskmaster die early in the film, as he had written a complete arc for her. This decision left him puzzled about how it affected the movie's flow and character relationships, particularly with Ava and Bob. He wondered if Taskmaster's survival might have enhanced the narrative but acknowledged that her death was intentional to advance the story.

Lilo & Stitch's live-action remake has some notable departures, including the absence of Captain Gantu, whose presence didn't translate well into live action. The director, Dean Fleischer Camp, explained that his team faced challenges adapting him to a live-action setting and ultimately made the decision to free up real estate for storytelling depth. Camp defends this choice, emphasizing it allowed for emotional depth between the sisters and highlighted key returns like Kevin Michael Richardson's return as Stitch and Chris Sanders' voice role of Nani.

The "Great Resignation" is reshaping the workforce as millions leave traditional jobs in search of more flexible work arrangements. These shifts are driving a surge in gig economy roles and Multi-Level Marketing (MLMs), offering participants independence but often at the cost of stable income and fair pay, reflecting broader labor market dynamics where flexibility comes with trade-offs for workers seeking meaningful work.

Luis Arráez suffered a head injury during a game in Houston when he collided with Astros second baseman Mauricio Dubón, leaving him on a stretcher and being placed on the seven-day concussion injured list by the San Diego Padres. Despite battling the injury, Arráez returned to play for his team after their victory and remains an important player for the Padres, continuing to show his dominance at 34 years old with impressive stats including .287 BA, three home runs, 7 RBIs, and a .755 OPS.

"Spring cleaning has arrived, bringing a much-needed sense of renewal as people discard winter’s accumulation of old clothes, belongings, and even mental clutter. The process of letting go feels empowering—not just about stripping away the past but also about making room for new experiences and memories. From sorting through discarded items to finding creative ways to repurpose old photographs or love letters, spring cleaning is an opportunity to refresh both our spaces and our sense of self."

A major UK retailer, Marks & Spencer, reported significant disruption following a cyberattack affecting its stores and online services. Customers experienced operational outages, including payment terminal issues and disrupted order pick-ups. The company is actively addressing the situation, with contactless payments functioning now but some store operations limited. Engaging external cybersecurity experts and authorities, they continue to investigate without revealing details of the attack or data impact.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) and other offshore territories have failed to meet a key deadline for updating transparency laws aimed at combatting financial crime, with critics questioning their approach after launching a cartoon mascot as part of a new initiative. MPs expressed concern over delays in implementing measures that could enhance global accountability, noting that the BVI’s failure to adopt legislation risks undermining efforts to fight corruption and money laundering. The BVI government recently launched a campaign featuring a cartoon bird, Riley Right, which aims to promote transparency but has been criticized for trivializing serious financial crimes.

Teddi Mellencamp has announced significant progress in her battle against brain cancer, with her tumors shrinking considerably after treatment. Doctors suggest she could soon be cured, following surgery and radiation that initially revealed more tumors but are now reducing under ongoing treatment. Her doctors also mentioned her father, John Mellencamp, during their discussion regarding her health.

Jorge Xolalpa, known for creating the critically acclaimed series *Strangelove*, has signed with Posh Talent Agency for commercial and theatrical representation. His next directing project, *Huehxolotl*, an immigration thriller following a undocumented Mexican woman's struggle to stay in Los Angeles, is set to begin filming this summer. Xolalpa, alongside Mighty Aphrodite Pictures, continues his mission to highlight underrepresented voices through his work with NYTA Film Group and collaborations like the upcoming television adaptation of *La Casa De Los Secretos*.

A shocking tragedy strikes Spotsylvania as two teenagers lose their lives and another teen is injured after a playful doorbell prank turned deadly. Authorities have charged Tyler Butler with serious charges following the incident three days after a burglary report was filed. Tyler's statement that he wasn't breaking into the home but instead recording pranks contrasts with neighbors' reports of eight gunshots, raising questions about the event's nature and severity. Michael Bosworth, a senior set to graduate, is deeply mourned by his family as they copied the tragic events. The incident has left the community shaken and reflections on the circumstances remain ongoing.

Donald Trump’s pressure on medicine companies could drive up the cost of Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) or see companies withdraw some medicines from Australian shelves, experts have warned. Faced with lower American profits, companies would be likely to demand higher prices elsewhere in the world and reject the lower prices offered by the Australian government, according to Flinders University health economist Prof Jonathan Karnon. The Albanese government, which campaigned on protecting cheaper PBS medicines, indicated it would not pass on higher prices to Australian consumers. Labor was on Tuesday assessing how the policy could impact Australian households and industry, as was pharmaceutical industry body Medicines Australia. after newsletter promotion“There is a lot that remains unclear,” Medicines Australia said in a statement.

Epirus, a defense startup with ties to legendary tech companies like Raytheon, is revolutionizing the way weapons are developed and purchased by using faster production methods and cutting-edge materials like gallium nitride to create more efficient microwaves. Unlike traditional, decades-long contracts tied to research grants, Epirus focuses on rapid prototyping and iterative improvements, learning from feedback and refining its designs with each test. This new model aims to drastically reduce costs while maintaining effectiveness—potentially offering a game-changing alternative to outdated systems like the T-41 radar, which has been in use for decades.

ICE has agreed to fund a new tool called ImmigrationOS, which aims to track self-departing individuals and prioritize deportments, especially visa overstays. The agency currently lacks real-time monitoring or data collection capabilities for land travelers exiting the U.S., while President Trump’s administration is encouraging immigrants to leave voluntarily.

The SpaceX Starship rocket successfully reached orbit following its ninth test flight but later experienced an uncontrolled re-entry in the Indian Ocean due to losing attitude control. Despite clearing surrounding airspace by the company, the incident highlighted ongoing challenges with the rocket's performance, including a failed attempt to deploy mock satellites and engine-related issues. Following previous explosions, SpaceX is implementing hardware upgrades based on findings from its latest investigation into the flight's failure.

Cekura, backed by Y Combinator, has developed an innovative testing platform leveraging advanced datasets and dynamic personas to enhance AI voice agent reliability. Their Founding Engineer leads in creating core AI agents for conversational testing, working closely with the team and customers. This cutting-edge approach ensures thorough testing through real-time monitoring and alerts, significantly reducing deployment timelines, minimizing errors, and building trust among clients in a rapidly evolving market.

Soldiers are reportedly using Palestinians as human shields inside Gaza homes during military operations, despite orders prohibiting such actions. This practice has persisted for nearly two years, with the Israeli military police investigating several cases. Rights groups express alarm over systemic failure and moral decline within the IDF, noting that soldiers have referred to this tactic informally as "mosquito protocol." Specific cases include children being forced into dangerous situations, highlighting the harsh realities faced by both soldiers and civilians in the conflict.

Dutch neobank Bunq today launched a crypto trading service for over 300 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The service launches today and is available to Bunq users in the Netherlands, France, Spain, Ireland, Italy, and Belgium. The launch of its first crypto offering follows a period of strong growth for Bunq. With its expansion into crypto trading, however, Bunq is entering a crowded market. Revolut has been offering crypto trading since 2017, allowing users to buy, hold, and exchange digital assets within its app.

Computex 2025 is rapidly approaching with anticipated major announcements from tech giants like NVIDIA and Qualcomm. Keynote presentations will include NVIDIA's Jensen Huang discussing AI developments and Qualcomm's Cristiano Amon addressing future trends in robotics and mobility. The event, themed "AI Next," will focus on innovations across these fields, including potential boosts to AI chip sales following Huang's deals during a recent tour.

South Korea is holding a snap presidential election following Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and Martial Law, with former Vice President Lee Jae-myung poised to win as his arch-rival, marking a potential turning point for the nation's democracy and leadership dynamics.

The U.S. government is exploring innovative ways to deport immigrants by establishing third-country agreements, bypassing destinations that don’t reciprocate deportations. This includes sending Venezuelans to El Salvador, migrants from Asia and Africa to Central America, and efforts with Libya through the Rwandan government. However, such moves aim primarily to expel immigrants deemed undesirable or illegal, using a mix of tactics including leveraging international relations and court decisions to ensure compliance.

Binary star systems are often thought to be hostile to planet formation, yet the discovery of a white dwarf in the ν Octantis system challenges these assumptions by offering an alternative pathway for exoplanet development. While most known exoplanets form around stars similar to the Sun and follow predictable orbital patterns, ν Octantis defies these trends with its unique configuration—a single star potentially nearing the end of its life surrounded by material expelled during stellar evolution that could give rise to planetary systems like this one. This finding opens new possibilities for understanding how planets might form in other unusual binary systems.

Spotify just simplified access for iPhone users, enabling them to purchase individual audiobooks directly within the app beyond 15 free hours and view prices easily. This update also allows additional listening time via taps or web links. It follows a court ruling stopping Apple's fees for purchases outside its App Store and comes after Spotify removed audiobook purchases due to strict Apple in-app purchase rules last year.

TikTok is revolutionizing the music industry, giving artists from all walks of life opportunities to rise to fame through authentic connections with their fans. Gen Z artist Gigi Perez, who self-published her music on TikTok after dropping out of college, became a viral sensation with "Sometimes (Backwood)," amassing 18 million streams and reaching Billboard #22. Meanwhile, Malcolm Todd, an L.A.-based singer-songwriter, used TikTok to build a devoted following and foster deep connections with his fans through relatable and heartfelt music, showcasing how the platform can serve both as a space for creation and genuine community building.

Google’s search chief Elizabeth Reid emphasized that sharing core data with competitors could jeopardize user trust, as it would expose Google to security risks from rivals while also undermining privacy confidence and potentially leading users to abandon the platform or avoid certain searches. She warned that despite government proposals aiming to foster competition, such measures could create compliance challenges and divert engineering resources away from innovation, ultimately hindering Google’s ability to improve its search experience.

Lucasfilm has announced a new standalone Star Wars movie titled "Star Wars: Starfighter," set for release on May 28, 2027. Shawn Levy will direct the film, which stars Ryan Gosling and is scheduled to start shooting this fall. The story will feature new characters and take place a few years after Episode 9.

TechCrunch’s StrictlyVC events are gaining momentum in Europe, with this month’s shows in Athens and London drawing high-profile insights from tech leaders. In Athens, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will address Greece’s thriving tech sector during the event, while London’s agenda will explore future trends across cybersecurity, AI, and deep tech, featuring experts like Nazo Moosa of Paladin Capital Group and TS Anil from Monzo Bank. These events promise valuable insights for businesses considering global expansion or delving into Europe’s next big tech innovations, offering networking opportunities with top-tier VC and startup leaders shaping the industry.

**The UK faces a dilemma where life-saving cancer drugs are being denied due to Brexit's extra costs and red tape.** Rising drug import prices, increased bureaucracy, and delays in clinical trials have hit UK patients hard, particularly children with cancer who are stuck without access to essential treatments. The government is working to strengthen ties with the EU on research but faces significant challenges as ongoing red tape hinders progress, necessitating further cooperation to avoid further delays.

Donald Trump expressed his condolences for Joe Biden’s serious prostate cancer diagnosis, wishing him a swift recovery while downplaying political tensions in a heartfelt message on Truth Social. The former president praised Jill Biden for her strength but did not shy away from continuing his critical remarks about his predecessor, who has faced widespread condemnation since taking office.

Innovation in IT has revolutionized computing power and energy efficiency, but as AI's accuracy improved, so did its energy demands, leading to growing concerns about future electricity use. While data centers initially seemed manageable, projections suggest they could soon account for a significant portion of the US’s electricity supply, endangering both costs and ecosystems. However, despite these challenges, the positive impacts of AI on climate, buildings, and transportation may outweigh its downsides if properly harnessed. A coordinated effort involving public and private investments is crucial to address growing energy demands while supporting decarbonization efforts.

The article describes a festive Easter egg hunt hosted by Sylvester Stallone, featuring famous faces like Heidi Klum, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ciara, and Russell Wilson. Each photo contains hidden eggs to find, with the challenge to locate them in time for the event's excitement and chaos.

The universe just got a whole lot more enormous. Using gamma-ray bursts as cosmic flashlights, researchers have discovered that the Hercules-Corona Borealis Great Wall—a structure spanning nearly 10 billion light-years—might be even larger than previously thought. This finding challenges our understanding of the cosmos, as such massive structures shouldn’t exist under current models. It’s a reminder that the universe is far more complex—and much, much bigger—than we ever imagined.

"The Boba Teashop is a terrifying yet heartwarming indie horror game that immerses players in the daily struggles of running a small shop filled with dark emotions, mysterious drinks, and unsettling challenges. Though its simulation aspect offers a serene reprieve from the grim reality, some achievements take multiple attempts to unlock, making it worth revisiting for its unsettling atmosphere and unique creep factor."

The "Apple Tax" has long troubled app developers, who argue that Apple forces consumers to buy apps through its App Store, depriving them of their 30% profit cut. In a landmark ruling in 2021, a federal judge delayed the tax but it was short-lived, and Apple now Compliance has been upheld, ending the tax. ProtonPrivacy, one of the first developers affected, will let users purchase subscriptions without the fee. CEO Andy Yen sees this as a way to slash prices by up to 30%, similar to cutting inflation overnight. While some are skeptical about price drops for companies, Proton Privacy’s move could make a significant difference for affordable options.

Mortgage interest rates dropped last week due to financial market volatility, sparking a 20% surge in mortgage applications—the highest since September 2024. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.61%, while refinancing applications jumped 35%. Homebuyers also saw purchase demand rise 9%, but higher home prices pushed more toward adjustable-rate mortgages, which hit an 8.6% share of total applications. However, the rally may be brief: rates rebounded sharply this week, with a 25 basis point increase erasing last week's gains and leaving experts eyeing upcoming inflation data for future rate trends.

Liberal MPs will soon elect a new leader as Peter Dutton's defeat in the federal election signals the next round of leadership competition. Sussan Ley, known for her extensive experience and diverse background, Angus Taylor with his consulting expertise though facing criticism during the campaign, and Dan Tehan, who has struggled in his seat but remains a viable option, are all running for the top spot. The party hasn't yet set a timeline for the leadership ballot, which could be delayed until other races conclude with an acting whip managing the process.

As key allies pause advanced trade discussions with Israel amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the EU is reviewing its $16 billion trade agreement due to ongoing ground operations and limited humanitarian access. Meanwhile, Canada threatens concrete actions if Israel shifts its Gaza aid strategy, while relief groups call for urgent assistance to prevent famine risks and malnutrition among children. The EU's largest partner continues to depend on minimal humanitarian access despite a nearly three-month blockade.

The Nvidia CEO celebrated Nintendo Switch 2 as a groundbreaking innovation, honoring its deep-rooted connection to Nintendo's visionary design for the original Switch. Praising its advanced graphics and creativity, he acknowledged potential challenges like GameChat's impact on performance but highlighted the console's promise of success. Switch 2 marks more than just an upgrade—it’s a nod to Nintendo’s legacy, promising a future filled with enhanced visuals and innovation. While some developers expressed reservations about its compatibility, IGN’s hands-on review revealed a system that delivers unparalleled visuals on familiar platforms, making it worth the wait for release.

Chris Pontius from "Jackass" claims a single silverback gorilla could defeat 100 men due to their size and speed, sharing harrowing memories of encountering wild gorillas in Rwanda. During his show, he recalls a terrifying moment where an infant gorilla approached them, leading to what turned out to be a harmless 'mock charge.' Meanwhile, Rick Ross believes the opposite, asserting that 100 strong men could handle a gorilla, sparking lively debate on social media.

Tulsi Gabbard, head of the U.S. National Intelligence Council, recently fired two top officials—Mike Collins and Maria Langan-Riekhof—for their opposition to President Trump’s handling of Venezuelan gang members under the Alien Enemies Act. The NIC released an assessment contradicting Trump’s justification for deporting the gang without due process. Gabbard claimed the firings were due to political bias, calling them "Biden holdovers." Critics and current officials expressed concerns about the unusual decision, while Gabbard is also streamlining intelligence operations under the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Rivr is pioneering last-mile delivery with its autonomous four-wheeled robots designed to tackle the challenging final stretch from vans to customers' doors. Partnering with Veho, a leader in U.S. delivery services, Rivr's pilot in Austin demonstrates how robots can safely and efficiently complement human drivers, especially in dense urban areas where teamwork could boost capacity. The startup aims to expand its vision by scaling its robot fleet from 100 bots next year to thousands by 2027, seeking lessons from their initial success with Veho's operations across the U.S. and now in the UK.

The Trump administration is rolling back decades of energy efficiency regulations, including water usage standards for appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, showers, faucets, toilets, and urinals. This move also includes considering ending the Energy Star certification program, which helps consumers choose energy-efficient products. Critics argue that such changes could raise costs for consumers, while the White House emphasizes that these regulations burden taxpayers. Congress has enacted these laws to protect consumer choices, but the president retains the power to alter or repeal them without explicit authority.

Portugal’s center-right alliance is poised to return to power after Sunday’s snap election, but a hard-right party, Chega, has surged ahead, positioning itself as a powerful force that could shake up the country's politics. The election was triggered by instability in Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s government, which fell last month over a no-confidence motion tied to business interests. Chega’s strong showing could pressure the government and influence its stance on issues like immigration further to the right.

This weekend was a mix of nostalgia and modern gaming greatness as the author debated whether to dive into *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered* or *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*. While the remastered version held special sentimental value, the author leaned toward the new RPG for its fresh experiences. However, they also expressed frustration at how quickly multiple massive games were released, leading to a productive but stressful Waypoint Weekend where they took breaks from Oblivion to play classic titles like *Super Mario All-Stars* and *Die by the Sword*, which impressed them with its unique motion controls.