Latest Summaries

Google has unveiled Gemini 2.5 Flash, a groundbreaking AI model that gives developers unprecedented control over computational resources. Featuring a "thinking budget," users can adjust reasoning power for cost optimization. With competitive benchmark performance and flexible pricing, it aims to meet enterprise needs. Gemini 2.5 Flash is available in preview mode, offering enhanced efficiency and customization for businesses exploring generative AI.

An artist named Stuart Semple claims to have created "yolo," a unique blue-green color inspired by a scientific experiment at UC Berkeley, where lasers activated only the middle cone cells in people's eyes, resulting in a color beyond normal human perception. The color, named "olo," is so exclusive that Semple sells his version for £10,000 per 150ml jar. He aims to make this color available to everyone, unlike previous versions he's sold which have been banned after exclusive rights were taken by others. Semple believes that such rare colors should be accessible to all due to their inability to be replicated through conventional means like mixing paints or using lasers.

There is mounting pressure on Rachel Reeves to relax her budget rules and to prepare the ground by telling voters in the next few weeks. Reeves gambled that the Treasury could brazen out a difficult year with nearly £10bn of headroom – a cushion that would protect the government against all eventualities. They are making their own assessment of the public finances and the tension between the people-pleasing Starmer and the iron chancellor. They know more concessions from No 10 will make the likelihood of higher taxes on business more likely in the autumn. The thinktank favours bringing down debt, but after a period of public investment has sparked a rise in tax receipts.

In a glimpse into the future, "vibe coding" envisions non-developers creating apps by simply conversing with AI tools like Siri. While this innovative concept aligns with low-code development aims, it's currently constrained by AI and NLP limitations. Simple apps may soon be feasible through voice commands, but complex applications will still need professional expertise. As technology evolves, this approach could revolutionize app creation, particularly in niche areas like healthcare, yet faces hurdles like quality control and approval processes.

As Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah's office was attacked, violence escalated in Libya as protesters called for his resignation; several ministers from the internationally recognized government resigned to support their demands while the government denied these reports; clashes following the murder of militia leader Abdelghani al-Kikli led to at least eight civilian deaths, with United Nations Mission Stabilization in Libya (UNSMIL) emphasizing the right to peaceful protest but warning against escalation.

The report highlights a staggering 49% of security issues in AI projects being API-related, underscoring how inseparable agents and APIs are when it comes to cybersecurity. It reveals over 1,000 vulnerabilities remain unaddressed, with some unresolved for over a year, signaling a critical gap between threat discovery and remediation. With API threats on the rise across industries like healthcare, AI, automotive, etc., organizations must prioritize proactive measures such as updating threat models, implementing real-time monitoring, and refining API security strategies to secure their infrastructure.

New South Wales police face criticism for strip-searching women during music festivals despite admitting the practice was unlawful. The court heard that in 2018, a search on Raya Meredith, who later became a lead plaintiff in a class action against NSW police, was deemed unlawful and unjustified. Police have admitted to conducting potentially unlawful strip searches on thousands of people between 2016 and 2022, including children, raising serious questions about their actions. The case has been shortened as part of these investigations.

Microsoft has raised prices on its Xbox Series X, Series S consoles, controllers, and some games after years of anticipation. The basic Xbox Series S now costs $379.99, while the Series X is priced at $599.99—a significant jump from their original launch price. Along with higher controller prices starting at $64.99 for the standard model up to $199.99 for top-tier versions, Microsoft has also increased fees for its first-party games by nearly $30 this holiday season. The company cited market conditions and rising development costs as the primary reasons for the hikes, following a similar strategy adopted by Nintendo in response to external economic pressures like tariffs.

The Academy acknowledged generative AI's role in the film industry, stating it neither hurts nor helps a movie’s chances when used. It emphasized that how AI is employed matters more than its mere presence, aligning with broader efforts to mitigate concerns about technology’s impact on creative workers. The Academy also introduced an honor-system requirement for members to confirm they’ve watched all films in the final voting round.

In just 100 days, Donald Trump has already set the tone for a challenging first term as he navigates complex issues like trade disputes, immigration reform, and NATO alliances. His administration faces growing pressure to deliver on key promises while grappling with internal divisions within his own team.

The Federal Communications Commission is accelerating approvals of significant telecom mergers under the condition that companies halt their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies criticized by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. Verizon recently secured approval for its purchase of Frontier Communications after committing to end DEI practices in an FCC filing, with Cass highlighting this move as a step toward fostering equality and nondiscrimination. Following Verizon's lead, other firms like T-Mobile may soon follow suit, enhancing investment quality while aligning with legal standards and societal values.

Those features were previously only seen in demos of Project Astra, a “universal AI assistant“ that Google DeepMind is working on. Now, Google is inching toward putting Project Astra into the hands of anyone with a smartphone. But with its existing ecosystem of consumer services and billions of existing users, Google has a clear advantage. Power users wanting access to the latest versions of everything on display can now sign up for Google AI Ultra for $250 a month. But by putting AI in everything, Google is turning AI into a technology we won’t notice and may not even bother to name.

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.

FBI agents tracking Luigi Mangione as he allegedly killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2015. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to four federal charges, including murder via firearm, following his arraignment last week. Federal prosecutors seek the death penalty, while his team opposes it, with both sides set to present their cases this month ahead of a trial that could determine whether Thompson's killers face justice.

Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the Champions League final with a 2-1 win over Arsenal, capitalizing on goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi after leading 1-0 in the first leg thanks to Ousmane Dembele's goal. Despite a penalty save by PSG goalkeeper Vitinha in the second half, the French giants retained control of the tie and advanced to the final stage.

Focus Features will kick off its wide release of *Bugonia* on October 24 in limited theaters before expanding to select locations nationwide on October 31. Starring Emma Stone and featuring director Yorgos Lanthimos and a compelling sci-fi plot about conspiracy theorists kidnapping an alien-controlled CEO, the film also includes notable actors like Jesse Plemons. The movie will be shown at select New York and Los Angeles theaters during its weeklong event. Additionally, Focus Features is busy building its fall film slate with other major releases, including Wes Anderson’s *The Phoenician Scheme* and Ronan Day-Lewis’s *Anemone*, as well as Emma Stone’s Hamnet.

Gordon Ramsay found himself in the middle of a bizarre prank when a fake 911 call claiming a shooting at his Bel Air home led LAPD officers to show up, only to discover everything was normal. Law enforcement sources say they even spoke with neighbors who confirmed nothing had happened, and Ramsay wasn't home during the incident. Detectives are investigating, but no one has been arrested yet. This isn’t the first time swatting has caused an unnecessary alarm in LA; previous incidents have included Nicki Minaj's house and Jennifer Aniston's place as fake targets of police responses to false reports.

Manchester City faced a challenging season despite reaching the FA Cup final, with fans hoping for more success as they prepare for next season. The Citizens' inability to secure a top-tier trophy like the Premier League or FA Cup disappointed many. Key player Ederson is on the verge of moving to the Saudi Pro League, while scouts have identified Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa and Espanyol's Joan Garcia as potential replacements should he leave. Meanwhile, despite Erling Haaland's return to training, his fitness for crucial upcoming matches remains uncertain.

The 2025 System: Gaming Future (SGF) event lineup is packed with exciting opportunities for fans, featuring live demos, Q&A sessions, and unique initiatives that highlight inclusivity, sustainability, and diversity in the gaming industry. With showcases like women-led games, Latin American-developed titles, and a Green Games Showcase emphasizing environmental impact, plus standout events such as *Death Stranding 2*’s live demo and big reveals from Microsoft and Bethesda, there’s plenty to explore for every enthusiast.

Amnesty International criticized Israel for "live-streamed genocide" in Gaza, accusing it of displacing most Palestinians and deliberately creating a humanitarian crisis through its actions, calling it a "genocide" due to "specific intent." Israel has denied these claims, rejecting accusations from the group and others amid the ongoing conflict.

An estimated 95 percent of the 43 international and Palestinian aid groups have already suspended or cut their services in Gaza. “Kids are eating less than a meal a day and struggling to find their next meal,” said Oxfam policy head Bushra Khalil.

Self-hosting is gaining traction as a niche practice that bridges regular computing and full-home labs, offering privacy, DRM-free alternatives, and reduced advertising. Ethan Sholly, who runs selfh.st, built his own server setup for media needs and expanded into creating tools and content about the self-hosting community, inspired by his desire for a centralized resource. His efforts highlight how self-hosting goes beyond cloud services, including DIY projects and open-source communities that are growing in popularity.

Manchester United receives a much-needed boost as former players Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt return to training ahead of their Europa League semifinal against Athletic Club. Despite missing significant time due to injuries—Diallo with an ankle issue and De Ligt with a six-game suspension—their return gives the squad a fighting chance, especially with coach Rúben Amorim possibly selecting a back line featuring Harry Maguire for the crucial encounter. However, the team's defensive struggles remain a concern as they've kept just one clean sheet in their last three games, raising questions about how Amorim will manage his selection ahead of the match.

TechCrunch Sessions: AI is gearing up for a big lineup of AI experts at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall on June 5th. Attendees can secure discounted tickets for the full day event, with $292 including a 50% off second ticket. Jared Kaplan, Anthropic's Chief Science Officer, will discuss hybrid reasoning models and risk-governance frameworks, sharing insights from his extensive background in physics and AI development at companies like OpenAI and Google.

The Hitman trilogy, also known as Hitman World of Assassination, will be available on iPhones, iPads, as well as Mac computers, this summer. IO Interactive's Chief Development Officer, Veronique Lallier, said the launch on iOS means you can travel the world with Hitman in your pocket. IO Interactive has teamed up with board game creator Mood Publishing to make Hitman the board game, which will be available for backing on Kickstarter later this year. To note, IO Interactive recently revealed its James Bond game, 007 First Light, which will be coming out in 2026. If you play the Elusive Target mission with Le Chiffre, you can redeem an exclusive suit in 007 First Light when it becomes available.

Ireland is pushing for stricter regulations on tech companies to spot and stop fraudulent ads, ahead of an EU-wide push to hold platforms accountable for financial fraud. The amendment aims to prevent ads from being posted in the first place, targeting only registered financial service providers. This comes as a shocking $5 billion loss in investment scams last year linked to online ads, underscoring the need for such measures. Leaders have called the proposal a vital step to stop criminals from exploiting platforms for defeiting life savings. While tech giants like Google acknowledge their efforts to combat fraud through tools and certifications, Meta has yet to respond officially.

The southwest coast of Portugal boasts **Praia da Gaviota**, a breathtaking beach in Aljezur that stands out for its isolation—its only neighboring beach is 10 km away. Surrounded by cliffs, it offers a dramatic setting with unbroken views, making it a unique destination rich in history and natural beauty.

The article reports on missile strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab province by India, escalating tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors. Prompted by an attack on Hindu tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month, which India blamed on Islamabad but denied involvement, Pakistan has pledged to respond to the new wave of attacks. The incidents come amid heightened security concerns, with at least two people killed and 12 injured in the latest round of strikes. Expert analysis suggests this escalation signals growing confrontations along the border, with local populations increasingly affected by competing national postures.

Walton Goggins is set to host "Saturday Night Live" next month, sparking speculation that he's feuding with Aimee Lou Wood after their time in "The White Lotus." However, sources clarify that these tensions were already discussed long before his hosting gig was announced. Meanwhile, Goggins' hosting role comes amid a history of SNL parodies featuring Wood as Sarah Sherman, including a memorable segment titled "The White POTUS" where she played her character with exaggerated teeth and accents. While Wood expressed discomfort with the joke on social media, further details about his current plans remain unclear.

Cassie testified in Diddy's federal trial that she helped take him to the hospital after he overdosed on painkillers following a wild night out at a club 2 hours away from L.A., partied with celebrity friends like Paris Hilton and Pam Anderson. During their tumultuous relationship, Cassie described how Diddy and he went rogue during a February 2012 encounter at the Playboy Mansion before splitting up. The accounts highlighted a nighttime fracas that led to Diddy's fatal overdose after he was left in the care of his then-partner while she dealt with the aftermath.

Billy Corgan’s beloved Chicago tea shops have faced another car-related incident, marking their second collision in six months. Chloe Mendel Corgan confirmed no injuries were sustained after the latest accident at Madame Zuzu’s, though exterior damage is visible as shown in recent reports. Meanwhile, Corgan expressed gratitude to the community for support and acknowledged the damage to his shop on social media following the incident. This isn’t the first time Billy Corgan’s Tea Shop has faced such an event; six months ago, another car incident injured his mother-in-law at Highland Park Tea Shop.

Cars and meat are major factors driving a gender gap in greenhouse gas emissions, new research suggests. Men emit 26% more planet-heating pollution than women from transport and food, according to a preprint study of 15,000 people in France. Research into gender gaps is often plagued by difficult decisions about which factors to control for, with seemingly independent variables often confounded by gendered differences. They also have higher average incomes, which is itself correlated with higher emissions. But they added that greater climate concern could lead women to do more to cut their emissions.

Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management, highlighted during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills that U.S.-Mexico trade cooperation is crucial to avoid a global trade war and secure their position as a driving global economic force. He emphasized the need for this partnership over repeated free trade deals that haven’t yet achieved their long-term goals. Mexican executives praised his comments, expressing optimism about diversifying manufacturing from China, while Emilio Cadena of Prodensa noted their complementary relationship, creating jobs in both nations. The two economies are seen as key partners in reshaping global manufacturing dynamics.

The World Bank cleared Syria’s $15.5 million debt after payments from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, allowing the country to access funding for reconstruction and recovery amidst decades of conflict under Assad family rule. President Trump recently lifted sanctions on Syria, marking a significant shift in U.S.-Syria relations as leaders met in Saudi Arabia for the first time in 25 years. This development signals progress toward a more stable Syria amid ongoing efforts to address its humanitarian crisis.

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.

As OpenAI faces pressure from its biggest investor, Microsoft, over its restructuring plans, the company is in a tough negotiation with the tech giant to convert its AI business into a profitable nonprofit while retaining control of its nonprofit board. Microsoft, which has invested $13 billion in OpenAI, is demanding significant equity in the new entity as a key holdout in the talks. Meanwhile, the increasingly competitive relationship between the two companies complicates the negotiations, driven by OpenAI's rapid growth and ambitious Stargate project ambitions.

Quantum computing relies heavily on error correction to ensure practical calculations, but different companies have varying approaches. While most use logical qubits made from multiple hardware qubits, Nord Quantique has emerged with an innovative method using photons across two frequencies for error detection and storage. This approach could significantly reduce the required hardware by storing multiple states in a single device, marking progress toward more efficient quantum computing systems.

Curious minds might wonder whether Edith Pritchett's cartoon offers a humorous take on the trade-off between hay fever and allergy medicine side effects. The artwork depicts Edith looking uneasy as her doctor advises immunotherapy shots—but she herself claims to hate the sneezing and itching that come with allergy symptoms. The cartoon playfully highlights how avoiding allergens might be more tolerable than enduring the discomfort of allergic reactions themselves.

The Labor Party's campaign claimed CSIRO had priced Australia's nuclear reactors at $600bn, but this figure actually comes from the Smart Energy Council (SEC), not CSIRO. The SEC’s analysis assumes only 11GW of nuclear capacity by 2050, while CSIRO’s models suggest a longer timeline and higher costs for established programs. Experts warn that early reactors could cost up to double due to first-of-the-kind premium factors, complicating Australia's path toward nuclear energy.

A woman died and a man went missing after being swept from rocks near Punchbowl Rocks beach in Victoria. Two more people drowned in separate incidents in New South Wales. Emergency services are warning Australians to be cautious on the water during the long weekend due to hazardous surf conditions.

Will Gromadzki enjoys his weekends exploring the Barossa Valley or beaches on the Yorke Peninsula while managing his demanding job as a remote worker in South Australia. However, his work challenges him physically and mentally due to long hours and high costs of living without children or a house. He doesn't find Zoomers lazy but is frustrated with political debates and feels financially stretched. He hopes for better opportunities in the future but doesn't actively vote as he sees political parties making little change.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 alliance, with Rwandan support, have agreed to a truce aimed at ending months-long fighting in eastern Congo, marking their first joint peace agreement since 2021. Mediated by Qatar, the talks resulted in a commitment to an immediate end to hostilities through peaceful means, though challenges like failed confidence-building measures persist. The conflict has caused significant destruction and hardship for local communities.

Oscar winner Rachel Weisz stars in "Séance on a Wet Afternoon," a psychodrama directed by Tomas Alfredson, set to be acquired by FilmNation ahead of Cannes. The film follows Myra, played by Weisz, a medium who manipulates her husband into kidnapping their wealthy client’s son for her own psychic ambitions. The movie, based on Mark McShane’s novel and previously adapted as a 1964 Richard Attenborough film, will also feature strong supporting performances from Kim Stanley and Rachel Weisz herself.

Get ready to save big on Sony’s DualSense Edge during PlayStation Days of Play! Available at a $30 discount, this premium controller comes with customizable features like replaceable thumbsticks, a sleek design, and an included hardshell case. While it may cost more than the standard DualSense, its extra upgrades make it worth picking up if you're looking for a true pro-style controller—just be sure to weigh whether those extras are necessary based on your gaming habits!

The US is accelerating foreign investment from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar ahead of President Trump's regional tour, with a focus on revising the CFIUS to assess national security risks. Key commitments include $1.4 trillion from the UAE over 10 years in AI, energy, and mining; $600 billion from Saudi Arabia over four years; and $35 billion from Qatar since 2015, with additional real estate investments. However, concerns about potential conflicts of interest persist due to Trump's companies' ties in these regions.

This article highlights a growing international concern over potential terror threats in Britain as four Iranian men were being questioned following reports of a suspected plot targeting a British site. The arrests, including one made under gunpoint, have drawn attention to increased tensions amid coordinated efforts by MI5 and counter-terrorism units to investigate the operation's sophistication. Meanwhile, officials emphasized that evidence linking Iran to the plot remains scarce, while emphasizing the ongoing risks in light of recent heightened threats from foreign state actors.

Stanley Tucci, known for his vast interests in culture, travel, and food, stars in a new National Geographic series exploring Italy’s rich landscapes and cuisine across five episodes. The show delves into regions like Tuscany and Lombardy, highlighting Italy’s culinary diversity with dishes such as trippa, lardo, and salad in a vase—except for a few he avoids. Filmed in Lombardy, the series also touches on Italy’s political shifts while sharing his family’s Italian heritage. Available on Deadline and major podcast platforms.

Jimmy Kimmel humorously pokes fun at Donald Trump’s obsession with flagpoles, noting he’s been “scouting locations” for 100-foot tall ones around the White House—possibly to deter erections and clarify confusion about which country the White House belongs to. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has decided to step back from Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency to focus on Tesla, where his leadership has faced backlash. Kimmel highlights both situations with mockingly sharp observations, suggesting that Trump’s peculiar flagpole quest might be part of his quirky behavior, while Musk’s shift reflects a desire to return to the company he once called “f falling.”