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Concise news summaries
After a dip that coincided with when the stock market crashed (remember when Bitcoin was supposed to be a hedge against market volatility? Despite that, it seems that mining for the cryptocurrency is no longer worth it, even for some larger mining operations. Here’s how the math breaks down: For large mining companies, it now costs over $82,000 to mine a single Bitcoin, which is currently valued at about $95,000 at the time of publication. If you’re doing your mining in Germany, the math gets worse: it’ll run about $200,000 for a single coin. For most people, nothing of value will be lost by Bitcoin mining ceasing to be profitable.
I’ve researched the best Switch 2 accessories you can buy during this launch window based on both hands-on experience and research from some of our favorite Switch 1 accessory manufacturers. Best Switch 2 Cases So FarThe Switch 2 may be portable, but it’s not invincible. Again, your original Switch case is not going to fit your Switch 2, so you will need to purchase a new one. Best Switch 2 Screen Protectors So FarEven though the Switch 2 has a built-in layer that acts as screen protector – don't peel that off – a good screen protector is non-negotiable for handheld devices. Other Switch 2 Accessories Worth ConsideringIt feels like every new Nintendo console comes with a mountain of weird accessories.
The party planned by FIJI for The Chainsmokers' ASU gig turned into a chaotic last-minute disaster due to a plumbing failure and cops arriving early. Despite these hiccups, The Chainsmokers covered the resulting $1k-$2.5k fine, and fraternity members expressed gratitude. Jonas McAllister noted that despite the chaos, everything came together in the end, and they'd do it again.
Google has introduced Stitch, an AI-powered tool designed to simplify user interface (UI) creation by allowing users to describe what they want and generating designs based on that input, competing directly with platforms like AWS, Microsoft, and Salesforce. The platform offers a quick mode for draftwork or an experimental mode where users can upload wireframes or screenshots for more detailed guidance. While some users praise Stitch's speed and ease of use, others critique its design output compared to tools like Bolt. Despite these challenges, Stitch remains in beta status, marking a promising step forward in the evolution of AI-driven UI design.
Beth Hyland believed she had found her soulmate on Tinder when a French man pretending to be Richard duped her using deepfake video and photos. The manipulate video art was often hard to detect without special tools. Now, Beth is the victim of identity theft after her personal information was stolen in this elaborate online scam.
Japan's top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, has made clear his determination to have all U.S. tariffs removed ahead of key ministerial-level talks set to take place before this month's leaders' summit. Akazawa emphasized the need for a full reversal of U.S. tariff measures but expressed uncertainty about meeting officials during the fifth round of trade negotiations. Meanwhile, the U.S. has recently doubled its tariffs on steel and aluminum, with Japan facing additional taxes on cars at 25% and all other goods at 10%. The across-the-board tariff rate is expected to rise further unless a deal is reached, creating urgency for both sides to find common ground.
Watching sports might be good for you in some ways—it can enhance your happiness and well-being through the science of brain activity during games. However, it’s important to be mindful of potential downsides, such as increased antisocial behaviors like hooliganism or bullying, especially if consumed without context. For now, though, the evidence suggests that regular sports viewing could serve as a positive remedy for overall wellbeing when considering its benefits and managing its risks responsibly.
"President Trump has taken decisive steps to maintain control over law enforcement in Los Angeles, signaling political strategy over civil authority. By ordering the National Guard and Marines to handle protests against immigration enforcement, he frames such actions as an attempt to assert dominance over normal law enforcement procedures. These measures appear aimed at provoking disorder ahead of potential midterms in 2026, mirroring past efforts but more calculated this time. His administration, led by Mike Pompeo and his team, is described as susceptible to misuse of emergency powers, offering a wide array of tools for potential abuse."
Brett Goldstein recently offered a chilling insight into Ted Lasso’s potential fourth season: he likened it to a friend’s cat returning from the dead after being buried. “We buried it… We all cried, we had a funeral. Are you saying we can bring anything back?” he said, comparing the series’ return to life to a macabre act of wishful thinking. The actor, who confirmed the series is “in the writers’ room,” added that this mindset reflects his own struggles with loss and hope after losing his friend to cancer. Meanwhile, Ted Lasso’s fourth season has already been greenlit, with Jason Sudeikis set to return as the titular coach of a women’s soccer team.
On Monday, a massive power outage across parts of Spain and Portugal left entire subway networks, traffic lights, and other critical infrastructure offline for tens of millions of people, with restoration expected to take up to ten hours. The cause remains under investigation, withSpain’s Red Electrica attributing it to "rare atmospheric phenomena." Social media captured the chaos as events like the Madrid Open shut down and people in Bilbao walked barefoot on power lines. Meanwhile, power has started returning in some regions of the Iberian Peninsula, though full restoration could take up to a week.
As Mother's Day approaches, grab a discounted MasterClass subscription before it’s too late—available now with up to 50% off! Choose from three tiers: Standard ($60) for one device, Plus ($96) for two devices with offline access, and Premium ($120) for six devices. Don’t miss this great deal; check Twitter for the sale’s end soon!
US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have expressed optimism about a potential trade deal between the US and EU. Trump declared that a deal is "100 percent" certain, while Meloni said she was "sure" they could reach one. The two leaders met at the White House amidst economic uncertainty and struck a warm tone during their discussions. They highlighted common conservative views on immigration and ideology. Meloni aims to "make the West great again," and Trump invited her to visit Rome soon. However, Trump stated he is in no rush for the deal and criticized Europe's stance on immigration and NATO spending.
Nicuşor Dan secured a decisive victory in Romania’s presidential election, winning with 54.2% of the vote against George Simion’s 45.8%, marking a clear pro-EU endorsement that could strengthen Romania’s alignment with European values and policies. As an economist and politician, Dan emphasized his commitment to reducing corruption, boosting the economy, and fostering dialogue over division, resonating with voters seeking systemic change. The election, closely watched across Europe, underscores growing tensions over migration and cost-of-living issues, raising concerns about potential impact on EU unity as different political forces vying for influence in Romania.
If you're looking for a high-performance GPU at a competitive price, Amazon offers the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti Gaming OC for Prime members starting at $899.99, despite its usual $750 MSRP. This card excels in 4K gaming and AI tasks, offering superior value compared to pricier models like the RTX 5080 or 5090. Third-party sellers are also hiking up prices, making this Amazon deal a standout opportunity. According to Jacqueline Thomas, it's "the best 4K graphics card for most people," delivering top-tier performance with excellent value.
Jeremy Strong reflects on his 11 days as a Cannes Film Festival jury member, drawing parallels between the process and selecting a new pope in "Conclave." He expresses being deeply inspired by the work he observed and the collective experience of choosing these films. The jury highlighted "It Was Just an Accident," citing its relevance to human struggle and political themes, and Binoche emphasized how art can transform societal issues. Strong noted that the films chosen resonate with deeper truths, offering a way to change or understand our world.
BYD, China's electric vehicle pioneer, has positioned itself as a global leader in EVs despite US market hesitations. Its compact Dolphin model offers an appealing alternative for drivers seeking smaller, more nimble cars. Featuring a distinctive "Ocean Aesthetics" design and innovative battery technology, the Dolphin provides both style and functionality, though its unique features have received mixed feedback. With a focus on a niche audience, BYD aims to expand its EV dominance globally while maintaining its commitment to innovation.
Nigel Lythgoe’s $4.4 million dream home in Los Angeles is now sold, with the new owner recently purchasing it for less than his purchase price after multiple markdowns over the years. The former "American Idol" and " SYTYCD" star first listed the stunner at a higher price but eventually dropped it to under $5 million before finally selling it below cost in early 2023. Now, the 3-story, 7,000-square-foot home featuring an opulent basement with a theater, lounge, and guest suite, as well as a gourmet kitchen and outdoor pool, is ready for new owners to enjoy.
Amazon is offering a massive 4K and Blu-ray deal for $33 featuring Jordan Peele’s three standout horror movies: *Us*, *Nope*, and *Get Out*. Each film is notable for its unique acclaim—Get Out is considered one of directorial debuts in movie history, *Us* boasts a standout horror performance from Lupita Nyong'o, and *Nope* stands out as a sci-fi-horror-comedy that challenges expectations. Don’t miss the chance to add these thrilling picks to your collection!
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The Chicago Sky suffered their first loss of the season as point guard Courtney Vandersloot left the game early with a right knee injury during the first quarter against the Indiana Fever. The team was dominated by their star player on the court, with Vandersloot's absence leaving an immediate impact. Many fans hoped to see their favorite players shine, but the defeat highlighted the challenges faced by both teams as they rebuild.
A Tokyo court has ruled Jetstar Japan, a low-cost carrier, liable for failing to provide adequate rest breaks for 35 cabin crew members, marking a potential precedent in labor law enforcement within the aviation industry. The airline, a joint venture between Japan Airlines, Qantas, and Tokyo Century, was ordered to pay ¥110,000 per plaintiff despite each seeking ¥500,000 in damages due to their claim of insufficient rest provisions during long-haul flights.
India, a major buyer of Chinese solar technology, is leveraging government incentives to boost its green energy production amid growing competition from China and the U.S. Despite lagging in renewable energy, India plans to invest heavily in solar, wind, and electric vehicles to secure energy independence and combat reliance on coal, while also creating manufacturing jobs. The country faces a dilemma: either rely on cost-effective Chinese tech or develop its own, facing challenges like high upfront costs but also opportunities for strategic growth.
Dr. Florian Willet, a prominent figure in the controversial debate over euthanasia, died by suicide after being arrested for his role in the first fatality using the Sarco suicide pod. Despite charges failing and an intentional homicide conviction being overturned, Willet later suffered a tragic fall in Switzerland before ending his life via assisted suicide in Germany. His death leaves questions about what led to his actions, though it appears he pressed the kill switch after surgery. The incident underscores the complex ethical and legal discussions surrounding assisted suicide, particularly in countries like Switzerland where it has been legally permitted since the 1940s.
The future of shopping is changing as Visa introduces AI-driven commerce to revolutionize payments and enhance user experiences. By collaborating with industry leaders like Anthropic, IBM, and Microsoft, Visa aims to create personalized shopping experiences powered by AI, streamlining tasks such as browsing, selecting, purchasing, and managing online activities. This initiative seeks to build trust between consumers, banks, and sellers in an era where technology drives transformation, complementing similar efforts from competitors like Mastercard.
"Understanding how to burn fat isn't as simple as just reaching for a snack labeled 'fat-burning.' Regular exercise increases fat oxidation rates, particularly at low to moderate intensities where fat becomes the primary fuel source. However, there's no specific food known to directly trigger fat oxidation; it requires replication of exercise effects. Caffeine in high doses from green tea can boost fat oxidation by activating the fight-or-flight response, leading to hormone mobilization, but this effect is minimal and context-dependent. Relying solely on such methods isn't reliable for significant weight loss or body recomposition."
Social media videos capture images of intense smoke and flames from an explosion at Iran's largest commercial port, which has claimed at least five deaths and injured over 700 people. Authorities linked the incident to negligence in storing flammable materials, with preliminary reports indicating that hazardous goods were found near the site. Oil company statements confirm no damage to their facilities, while safety officials have previously warned of risks. The event occurs amid ongoing nuclear negotiations with the U.S., adding heightened sensitivity.
Tragic Update: Pope Francis has passed away due to a stroke, coma, and subsequent collapse of his cardiovascular system. He suffered from Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which heightened his risk of stroke, alongside bronchiectasis, a condition that made him more susceptible to infections like pneumonia. His fatal stroke led to cardiac arrest following complications related to infection or brain tissue swelling, marking the end of an era for one of Catholicism's most beloved leaders.
"Assassin's Creed Shadows claimed its spot as the best-selling title of March 2025 in the U.S., Xbox, and Steam, leading the pack while ranking second globally—just behind Monster Hunter: Wilds but ahead of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Ubisoft, which faced a challenging year with multiple flops and share price declines before the release, saw this as a turning point to prove its success. Day-one sales surpassed records, and over 40 million hours were played in the first month, setting an impressive YTD foundation. Meanwhile, broader trends showed a dip in content spending as mobile usage decreased by 6% year-over-year."
A 16-year-old high school student in Tahara, Aichi Prefecture, has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his grandfather and grandmother to death in their home. He initially claimed to have found them dead but later admitted to the charges during police investigations. The couple, both in their seventies, died of hemorrhagic shock with stab wounds. The suspect reportedly killed them around 2 a.m. on Friday after discovering their collapse upon returning home with his mother at about 4:35 p.m., and later confessed that he had killed them in the early hours of that day, according to police. The student lives primarily with his grandparents but shares a building with his parents.
Ivanka Trump has reemerged with a new venture aimed at addressing food insecurity through private-sector innovation, but critics argue her approach may be more influenced by her father’s aggressive policies than her own expertise. During Donald Trump’s presidency, she rose to fame for her business ventures and influence, yet after his defeat, she faded into obscurity. Now, as she focuses on food issues in places like Arkansas, some question whether her efforts could truly make a meaningful impact given the systemic challenges she faces. Meanwhile, her father’s spending cuts have further weakened key government programs designed to reduce food waste and support vulnerable populations.
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Get ready to level up your productivity game with Microsoft's Command Palette—a sleek, Mac-like tool that lets you search for apps, folders, files, calculate in search bars, browse web results directly, and run system commands. Plus, customize shortcuts using extensions to suit your workflow, all accessible via a simple Win + Alt + Space shortcut!
Leading mental health experts have raised concerns over the Coalition’s plans to repeal “right to disconnect” laws, arguing that backtracking will have various negative consequences for employee stress and burnout. “We’ve come a long way to understand how important these things are in mental health. Employers also already have obligations to protect the health and safety of their staff, including their mental health. Prof Patrick McGorry from the mental health organisation Orygen, who has endorsed the mental health policies of both major parties at this election, backed the right to disconnect laws for ordinary workers. Harvey said researchers were identifying increasing levels of poor mental health among young workers in Australia.
The game was unveiled at PlayStation’s State of Play event ahead of Summer Games Fest 2025, featuring a dynamic tag fighting system inspired by iconic Marvel team-ups. With characters like Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and more, it promises over-the-top action across PS5 and PC platforms in 2026. Kazuto Sekine highlighted its potential to redefine tag combat creatively.
OpenAI has introduced Reinforcement Fine-Tuning (RFT), enabling third-party developers to customize their language models like o4-mini for specific tasks such as tax, healthcare, or legal applications. Unlike supervised fine-tuning, RFT uses graders—custom systems or external models—to score and adjust responses, allowing for nuanced adaptations based on company policies or compliance needs. This method is cost-effective, billing only for active training time, making it efficient for developers to implement while offering significant improvements for businesses requiring tailored AI solutions.
President Trump hosted his first White House Easter Egg Roll event, a tradition dating back to Rutherford B. Hayes, using eggs donated by American farmers amid rising prices caused by avian flu. This marked the first time the event sought corporate sponsors from major tech companies, with proceeds going to the White House Historical Association.
Amazon has dropped the price of the WD Black C50 2TB Expansion Card to $179.99 for Xbox Series X|S consoles, marking a 28% discount from its original price. This SSD offers unmatched performance by fitting into its dedicated port without sacrificing speed or load times, making it the best value for those seeking enhanced storage options on their Series X or S console.
The TCL QM6K is a top-tier 65-inch QD Mini LED television designed for high-end consumers seeking advanced technology and premium sound quality. It features a high refresh rate (144Hz), advanced HDR support with Dolby Vision IQ and HLG, immersive surround sound from Onkyo's 2.1.1 system with Dolby Atmos, AI-powered gaming optimization, and a slim bezel design for an enhanced viewing experience. Priced at $798 by March 2025, it offers high refresh rate displays, advanced HDR technology, and premium audio features at an accessible price point, making it approachable for tech enthusiasts while remaining affordable.
Fenerbahce coach José Mourinho has avoided confirming his contract extension following Sunday's 1-0 loss at Besiktas, with Fener still second and eight points adrift of Galatasaray's race for their third straight Super Lig title. Mourinho emphasized respecting internal details over the media while dismissing claims about the league's "toxic" environment and referee bias, adding that players struggle mentally against its power. Meanwhile, he advised former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær to trust his experience and mutual respect during their Besiktas tenure.
In *The Last of Us* Season 2, Episode 2, fans were left in awe as Joel faced his predetermined tragic end. Pedro Pascal admitted knowing the news but found it hard to accept, while Bella Ramsey shared her emotional reaction during script readings. The episode's graphic yet deeply moving depiction of Joel's injury touched everyone involved, ultimately leading to his return through flashbacks this season.
It all began with a simple struggle for validation—a crush’s relentless pursuit pulling me into a mental vortex of needing constant validation and appearing effortlessly desirable. From overhyping hobbies to appearing "hot" on Instagram, I realized how far I’d gone, even to the point of buying a surfboard in desperation. History tells us this isn’t new; it has roots in music, literature, and social media, evolving with each generation. It’s everywhere, every gender, and often only diagnosed post-breakup. For me, it came too late, leaving me questioning if I could ever return to normal after the thrill of validation fades.
The BBC has been criticized for failing to adequately address Prince Harry’s claim that his UK security was unjustifiably revoked after he lost a legal appeal to reinstate it. Radio 4’s *Today* show reportedly did not fully explore the Duke of Sussex’s assertion, drawing criticism from official statements that highlighted a lapse in editorial standards. The Home Office and Buckingham Palace confirmed their stance on the security arrangements surrounding Harry’s move to California.
The Trump administration has announced several measures aimed at addressing PFAS contamination but has yet to confirm its stance on continuing President Biden's rule requiring utilities to remove these chemicals from drinking water for millions of Americans. Lee Zeldin, the EPA administrator, expressed concern over PFAS' impact and called it a starting point in efforts to mitigate its effects nationwide. PFAS, used in products like waterproof clothing and straws, are linked to serious health issues and have been found in drinking water for up to 158 million people, underscoring their severity as a public health concern.
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The whole world is fighting against us, and they are not getting very far,” said Yevgeniy, a Russian contract soldier who fought in Ukraine until December 2023. After three years of fighting, however, Russian forces have almost complete control of only one of them, Luhansk. In the other three regions — Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia — Russia controls 65 to 75 percent of the territory. In recent months, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has softened his position, accepting a proposed cease-fire without security guarantees, suggesting he would accept at least a temporary loss of the territory already under Russian occupation. Interviews with the soldiers and Russian opinion surveys show that such a truce would also fail to satisfy a large part of Russian society.
Recent reports from Muridke, Pakistan, have sparked controversy as Indian authorities claim that a local mosque was designated as a 'terror training camp'. A British-based media outlet reported that during Friday prayers inside what is now a bombed-out mosque in Muridke, residents were present and spoke out against the Indian claim. Locals are disputing the government's characterization of the site, raising concerns about its use by extremist groups.
Big brands like PepsiCo, Kimberly-Clark, and Procter & Gamble are cutting their financial forecasts due to tariffs from President Trump, predicting lower sales and profits as consumers become more cautious about spending amid economic uncertainty. Companies reliant on China for supply chains are now facing reciprocal tariffs, prompting concerns among shoppers who are cutting back on non-essential purchases like food and products. A survey shows many Americans expect their personal finances to degrade and inflation to rise, while retail sales in March jumped before tariff-related price hikes, hinting at a slowdown as consumers brace for economic changes.
Game 3 was electric as Anthony Edwards lit up the Minnesota Timberwolves with a triple-double, outscoring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in points, assists, and rebounds. At 23, he showed the promise of a phenom, matching the career pace of established players like LeBron James. With his early dominance and stellar performance, the Wolves built an insurmountable lead, ending a two-game losing streak and setting a high standard for future games.