Latest Summaries
Concise news summaries
Concise news summaries
Gregg Popovich, a legendary NBA coach, has transitioned to a leadership role as president of basketball operations for the San Antonio Spurs after suffering a mild stroke. Mitchell Johnson will now serve as the permanent head coach, bringing extensive Spurs experience to guide the team under Popovich's guidance while RC Buford and Brian Wright continue their organizational changes. The Spurs aim to honor Popovich’s legacy with Johnson at the helm in this new chapter of leadership.
Mundfish, the studio behind *Atomic Heart*, has launched *The Cube* and *Ill*. *The Cube*, a multiplayer RPG shooter, features weapon precision, environmental interaction, and dynamic weapons in its research facility setting. Meanwhile, *Ill*, a first-person survival horror game, delves into a grim world with cinematic depth and intense combat tied to Aberrations. Both games highlight Mundfish's dedication to bold creativity and player engagement, showcasing their support for visionary projects and emerging studios.
Apple’s WWDC 2025 kicks off June 9th with a keynote featuring Apple Intelligence, though expectations are tempered by past misses. To ease concerns about AI, Apple may rethink its operating systems, making them more user-friendly and cohesive, possibly drawing inspiration from visionOS. The iPad could also get updated multitasking features, resembling a tablet experience. Meanwhile, developers can dive into details through online sessions or liveblogging by Engadget for in-depth insights.
Shein and Temu will cost more, thanks to massive tariffs going into effecttoggle caption KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFPThey're still cheap by any measure, just not as cheap. The world of discounts, deals and hauls – hallmarks of popular Chinese online shopping giants Shein and Temu – could be coming to an end. Shocked with the higher prices, some have posted screenshots of their import duties on social media in the days before duties started. The story behind the de minimus loopholeFor almost a century, U.S. law carved out a duty exemption for small packages. It means a lot more work for brokers and for American customs officials.
Cassie Ventura, known for her role in the Diddy criminal trial, is now managing a different situation as she moves from court to the hospital, possibly entering labor. She was rushed to a New York hospital after testifying in court, carrying what appeared to be a baby bump when leaving the courtroom and near the jury box. A source indicated she might be experiencing complications, while her third pregnancy and eight-month gestation period are being closely monitored by her husband, Alex Fine, who watched her from the gallery during court proceedings.
Ukraine launched a surprise drone attack on Russian airbases ahead of peace negotiations in Istanbul, using 117 high-resolution drones to damage missile carriers and transport them safely out of Russia, with President Volodymyr Zelensky praising the operation as brilliant. Russia responded by calling it a terrorist act and confirmed the strikes on multiple airfields across regions like Murmansk and Ivanovo, leading to significant losses in aircraft including Tu-95 bombers. The move highlighted vulnerabilities in Russian security infrastructure given its distance from borders, with pro-war groups already signaling potential retaliatory measures as talks prepare to resume.
The U.S. Men's National Team will test its skills against South Korea and Japan in September, offering valuable preparation as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup. These friendly matches provide crucial opportunities to face high-quality opponents, with Japan ranked 15th and Korea close to qualification. The USMNT, led by coach Mauricio Pochettino, aims to build momentum ahead of co-hosting the tournament in Canada and Mexico. Additionally, Tyler Adams will return home playing at Sports Illustrated Stadium, where he made his MLS career debut. The team's next challenge comes after this September series, which includes a Gold Cup in July against Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti.
The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog has raised major concerns about North Korea's expanding atomic program, noting it has grown exponentially since 2009 and now includes advanced facilities like the Kangson uranium enrichment plant as well as possibly a second or third enrichment facility. The IAEA director-general emphasized the urgent need for high-level diplomacy to regain engagement with Pyongyang, which has significantly increased its nuclear capabilities beyond control, effectively going "off the charts."
Measles cases in Texas rose to 663 on Tuesday, according to the state’s health department, an increase of 17 cases since 25 April, as the US battles one of its worst outbreaks of the previously-eradicated childhood disease. An unvaccinated child, aged six, with no underlying conditions died of measles in Texas in late February – Kennedy said. Most of the state’s cases are from Lea county, adjacent to Gaines county in Texas. The CDC’s confirmed measles cases count is 884, triple the amount seen in all of 2024. The US saw a rise in measles cases in 2024, including an outbreak in Chicago that sickened more than 60.
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) has threatened to launch a no-confidence motion against welfare Minister Takamaro Fukuoka if the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) fails to provide a specific submission date by Friday for its pension system reform bill. The LDP, despite ruling out submitting the bill this month, is prepared to bring it forward as early as mid-May. However, internal opposition within the LDP raises concerns about the impact on this summer’s House of Councilors election and accusations of misappropriation of funds from a related budget program, with the welfare ministry confirming it will reallocate Kosei Nenkin funds under the Kokumin Nenkin program.
Japan achieved a significant milestone in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, recording a 4% decline in fiscal 2023 to a record low of 1,071 million tons CO2 equivalent, down from the previous year. The reduction was driven by increased reliance on renewable and nuclear energy as well as slower manufacturing activities. Additionally, emissions from industry, households, and transport sectors all saw decreases, with transport contributing a slight 0.7% drop due to reduced use of buses and taxis. The country aims to cut emissions by 60% in fiscal 2035 compared to 2013 and further target a 73% reduction by fiscal 2040 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Madagascar highlights the ongoing dispute over the Îles Éparses, a group of islands in Mozambique Channel contested by both France and Madagascar since decolonization. Despite years of talks without resolution, these islands provide significant maritime control for France, including access to vital shipping routes and hydrocarbons akin to the "new North Sea." Madagascar argues they should retain their colonial territories' boundaries as an independent state. The issue has seen failed attempts at UN retrocession and involvement from Russia, with Macron signaling a renewed effort through joint efforts but slow progress in reaching a shared solution.
Aaron Paul thrilled fans with his role in "The Midnight Pool," a psychological thriller about a journalist entangled in an elite society seeking a career-defining story. Directed by James McTeigue ("V for Vendetta"), the film follows Johnny Black (Paul), whose descent into illusion and manipulation propels him toward a gripping narrative. Paul praised McTeigue's world, while McTeigue expressed how Aaron Paul's performance brought a thrilling dynamic to their collaboration. The film is set to shoot in Europe this year, with McTeigue already excited about the partnership.
A nearly 60-year-old Venus probe, designed to study the challenging environment of Venus but instead stymied by an engine failure, is making history as it reenters Earth's atmosphere. Split into four fragments during its descent, two smaller pieces safely landed near New Zealand, while two larger parts entered higher orbits. Despite the low risk due to Earth's thick atmosphere, pinpointing exact impact locations remains uncertain.
A major data leak has exposed sensitive company information from an employee surveillance tool, revealing over 21 million screenshots containing login details and internal communications. Despite the exposure, WorkComposer hasn't responded to Gizmodo's inquiry, prompting questions about the breadth of the breach. Experts warn that such data could be misused, highlighting increased stress, potential errors, and the lack of federal privacy protections in balancing security with individual autonomy. --- This summary captures the essential details concisely, engaging readers with a clear narrative flow while encapsulating all critical points from the article.
Justin Thomas secured a thrilling victory at the RBC Heritage, capping off a historic run of 16 consecutive wins on the PGA Tour. Fueled by his longest putt of any length to win—20 feet—he finally felt the joy of triumph after years of waiting, ending a nearly three-year drought. Thomas's impressive performance saw him climb to No. 6 in the world rankings and secure a spot among the elite Ryder Cup contenders, now just four shots behind Scheffler heading into the final round.
Paleontologists have uncovered a 500-million-year-old fossilized creature with three eyes and a mouth shaped like a pencil sharpener, known as "Mosura fentoni." Found in the Burgess Shale of the Canadian Rockies, this "sea moth" has a finger-like body length, circular mouth with teeth, and flaps for swimming, alongside 16 body segments similar to arthropods. This discovery highlights its complexity, suggesting it evolved advanced adaptations like specialized body parts, contributing to Earth's early animal diversity during the Cambrian period.
The roll-out of a free breakfast club scheme by the government is intended to combat child poverty but critics argue it may not be sufficient to address the growing threat of increasing inequality within families. John Harris explores how these initiatives could either alleviate or exacerbate existing challenges in supporting struggling children, highlighting a critical moment for those striving to create fairer opportunities for all children.
Gilmour Space, a privately owned Australian startup based in Gold Coast, successfully launched its Eris rocket for the first time, marking a historic milestone as the nation's first fully domestically designed orbital launch from a remote northeast spaceport. Despite ground support issues this week, delays are expected to be recoverable soon, though weather or technical hiccups could still delay the flight by hours or days. With $90 million in venture capital and a team of young engineers and experienced professionals, Gilmour Space aims to lay the groundwork for future missions, including its own satellite platform capable of launching on Eris or third-party rockets.
Our immune system's mast cells are typically our allies in defending against invaders like viruses and bacteria. Yet, when their sensitivity peaks, they can trigger severe allergic reactions such as irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, chronic itching, and migraines. Thanks to a novel compound developed by researchers, which inhibits mast cell activity through interference with the MRGPRX2 receptor—without involving antibodies—it holds promise in reducing these symptoms and lowering fatality risk. While early tests and human models show positive results, further animal studies are crucial before it could be approved as a medical treatment.
The article highlights the remarkable milestone of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic winning their first major Slam at 36, a rare feat achieved through different challenges and continuities. Federer, known for his resilience despite numerous injuries, last claimed a Slam in 2021; Nadal retired after five Slams in 2020 due to injury; while Djokovic, battling physical decline and scheduling struggles, remains motivated by the pressure of defending his Slam title. Their shared achievement marks a unique era in tennis history, raising questions about whether this coincidence or a new historical chapter is in store for them and future generations.
Oscar-nominated DP Mandy Walker has become the first woman to lead the American Society of Cinematographers, a century-old group that includes many influential names in the field. Walker, who won an ASC Award for cinematography in *Elvis* and was nominated for an Academy Award, will serve as president after her predecessor, Shelly Johnson, reached term limits. Known for her work on Baz Luhrmann’s films like *Australia*, Walker is focused on fostering growth and representation within the organization. Beyond her presidency, she has also contributed to other committees or roles in the industry.
Boox's latest ereaders, the Go 7 and Go Color 7 (Gen II), feature a sleek design inspired by the Kindle Oasis, with support for handwriting using a $46 stylus. The color model offers vibrant text at 150ppi and neutral tones at 300ppi, while the monochrome variant provides sharp black/white text at 300ppi. Both models are optimized for Android, allowing users to install any reading apps or note-taking tools. They come with ample storage (64GB internal, expandable via microSD), weigh about 195g each, and support preordering for the monochrome version now, with the color model launching soon.
Artificial intelligence played a key role in helping a top basketball team win the NBA championship by uncovering the optimal defensive strategies they employed. While data specialist Rajiv Maheswaran declined to name the team or provide specifics, he acknowledged that AI was instrumental in their victory several years ago, showcasing how technology can be game-changers in competitive fields like sports analytics.
Veesion, a Paris-based AI startup, has raised €38 million to expand its U.S. efforts, introducing an AI-powered computer vision system designed to detect shoplifting through security footage without identifying individuals. The technology is already in use across 6,000 stores globally and aims to help retailers combat theft and workplace bullying. With $112 billion in inventory losses from shoplifting in the U.S. in 2022 and rising workplace violence, Veesion's AI empowers stores to enhance security. Beyond retail, the company is exploring applications in manufacturing safety and healthcare, with future plans to be showcased at the TNW Conference in Amsterdam.
Rebecca Hendin, the Sunday anchor of "Sunday Politics" on BBC1, sheds light on Nigel Farage's re-emergence just in time for local elections. The timing is apparently captured humorously in a cartoon, while his political resurgence gains attention as voters gear up to cast their ballots.
It’s heart-wrenching for Cancer Bats after their gear was stolen during a sold-out Indiana show, leaving them with only their van and facing a $34k loss in customised gear and merchandise through GoFundMe. Despite being seasoned tour bands, this marks their first such mishap, though insurance will help cover part of the $30k still needed. So far, fans have contributed nearly $34k, exceeding the insurance payout, with the band pledging to donate leftover funds to musical donations for kids in remote areas of Canada.
"The escalating tensions between India and Pakistan threaten catastrophic war, raising fears of a nuclear crisis. Former President Marco Rubio has made diplomatic moves to mediate but faces staffing challenges within the Trump administration, which may undermine efforts to prevent conflict. However, while nuclear conflict seems unlikely, broader geopolitical risks remain, signaling a cautious approach without immediate action."
Defender, GoldenEye 007, Quake, and Tamagotchi have joined the World Video Game Hall of Fame at The Strong National Museum of Play. The games are now enshrined in the Strong National Museum of Play‘s World Video Game Hall of Fame rotunda, part of the ESL Digital Worlds exhibit. Says Kristy Hisert, collections manager, “Beyond cultivating nostalgia, Tamagotchi offered a distinct form of play that differed from popular video game electronics of the time. Anyone may nominate a game to the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Final selections are made on the advice of journalists, scholars, and other individuals familiar with the history of video games and their role in society.
Voters in Singapore have shown unwavering support for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s leadership as his ruling party secured a decisive win in the general elections, ensuring a clear mandate to govern the nation through uncertain economic times brought by U.S. tariffs. The resounding success of the People’s Action Party (PAP) reflects widespread satisfaction with Wong’s governance and his ability to navigate Singapore’s challenges while maintaining control of the legislature. However, the political landscape is evolving as new voices emerge, particularly from the Workers’ Party, which is gaining traction amid growing demand for diversity in representation.
The US is bracing for a potential screwworm invasion from Mexico as officials release weaponized adult flies near the border to combat an infestation. These New World Screwworms, which are highly destructive to humans and livestock, were previously endemic in parts of the southern U.S., Central America, and South America but have recently been detected in Mexico. The Department of Agriculture has relied on a sterile insect technique before to curb their spread, involving massive efforts to kill or inhibit the species, but this time they’re using flies that cannot reproduce to stop an ongoing infestation.
In today's digital landscape, having a reliable cloud storage solution is crucial for safeguarding your data. While free services offer initial convenience and affordability, they often trade off on robust security features compared to paid options like Google Drive, iCloud, or OneDrive. When selecting a service, prioritize based on specific needs: secure offline backups using NAS or portable drives for high-risk files, ensure scalability as data grows, and consider the ease of integration with existing devices and services. Remember, balancing these factors will help you choose a cloud storage solution that meets both your security requirements and practical needs effectively.
"Smartphones May Finally Prove Capable of Revolving Door Revolutions—Breaking Stereotypes of Digital Brain Decline"
"The Towering Inferno is more than just a nostalgic trip—it's a cinematic masterpiece that critiques America's 1970s challenges through its star-studded cast and irreverent humor. The film, a blend of old-school Hollywood and new trends, features iconic stars from both eras, each playing their ownmini-melodrama, while also addressing themes of heroism, division, and collective resilience. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to remind us that even amid deep divisions, there's always hope."
Carlo Ancelotti is leaving Real Madrid to coach the Brazilian national team after the club faced critical injuries to key players Vinícius Júnior and Lucas Vázquez during their LaLiga clash with Barcelona, putting them at risk of missing the LaLiga title. The medical tests revealed Vinícius suffered a sprain in his left ankle and Vázquez an injury to his pectineus muscle, leading to substitutions that ultimately cost them the 4-3 Clásico. With Ancelotti set to take over Brazil's national team from May 26, Real Madrid are now relying on their remaining strength to close the gap with Barcelona, while also finalizing a new coach following Xabi Alonso's departure.
A federal judge ruled that Turkish student Rumeysa Ozturk, detained under claims of violating her constitutional rights, must be transferred to Vermont for court proceedings. The case involves her arrest due to a pro-Palestine opinion article and criticism of Tufts University's stance on Israel. Critics argue the government targeted her to keep her away from supporters. Sessions emphasized that Ozturk's detention is based on a single opinion, not broader policies, and she retains legal rights including a chance for bail or repatriation.
Fans are already nostalgic for the original's quirky charm, as Nisha Ganatra recently discussed the challenges of updating the 2003 film's Asian representation in *Freaky Friday*. She revealed how bringing up some "problematic Asian representation" stereotypes early with producers led to a reprise of Rosalind Chao and Lucille Soong's roles for the sequel, premiering Aug. 8. Director Manny Jacinto assured audiences that the new film would address concerns about the original's diverse characters, with Ganatra being well-aware of their issues.
UFC 315, set to take place on Mother's Day, features a stacked main card including Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight championship. The fight will air live on ESPN+ at $79.99 for subscribers or as part of a Disney Trio subscription starting at $16.99/month. prelims and early prelims can also be streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+.
Zhang, who will be a senior in the fall, is among a growing cohort of students at Pomona College who are trying to alter how technology affects campus life. These Pomona students and professors are hardly unique in reacting to a new reality. At the same time, Pomona is better suited than most institutions to scale back technology’s place in campus life. Still, she said, for many college students, going off TikTok and Instagram seems like social death, because their main source of social capital is online. Elijah Quetin, a visiting instructor in physics and astronomy at Pomona, told me about a creative low-tech experiment that he already has planned.
North Korea recently detained three individuals following a fatal accident at one of its newest destroyers during a public ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un, drawing significant embarrassment and rare public humiliation for him. The incident, described as "serious," resulted in sections of the ship's bottom being crushed, with analysts noting it likely occurred in front of a large crowd. North Korea's investigation into the accident has been intensified, and the leader called the incident an intolerable criminal act.
Emmanuel Courcol’s debut feature, *The Marching Band*, is a heartfelt exploration of identity and resilience. It follows conductor Thibaut, portrayed by Benjamin Lavernhe, as he undergoes a bone marrow transplant after collapsing during a rehearsal. Adopted by his estranged brother Jimmy, played by Pierre Lottin, the film delves into themes of class, talent, and second chances. The bromance between Thibaut and Jimmy builds emotional depth, culminating in a touching final scene that highlights their unbreakable bond.
Sigma's BF camera offers a sleek, minimalist design with a single aluminum slab construction, promising a bold aesthetic. However, its simplicity hinders practicality as it lacks essential features like grips, hot shoe mounts, and multiple strap eyelets. Despite a user-friendly interface, the camera struggles with complex shooting tasks such as fast-moving subjects due to limited controls and an unconventional menu system that complicates advanced settings. While photos are sharp and vibrant, video capabilities could be enhanced with better stabilization options and a customizable quick settings menu.
The Federal Trade Court has ruled against President Trump's emergency tariffs, determining they exceeded his authority under IEEPA, which typically delegates tariff power to Congress. The court invalidated tariffs on most countries, including a broader measure affecting consumers and stock markets, as well as those imposed on China, Canada, and Mexico in response to fentanyl trafficking. The administration Maintain their stance that the court's jurisdiction is inappropriate for national emergencies and has pledged to continue using executive powers effectively.
Germany has strongly protested against U.S. criticism of their decision to label the far-right Alternative für Deutschland party as a "confirmed right-wing extremist group." The German foreign ministry defended their actions, stating it was based on an independent investigation into stopping extremism and emphasized that labeling the party isn't about immigration policies but addressing radical extremism. In response, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Germany's decision, accusing them of overstepping by using surveillance powers for opposition groups. He called for reversing course, highlighting concerns about intruding into a democracy through expanded intelligence agencies.
Happy 25th birthday to SD cards! Over 12 billion of these versatile memory cards have been sold since their launch in 2000, revolutionizing everything from smartphones to pocket devices like drones. Their evolution from 8MB to now supporting up to 4TB with high-speed capabilities has proven timeless, ensuring their relevance as data storage needs grow exponentially. The SD Association is celebrating this milestone by donating to education and sustainability efforts, emphasizing that SD cards will remain a reliable choice for decades to come. Just like a trusted friend, these memory cards have stood the test of time, proving their value in an ever-changing tech landscape.
The MOSAIC grant program, aimed at supporting early-career scientists from underrepresented backgrounds, has been canceled by the NIH due to political shifts under Trump's administration, marking a significant blow to researchers like Adelaide Tovar, whose career and research are now at risk. Experts warn that this decision may stifle scientific innovation and limit opportunities for future generations of scientists, potentially straining efforts to address chronic diseases like diabetes. The abrupt cancellation has left the scientific community questioning its long-term implications.
Netflix is doubling down on adaptations of classic novels, with the streamer officially greenlighting series version of “The Age of Innocence” and “Unaccustomed Earth.”“The Age of Innocence” was written by Edith Wharton and was originally published in 1920. Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Tracey Cook of Chernin Entertainment will executive produce. Chernin Entertainment, part of the North Road Company, will also executive produce. Both will executive produce, with Wells serving as showrunner via John Wells Productions (JWP). Lahiri will executive produce as well along with Erica Saleh, Erin Jontow of JWP, and Celia Costas.
Tadej Pogacar secured his third victory at the Liège-Bastogne-Liège classic, overtaking his rivals by over a minute before crossing the finish line and celebrating with fans. The Slovenian cyclist now holds nine "monument" victories in the season, including this one alongside iconic races like Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. Pogacar extended his lead during a fierce sprint to the line, narrowly edging out Italian Giulio Ciccone and Irishman Ben Healy as he celebrated with supporters on the roadside. Meanwhile, Remco Evenepoel's disappointing drop by Pogacar on the Côte de La Redoute climb added to his unlucky finish in third place earlier this week.
18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli made history at the Miami Grand Prix by securing his first pole position in F1 sprint qualifying, becoming the youngest ever to achieve this feat and breaking a record in the process. The Mercedes rookie outpaced Oscar Piastri to take the top spot, replacing Lewis Hamilton with an impressive performance that has already set expectations high for his future career. His victory not only highlighted his growing talent but also marked a significant milestone as he prepares for upcoming races, with excitement building around his potential impact on the competition.
Ras Baraka, mayor of Newark, was released after spending several hours in custody while protesting a private detention facility linked to President Trump’s mass deportation plan. Along with him were three Democratic House members who were not arrested—they addressed supporters outside the DHS office following his release. Baraka denied any wrongdoing during his press conference.