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Concise news summaries
The use of AI in software development can save valuable time completing routine tasks. This is what Zencoder is doing with the launch today of Autonomous Zen Agents for CI/CD, bringing groundbreaking AI automation directly into the software development infrastructure. "The next evolution in AI-powered development isn't just about coding faster -- it's about accelerating the whole software development lifecycle, where coding is just one step," says Andrew Filev, CEO and founder of Zencoder. We're building toward a future where human creativity and AI automation work in perfect harmony across the entire software lifecycle." Autonomous Zen Agents for CI/CD are available now in early access for selected enterprise customers.
DeepSeek's R1 AI model has been updated with a hefty 685 billion parameters, making it difficult to run on ordinary hardware due to its sheer size and complexity. The model is now available under a MIT-licensed version on Hugging Face without detailed documentation or description, raising concerns among regulators in the U.S. who have expressed skepticism over the company's technology amid national security fears.
"Researchers have developed a groundbreaking advancement in vision technology by creating contact lenses that enable users to see infrared light, a spectrum invisible to the human eye. Unlike night vision devices, these lenses are entirely transparent and powered by natural processes, allowing wearers to see all visible colors alongside infrared light simultaneously. This innovation not only enhances human vision but also holds potential for applications in assisting visually impaired individuals, improving color blindness treatments, and securing communications through infrared-based messaging."
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o was a celebrated Kenyan writer known for his works in both English and Gikuyu, exploring colonialism and personal struggles during the Mau Mau movement. As both a literary icon and political activist, he critiqued colonial rule and chronicled his resilience amid government opposition. A globally recognized author with numerous accolades, Ngũgĩ remains a significant figure in African literature, known for his memoirs and verse epic retelling Kenya’s mythological origins.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right national security minister, unexpectedly attended a Yale University event hosted by Donald Trump despite his previous conviction of supporting terrorism. His remarks during the event called for harsh measures against Palestinian prisoners and positioned the conflict as one where Israel acts to combat terrorist threats while accusing Palestinian prisoners of contributing to attacks on settlers. The incident has drawn significant criticism from major American Jewish organizations, with groups like J Street and The Forward distancing themselves, while Yale has yet to respond.
WhatsApp finally makes its way to iPads through a dedicated app, offering video and audio calls with up to 32 people and seamless screen sharing. The app integrates with iPadOS features such as Stage Manager and Split View, allowing multitasking like web browsing or research during calls. Messages remain encrypted for privacy. Meta also teases other apps, including Instagram, may soon follow suit.
A teenager with leukaemia who used his computer skills to spread faith is about to become the first millennial saint. Carlo Acutis, who died at 15 in 2006, will be canonised next week after two miracles were attributed to him, including a boy’s recovery from a rare disorder and a woman’s swift healing after an accident. The Vatican’s sainthood process requires such奇迹, and Acutis, known for his compassion and faith, will be celebrated in Assisi, where he is buried as per his wishes. His life story—a blend of tech talent, kindness, and unwavering devotion—has drawn global attention, with tens of thousands expected to attend his canonisation in St Peter’s Square.
"This Mother's Day, treat her with something she'll treasure: a pair of premium wireless headphones on sale for half price. From May 11 onwards, Amazon is offering the Beats Solo 4 in four vibrant colorways—Black & Gold, Cloud Pink, Matte Black, and Slate Blue—for just $99.99 each (originally $200). For a unique twist, Target also has its exclusive Warm White model on sale at 50% off."
Researchers recently found the strongest evidence yet of a "biosignature" on exoplanet K2-18b, suggesting potential life due to detected methane and carbon dioxide in its hydrogen-rich atmosphere. However, skeptics point out alternative chemistry explanations for these gases without biological activity, and the planet's properties are consistent with various types, not just a hycean planet with an ocean that could sustain life. Confirming a biosignature is challenging due to multiple factors including the planet's orbital location within its star's habitable range.
The NBA is debuting on Peacock this fall, promising an exciting and inclusive streaming experience with features like Instant Game Access, live updates, and a cutting-edge stats system called Performance View. Additionally, viewers can compare their fantasy scores in real-time using the ScoreCard feature. The deal also includes exclusive live streams of key NBA games starting in 2025-26, enhancing the fan experience beyond traditional broadcasts.
StrictlyVC is returning to London on May 13 for its fifth annual event, uniting top investors and entrepreneurs to spark connections and drive innovation. The gathering will feature industry leaders like Nazo Moosa, Sonali De Rycker, and TS Anil, who will discuss cybersecurity, AI, and fintech leadership. Partnered with TechCrunch, this exclusive event is a hub for meaningful dialogue on shaping the future of tech and venture capital, offering insights from visionary speakers and exclusive networking opportunities.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti scolded young forward Endrick for missing two scoring opportunities during their 1-0 LaLiga win over Getafe, calling him out for thinking individually rather than as a team. Endrick had two chances to score, but his failed attempts upset Ancelotti, who warned him about clowning around and urged him to shoot better. Ancelotti also replaced Endrick with Jude Bellingham in the 64th minute. Despite the warning, Endrick has scored seven goals for Real Madrid since joining in summer 2024. The team remains second in LaLiga, four points behind Barcelona, as they prepare for their Copa del Rey final against Rivals Barça in Seville on Saturday.
A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near Ecuador on Friday morning, approximately 12 miles northeast of Esmeraldas. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the tremor, noting that while its magnitude is significant, the shake intensity is classified as light by their scale, though parts beyond the mapped areas may still experience noticeable tremors. Seismologists are reviewing data and could adjust the earthquake's magnitude or revise the shake-severity map based on additional information collected.
Microsoft is launching a new European Security Program to tackle rising cybersecurity threats in Europe and nearby regions, driven by AI-driven attacks and activities from Russia and China. The initiative builds on its existing Government Security Program but adds free AI-powered threat intelligence sharing, increased cybersecurity investments, and expanded partnerships to counter cyberattacks like ransomware and deepfakes spreading misinformation. This move underscores Microsoft's commitment to strengthening European digital security amid growing threats, positioning the EU as a key partner in safeguarding its digital future.
Tyler Shough, a fifth-round pick from Louisville, is projected as a solid pocket passer with strong arm strength and accuracy but faces challenges due to average speed around contact and limited footspeed. Despite these drawbacks, his ability to process information quickly allows him to evade sacks effectively in the NFL. The Saints’ offense will likely rely on Shough’s skills within their run-heavy, "five into" system, which aims to minimize one-on-ones against his size while maximizing his play-action potential. However, his ability to adapt to NFL pressures and the team’s reliance on a developing QB without elite receivers or running backs will be crucial to his success.
Consumers in the U.S. should expect higher tech prices due to President Trump’s tariffs, with many companies raising prices secretly across various product categories like TVs, wearables, gaming devices, and chargers. Companies such as Acer, Nintendo, Sony, Samsung, Amazon, Logitech, MSI, and OnePlus have all increased their prices without explicitly citing tariffs, often blaming other factors or facing backlash from Trump’s administration. While some companies like Apple are shifting supply chains to countries outside tariffs’ impact zones, the overall trend shows rising costs with little transparency or support for cost reductions from big tech or government.
Pope Francis, elected in 2013 with a vision deeply rooted in nature and climate justice, became a global symbol of sustainable change. His papal encyclical, *Laudato Si’*, addressing climate science, inequality, and consumer culture, ignited the world’s climate conversation, leading to the Paris Agreement. Despite resistance within the Catholic Church due to conservative opposition, Francis-inspired movements like the *Laudato Si’ Action Platform* have gained momentum in the U.S. and globally. His enduring commitment to climate action continues to inspire action, even as he remains a towering figure of faith and humanity.
The housing market is facing a significant challenge as volatile lumber prices Assigned: cause sharp drops in homebuilder stock values. With tariffs on Canadian imports and sawmill closures spiking April prices, major builders like Lennar, D.R. Horton, and Toll Brothers have experienced steep declines. Meanwhile, ongoing trade discussions and potential tariffs further complicate the sector, with Homebuilders reliant on Canadian lumber facing increased costs and unpredictability in construction planning.
A former Sony game studio head pointed out that *Until Dawn* was inspired by an original video game—but the creators of that game have been long overlooked, sparking a call for accountability in the gaming industry to ensure proper recognition wherever their work appears. Graham Reznick, Will Byles, and Larry Fessenden are among those whose contributions were integral but have been neglected.
Bluesky is rolling out a new verification system featuring blue check marks, similar to Twitter's, to combat impersonation and build trust as it grows. The platform, which previously relied on a self-verification method using custom domains, is now prioritizing accounts like government officials, news organizations, and celebrities for verification. In addition to its own verification process, Bluesky is partnering with trusted third-party organizations—like *The New York Times* and *WIRED*—to offer decentralized verification, reflecting its broader commitment to decentralization while addressing the need for a more trustworthy platform.
In new outdoor play advice, Sportraad Amsterdam (Sports Council Amsterdam) said local bylaws should be changed so that the sound of children playing was no longer a valid reason for complaint by vexed neighbours. “Especially in an urban environment like Amsterdam, the sound of playing children is a natural, desirable and unavoidable part of daily life. The municipality’s communication needs to position the sound of playing children as a positive and healthy aspect of the city,” said the report. Nick Romeijn, the general secretary of Sportraad Amsterdam, said: “Public space is becoming ever more scarce, including outdoor playgrounds. Rob Hofland, a D66 party councillor who has proposed a new policy to stimulate rough-and-tumble play, said it was vital to give children play spaces.
A U.S. F-18 fighter jet went missing in the Red Sea after failing to stop properly during landing on the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, leading to the ejection of two crew members who were recovered by a rescue helicopter; another F-18 incident occurred last week while assisting in Yemen's Houthi fighters' strikes, and the Navy is investigating both incidents without immediate response; such rare events have raised scrutiny of the carrier's safety standards and operational practices.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet Friedrich Merz in Berlin amid speculation that Germany could authorize the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, despite criticism from his center-left coalition partners. The situation escalates with no signs of progress toward a ceasefire between Washington and Moscow, with Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev highlighting the fear of World War III as the primary concern. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has yet to receive Russia's promised "memorandum" outlining its peace demands, as he stated during a press conference.
Quinta Brunson’s SNL hosting gig this weekend is all about multitasking: crafting funny skits while also planning for a potential stockpile against Trump tariffs. She’s already got one idea ready—turning tariff-related concepts into humorous sketches to keep items post-performance. Meanwhile, Heidi Gardner dresses up as a pageant queen but with a TP-themed gown and a catchphrase that’s just as quirky: “If there’s pee, it should be on me.” The cast also includes Ariana Grande, John Mulaney, Michael Keaton, Jean Smart, and more.
New South Wales women will soon have easier access to abortion pills after a bill allowing nurse practitioners and midwives to prescribe them was passed, despite opposition from Tony Abbott. The measure addresses concerns about healthcare access in rural areas while some fear it could increase risks due to delays or lack of timely care. However, the bill has a typo and now needs retrial.
Elon Musk's Starlink has emerged as a savvy business tool, amassing deals across multiple nations despite the U.S. tariffs squeezing Americans' finances. Lesotho, for instance, negotiated a unique trade deal with Starlink amidst hefty tariffs, while other countries are strategically aligning with the company to facilitate their trade relations, even without explicit U.S. encouragement. Meanwhile, Chinese competitors are rapidly entering the market, underscoring the strategic depth of Starlink in navigating global trade dynamics. --- This summary captures the key points concisely and engagingly, highlighting Starlink's success and the strategic alignments happening around it.
"Protesters against U.S. immigration sweeps in Los Angeles have sparked a wave of unrest, prompting California's National Guard to deploy 2,000 troops following President Trump's request to curb the violence. Trump has criticized protesters as 'Radical Left' and 'often paid troublemakers,' while state officials deny widespread violence but accuse him of inflating chaos for immigration enforcement purposes. Meanwhile, local agencies like the Los Angeles Police Department and Sheriff's Department are on standby to ensure public safety as ICE operations continue."
The U.S. and China are both taking steps to manage their trade war, but Beijing is preparing for a broader rivalry with Washington. Despite a temporary reduction in tariffs, China remains resolute on its territorial claims and military competition with the U.S., while experts caution that this move may not fully address Beijing's concerns about Pentagon plans to strengthen its military presence in Asia and China’s tech restrictions. The potential for a summit between President Trump and Xi Jinping is cautiously optimistic but faces challenges from unresolved grievances, signaling Beijing’s preparedness for future tensions akin to those during Trump’s first term.
Shohei Ohtani crushed a no-doubter to crush the Rockies and secure a victory for the Dodgers in Sunday's finale. The Dodger star returned from an extended layoff after his wife gave birth, hitting leadoff this time as he homered twice against the Rangers. Meanwhile, Eddie Rosario was dealt to make room for him. Ohtani had hit six home runs already this season and showed why he’s a MVP contender with two hits in just 20 games.
Berlin-based O&O Software GmbH has launched a major new release of its backup software for Windows, featuring an improved interface without multi-tabbed windows and introducing Fortress Mode for secure disk image operations. The update includes options for backing up files, entire drives, partitions, with tools to create rescue media, perform system checks, verify backups, and connect to NAS devices. Available as a 30-day trial or single-user license at $24.95, this version aims to simplify backup tasks while enhancing security capabilities.
Climate change poses one of the most pressing challenges of our time. While carbon dioxide remains a dominant greenhouse gas, other potent pollutants like methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons, and tropospheric ozone contribute significantly to current warming despite existing for much shorter periods than CO2. These "super pollutants" account for about 45% of the observed warming today, highlighting their substantial impact as we navigate toward managing global temperatures effectively.
Fifty years after the fall of Saigon, the Vietnam War's legacy continues to shape Laos as one man's quest for closure leads him to the pinnacle of Mount Everest.
A 57-year-old man's MRI scan revealed tuberculomas—small nodules—in his brain, indicating a rare but dangerous form of tuberculosis that has invaded his central nervous system rather than just his lungs. After previously being treated for lung TB and arriving at the emergency department with unexplained headaches, neck pain, and tingling in his right hand, doctors discovered these lesions on imaging tests. The condition, classified as CNS tuberculoma, highlights how the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body, making it a significant but underrecognized complication that could be life-threatening if untreated.
The soundtrack to "Sinners" has sparked nostalgia and excitement among fans, featuring performances by Miles Caton as Preacher Boy and Ludwig Göransson's haunting score, both of whom have collaborated with director Ryan Coogler. Beyond music, the film's journey into blues and otherworldly themes is told through clickable profiles and interactive clippings, inviting a deeper dive into its haunting narrative filled with cultural Allusions and eerie elements.
The GOATs at Six One Indie are thrilled to kick off their showcase on May 22nd with a pre-show highlighting seven overlooked indie titles. The main event at Noon features over 40 world premieres, developer interviews, and hands-on demos, offering a deep dive into future indie gems. The pre-show is particularly exciting for discovering lesser-known games like Mouse: P.I. For Hire, which combines Mickey Mouse aesthetics with charming gameplay. This event stands out by spotlighting overlooked titles, fostering new connections and supporting indie developers' growth in the gaming industry.
Cashel Barnett, a contestant from "Love Island," has turned himself in to Utah authorities after facing charges that include attacking his ex-girlfriend in front of their child. Authorities issued a felony warrant for his arrest last Monday, and he was booked into jail on Tuesday. The article highlights the severity of his claims, including strangulation, and mentions potential additional charges under investigation. Cashel is currently held without bail and will face a detention hearing on Thursday to determine any possible bail amount.
The article highlights why Tesla’s Q1 2025 earnings could be the most hyped yet this year, as CEO Elon Musk has gotten involved in right-wing politics and promoted his cryptocurrency, DOGE. This has hurt Tesla’s stock, global sales, and profits, with analysts warning of weaker margins compared to companies like Volkswagen. Meanwhile, competition from China, Europe, and North America threatens Tesla’s growth, and the automaker is still struggling to explain its declining profit margins or address the shift toward autonomous vehicles.
Anfield stadium was left in mourning as a tragic car parade accident claimed lives and injured dozens, raising questions about security preparedness. Liverpool FC expressed deep sorrow over the incident and committed to supporting the affected community, while fans and social media reactions highlighted concerns over excessive safety measures. Lessons learned underscored the need for enhanced crowd control and security protocols moving forward.
The relative twist angle between layers of near-lattice-matched van der Waals materials is critical for the emergent phenomena associated with moiré flat bands1,2,3. Here we experimentally demonstrate ‘moiréless’ twist-tuning of superconductivity together with other correlated orders in Bernal bilayer graphene proximitized by tungsten diselenide. The precise alignment between the two materials systematically controls the strength of induced Ising spin–orbit coupling (SOC), profoundly altering the phase diagram. The superconducting behaviour is theoretically compatible with the prominent role of interband interactions between symmetry-breaking Fermi pockets. Our results provide insights into ultraclean graphene superconductors and underscore the potential of utilizing moiréless-twist engineering across a wide range of van der Waals heterostructures.
Travis Decker, the man reportedly responsible for killing his three daughters, remains at large after being released from custody. Chelan County Sheriff's Office has shared new photos of Decker, who was previously believed to be captured but has since fled. The images show him appearing lawfully, though he’s described as dangerous and possibly armed, prompting public warnings not to approach or seek him out. Despite thorough searches in the forest, river, and other recent hotspots, Decker remains elusive, with authorities continuing their efforts based on new intel and tips from the community.
Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of billions worldwide, has passed away, marking the end of a papacy that spanned over a decade and saw efforts at reform amid enduring challenges within the Catholic Church.
Upheaval Games has introduced an innovative AGI platform to revolutionize game development by automating complex tasks like NPC creation and 3D modeling. The AI tools allow natural language-based character programming and generate detailed models quickly, while an on-premises solution ensures data control for IP protection. This could redefine the job market in gaming by reducing reliance on repetitive tasks.
Peter Dutton, who had a 24-year grip on Brisbane's Dickson seat, lost it in the 2023 election after a narrow defeat. Despite winning in 2001 through close margins and a 2010 victory by just 200 votes against expectations of defeat, he faced an upset at election night when his party's support plummeted by 24%, with many voters leaving early amid disappointment. Meanwhile, the LNP is reported to have misallocated resources from strategic contests, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Queensland politics and shifting voter support.
The abrupt termination of federal funding for library programs marked a significant blow to public access, following President Trump's controversial executive order against the IMLS. Amidst a 19% annual increase in digital borrowing during the pandemic, libraries like Mississippi's Hoopla program were suspended, leaving staff scrambled and some facing termination. Despite legal challenges, federal funds remain frozen, creating uncertainty for libraries nationwide as they adapt to this unprecedented shift.
Suge Knight admitted to discussing an alleged threat from Diddy to Capricorn Clark during his testimony, stating she believed he would carry it out. The veteran musician also shared that Clark felt pressured and scared during the conversation in 2004. Additionally, Suge expressed a soft spot for Clark, noting her close friendship with two of her children and decades of mutual understanding. The article also highlights Clark's emotional testimony about her time with Diddy and Bad Boy, including questioning over missing jewelry and polygraph tests.
A college football player in Missouri has died from an accidental gunshot wound following injuries sustained after a wellness check, according to local authorities. Todric McGee, a four-year safety for Missouri State who played from 2021-2024 and was recognized as an All-Missouri Valley Football Conference player in 2023, passed away at 21 years old. Missouri State Coach Ryan Beard mourns his loss, urging privacy for his family and team during this time.
Scientists have discovered "olo," a previously invisible natural color that can only be seen using advanced laser technology. This unique hue, named after the Wizard of Oz, was revealed by researchers at UC Berkeley through their Oz technology, which mimics the effects of the imaginary color-perceiving world in the classic story. The discovery could revolutionize color correction technologies and offer new insights into how humans perceive color, potentially influencing fields like fashion, interior design, and even virtual reality.
NASA satellite images reveal a fast-spreading wildfire near Waretown, New Jersey, burning 15,300 acres. The Pine Barrens, already prone to fires, face a severe threat due to drought and human development. False-color images from Landsat 9 show thick smoke and scorched land, while natural-color views highlight the extent of the flames towards the east. The fire, declared "severe" by the U.S. Drought Monitor, is 60% contained, with smoke drifting toward New York City. Earlier satellite data indicated dry conditions, underscoring the need for closer monitoring to prevent further ecological damage.
The once-valuable blue checkmark on Twitter has lost much of its significance after Elon Musk introduced the ability to purchase verification. The European Commission flagged concerns about confusion and potential non-compliance with EU laws, prompting Twitter to display a disclaimer aimed at appeasing regulatory fears. This move by Musk, who previously opposed such regulations, could signal strategic shifts in balancing user trust with legal requirements. Whether this will sway public opinion remains uncertain.
Fox Sports personalities Tom Brady and Erin Andrews revealed that they will host an NFL doubleheader in Week 16 of the upcoming season, marking a new milestone with Fox securing rights to air 11 such games—a record for a single network. The pair also highlighted the success of their previous Super Bowl coverage, which reached 127.7 million viewers, and noted that this momentum will carry forward into the upcoming season. Additionally, Brady and Andrews will make appearances at other events, including discussions about U.S. celebrating its 250th birthday in 2026.