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ZDNET highlights the Statik Snap-n-Charge as a compact yet powerful portable power bank ideal for quick top-ups on the go. It features micro USB charging compatibility, a magnetic connector compatible with Apple Lightning, USB-C, and microUSB adapters, and a sleek polymer shell that resists damage. Available in 3,200mAh capacity at $30, it's priced affordably and includes extra tips for enhanced versatility, making it a great choice for those seeking a reliable yet inconspicuous solution without compromising on charge capabilities.

Join the excitement of the 2026 Winter Olympics as Italy welcomes millions of athletes and fans under its alpine skies. This historic Games, set to take place across vast landscapes from the snow-covered mountains of Dolomites to the bustling cities of Milan, will feature record-breaking participation, including a record number of female athletes. With iconic venues like the ancient Arena di Verona hosting closing ceremonies and ski events in stunning locations such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, there’s no better time to plan your winter escape to this thrilling destination.

Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber enjoyed a serene Miami sunset on their yacht, flaunting their chic styles in bikinis as they soaked up the sun. Kylie, in a sleek black bikini by designer UTOPIA VI, seemed relaxed andstress-free, while Hailey lounged comfortably in her red bikini and bucket hat. Both women embraced their laid-back vibe ahead of the Met Gala, skipping the event to watch sports instead, sharing laughs as they stayed chill together.

Couples often face decisions about managing their finances differently, with women frequently prioritizing independent savings while men are more likely to share income fully. Despite these gender-based tendencies, many couples opt for a balanced approach, choosing either separate savings or joint accounts based on mutual agreement. This flexibility reflects both personal choice and societal norms in financial decision-making.

Jalen Brunson scored 34 points as the New York Knicks erased a 98-90 deficit with a dominant 21-0 run in the fourth quarter, winning Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons. Payton Green and Brunson combined for the Knicks' first 17 points before Josh Hart closed it out with two key baskets, capping off a thrilling comeback.

A’ja Wilson dominated the 2024 fantasy women’s basketball season with an impressive 50.3 fantasy points per game, far surpassing her competition, including veteran players like Breanna Stewart (44.4 FP/G in her first season with the Liberty) and Caitlin Clark (40.4 FP/G). While experienced players such as Napheesa Collier and Arike Ogunbowale performed well last season, Wilson’s standout performance this season makes her a strong favorite to retain the top fantasy draft spot, despite Stewart’s potential for another high season post-surgery.

"Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis, a couple who have been together since 2021 and got engaged in 2023, announced the birth of their first child with a sweet Instagram post, sharing a heartwarming collage that included an ultrasound scan photo. Their announcement resonated widely among fellow athletes like Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord, and Katie McCabe, as well as sports fans on the Matildas and Fifa Women’s World Cup accounts. Mewis expressed gratitude to Kerr for her unwavering support during their journey, emphasizing how crucial it has been to share their relationship on social media to challenge societal norms around being two girls in love."

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has already reached a major milestone with over half a million copies sold in just a few days since its launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S as a day-one Game Pass title. Despite launching shortly after The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered dropped, the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, earning scores of 92% on Metacritic and 91% on OpenCritic. IGN reviewer praised it as a modern RPG classic, highlighting its deep inspirations from games like Final Fantasy and Persona, making it a standout title worth considering for any RPG enthusiasts.

Notre Dame's quarterback competition intensifies as freshman CJ Carr and sophomore Kenny Minchey prepare for their battle to start after Steve Angeli left the team in the transfer portal. Both showed promise during spring practice, though their shared workload limited evaluation. The Irish expect to narrow down candidates before summer, following the departure of experienced starter Riley Leonard. With an experienced offensive line and receivers set to deepen competition, Freeman is confident future QBs will deliver a competitive environment for Notre Dame's 2024 season.

"Alperen Sengun scored big with a rocket dunk after an offensive foul in Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round series. The Houston Rockets center got levitated over Draymond Green for a poster jam, thanks to Jalen Green's assist, as the Warriors and Rockets prepare to play on TNT." Sengun averaged 19.1 points and 10.3 rebounds this season, becoming the first-time All-Star for the NBA veteran.

The U.S. government's credit rating has been stripped of its top Aaa status by Moody’s, citing repeated failures to address rising fiscal deficits and interest costs under successive administrations. Despite this downgrade, the U.S. retains strong economic strengths. The move complicates President Trump’s tax-cut agenda, as Republicans resist further tax increases while Democrats remain committed to reducing spending. Gridlocked politics has exacerbated the country's growing deficits, with neither party willing to compromise on taxes or spending cuts.

Early Star Trek Voyager was no exception with its interest in B’Elanna Torres, one of the show’s early breakout characters. Much of the conflict between the human B’Elanna and the Klingon B’Elanna is derived from what is ultimately presented by the episode as genetically derived traits. Human B’Elanna is physically and emotionally weaker, repeatedly incapacitated by fear as she struggles to adapt to being held prisoner by the Vidiians. Klingon B’Elanna, meanwhile, plays up the established Klingon caricature of violence and anger issues, an underlying arrogance that sees her seek conflict before anything else. It’s made especially fraught given the post-TNG re-imagining of the Klingons away from their original (and similarly racially fraught!)

The beloved action RPG *Code Vein* made headlines with the announcement of its sequel, *Code Vein II*, coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S in 2026. Though it received mixed reviews for its difficulty, the original was a solid dungeon-crawling soulslike. Fans can expect sharp visuals and an intriguing but complex story that builds on the post-apocalyptic setting and vampire protagonist of *Code Vein*.

Election polls are remarkably similar yet often wrong, with experts pinpointing potential 'herding' or systematic biases. They consistently underestimated Labor's support by 2-3 percentage points across various measures, suggesting deeper issues in polling practices like biased samples or weighting methods that remain unclear.

Airbnb is shaking up the travel game with a new feature that shows total costs upfront. Starting now, users will see the full price of stays—including cleaning fees—right from the search page. The update comes after years of criticism and follows Airbnb’s 2019 EU-related changes to fee disclosure. A banner at the top of search results will remind travelers that prices include all fees, making it easier to budget without surprises.

Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) continues to trust old passwords even after users change them, leaving users potentially vulnerable. This behavior, identified by researcher Daniel Wade, is a deliberate design choice meant to ensure at least one account remains accessible regardless of system downtime. Microsoft insists this isn't an issue and won't address it, noting that users aren't notified or given an option to fix passwords automatically. This flaw could affect millions of users across various settings, including home environments and hybrid work setups, highlighting a lack of clear detection or resolution mechanisms for such vulnerabilities.

On a vibrant Saturday afternoon in Kampala’s informal settlement, young Ugandans gathered around VJs to watch a local version of "The Monkey," with Luganda translations adding cultural depth. These VJs, like VJ Junior, are now central to Uganda’s media landscape, using humor, simplification, and sound effects to make foreign films accessible. Rooted in colonial evangelism traditions, their work has evolved into a thriving industry, distributing content across VHS, VCDs, DVDs, and flash disks, while also dubbing local shows. Despite challenges like copyright issues, they continue to inspire Ugandans by bridging cultural divides through their dynamic role.

"2 Chainz teams up with actor Omar Epps on his new short film 'Red Clay,' set to premiere at the Atlanta Film Festival. The film, directed by Christian Nolan Jones, follows Nook, a struggling teen in 2003 Atlanta, as he navigates life after his mother’s drug addiction and befriends Bub on his quest for redemption. Epps co-wrote the story alongside Jones, inspired by the need to unpack systemic trauma and promote compassion."

Fox has renewed its hit unscripted series *The Floor* for Seasons 4 and 5 and *Extracted* for a second season, keeping readers hooked as the network gears up for its Upfront week. *The Floor* features contestants competing on an LED quiz floor to expand their territories, with the ultimate prize of $250k. Meanwhile, *Extracted* follows untrained survivalists in the wilderness whose lives are monitored by their families back home, exploring themes of trust and sacrifice as they race to be the last standing. The renewals highlight Fox’s commitment to bold storytelling and diverse programming, just weeks before its major upfront event.

Late-night hosts expressed outrage over Donald Trump accepting a luxury Boeing jet from Qatar as the new Air Force One. “Oh, Trump’s going to take a $400m jet from people he would expel from Columbia University,” Stewart quipped. The host especially took issue with Trump’s defense that Qatar is “giving us a free jet”. “It’s not a free jet,” he countered. “I actually think it’s fitting that the only thing Trump’s going to check out of his library is Big Plane,” Colbert laughed.

Oliver Oakes and Flavio Briatore have both taken on new roles at Alpine F1 Team, with Oakes resigning after just nine months in the job and Briatore assuming a de facto team principal role following his 2008 ban for the Crashgate scandal. The team is set to replace Jack Doohan with French driver Franco Colapinto, who has expressed his eagerness to gel with former team principal Andy Martin, despite past struggles. Despite recent setbacks, Alpine continues to navigate significant changes in its management and performance, currently sitting ninth in the F1 standings after a challenging 2024 season marked by both success and missteps.

Netflix Japan is making a bold statement with its upcoming release “Bullet Train Explosion,” a reboot of the 1975 classic “Bullet Train.”The film, which premieres April 23, marks a significant milestone as Netflix celebrates its 10th anniversary in the Japanese market. According to Shinichi Takahashi, director of live action content for Netflix Japan, the production achieved unprecedented access to Japan’s iconic bullet trains. Popular on VarietyThe film’s production scale included the construction of two full-sized bullet train cars using authentic materials and the creation of a 1/6 scale model train for explosive sequences. “Our primary focus was on ensuring the audience could feel the authenticity and realism of the bullet train,” Takahashi explained. Netflix Japan’s film slate includes the recently released manga adaptation “Demon City,” which ranked in the global top 10 for four consecutive weeks, and the upcoming “10Dance,” directed by Keishi Otomo and starring Ryoma Takeuchi and Keita Machida.

Alarm bells are ringing as the Trump administration closes the CDC's STD lab, a critical resource for diagnosing and researching sexually transmitted infections. Syphilis cases are surging nationwide, with Wisconsin seeing a 70% jump last year alone. The shutdown threatens public health infrastructure, disrupts efforts to combat STIs like HIV and congenital syphilis, and eliminates vital research funding needed to develop new diagnostics and prevention programs. This decision marks a significant step backward in the fight against传染病, with far-reaching consequences for maternal and infant health, contact tracing, and disease containment.

USB-C, once touted as a universal connection solution, has become a source of confusion due to varying capabilities among devices. To address this complexity, Microsoft is introducing the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) to ensure USB-C ports provide consistent functionality across compatible systems. This initiative aims to standardize device compatibility, helping users understand their USB-C capabilities and ensuring seamless operation without hidden issues. By leveraging WHCP, Microsoft strives to make USB-C a straightforward and reliable connection option for all users.

Iran has announced a $4 billion agreement to develop seven oil fields in cooperation with Russian companies, despite Western economic sanctions. This follows decades of strategic partnerships post-Ukraine, including efforts to overcome nuclear negotiations with the U.S., which resume in Oman next week. The deal underscores Iran's efforts to strengthen ties with Russia as they seek to stabilize their energy supply amid increasing sanctions.

French media are warning of a 'dark week' of disruptions as multiple rail unions file strike plans ahead of the May 5th to May 11th period. Services like TGV Inoui and Ouigo, local TER routes, and Eurostar could be affected, with conductors’ strikes particularly impacting high-speed trains. Tr travelers are advised to check for cancellations in advance if they’ve booked tickets and to avoid driving due to potential congestion warnings from Bison Futé.

"Him" is a realistic horror film featuring a football star named Cameron Cade (played by Tyriq Withers) who becomes a body-torn monster after an attack. The story follows his recovery under the intense mentorship of retired pro Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), leading to extreme demands and terrifying experiences. The film blends sports tropes with horror elements, like body parts and cult-style scares, for a fresh take on the genre. Starring Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Akeem Hayes, and released on September 19."

"Syria's Ahmad al-Sharaa has made a dramatic political comeback as he becomes its president following a historic meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. After joining al-Qaida in Iraq during the 2003 U.S.-led invasion and spending years in U.S. prison, al-Sharaa returned to Syria to fight against Bashar Assad. His meeting with Trump, after Trump announced the end of U.S. sanctions on Syria, marks a significant step for al-Sharaa as he seeks to stabilize the fractured country and revive its economy. Trump praised al-Sharaa as a potential leader, highlighting his strong past and promising future."

HBO’s new comedy series, created by Rachel Sennott, stars Lauren Holt and Moses Ingram, with Elijah Wood and Josh Brener as guest stars alongside others like Leighton Meester. The show follows a codependent friend group that reunites after time apart, exploring changes in their lives from work, ambition, and relationships.

During his second concert in Manchester, Bruce Springsteen addressed President Trump, criticizing an 'unfit president' for his government's actions against American democracy, free speech, and civil rights. Trump responded on Truth Social by calling Springsteen 'Highly Overrated' and threatened him publicly if the tour ended, while Springsteen continued to emphasize America's resilience and hope despite the challenges.

In a special pre-election episode, co-hosts Tony Barry and Barrie Cassidy break down the last messages from political campaigns, analyze recent polling data, and share their predictions for Saturday night’s results.

The world's wealthiest individuals—specifically the top 10%—account for two-thirds of global warming since 1990, according to new research linking economic inequality to climate change. This study highlights how concentrated wealth exacerbates extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts. Wealthy individuals and their investments drive significant portions of these climate impacts, with the richest 1% contributing disproportionately to severe weather worldwide. The researchers suggest that addressing the environmental responsibilities of high-income groups is crucial for effective climate action but face political and economic challenges in implementing solutions like wealth taxes.

Madleen Kulab, a fisherwoman whose family was deeply displaced by Israel's blockade on Gaza, feels moved by being named after someone who has dedicated their life to breaking the siege. Despite losing her father in an attack and enduring harsh displacements, Madleen remains hopeful that the act of naming the ship after her will draw attention to the plight of Gaza and inspire global solidarity. Her story highlights the resilience of communities facing unimaginable hardship.

The Indian-Pakistani ceasefire deal announced after mediation by the United States has faced violations as both nations continue to engage in hostilities. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reported that India's armed forces are responding to ceasefire violations, while Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticized India for spreading false information and harming his country. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the mediation role of the UK and David Lammy during the talks. Despite the agreement, Pakistan denied any violation, celebrating as their nation. Scuffles near Kashmir and Jammu highlight ongoing tensions with projectiles flying over both sides.

Get ready for a thrilling co-op adventure as Lego Voyagers debuts this summer! Join two studs on a journey through vibrant brick landscapes, solving puzzles and building structures together. Available across PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC with a Friend's Pass to play solo or split-screen. The game brings a mix of calm gameplay and Split Fiction vibes for unforgettable storytelling.

Ecco the Dolphin has made a comeback with a new chapter in its beloved series, thanks to Xbox’s announcement. The original creator revealed plans to remaster the classic 1993 title and Tides of Time, plus a potential third game featuring today's cutting-edge technology. Fans are already impatiently counting down from the website they’ve been directed to. But hey, maybe there will be a trailer or two before the year’s up—let’s hope!

The Weeknd and Jenna Ortega made an unexpected appearance at Coachella to promote their film Hurry Up Tomorrow, set to hit theaters on May 16, showcasing their roles in a thrilling project alongside Barry Keoghan.

Apple's senior vice president Eddy Cue highlighted their strategic interest in integrating AI-driven search tools into Safari, fearing Google's dominance in search markets may shift. He noted a historic first-year decline in Google searches on Safari, attributed to emerging AI engines like ChatGPT, while cautioning against prematurely abandoning the deal with Google. Apple's partnership with OpenAI for AI innovation underscores their proactive approach to staying competitive in an evolving tech landscape, as the company faces increasing antitrust scrutiny and potential shifts in market dominance.

Surprisingly, "Sinners" has dominated the box office, grossing $45 million domestically in its second week and reaching $163 million worldwide. Despite a slight 6% drop from its opening weekend of $48 million, it holds its top spot among R-rated horror films. Directed by Ryan Coogler, who also wrote the film, it’s his highest-rated work to date with glowing audience reviews. Tom Cruise praised it as a "must-see," and despite early negative predictions, Coogler expressed gratitude to the audience for their support, highlighting the enduring importance of the theatrical experience.

Konvoy's latest Gaming Industry Report predicts the global games market will hit $186 billion in 2026, driven by major trends like mergers and acquisitions, venture capital deals, and escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. While Q1 saw 43 M&A transactions—including Scopely’s $3.5 billion purchase of Niantic’s gaming division—the number of VC deals dropped 6% to 77, though funding总额 rose 35% to $373 million. North America dominated investments with 53%, followed by Asia and Europe, while Africa, South America, and Australia saw minimal activity due to lack of local capital groups.

"A woman whose death during extreme heat in 2021 has sparked a wrongful death lawsuit against major oil companies, marking the first such case in the U.S. tied to climate change, as her daughter sues on her behalf for allegedly failing to disclose the risks of fossil fuels contributing to climate alteration."

The collaboration between Elon Musk and President Trump has turned into an explosive public feud as Trump criticized the administration's policies. Accusing Musk of "Trump Derangement Syndrome," Trump suggested that the billionaire entrepreneur is easily provokable after declining a NASA job offer. Meanwhile, Musk has intensified his criticism on social media, stating that Trump withheld critical information about Jeffrey Epstein, which he claims implicates himself. The exchange reflects the deepening divide between the two men as their relationship crumbles due to ideological clashes and personal attacks.

Google's AI tool Gemini has been expanded with several new features at its I/O 2025 event, including pricier Pro and Ultra plans, Gemini Live for free screen sharing on Android and iOS, and upgraded image and video generation tools like Imagen 4 and Veo 3.

WWE's WrestleMania 41 is set for April 19 and 20 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, featuring matches including John Cena's final bout against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed Championship and a title defense between Gunther and Jey Uso. The event streams exclusively on Peacock starting at $7.99/month or $79.99/year, with tickets available through TicketNetwork using promo codes VARIETY150 and VARIETY300 for discounts.

Paris Saint-Germain secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Arsenal in the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday, thanks to an own goal by Wilian Pacho and a penalty from substitute Anthony Saka. The young team, averaging just 24.7 years old, demonstrated experience and composure under manager Luis Enrique, with Kévin Doué scoring twice and Paul appreciation for their ability to play through tired legs in high-pressure situations. Despite their youth, PSG proved they can still compete at the highest level, and their win sends them on a path toward the final against Inter Milan.

Kesha has unveiled a new cover art for her single "Delusional," following backlash over its AI-generated design. The artist explained that she aimed to emphasize the undervalued status of musicians rather than making statements through visuals. Despite her creative pivot, fans noted errors in the initial artwork's typography and expressed disappointment at using AI for her music cover during a time when technology threatens creative careers. In her Instagram post, Kesha highlighted her crew's role and addressed the broader issue of AI, urging consideration of human impact as tools evolve.

Donald Trump has repeatedly pursued replacing Air Force One, facing significant delays each time due to complications with Boeing's aircraft projects. In 2018, Boeing was contracted to supply a new presidential aircraft but faced numerous setbacks, including design and supply chain issues as well as political interference. Now, Trump has turned to L3Harris to modify an older Boeing 747, even amid criticism from Boeing about potential delays. This interim solution underscores Trump's notorious reputation for ostentatious spending and image management during his presidency.

A jury has ruled that the company behind the infamous Pegasus spyware must pay Meta more than $167 million in damages for spreading malware via WhatsApp. Meta sued the NSO Group in 2019 over its Pegasus spyware. Tuesday’s verdict followed a week-long jury trial to determine just how much NSO should pay in damages to Meta. The jury ultimately awarded Meta $444,719 in compensatory damages and $167,254,000 in punitive damages. He added that Meta plans to pursue a court order to prevent NSO from targeting WhatsApp in the future.

Looking to save big on tech without compromising quality? When shopping for refurbished devices, start by understanding what "refurbished" means—these items are repaired, cleaned, and often updated to work like new. Prioritize manufacturer programs (like Apple or Microsoft) for the best reliability, but also check retailer policies such as Best Buy's Geek Squad Certified Refurbished or Amazon Renewed. Always compare condition ratings, warranties, and seller reputations to ensure you're making a smart purchase. By doing your homework, you can find top deals on everything from phones to vacuums while avoiding risks.

John Legend opened up about his breakup with Kanye West in a recent interview, sharing insights into how the relationship that once fueled his career now stands to blame for West's decline. The veteran musician described West as once being "passionate, gifted, and ambitious," but noted that after West's support for Donald Trump, their friendship soured and they ultimately fell out in 2022. Legend also hinted that West's mother, Donda West, passed nearly a decade before Trump's presidency may have been a contributing factor to his downward trajectory.