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Concise news summaries
Real Madrid has secured a major transfer by signing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth. The 20-year-old international centre-back made his debut for Spain in March and already holds internationals with Italy and Japan. Huijsen, who joined Bournemouth from Juventus and previously played in the Premier League with both club, will join Real Madrid on a five-year contract starting in June 2025. The transfer was finalized to ensure he remains available for the Club World Cup this summer. Madrid is also reportedly targeting full-backs ahead of the tournament, while Huijsen's signing comes as they tackle significant defensive injuries this season.
Eric Migicovsky, the founder of Pebble, revealed plans for two new smartwatches, the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, after years of silence. The devices will be built using Google's open-source Pebble OS, which was previously used by Pebble before its shutdown in 2016. However, tariffs on Chinese-made smartwatches are complicating shipments to the U.S., with Core Devices planning to import directly from Asia to avoid additional costs. Preorders for the Core 2 Duo start at $149 and ship in July, while the Core Time 2 is priced at $225 and will begin shipping in December.
Venable, Taylor Swift's lawyers, have opposed Justin Baldoni's subpoena in the Blake Lively case, citing its issuance without cause and aiming to divert attention from her legal battle with Lively. The firm argues that the subpoena included communications between Swift and her ex-husband Reynolds, which should not have been shared as neither participated in the case. A spokesperson for Swift confirmed she was only licensed one song in the film and denied using her name or status for tabloid purposes. If the subpoena stands, it could subject non-participants to unnecessary legal burdens.
Andor has been praised as one of Star Wars' most groundbreaking shows, not only for its thrilling narrative but also for breaking new ground in the franchise. Its creator, Tony Gilroy, nearly abandoned the project due to pandemic-related pressures but was saved by Kathleen Kennedy, who ensured the show's continued success and creative freedom. Kennedy's unwavering support allowed Gilroy to take risks and realize a ambitious vision that redefined what Star Wars could achieve. Even though George Lucas' opinion on Andor remains unclear, its legacy as a masterpiece underscores the importance of Kennedy's guidance in keeping this beloved franchise thriving.
Google faces growing pressure from the US Justice Department to divest its advertising tools after a court ruling highlighted its dominance in digital ad markets. While Google has rejected selling AdX or Ad Manager, which are central to its control over search engines and display ads, the DOJ argues these platforms must go, along with Chrome, due to separate antitrust findings. In contrast, Google claims it will appeal the court’s decision on Ad Manager and instead focus on modifying AdX to allow more competition in real-time bidding while protecting legitimate publishers from being forced off its platform.
E-scooters will be legal on shared paths and bike lanes in NSW starting Monday but remain prohibited on footpaths as part of a new regulation aimed at balancing accessibility with safety. Riders must be at least 16 years old, with speed limits capped at 20 km/h on roads and shared paths, while e-bikes may have more lenient rules if they’re primarily pedal-powered. The government has announced plans to introduce these changes in response to a parliamentary inquiry highlighting safety concerns, with police tasked with enforcement and collaboration on penalties for non-compliance.
The European Commission fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million for breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA), citing violations like Apple's anti-steering obligation and Meta's failure to offer choice between privacy-friendly services. Both companies are required to comply by 60 days or face ongoing penalties, though neither has yet to act on the decision. Apple called the fines unfair, saying they were forced without user consent, while Meta accused the EC of unfair restrictions on personalized advertising.
Dennis Pilarinos, an expert in building developer tools with a background at Microsoft and Amazon, created an AI-powered tool called **Unblocked**, designed to help developers understand each other's code by answering contextual questions. The startup also integrates with platforms like Slack, Jira, and Confluence, offering admin controls for companies to streamline operations. With a focus on making codebases more accessible, Unblocked supports teams in analyzing metrics, finding contributors, and gaining insights. Backed by $20 million from B Capital and Radical Ventures, the tool is increasingly becoming essential as AI-driven tools proliferate in software development.
Microsoft expanded its Xbox cloud gaming initiative by rolling out the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to select LG smart TVs in 25 countries this week, marking a significant step beyond just console hardware. The update supports a range of LG models, including updated OLED and QNED TVs, with plans for additional availability through StanbyME screens later. This move complements Microsoft's broader strategy to offer the Xbox experience without requiring physical console ownership, following similar initiatives by Samsung and Amazon Fire TV.
Google Chrome has introduced an innovative feature designed to simplify password changes following data breaches. This update automates the process by generating a new password with a single click, though it currently supports only specific websites. Initially discovered as part of early developer builds under "AI Innovations," this feature aims to enhance cybersecurity by reducing reliance on reused passwords, which are often vulnerable to cyberattacks. The inclusion of AI and the planned rollout across more sites will improve convenience for users already using a robust password manager, making crisis response faster and less burdensome.
A 4.1-magnitude earthquake shook parts of southern Tennessee and Georgia on Saturday morning, waking families across the region. No injuries or major damage were reported at the time. The epicenter was near Greenback, about 30 miles south of Knoxville, with over 23,000 reports from residents within an hour. Residents in Braselton, Georgia, and Knoxville experienced shaking, with some recalling unusual feelings like the sudden rumble that shook their homes or a nearby ceiling fan. A 5% chance of another moderate earthquake was noted in the following week. Historical context shows a strong seismic history, including notable tremors near Knoxville and Decatur in recent decades.
Nicola Packer, a 44-year-old woman accused of administering abortion pills during her pregnancy after being referred to by a friend as "Marie Stopes," faces legal challenges amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The case hinges on whether she believed she was less than 10 weeks pregnant when taking the medication, with her friend testifying about intimate interactions and Packer appearing undressed. The defense presented evidence of her habits during the period before delivery, but she reportedly provided no signs indicating pregnancy.
The three major Japanese nonlife insurers reported record net profits in fiscal 2024, driven by gains from selling cross-held shares following improper business practices and fraudulent premium adjustments. Despite the sale of all such holdings, net premium income rose due to increased car and fire insurance rates and a weaker yen benefiting overseas operations. However, they expect net profit to decline in 2025 as sales from these shares decrease, while automobile insurance faces headwinds from inflationary rising repair costs.
A tragic act in Rafah resulted in at least three Palestinians being killed as Israeli forces opened fire on aid workers at an humanitarian site backed by Israel and the U.S., drawing criticism from international bodies despite thesite's denial of involvement. Critics argue that aid distribution prioritizes convenience over humanitarian principles, while the U.S. and Israel claim they maintained control despite confusion at the site.
The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has made history by successfully capturing full-color images of black holes for the first time. By using a groundbreaking technique called frequency phase transfer, they correct atmospheric interference to stitch together multi-frequency data, allowing them to observe these cosmic phenomena in vivid color. This advancement builds on their 2019 and 2022 achievements imaging M87* and Sagittarius A*, respectively, and sets the stage for a new space-based mission, Event Horizon Explorer, aiming to achieve even sharper visuals of black holes, including elusive photon rings that could validate theories about black hole physics.
Budget cuts jeopardize vital scientific initiatives critical to understanding climate change and natural disasters. NOAA's key programs, including CO2 tracking at Mauna Loa and hurricane forecasting, face severe funding shortfalls. These reductions threaten accurate climate research, disaster preparedness, and even local efforts like water management in El Paso. The need for sustained investment in such data collection underscores the importance of robust scientific efforts to address global environmental challenges effectively.
A crypto investor from Kentucky, John Woeltz (37), was arrested in New York City for allegedly kidnapping and torturing an Italian tourist. The alleged victim reportedly spent two weeks in captivity at Woeltz’s luxurious Nolita apartment before being hospitalized due to the brutal treatment. Authorities recovered evidence like Polaroids showing his suffering and found a gun inside the apartment. woeltz faces charges including assault, kidnapping, and criminal possession of a firearm. His lawyer declined to comment, and another unidentified male is believed to have participated in the alleged harassment.
Why are AMD RX 9070 XT and Nvidia RTX cards so expensive now? Amid a major GPU shortage, prices have spiked by over $250 on average for AMD's entry-level RX 9070 XT—now selling for $850 despite its $600 MSRP. Meanwhile, Nvidia’s top consumer GPUs like the RTX 5080 and 5090 are being sold for up to $1,833 and $3,871 respectively, a full $284 and $2,371 over their respective MSRPs. The reasons behind this trend include retailers scalping entry-level models even before the shortage, limited supply on platforms like eBay, and upcoming tariffs that will likely raise prices further.
Meta has finally launched an official WhatsApp version for iPadOS, offering a seamless experience tailored specifically for tablets. The app mirrors the iPhone version but with larger screens, supporting features like 32-person audio/video calls, front/back camera use, and screen sharing. It also integrates with Apple's multitasking tools, enabling users to send messages while browsing or collaborate during calls. While it's already available, Meta notes that further updates are in the works for enhanced functionality.
The federal court in California ruled that NSO Group, the spyware company behind Pegasus, must pay $167.25 million to Meta for hacking 1,400 users across WhatsApp, citing a vulnerability that allowed Pegasus installation without user consent. The jury awarded Meta $444,719 in compensatory damages after finding NSO liable for the targeted attacks on activists and journalists. Moving forward, Meta plans to seek a court order to prevent NSO from continuing its WhatsApp exploitation and has shared deposition transcripts as part of its case.
Michael Feinstein, a prominent theater artist, sparked controversy by canceling a performance at the Kennedy Center after the event was abruptly declined due to claims of "Pride Month" being targeted for cancellation based on sexual orientation. Feinstein argued that such censorship constitutes political interference in artistic expression and called out previous cancellations under the Trump administration, including those targeting drag shows and LGBTQ+ groups. In a heartfelt essay posted on Instagram, he urged readers to take action by contacting their senators, congresspeople, or the White House, while also donating to The Trevor Project.
Chelsea has announced new moves in their striker squad as Cole Palmer steps into the No. 10 position following his impressive performances since joining from Manchester City, while former teammate Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended due to a banned substance. The club confirmed that Liam Delap will wear the No. 9 shirt for their upcoming campaign starting from the Club World Cup.
Jamie Lee Curtis sparked controversy by publicly appealing to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to remove an AI-generated ad featuring her image, highlighting concerns over the use of her likeness and calling for transparency in AI's role within industries. Curly's post, shared alongside actor Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson's similar appeals, underscores growing scrutiny of AI-generated content and its impact on creative credentials and industry interdependence. Her acknowledgment during a 2023 strike further positions her as an advocate against perceived threats from AI, while the rapid resolution of her case reflects broader efforts to regulate such content responsibly.
Open Extended ReactionsBrazilian winger Antony wanted "revenge" when he arrived on loan at Real Betis after struggling to live up to his hefty price tag at Manchester United, Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini said Tuesday. Antony joined Betis in January after scoring just five Premier League goals in two-and-a-half years since a €100 million ($113 million) transfer from Ajax. Speaking ahead of the final in Wrocław, Poland, Pellegrini said that Antony was motivated by wanting to prove a point. I am absolutely sure that this is a huge time for him here in Betis to help improve his career." While Betis operate on a relatively modest budget, the same is not true of their Conference League final opponents.
Win a chance to attend TechCrunch Sessions: AI by testing your AI knowledge with daily trivia starting today until June 4th. If you emerge victorious, your inbox will contain a special code to secure 2-for-1 discounted tickets for the event on June 5 at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in AI and connect at one of the biggest discussions in tech!
Cybersecurity teams are evolving their strategies from merely detecting automated threats to understanding the intent behind malicious activities, as AI-driven bots and tools now mimic human behavior more effectively. Organizations are adopting intent-based security measures like advanced behavioral analytics, dynamic resource monitoring, and flexible user resource limits to adaptively combat these sophisticated threats, ensuring robust protection against both human and AI-driven attacks.
Your kalanchoe plant is showing signs of powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can weaken the plant but doesn't kill it outright. To manage this issue, isolate your plant to prevent spread, remove infected leaves carefully, and improve airflow by opening windows or using a fan. Treat with a natural antifungal spray made from baking soda and water mixed with a drop of castile soap, applied weekly until cleared. For persistent infections, consider neem oil or store-bought fungicide. Prevent future issues by keeping plants well-spaced and checking for fungal activity regularly.
Cars are becoming more than just transportation—check out how Spotify is now enabling music sharing in the passenger seat. Spotify's Jam feature will be available on cars equipped with Android Auto as well as those integrating Google services, allowing drivers to share playlists seamlessly without manually initiating a session on their smartphone. The feature has already proven popular for its ability to connect friends and discover new music together, making car trips more enjoyable for everyone involved. It’s available in the coming months for over 500 compatible models, with plans to expand further through other Google-connected brands later.
Coral bleaching in Western Australia's reefs, exacerbated by climate change and rising sea temperatures, has led to significant damage across regions like Rowley Shoals, Tantabidi Reef, and Ningaloo. While Rowley Shoals shows signs of recovery with surviving corals supporting fish, Ningaloo faces the most severe bleaching due to unprecedented heatwaves reaching 3°C above average. Recovery is limited but hopeful in Tantabidi Reef. Immediate conservation efforts are crucial to mitigate further ecological damage and understand long-term climate impacts on biodiversity.
A heated trial pits Kevin Systrom against Mark Zuckerberg over claims about Instagram management under Facebook. Systrom accuses Zuckerberg of draining Instagram resources to stifle its growth due to jealousy and strategic reasons. Background information from an email in 2018 suggests Zuckerberg considered selling Instagram to halt growth as it surpassed Facebook's ad revenue per user, while also hinting at his broader mission to expand human social capacity beyond Dunbar's number.
Angelique Boyer is packed with upcoming roles for TelevisaUnivision, including a remake of *Doménica Montero*, a new feature film, and appearances in *Mujeres Asesinas* Season 3. The actress, known for her versatility, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play an iconic character in the new *Doménica Monterroa* version, set to be directed by Carlos Bardasano. Additionally, Boyer highlighted how *Mujeres Asesinas* offers a unique insight into real-life cases, resonating with audiences and addressing societal conflicts. She also hinted at her excitement for her first feature film, which she hopes will bring laughter and meaningful conversations about diversity in comedy.
The $1 million winner-take-all Soccer Tournament aims to become a top global event as it welcomes 48 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams. The women’s field doubles in size, featuring returning stars like Carli Lloyd and Hope Solo, who will lead a new team with her former teammates. Meanwhile, the men’s event showcases diverse clubs from top leagues, with Tyler Adams leading recruitment for Bournemouth. Both tournaments seek to attract global fans and set a high standard for soccer events worldwide.
A$AP Rocky recently opened up about his felony firearm acquittal in an interview, stating he now focuses on his own actions following the trial. The legal process has made him more vulnerable in areas like music and acting, leading to memorable moments such as appearing in Spike Lee’s film for embodying a character similar to himself during court. He expressed gratitude for his freedom and how it inspires others, acknowledging that while it was a tough time, he’s learning to find joy and positivity moving forward.
AI-powered platforms like Microsoft's Discovery are revolutionizing scientific research by accelerating the discovery process through advanced AI capabilities. The platform integrates cutting-edge AI across various stages of scientific inquiry, from knowledge reasoning to hypothesis formulation and simulation, aiming to transform entire research workflows. While other tech giants have attempted similar approaches, such as Google's AI co-scientists, Microsoft hopes its efforts will yield more reliable breakthroughs compared to past attempts.
The swap deal offered by President Nayib Bukele to exchange Venezuelan political prisoners for Maduro’s detained inmates has drawn criticism from El Salvadoran and Venezuelan families, accusing him of treating Venezuelans as political commodities in a manipulative game. Venezuelan immigrants were reportedly deported without proper due process, facing baseless accusations despite evidence suggesting their innocence, while Bukele also faced backlash from Venezuelan authorities and critics for promoting the offer through social media to divert attention from past injustices against Venezuelans.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Russian overtures for direct peace talks but stressed that a full, temporary ceasefire must be established first. He praised Putin's counteroffer to start negotiations without a ceasefire as "positive," noting the world has been waiting for such an opportunity. However, he emphasized that "the very first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire." Meanwhile, Russia resumed mass drone attacks on Ukraine early Sunday after their self-declared three-day pause expired, with many drones being shot down due to Ukrainian countermeasures.
"Press & Hold is a simple but effective method to confirm that you are a human and not an automated bot. By pressing and holding your device for a few seconds, you can verify identity and ensure access security. This action is often used to block bots or spam accounts from gaining unauthorized access."
Nagi Maehashi’s caramel slice recipe, once shared on her website, has sparked debate after a similar entry was found in Brooke Bellamy’s bestselling bakery book. Despite claims of plagiarism, Bellamy has denied authorship of the recipe, which she says she developed herself since 2016. Lifestyle editor Alyx Gorman recently discussed the allegations with Nour Haydar.
Ed Sheeran’s *Play* is a deeply emotional release, kickstarting with the haunting single “Old Phone,” which evokes nostalgia through nostalgic visuals of an old iPhone and heartfelt remembrances of loved ones. During a special acoustic performance on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*, Sheeran’s music showcased a blend of melancholy and joy as he embraced the fun and creativity central to his craft. The album, part of a new series inspired by mathematical operations like “Rewind” and “Fast-Forward,” reflects Sheeran’s evolution from navigating darker creative periods to channeling vibrant, dynamic energy into his music.
Join this free virtual event featuring Ali Ghodsi of Databricks and Dario Amodei of Anthropic to explore how their collaboration is transforming AI agents. Learn about domain-specific AI solutions, the partnership details, and data intelligence applications during live sessions. The schedule includes events on April 22 (PT) and April 23 (SGT), catering to different time zones.
The debate over Australia's climate policies continues as the Coalition defends its emission cuts, claiming a 29% reduction since 2013. However, most gains were due to natural processes like deforestation rather than effective action. Meanwhile, Labor's period saw no meaningful change despite stated climate goals. Critics warn that relying solely on stats risks missing broader policy impacts and natural factors, potentially increasing emissions post-2040 if fossil fuels are promoted.
Bella Ramsey made history as a young actor, landing a role in *The Last of Us* before turning 12 during the final seasons of "Game of Thrones." During her first meeting with Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow, she accidentally cut his lines off, prompting him to admit it was from harmless fun. Despite the mishap, Harington praised Bella's confident and clear performance, noting how her experience seemed far beyond that of a child actor.
The Trump administration's dismissal of a lawsuit challenging mifepristone has sparked concern over potential future legal challenges to abortion access, as Republican attorneys general now leading the case may signal broader efforts by red states against proposed restrictions on mifepristone. Experts warn this move could foreshadow further intra-state conflicts over abortion rights. Meanwhile, FDA Commissioner Martin Makary hinted at significant regulatory changes under consideration for mifepristone, complicating the administration's stance on protecting reproductive health.
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.
Akasha Song was monitored by federal agents for months, who were tipped off about her illegal activities involving dark web drugs. Initially undetected, agents set up Shimshai under the guise of selling DMT and other substances via encrypted communications. Despite efforts to cover her tracks, clues emerged over years, leading toKevin Vassighi’s investigation. Vassighi uncovered Akasha’s ties to the illegal trade of substances like vape pens, ketamine, and psilocybin, tracking her movements in Boulder using her car and home as evidence. When agents raided her home, they found changa, DMT powder, and other drugs hidden under a garage floor.
fans of "American Gladiators" are thrilled as Amazon Prime Video is set to reboot the iconic series with former WWE superstar Mike Mizanin as the new host alongside a star-studded cast of modern athletes. The refreshed take on the original 1980s-1990s franchise features updated challenges inspired by its legendary roots, including classics like "Gauntlet," "Hang Tough," and "The Eliminator," while spotlighting bodybuilders, D1 athletes, and fitness trainers. Amazon also plans to launch a free ad-supported channel to keep the franchise alive in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
Ukraine's security service claims an attack on its Kerch Bridge. Video released by the SBU shows what it says was an action taken on the bridge linking Crimea and Krasnodar Krai, with severely damaged supports though the extent of the damage isn't clear from the footage.
Anthony Albanese, freshly re-elected as Labor leader, has ambitious plans to cut student debts by 20% as his top priority. He’s urging crossbenchers to step back from housing policies while signaling a push toward progressive environmental laws and a federal environment agency after a shaky first term. With a parliamentary majority, Labor aims to overhaul its internal structure and expand its environmental agenda to boost productivity, amid growing pressure on the government to act on climate issues.
The article highlights the importance of updating Apple devices with the daily maintenance release of MacOS 15.4.1, noting that an update notification appeared on the iMac despite having already installed it earlier. Key improvements include critical security patches addressing vulnerabilities in CoreAudio and RPAC, enhanced performance with faster app launches and battery life, improved mail categorization, better connectivity stability, and upgraded ChatGPT integration via Siri. These subtle yet significant updates collectively enhance the user experience without major interface changes.