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Concise news summaries
Concise news summaries
Miriam Haley, a woman who accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, struggled during cross-examination as her emotional state was tested. The judge temporarily halted questioning after an angry exchange with Weinstein's lawyer over her testimony, highlighting the tension in the trial. Haley previously agreed to meet Weinstein at a Manhattan hotel following an argument that led to the alleged encounter. Her testimony underscores the personal stakes for her credibility and the court’s handling of the intense moment during retrial.
New Zealand’s Parliament suspended three opposition lawmakers, including co-leaders of the Te Pāti Māori party, for performing a traditional haka as a protest against a contentious bill last year. The haka performance was seen as an act of resistance, and this move marked the harshest penalty ever imposed on members of parliament. Reflecting the ongoing debate about Māori culture’s role in public life and the government’s apparent anti-Māori agenda.
AI is revolutionizing how we consume energy, with data centers spearheading a significant transformation—expected to triple their energy needs by 2030. This surge will exceed Japan's current electricity demands, while fossil fuels maintain dominance in the short term. Post-2030, renewables and nuclear power promise a cleaner future. Beyond data centers, sectors like electric vehicles and industries are set to become major electricity consumers, presenting both challenges and opportunities for global energy management.
Tom Cruise hinted at pairing Nicole Kidman with him for Kubrick’s final film, suggesting she play Alice Harford opposite him as Bill Harford in the 1999 erotic thriller *Eyes Wide Shut*. The director initially wanted a real-life couple to portray the characters but was convinced by Cruise’s dedication to the project.
Microbes living inside our bodies could influence our behavior, potentially explaining criminal actions. With trillions of them in our microbiomes, from gut bacteria to fungi, these organisms interact with the human nervous system through compounds, immune systems, and even the vagus nerve. This interaction could theoretically shape how we act, including criminal behavior. Researchers have coined "legalome" to describe the legal implications of such findings, which could revolutionize crime prevention and treatment by enhancing understanding of microbial influence on human actions.
Concerns about potential retaliation and privacy invaded the academic community at Barnard College when employees received text messages from the EEOC linking to a survey on antisemitism experiences. While Barnard’s general counsel assured voluntary participation after providing advance notice, scholars raised alarms about the broader implications of federal surveillance on campus activities.
President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a strong rebuke against an ad from the Trump administration that warns against undocumented migration to the U.S., calling it discriminatory and vowing to introduce legislation to ban such messages. The commercial, which aired during major soccer games in Mexico City, sparked outrage among viewers for its content and discriminatory tone. Sheinbaum also expressed opposition to any foreign government's influence on Mexico's cultural messaging, further emphasizing her commitment to preserving Mexico's identity and dignity.
Julie Fragar triumphed at the 2025 Archibald Prize with "Justene Williams," capturing her friend's essence over three months before presenting it as a gesture of support. Her remarkable victory, her 13th win from over 900 entries, highlights heightened female representation in the competition this year. Meanwhile, Jude Rae earned the Wynne Prize for her evocative "Pre-dawn Sky over Port Botany Container Terminal," while Gene A’Hern won the Sulman Prize for his reflective "Sky Painting." All prizes will be displayed at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from Saturday until 17 August.
You hitchhike to know you’re not alone. No good, recent studies look at how many are doing it, Jonathan Purkis, a sociologist who has studied hitchhiking, told me. And knowing the exact number of people who hitchhike is something of a fool’s errand: Part of the practice’s appeal is its under-the-radar quality. The hitchhikers I speak with generally feel safe, but the practice does still come with risks. “You wind up,” Flannery told me, “in places you would never wind up.”
The explosion at Iran’s largest commercial port, Bandar Abbas, which claimed 70 lives and injured over 1,000 people, has sparked questions about its cause, with negligence or safety violations reportedly playing a role. Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni confirmed that authorities have identified the culprits and are addressing shortcomings, while Iran’s Supreme Leader has ordered a full investigation following external speculation that missile fuel might have been involved. A national day of mourning and three days of mourning in Hormozgan province have been declared to honor those affected by the tragedy.
Experience Days Gone's enhanced legacy with customizable game speed adjusting from 100% to 25%, perfect for tackling intense moments like combat with Freakers. Enjoy improved visuals through subtitle colors and High Contrast Mode, along with immersive UI elements like narration and audio cues for a deeper engagement experience. While some features require a compatible controller, the remaster will launch on PS5 in April 2025, with an upgrade option from PS4 for $10. --- This summary effectively captures the main points while maintaining readability and engaging tone.
Dogs are unique animals with no universal best breed; their suitability depends on lifestyle factors. For families, Labradors and Staffordshire Bul terriers are top picks for different needs. Urban residents benefit from smaller, low-maintenance breeds like Pomeranians and Pugs. Country folks should choose working breeds such as Spaniels or Border Collies. Each choice is tailored to specific requirements like exercise levels, grooming, and energy demands, ensuring a happy and healthy life for both the dog and its owner.
Pope Francis, affectionately known as Papa Francis, has passed away following a stroke and heart failure. His death certificate revealed he had been in a coma before succumbing to his condition on Monday morning, shortly after meeting Vice President J.D. Vance at the Vatican earlier that Sunday. The pope reportedly wanted to be buried at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome without elaborate decorations, simply engraved with "Franciscus."
Burnley celebrated their historic 100-point season in the Premier League as they clinched promotion with Natasha Bedingfield's iconic "Unwritten" playing on the pitch during their match at Turf Moor. The victory marked their first time reaching 100 points since Leeds United and themselves, and just 16 goals conceded over 46 games earned them a well-deserved return to the top flight. Despite falling short of a second Championship title by one point after Manor Solomon's late winner, the team celebrated their achievement with joy and nostalgia, as the song became an unofficial anthem for their rise from relegation to Premier League champions.
Odyssey, a startup founded by self-driving pioneers Oliver Cameron and Jeff Hawke, has developed an AI model that lets users “interact” with streaming video. Available on the web in an “early demo,” the model generates and streams video frames every 40 milliseconds. Powering this is a new world model that imagines and streams video frames every 40ms(!). They believe that world models could one day be used to create interactive media, such as games and movies, and run realistic simulations like training environments for robots. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend.
Tom Drummond expresses anxiety over how political volatility in the U.S. might affect capital markets, especially with President Trump's reciprocal tariffs causing global market turmoil. Venture capitalists fear slower tech investments, slower IPOs, and potential business closures due to higher hardware costs or reduced spending trends. Meanwhile, venture capitalists are considering lengthening their investment timelines or divesting from hardware-focused companies as concerns intensify.
Switch users are upset over new Nintendo features coming exclusively to Switch 2, with customizable controls available on both consoles but rewind and CRT screen filter only accessible on the next-gen hardware. Online criticism highlights the strange exclusivity, sparking debate about platform parity in a competitive gaming market.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are considering whether to trade for Jonnu Smith after initially expressing interest but now turning their attention to free agent Gabe Davis during his visit this week. Smith remains a Dolphins favorite, having had a record-breaking season and earning his first Pro Bowl selection, while Davis has yet to find a new team due to a $39 million contract with the Jaguars. The Steelers are seeking help in their receiving unit after trading George Pickens, and both players could be options for the club based on their backgrounds and current situations.
Kristen Stewart has tied the knot with fiancée Dylan Meyer in a private ceremony at her Los Angeles home. The couple obtained their marriage license last Tuesday and wed during an intimate gathering that included friends like Ashley Benson and Brandon Davis. Kristen revealed Dylan proposed in 2021 on *Howard Stern*, and the pair have been discussing family plans since 2022. Their relationship began in 2013, but it wasn’t until after Kristen’s split from Stella Maxwell in 2019 that they became serious.
Apple is facing accusations after refusing to comply with a federal court order regarding its App Store policies. One executive admitted under oath that the company’s strategies were more anticompetitive than claimed, prompting a judge to refer the case to the US attorney’s office for criminal contempt proceedings. Internal documents suggest Apple’s leadership initially supported compliance but later changed their minds.
The government’s motion for an emergency stay and writ of mandamus was denied because district courts are well-suited to handle such complex cases. The government asserts that its actions in deporting Abrego Garcia, supported by a misidentification claim, undermine due process and court orders, risking foreign detention and diluting the rule of law. Despite their efforts to assert jurisdiction, the court warns against overstepping powers, emphasizing the need for mutual respect between branches. This case underscores potential risks but also highlights the importance of upholding legal principles in maintaining societal order.
Old Timer Transport, where "crazy taxi" meets "Mario Kart," is a free online chaos simulator where players zip around on turbocharged scooters as crotchety old folks. The goal? Steal as many "old timers" from other players as possible while avoiding their crashes—a hilarious, over-the-top battle. With its ragdoll physics and no cost, it’s the perfect way to gather friends for a wild ride. The developer’s future updates could keep this quirky gem fresh and fun for years.
Samsung's Summer Sale offers a massive $70 discount on the base Galaxy S25, making it available for just $800. The phone comes in seven unique colors and can be paired with other devices for additional savings. Meanwhile, Prakhar Khanna recommends the standard Galaxy S25 over the Ultra, praising its comfortable feel, vibrant display, and improved chipset. For those willing to spend more, the S25 Ultra offers significant discounts through Samsung's trade-in program but at a smaller discount rate compared to other models. The deal is set to expire on June 8, 2025, so shoppers should act quickly to secure these savings.
New South Wales dominated with a 32-12 thrashing at Suncorp Stadium, marking the largest crowd since the venue opened. Debutants Abbi Church and Jayme Fressard made significant contributions as Blues extended their series lead. Key player Ellie Johnston, formerly with Cronulla, said she aimed to make the most of her move: "Me and Em have a really good connection..." Her decisive try against Cronulla sealed the victory.
California's Film and Television Tax Credit Program is inching closer to reform after the State Assembly approved a bill that would significantly boost its incentive. The $330 million cap set by the program will rise to $750 million annually under AB1138, which also expands eligibility to include series, animation films, and shorts. While Hollywood workers and industry leaders support the measure, it initially faced opposition from AICTP but may now consider commercials as eligible projects. The bill has moved forward with seven "yes" votes in the Assembly, signaling progress toward broader reform.
Diddy's defense team is asserting that both himself and his ex, Cassie, engaged in mutual domestic abuse. During Day 4 of the trial, prosecutor Emily Anne Johnson and Diddy's attorney Marc Agnifilo discussed how the prosecution won't allow Cassie to testify about medical issues unless the defense allows questions about other aspects. The defense maintains there was mutual violence, including instances where Diddy hit Cassie as well, and will explore when such behavior crosses into coercion. A 2016 surveillance video shows Diddy's violent act against Cassie in a California hotel.
Kylie Jenner wowed fans with a tropical vacation look as she shared photos of herself in a striking red Chanel bikini with rhinestones on Instagram. Posing relaxedly on a beach chair, she captioned the post with "No place I’d rather beeee <3." The post garnered over 2 million likes, with viewers praising her hot looks and expressing excitement about her vacation.
Iran has insisted it must be allowed to have its own uranium enrichment capacity for its civil nuclear programme, rejecting a US demand that Tehran must rely exclusively on imported nuclear fuel. They are trying to reach an agreement that blocks off Iran’s access to a nuclear bomb in return for relief from economic sanctions. That proposal is similar to the system set up in the 2015 nuclear deal from which Donald Trump withdrew the US in his first term. US national security adviser Mike Waltz had argued Tehran must agree to the “full dismantlement” of its nuclear programme. She predicted Trump may have trouble getting a weak deal through Congress which was “already mobilising on the issue”.
Nottingham Forest nearly secured a memorable Premier League victory against Leicester City as a 2-2 draw kept them mathematically in Europe for the first time in decades but also dropped them out of Champions League contention. Owner Evangelos Marinakis became frustrated during the match, remonstrating with coach Nuno Espirito Santo over an injury-plagued substitution decision that ultimately ended their hopes of qualifying through a substitute player, whileGary Neville criticized the incident as "scandalous." Despite the European qualification, Nottingham Forest remain seventh in the table with just one game left.
This hearty yet light dinner combines flavorful peanut trout with a crunchy, tangy salad tossed with a custom dressing made from soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, and chili flakes. For texture, the cucumber rounds are smashed using a rolling pin or smashed manually, then seasoned with sea salt to reduce water content. The meal is also low-carb, thanks to the combination of crunchy vegetables, crispy cooked trout, and creamy peanut dressing.
Mohamed Salah has become the top-scoring foreign player in the Premier League after scoring his 185th goal to help Liverpool clinch their 20th championship since moving to Anfield. The Egypt international netted a brace against Tottenham, taking his season tally to 46 goals and overtaking Sergio Aguero on the league's all-time scoring list. Salah recently signed a two-year extension following his move from AS Roma and is averaging nearly one goal per game for Liverpool this term. His latest achievement came in a match where he completed an impressive 28 Premier League goals, bringing him closer to legendary records set by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza highlights a harrowing reality as Israeli forces killed 27 people attempting aid access, despite admitting this time for the first time that their forces fired on civilians. The ongoing blockade has exacerbated malnutrition, leaving thousands in dire need of basic necessities, with international criticism mounting over the lack of accountability and overwhelmed healthcare systems. The situation underscores the urgent need for international intervention to stop Israel's use of food as a weapon and ensure aid reaches those most in need.
The article discusses the potential for manipulating large language models (LLMs) by adjusting their internal weights, which could influence interactions in ways users may not expect—potentially encouraging harmful behaviors if misused. It highlights how early chatbots like ELIZA demonstrated early attempts to mimic human understanding, sparking concerns about trust and transparency with modern LLMs. The text emphasizes the importance of ethical safeguards, akin to confidentiality protections, to ensure AI behavior remains honest and harmless. Ultimately, responsible AI development requires clear guidelines to balance utility while safeguarding user autonomy and trustworthiness.
Labour is putting people, the economy and the environment in increasing peril by failing to act on the effects of the climate crisis, the UK’s climate watchdog has said. The Treasury has indicated that flood spending would not be ringfenced and could be reduced in the spending review in June. Brown said: “If that means they’re thinking of cutting the money for resilience to flooding, we would ask them to think again. The climate crisis is already imposing costs on the NHS. The ECIU estimated that that the impact of the climate crisis added about £360 to the average household food bill in total for 2022 and 2023.
The Mission: Impossible franchise has ventured into science fiction territory with *Final Reckoning*, featuring an AI villain called The Entity threatening humanity through digital manipulation and nuclear annihilation. Critics argue this shift has made the films overly plot-heavy and underwhelming in exploring the AI's true potential, reducing it to a Terminator-like threat. Additionally, Ethan Hunt is being portrayed as a Messiah figure, diverting attention from the franchise's strengths in action sequences and character dynamics. The film feels bloated and padded, with complex set pieces overshadowing its narrative depth and ethical implications.
Mina the Hollower, inspired by Shovel Knight and developed by Yacht Club, will arrive on PC on October 31. The game, styled after Game Boy Color with no 3D assets or a limited color palette but featuring a widescreen display, offers a gothic horror action-adventure experience. As inventor Mina, you’ll wield a whip to cross gaps and benefit from moments of invincibility, reminiscent of classic platformers while embracing its unique aesthetic.
U.S. tariffs offer Ethiopia a competitive edge in global exports, particularly for key products like coffee and textiles. With lower 10% rates compared to other nations, the country is seeing a resurgence of investor confidence and manufacturing growth. Addis Ababa's industrial sector is reviving, with new industries launching and job creation on the rise, supported by government initiatives to enhance production capacity and meet international standards. This strategic leveraging of favorable tariffs aims to build a resilient export-driven economy.
Open Extended ReactionsSen. Ron Wyden of Oregon has asked top Trump administration officials to reconsider policies that are impacting travelers arriving in the United States, citing upcoming sporting events like the 2026 World Cup. Several countries have updated travel guidelines for their citizens planning on visiting the United States. In addition to the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, Wyden also pointed to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The United States also will host the Club World Cup this summer in 11 cities across the country. Zambia's national team did not call up four women playing in the United States for games in China out of similar concerns.
That’s the big question after the film’s second weekend, where “Thunderbolts*” collected $34 million overseas and $67.1 million globally. Since theater owners get to keep half of ticket sales, “Thunderbolts*” needs a long life in theaters to justify its price tag. So far, “Thunderbolts*” has grossed $143 million internationally and $128.5 million domestically for a worldwide tally of $272.2 million. Popular on VarietyElsewhere, “A Minecraft Movie” scored a major box office milestone as ticket sales surpassed the $900 million mark. “Sinners” is also showing remarkable box office endurance, clearing $283.3 million globally after four weekends of release.
Chris Eubank Jr. dominated Conor Benn in a grudge match at a historic event, winning with no knockouts despite a tough battle. The 35-year-old boxer showcased his strength by staying within the weight limit and outperforming Benn in the latter rounds. Despite being estranged from his father, Chris Sr supported him on stage as their father and brother watched. This victory keeps Eubank in contention for a future fight with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, and the win could lead to more family-based action in the future.
Meta Launches Standalone AI App That Personalizes Conversations By leveraging years of user data from platforms like Facebook and Instagram, the app tailors conversations based on preferences. Users can also update friends about their AI experiences in a Discover feed. Meta emphasizes that user data will be used to enhance targeted advertising efforts.
Google has launched its premium AI Ultra subscription at $249.99 per month, featuring advanced tools like Flow, Whisk, NotebookLM, and 30TB of cloud storage. Targeted at high-creative professionals, the package aims to provide cutting-edge AI capabilities but faces criticism for being prohibitively expensive compared to competitors' similar offerings. While Google is positioning it as a luxury option for specific niches, including student discounts, critics argue the price reflects an unrealistic premium in today's struggling economy, highlighting a disconnect between high-end subscription fees and everyday financial challenges.
The Supreme Court cleared the way Friday for the DOGE team that had been led by Elon Musk to examine Social Security records that include personal information on most Americans. Acting by a 6-3 vote, the justices granted an appeal from President Trump’s lawyers and lifted a court order that had barred a team of DOGE employees from freely examining Social Security records. Politics Trump administration asks Supreme Court to let DOGE access Social Security systems The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to clear the way for Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to access Social Security systems containing personal data on millions of Americans. The DOGE employees “are subject to the same strict confidentiality standards as other SSA employees,” he said. “For instance, a birth date of 1900 can be telltale evidence that an individual is probably deceased and should not still receive Social Security payments, while 15 names using the same Social Security number may also point to a problem,” he said.
Snap surpassed 900 million monthly active users in its first quarter, beating Wall Street estimates while posting a $1.36 billion revenue increase of 14%. However, the company did not provide Q2 guidance due to macroeconomic uncertainty and noted headwinds in ad sales during April. The milestone achievement came alongside an improved net loss compared to the previous year, though it still reported an 8-cent loss per share. Snapchat+ subscriptions reached nearly 15 million in Q1, a significant boost to its "other revenue" which grew by 75% to $152 million.
After years of rumors and leaks, Bethesda is poised to officially announce its highly anticipated remaster of *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* tomorrow. The company dropped a cryptic teaser on Twitter/X, featuring an image with "IV" at its center and a familiar background from the original game. Leaks over the past year have hinted at a full remake in development with support from Virtuos, with plans for a multiplatform release, including a Deluxe Edition packed with extra content like horse armor. Fans eagerly await tomorrow's reveal at 8am PT/11am ET on YouTube and Twitch.
A tragic shooting in Uppsala, a Swedish university city, resulted in the deaths of three individuals. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots around 5pm, with people running in various directions. Authorities are investigating the incident, which included a masked suspect spotted fleeing on an electric scooter. The event occurred as the city was gearing up to celebrate Valborg, a spring bonfire festival. Police confirmed the fatalities and are conducting a high-intensity operation near Vaksala Square after receiving reports of loud noises that seemed like gunfire.
Bungie has faced backlash for using Antireal's 2017 designs in its upcoming game Marathon without proper credit or acknowledgment. To address the issue, Bungie reached out to Antireal, who described the plagiarism as "a grave insult," and admitted a former employee may have contributed to the reuse of her work during the game's development. Cross also apologized, acknowledging the oversight and promising to take steps to ensure such a mistake doesn't recur.
Britain and India have achieved a landmark free trade agreement after years of negotiations following Brexit, signaling a promising step toward enhanced economic collaboration. The deal promises to boost the UK's economy by £4.8 billion annually by 2040, opening new markets and opportunities across both nations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has praised it as a "once-in-a-generation" opportunity with far-reaching benefits. However, challenges persist over exemptions from carbon tax and visa policies for Indian professionals in sectors like chefs, musicians, and yoga practitioners, highlighting concerns about environmental and labor standards.