2025-09-06 06:00:30.142

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the US Open semifinals, setting up a final against Jannik Sinner. This match is unprecedented, marking the first time the same two men have played each other in three consecutive Grand Slam finals within one season. Alcaraz, who checked Sinner's semifinal score against Felix Auger-Aliassime before his own interviews, won the match 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-2. Djokovic, despite leading 3-0 in the second set, acknowledged his physical limitations against the younger Alcaraz. The final will see Alcaraz and Sinner vying not only for the US Open title but also the No. 1 ranking. Alcaraz has a 5-4 advantage in Grand Slam titles over Sinner, and their rivalry has dominated recent major tournaments. The match will take place on Sunday, with President Donald Trump in attendance. Alcaraz's impressive consistency, highlighted by his 44-2 record since April, is contrasted with Sinner's 1-6 record against Alcaraz in 2024, despite his overall success against other players. Despite his loss, Djokovic remains optimistic about his chances in best-of-three set matches.

2025-09-04 00:00:26.18

Coffee gets paired up with flavors of all kinds – vanilla, hazelnut, chocolate – and each one coaxes something new out of your morning brew. But there’s a fresh pairing you might have seen bubbling up on TikTok: banana. Yeah. Banana in your coffee. It’s not as strange as you might think. I spent most of the summer swimming in banana lattes, affogatos and cold brews, and now I’m a believer. Here’s why I think you might be too, and how easy it is to make your own at home. Why it works Most of the syrup flavors at your local cafe skew toward dessert: cinnamon, almond, caramel. They’re sweet, familiar, and they take the edge off espresso without drowning out its flavors. Banana brings the same sugar-and-smoothness treatment, but with a twist. There’s a fruit-forward nose that brightens the subtler notes in light and medium roasts, plus a creamy lift, almost custard-like, with a soft vanilla undertone that wraps it all together. It’s a complex, multi-layered flavor, and once you’ve tasted it with coffee you’ll wonder how you ever doubted it could be anything but delicious. I first encountered it about five years ago at a South Korean-owned cafe in Portland, Oregon, called Soro Soro. I saw banana latte on their menu and I just had to try it. I was amazed that it wasn’t syrupy sweet, and tasted like fresh bananas, not banana-flavored candy. The key ingredient Unlike most coffee flavorings you’ll find at a cafe, we’re not talking about banana-flavored syrup here. The primary ingredient in any banana coffee preparation is banana milk. It’s not a plant-based concoction like soy milk or almond milk; it’s ordinary dairy milk used as a vehicle for banana concentrate. One of the most popular brands, Binggrae, is widely available everywhere from Amazon to Instacart, and is ubiquitous at Korean groceries like H Mart. It’s been steadily gaining popularity over the last few years, thanks in part to K-pop fans who noticed their favorite idols drinking Binggrae in video clips online. But it’s been around since the 1970s, when the South Korean government was trying to encourage people to drink more milk to boost the domestic dairy industry and combat still-widespread malnutrition in the aftermath of the Korean war. At the time, bananas were a popular (if scarce) fruit, so companies like Binggrae seized the opportunity and made the first of the banana milks that you may have seen popping up at US cafes in the last few years. There are tons of competitors out there too; Haio, Mooala, and even Nesquik has a banana milk mix now. You can even make it yourself! Quick and easy banana iced latte This one takes just a minute and requires no espresso machine, but it tastes so much like a cafe-fresh iced latte you might find yourself spoiled for them. It’s the recipe I have been sipping on constantly this summer as Seattle is blasted by heatwave after heatwave. In a mason jar, take two tablespoons of good quality instant coffee (my favorites are Colcafe or Verve), and add a splash of hot water, just enough to dissolve the crystals. Stir. Add ice, pour your banana milk over the top (about 10-12 ounces), close the jar and shake vigorously. What you’re doing here is threefold: you’re aerating the mixture, making it creamier, you’re breaking off tiny ice crystals that help that creaminess stick around, and you’re making sure the whole thing is fully and completely mixed. Take off the lid and enjoy right from the jar. Seriously, it’s ridiculous how good this one is. Classic iced latte with banana milk Normally if you’re making an iced espresso drink, you’re adding a flavor syrup and two shots of espresso to a cup full of ice, then pouring your milk of choice over it. For banana coffee you’re doing most of the same work, but with a couple of differences. Don’t own an espresso machine yet? The De’Longhi Stilosa EC230 was the Guardian’s favorite budget pick, when we evaluated the best espresso machines. Grind, and pull your two espresso shots however you normally do. If you like the level of sweetness of flavored syrups, add about a teaspoon of sugar to the bottom of your glass. Most brands of banana milk are sweet, but I find fresh espresso (especially a medium or dark roast) really benefits from a tiny extra bit of sugar, since the sweetness in the banana milk itself is not as potent as the sweetness you get out of a commercial syrup. Next, add the coffee and give it a stir. Add your ice, pour the banana milk over the top, give it a stir and you’re all done. Hot latte with steamed banana milk This is where things get fun. Usually, when you’re steaming milk for a hot espresso beverage you’re frothing it up on its own. Any flavoring goes into the coffee before or after the milk. Here though, we’re going to be steaming the flavored milk itself. Pull your espresso shots like normal, then begin steaming. You should expect it to froth up a little differently than whole milk does. Binggrae in particular is shelf stable, so it includes both stabilizers and a couple of additives for texture like dextrin and carrageenan. These add viscosity to the milk that’s really noticeable when you’re steaming it. It doesn’t really want to froth up on its own, so I’ve found you might need to give it a little encouragement. Submerge your steam wand into the milk, turn on the steam, and once it’s up to temp, pull the milk pitcher down, to bring the steam wand tip to just beneath the surface of the milk. This will get a little more aeration going and get you a thicker froth. There are many, many more ways to enjoy banana milk plus coffee, but between these and an Amazon (or H Mart) cart full of banana milk, you should have plenty to get started. Enjoy!

2025-08-29 12:00:25.028

A devastating school shooting in Minneapolis left two children dead, prompting an outpouring of grief and a thorough investigation into the motive of the shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman. Westman, who had previously attended the school and whose mother worked for the parish, opened fire through the stained-glass windows of a church adjacent to Annunciation Catholic School. The victims were identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Westman's actions were premeditated, with authorities finding evidence of planning and writings expressing hatred towards numerous groups and a desire to watch children suffer. The father of Fletcher Merkel gave an emotional statement to the press, pleading for the community to remember his son's love for family and hobbies, not the tragic way his life ended. Authorities also revealed that Westman legally purchased the firearms used in the attack, and no red flags were raised prior to the event despite prior police visits to her home. Westman's mother has retained an attorney, and police are still attempting to make contact with her. The incident has sparked a renewed discussion about mental health and gun control in the United States.

2025-08-28 06:00:18.572

La Popote, a restaurant in Cheshire, has introduced a water menu featuring seven different waters, ranging in price from £5 to £19. The menu, curated by water sommelier Doran Binder, aims to elevate water from a simple beverage to a sophisticated drink to be savored and paired with food. Binder explains that different waters have varying mineral contents, which affect their taste. He guides the author through a tasting, highlighting the differences between low-mineral waters like Lauretana and high-mineral waters like Vichy Célestins. The restaurant's owners see this as an opportunity in the growing market for non-alcoholic options, offering a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. The water menu is not without its critics, with some raising concerns about the environmental impact of bottled water. However, proponents argue that premium bottled waters, particularly those sourced sustainably and packaged in reusable glass, offer a unique drinking experience. The article explores the growing interest in water connoisseurship and the potential for water to become a more appreciated beverage. The restaurant's chef, Joe Rawlins, is confident that the water menu will be a permanent fixture, offering a unique and sophisticated dining experience.

2025-08-26 06:00:10.435

President Trump fired Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook on Monday, citing allegations of mortgage fraud. The firing, announced via a letter posted on Truth Social, was immediately challenged by Cook, who stated that Trump lacks the authority to remove her and that she will not resign. Cook has hired Abbe Lowell, lawyer to Hunter Biden, to represent her. The allegations stem from a criminal referral by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, who accused Cook of falsifying documents to secure favorable loan terms. Pulte alleges Cook falsely designated a condo as her primary residence while simultaneously claiming her Michigan home as her primary residence for another loan. Trump cited Pulte's referral as justification for the firing, arguing that Cook's actions call into question her competence and trustworthiness. Cook's dismissal creates a third vacancy on the Fed board and comes amid Trump's ongoing criticism of the Fed and Chairman Jerome Powell. Trump plans to nominate a new Fed chair and another governor in the coming months.

2025-08-25 00:00:15.235

A young teenager, A, from a loving family, inexplicably rejects social invitations despite being popular. His psychiatrist, Dr. Rami Kaminski, identifies A's behavior as a unique personality trait: 'otroversion.' Unlike introverts, otroverts are not shy or reserved; they are simply not driven by a communal impulse. They prefer one-on-one interactions and find large gatherings draining and disengaging. Dr. Kaminski, himself an otrovert, argues that our society's emphasis on group membership often mislabels otroverts as socially maladjusted. He explains how otroverts, due to their independent nature, often become highly creative and successful individuals. The article highlights the societal pressure to conform, contrasting it with the fulfillment otroverts find in their unique way of life. It concludes with the importance of self-acceptance and embracing one's authentic self, regardless of societal expectations.

2025-08-23 18:00:23.285

A massive landslide in Alaska's Tracy Arm fjord triggered a powerful tsunami on August 10th, 2024. The event, described as "historic" by USGS scientist Dennis Staley, sent a wave 1400ft up the opposite fjord wall and a 100ft tsunami down the inlet. Kayakers Sasha Calvey and others narrowly escaped, losing gear but surviving due to the low tide. A tour boat also avoided the tsunami due to inclement weather. The event occurred hours before multiple tour boats and cruise ships were scheduled to visit the area, carrying hundreds of passengers. Scientists believe the landslide, estimated at up to 100 million cubic meters of rock, was likely caused by glacial retreat and thawing permafrost, which destabilizes mountain slopes. While the exact cause of the Tracy Arm slide is still under investigation, similar events near receding glaciers have occurred in recent years, raising concerns about increasing risks due to climate change. Scientists are monitoring other unstable slopes in Alaska, such as the one above the Portage glacier and in Barry Arm inlet, which could also trigger tsunamis. The Tracy Arm event highlights the urgent need for improved monitoring and understanding of landslide risks in areas affected by glacial retreat and climate change.

2025-08-22 00:00:19.765

Donald Trump's effusive thanks to Chief Justice John Roberts following his 2025 address to Congress sparked speculation. Did it stem from Roberts's court allowing Trump to remain on the ballot after the January 6th insurrection, or from decisions shielding Trump from prosecution? Regardless, the subsequent 10 weeks witnessed a cascade of Supreme Court decisions heavily favoring Trump's agenda, largely via the "shadow docket." These decisions, often issued without explanation, have had seismic consequences, enabling Trump to fire federal employees at will, purge transgender individuals from the military, and deport immigrants to dangerous countries. Legal scholars like Steve Vladeck and J. Michael Luttig, a former federal appeals court judge and Roberts's friend, have criticized Roberts's actions, accusing him of presiding over the end of the rule of law and acquiescing to Trump's lawlessness. Lisa Graves, in her forthcoming book, argues that Roberts has consistently promoted a rightwing agenda, exhibiting hostility towards civil rights and environmental protections. His early career in the Reagan administration foreshadowed his current actions, revealing a pattern of prioritizing executive power over checks and balances. The Supreme Court's decisions, often overriding lower court rulings, have raised concerns about the erosion of judicial independence. While some believe Roberts might yet intervene, others, such as Amrit Singh, argue that the rule of law has already been sacrificed. The article concludes that Roberts's actions, particularly his use of the shadow docket, have come at too high a cost, undermining the very foundations of American democracy.

2025-08-21 00:00:18.355

President Trump is planning a UFC match on the White House lawn to celebrate American independence. His daughter, Ivanka Trump, is reportedly playing a key role in organizing the event. While Ivanka's involvement might be due to her personal interest in UFC, there's speculation that it's also a strategic move to attract more women to the sport and boost the MAGA movement. The author questions whether this is an appropriate use of resources, given the rising cost of living.

2025-08-10 00:00:19.165

In 2007, the author, Emma, was preparing to move from Brisbane to the UK. A night out with her friend led to a meeting with "Gorgeous," an artillery officer. Despite initial hesitations, they quickly developed feelings for each other. Gorgeous's impending deployment to Afghanistan threatened their budding relationship, but a postponement changed everything. Emma canceled her travel plans, and they fell deeply in love. They married, had children, and continued to travel the world together, despite Gorgeous's deployments. Their story is a testament to unexpected love and adventure.

2025-08-07 00:00:29.993

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found a concerning link between eating french fries and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Consuming french fries three times a week raises the risk by 20%, and five times a week increases it by 27%. The research, conducted by an international team led by Harvard University's Seyed Mohammad Mousavi, analyzed data from 205,000 health professionals over several decades. While potatoes themselves aren't inherently unhealthy, the frying process transforms them into a high-fat, high-calorie, and less nutritious food. In contrast, baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes showed a much smaller increase in diabetes risk (only 5% with regular consumption). The study also suggests that replacing potatoes with whole grains could lower the risk of diabetes by 8%, or by 19% if chips are specifically replaced. According to Dr. Kawther Hashem of Queen Mary University of London, potatoes can be part of a healthy diet, but preparation is key. She recommends opting for boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes and avoiding white rice as a replacement. The study is observational and doesn't prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, but it highlights the importance of mindful food choices.

2025-08-07 00:00:29.976

A rare first edition of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit, found during a house clearance, has sold at auction for £43,000. Bought by a private collector in the UK, the book is one of 1,500 original copies published in 1937. Auctioneum, the auction house that discovered the novel, estimates that only a few hundred still exist. The book, found without a dust cover on a bookcase in Bristol, exceeded expectations by more than four times. Caitlin Riley, Auctioneum’s rare books specialist, called the result "wonderful". The copy, bound in light green cloth and featuring Tolkien’s black-and-white illustrations, was part of the family library of Hubert Priestley, a botanist connected to Oxford University and brother of Antarctic explorer Sir Raymond Priestley. Auctioneum suggests Priestley and Tolkien may have known each other through mutual correspondence with C.S. Lewis. The Hobbit, which has sold over 100 million copies and was adapted into a film trilogy, is a highly sought-after collectible. In 2015, a first edition with a Tolkien handwritten note sold for £137,000.

2025-08-03 18:00:19.953

The recent guilty verdict against Sean Combs for sexual abuse, along with the ongoing cases against Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein, highlights a pervasive pattern of violence against women. These high-profile cases often overshadow the countless other instances of sexual assault and harassment. The author argues that the epidemic of violence against women is often treated as a series of isolated incidents rather than a systemic problem rooted in misogyny. The lack of recognition of this systemic issue hinders the development of effective solutions. The article compares this lack of recognition to the way cancer was once treated before its systemic nature was understood. The author points out that while the scale of Epstein's crimes was exceptional, the nature of the crimes themselves was ordinary. Statistics are presented to illustrate the prevalence of violence against women globally. The article also mentions other cases of sexual abuse, such as those within the Southern Baptist Church and the allegations against Andrew Cuomo. The author criticizes the focus on individual perpetrators, arguing that this approach distracts from the need for systemic change. The article highlights the efforts to protect Donald Trump from potential revelations in the Epstein files, suggesting a cover-up. The author argues that Trump's behavior is well-documented, yet the government seems determined to protect him. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for a broader conversation and deeper change to address the systemic nature of violence against women, rather than relying solely on piecemeal solutions.

2025-08-02 12:00:29.543

Jeannie Seely, the soulful country music singer behind hits like “Don’t Touch Me,” passed away at age 85 due to complications from an intestinal infection. Known as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely was a trailblazer for women in country music, celebrated for her spirited nonconformity and string of hits in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Her career included a Grammy Award for best country & western vocal performance, numerous top 10 hits, and nearly 5,400 appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. Seely, who was a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1967, was also known for her rebellious nature, such as wearing a miniskirt on the Opry stage when it was taboo. Dolly Parton, among other country music stars, paid tribute, remembering Seely's friendship, talent, and humor. Seely's final song, a cover of Dottie West's “Suffertime,” was released in July 2024.

2025-08-01 00:00:28.956

Guy Pearce, the acclaimed actor known for roles in Memento, LA Confidential, and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, recently participated in a Q&A session where he revealed fascinating insights into his career and personal life. He addressed a hypothetical brain surgery scenario, joking about his preference for control, and discussed his experiences working with high-profile actors. He humorously described which of his characters he'd sit next to (and avoid!) at a dinner party, revealing a preference for Andy Warhol and a strong aversion to the more violent characters he's portrayed. Pearce also addressed a fan's concern that their partner prefers "Mike from Neighbours" to him, suggesting that watching some of his more villainous roles might change their mind. He detailed the experience of receiving and understanding the backwards script for Memento, praising Christopher Nolan's masterful construction. Furthermore, he gave updates on the Priscilla sequel, admitting to some apprehension about wearing a dress again. He shared a funny anecdote about his Madame Tussauds wax figure and his reluctance to be depicted as he was in 1993. He also reflected on the filming of LA Confidential, revealing that he didn't anticipate its success at the time. Pearce discussed his involvement in Radiohead's music video and most importantly, expressed gratitude that his 80s pop career never took off, allowing him to pursue a more fulfilling acting career. The interview concludes with a reflection on his journey from Neighbours to Hollywood, highlighting his growth and success.

2025-07-27 00:00:24.042

The author shares the story of her son Mo's death during delivery. She describes the surreal golden glow of the days following Mo's death, the unexpected hormonal surge, and the difficult labor experience marked by a dismissive midwife. The discovery of Mo's death was devastating, and the author describes her initial numbness and the difficult decision of whether or not to meet her stillborn son. The decision to meet Mo proved to be a profound moment, allowing for a connection despite the tragedy. The author details the C-section, meeting Mo, and the emotional process of saying goodbye. She reflects on the challenges of grieving, the guilt and self-blame, and the constant reminders of Mo's absence. The author also describes the healing process, the support of friends and family, and the eventual acceptance of Mo's death. She highlights the unexpected humor and moments of joy found in the midst of grief, and concludes by celebrating Mo's life and the enduring love for her son.

2025-07-26 06:00:37.945

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Southwest Airline jet heading to Las Vegas from Southern California took a dramatic plunge shortly after takeoff Friday in response to an alert about a nearby plane, sending some passengers flying out of their seats and injuring two flight attendants. The plane suddenly jolted shortly after takeover then felt like it was falling, said Stef Zamorano, who was flying to Las Vegas with her husband to celebrate his birthday. In front of her, Zamorano saw a woman who wasn’t wearing her seat belt shoot up and out of her seat, her long hair flying in a tangled mess. The man seated next to her was clutching her arm, and she said the woman across the aisle was panicking. “She was pretty much verbalizing how we all felt, saying, ‘I want to get off this plane. I want to be on the ground,’ ” Zamorano told The Associated Press. Data from the flight tracking site FlightAware shows it dropped roughly 300 feet (91.44 meters) in 36 seconds. The Federal Aviation Administration said the flight, Southwest 1496, was responding to an onboard alert about another aircraft in its vicinity. The FAA is investigating. Southwest said the crew responded to two alerts that required the pilot to climb then descend. The flight departed from Hollywood Burbank Airport just before noon. RELATED STORIES Big Ten notebook: Hoosiers ready to prove they’re no one-hit wonder Hollywood meets NBA hardwood: A look inside the rise of the Summer League Film Festival A’ja Wilson scores a season-high 37 and Las Vegas holds off a late rally to beat the Wings 90-86 Still in shock, Zamorano said she could hardly make out what the pilot was saying when he later addressed the passengers. Another passenger, comedian Jimmy Dore, posted on X that the pilot mentioned a near miss. “Pilot said his collision warning went off & he needed to avoid plane coming at us,” Dore posted. The plane was in the same airspace near Burbank as a Hawker Hunter Mk. 58 just after noon local time, FlightAware shows. A Hawker Hunter is a British fighter plane. Records show it is owned by Hawker Hunter Aviation, a British defense contracting company. The company didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment. Mike Christensen, an airport spokesman for Hollywood Burbank, said that neither the control tower nor the operations department, which tracks planes departing and arriving, have any record of the Southwest flight plunging in their airspace. Southwest said the flight continued to Las Vegas, “where it landed uneventfully.” The airline said that it is working with the FAA “to further understand the circumstances” of the event. This close call is just the latest incident to raise questions about aviation safety in the wake of January’s midair collision over Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people. __ Associated Press journalist Ty O’Neil contributed from Las Vegas.

2025-07-26 06:00:37.943

Tea, a dating app designed to help women vet men they meet on other platforms, has suffered a major data breach, exposing approximately 72,000 images. The leaked data includes 13,000 selfies, some with photo IDs, submitted for account verification, and 59,000 images from posts, comments, and direct messages within the app. While Tea assures users that no email addresses or phone numbers were compromised and the breach only affects users who registered before February 2024, the incident raises serious concerns about user privacy. The company claims to have engaged cybersecurity experts and is working to secure its systems. 4Chan users initially discovered the exposed database, which allowed public access to the images before being secured. Despite the breach, Tea boasts 4 million users and continues to market itself as a tool for women to ensure safer dating experiences.

2025-07-24 18:00:29.61

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields was carted off the practice field Thursday morning with a toe injury. Fields went down after throwing an incomplete pass. The injury is to his right foot, but the nature and severity are unknown. Coach Aaron Glenn said it may have been caused by someone stepping on his toe. Fields was examined in the injury tent before being carted off. Veteran Tyrod Taylor replaced Fields in practice. Glenn expressed confidence in Taylor, highlighting his similar skill set and leadership. While the Jets have other quarterbacks on the roster, none have significant NFL experience. The injury caused concern among fans, recalling past quarterback injuries that impacted the team's success. Glenn urged fans to remain calm, emphasizing the team's depth and his experience handling injuries.

2025-07-24 18:00:29.602

UnitedHealth Group announced it is cooperating with federal investigations into its Medicare Advantage business. The Department of Justice launched a civil fraud investigation into how the company records diagnoses, potentially leading to inflated payments. A criminal investigation is also underway, focusing on the use of doctors and nurses to gather diagnoses that boost payments. The company, which covers over 8 million Medicare Advantage members, has seen its stock price drop significantly following the news, as well as other recent setbacks including the CEO's death and revised financial forecasts.

2025-07-24 00:00:29.889

Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne died this week at 76, just weeks after his farewell show and five years after his Parkinson's diagnosis. Parkinson's is a neurological disease affecting movement control, typically beginning with tremors and progressing to slow movement, gait issues, stiff limbs, balance problems, and slurred speech. Approximately 1 million Americans and 10 million people worldwide live with Parkinson's, usually appearing after age 60. While the exact cause is unknown, it involves the deterioration of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Genetics and environmental factors, such as head injuries and pesticide exposure, are suspected contributors. There's currently no cure, but treatments include medication, implanted devices, and therapy. Symptoms worsen over time, and advanced cases can lead to severe mobility issues and other complications, ultimately resulting in death from related issues such as lung problems due to impaired coughing and swallowing. Although Parkinson's itself isn't fatal, its complications can be.

2025-07-18 06:00:35.052

The controversy surrounding President Donald Trump's handling of records from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation intensifies. The Wall Street Journal revealed a sexually suggestive letter allegedly written by Trump and included in a birthday album for Epstein. Trump denies authorship, calling it "false, malicious, and defamatory," and threatens to sue. He previously criticized supporters demanding more transparency in the Epstein probe, accusing them of being "weaklings." The administration's initial promise to release details on the sex trafficking case has been reversed, angering Trump supporters and leading to infighting within the government. Attorney General Pam Bondi initially stated she would not release additional evidence but later said she would seek court permission to release some grand jury information. The letter, reportedly collected by Ghislaine Maxwell, contains text surrounding a hand-drawn naked woman and ends with a suggestive message. Vice President JD Vance criticized the Wall Street Journal for publishing the letter. The White House rejected calls for a special counsel investigation into the matter. Trump blamed Democrats for the controversy, accusing them of doctoring files. The saga has impacted House legislative efforts, with Democrats using procedural moves to force votes on releasing the documents. Trump's past ties to Epstein are well-documented, including video footage showing them together at Mar-a-Lago. Previously released files included a deposition from an accuser who spent time with Epstein at Trump's Atlantic City casino but didn't accuse Trump of wrongdoing.

2025-07-16 12:00:28.104

Mikaela, a woman with Indigenous Mexican ancestry, used psilocybin throughout her pregnancy to manage alcohol cravings and mental health issues stemming from past trauma. Her experience, shared through a community research paper surveying 411 individuals, highlights a gap in scientific research on psilocybin use during pregnancy. Ethical concerns and the legal status of psilocybin have limited clinical studies in this area, leaving pregnant women to navigate their choices with limited information. Mikaela's work, conducted alongside a UK-based doula, aims to collect and share the experiences of women who have used psilocybin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, acknowledging the limitations and potential biases of their methodology. While some researchers express concerns about the study's design and potential for skewed results, others emphasize the need for more research, particularly qualitative studies focusing on subjective experiences. The study reveals that many women used psilocybin to manage mental health challenges during pregnancy, often preferring it to pharmaceuticals. The research also touches upon the legal risks and societal stigma associated with psychedelic use during pregnancy. Indigenous knowledge regarding plant medicines during pregnancy is highlighted as a potential source of valuable information, contrasting with the cautious approach of Western medicine, which has historically excluded pregnant women from clinical trials due to concerns about medication safety. The article concludes with a discussion about the ongoing research efforts and the need to integrate Indigenous knowledge with Western scientific approaches to improve understanding and care for pregnant women facing mental health challenges.

2025-06-29 18:00:45.051

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's lavish three-day wedding celebration in Venice, Italy, drew a mix of A-list celebrities and angry protestors. While celebrities like Orlando Bloom, Usher, Tommy Hilfiger, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Oprah Winfrey, and the Jenner family attended the event, activists united under the banner "No Space for Bezos" to demonstrate against the extravagant affair. The protests highlighted concerns about overtourism, unaffordable housing, and the constant threat of flooding in the historic city. Images show protestors on the Rialto Bridge and other locations, while other photos capture the arrival and departure of numerous celebrities attending the wedding. The event is seen by many as a symbol of rising inequality and disregard for the city's residents.

2025-06-28 18:00:24.819

The 1975's Glastonbury headlining set was shrouded in pre-show rumors of extravagant staging costs exceeding their performance fee. While the lead singer, Matty Healy, didn't shave his head as rumored, the production was undeniably lavish, featuring massive video screens, a reappearing treadmill, and even a car on stage. The screens displayed everything from news montages and song lyrics to self-deprecating critiques of Healy's lyrics and the band's music, creating a meta-commentary on their own performance. Healy himself oscillated between enthusiastic crowd engagement and self-aware, tormented pop star roles. The show's visual spectacle occasionally threatened to overshadow the music, particularly during a lengthy interlude where Healy changed his trousers, resulting in a minor audience exodus. However, the band's strong musicality shone through in hits like "If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know)", "She's American", "It's Not Living (If It's Not With You)", "Sex", "Love It If We Made It", and "The Sound", culminating in an emotional performance of "About You". Overall, the 1975's set was a bold, experimental, and ultimately impressive performance, despite its occasional strangeness and self-deprecation.

2025-06-28 18:00:24.817

Cryptocurrency traders are experiencing a surge in kidnappings globally. The anonymity and ease of transferring cryptocurrency make traders lucrative targets. Mohammed Arsalan, a successful Pakistani trader, was kidnapped and robbed of his cryptocurrency fortune. His case highlights a growing trend: criminals are targeting crypto holders for their digital assets, often using violence and intimidation. Law enforcement is struggling to keep up, leading many traders to hire personal security and take extreme measures to protect themselves and their families. The ease of tracking cryptocurrency transactions online, combined with the public nature of blockchain technology, makes it easier for criminals to identify and target wealthy traders. This has led to a surge in demand for security services, with companies like Infinite Risks International seeing a significant increase in clients. High-profile events, like the Ethereum Community Conference, are now implementing unprecedented security measures to protect attendees. Even large exchanges like Kraken are deploying armed guards to protect their executives. The lack of insurance coverage for cryptocurrency assets further exacerbates the problem. While some progress is being made in developing crypto-specific insurance policies, the vast majority of cryptocurrency holders remain vulnerable. The article concludes with Arsalan's determination to rebuild his life and career, despite the trauma he has experienced. The incident underscores the significant risks associated with the cryptocurrency industry, not only in terms of market volatility but also in terms of physical safety.

2025-06-26 18:00:31.6

Oprah Winfrey and Tom Brady were among the celebrities who arrived in Venice for the weekend wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. The details of the wedding remain largely secret, but reported locations include a cloister in Cannaregio, San Giorgio island, and the Arsenale district. The event is expected to span three days of parties and receptions.

2025-06-26 18:00:31.593

Following a 12-day war with Israel and a subsequent ceasefire, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei released a video address. In his first public comments since June 19th, Khamenei, appearing tired and hoarse, claimed Iran's strike on a U.S. airbase in Qatar was a 'slap to America's face'. He warned against further attacks from the U.S. or Israel. Khamenei downplayed the impact of recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, stating that President Trump's claims of complete obliteration were exaggerated. The speech, lasting over 10 minutes, contained numerous warnings and threats toward the U.S. and Israel.

2025-06-26 06:00:54.637

The S&P 500's recent surge has brought it within striking distance of a record high, a remarkable turnaround from its near-bear market conditions just two months prior. While the index closed flat on Wednesday, its recent gains, fueled by a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, have investors questioning the market's future trajectory. Concerns remain about tariffs, earnings, the federal deficit, and the impact of President Trump's policies. Despite headwinds like potential inflation from higher tariffs, some analysts believe the market has room to rise further, predicting a gradual upward trend. The year has been marked by volatility, with a sharp drop in March and April followed by a strong recovery in May and June. The market's rebound has been partly driven by the easing of trade tensions and a resurgence in tech and AI stocks, with companies like Nvidia reaching new record highs. However, some experts caution that the market's current valuation might not fully reflect underlying economic risks. Uncertainty persists regarding the long-term effects of tariffs, future economic growth, and the potential impact of upcoming earnings reports and geopolitical events. While some advise maintaining a long-term investment strategy, others highlight the need to monitor key economic indicators and potential risks.

2025-06-26 06:00:54.634

Scientists have discovered a new species of dinosaur—a dog-sized herbivore that roamed what is now the United States around 150 million years ago. The Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae, named in a study published in the Royal Society Open Science, was about the size of a Labrador Retriever, with a tail making up half its length. While many bones were unearthed from the Morrison Formation in Colorado, its skull and parts of its vertebral column were missing, leaving its precise length uncertain. Professor Paul Barrett of the Natural History Museum, who co-led the study, noted the rarity of finding complete skeletons of these small plant-eating dinosaurs. The skeleton, described as "lightly built" and weighing about as much as a Collie, will be displayed at the Natural History Museum from June 26. Its long hind legs suggest it was a fast runner, allowing it to escape predators. The species name honors donor Molly Borthwick, while the genus name, "Enigmacursor," means "mysterious runner." Its thigh bone has unique muscle attachments, distinguishing it from other known species. Closely related to the Chinese Yandusaurus hongheenis, its wide distribution is hypothesized. While some vertebrae were unfused, suggesting it wasn't fully grown, the cause of death is unclear. The discovery highlights the rarity of finding small dinosaurs, often overlooked or destroyed by scavengers, but adds valuable information about ancient ecosystems.

2025-06-26 06:00:54.632

Bumble, the dating app whose stock has lost 90% of its value since its 2021 IPO, is laying off 30% of its workforce, or 240 employees. This move, announced in a regulatory filing, aims to save $40 million annually and allow reinvestment in new products and tools. The company states that this restructuring is to better focus on strategic priorities. The layoffs come amid growing frustration among younger users and declining revenue. Bumble's recent quarter saw an 8% drop in revenue and a 1% decrease in premium subscribers. Founder Whitney Wolfe Herd has returned to the company, acknowledging its struggles. While Bumble's stock rose 17% upon the layoff announcement, the news highlights challenges faced by online dating companies. Competitors like Match Group (Hinge and Tinder) are also struggling, with Match Group recently laying off 13% of its workforce. In contrast, Grindr, an LGBTQ+ dating app, has seen its stock grow by over 115% in the past year, demonstrating success by expanding beyond its initial hookup-centric model.

2025-06-26 06:00:54.621

President Donald Trump disputed an early US intelligence report on the effectiveness of weekend strikes on Iran, claiming they "obliterated" Iran's ability to produce a nuclear weapon. This contradicts an initial Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment suggesting the strikes only set back Iran's program by months. The CIA, however, now asserts "new intelligence" proves severe damage to Iranian facilities, requiring years of rebuilding. An Iranian official countered that their nuclear installations were "badly damaged" but stopped short of confirming the extent of the destruction. Despite a ceasefire, both Iran and Israel accuse each other of violations. The conflicting reports have led to a limited sharing of classified information with Congress, sparking criticism from Democrats. Experts warn that the US actions could embolden North Korea's nuclear program. Upcoming briefings for Congress are scheduled, with a Pentagon press conference planned to address the situation.

2025-06-24 12:00:43.46

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — This is not how Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton saw the season ending. He was outside the locker room, a walking boot on his right leg, standing on crutches, greeting his teammates as they came off the floor at the end of their season. There were hugs. There were tears. The end, by any measure, was heartbreaking. And the pain of Game 7 of NBA Finals is going to linger over the Pacers for a long, long time. Haliburton — who was playing with a strained right calf — tumbled to the court in a heap, immediately began punching the floor in frustration and needed to be helped to the locker room in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night. Indiana had a one-point lead at halftime, but in the end, the Pacers lost their best player, then their verve, then their shot at the NBA title. The Thunder won 103-91, after the Pacers managed only 43 points in the second half. “Doesn’t surprise me at all,” Pacers guard TJ McConnell said when asked if he was surprised Haliburton was there at the end to console teammates. “That’s who he is as a person, a teammate. He put his ego aside constantly. He could have been in the locker room feeling sorry for himself after something like that happened, but he wasn’t. He was up greeting us. ... That’s who Tyrese Haliburton is. He’s just the greatest, man.” RELATED STORIES Jrue Holiday being traded from Celtics to Trail Blazers, AP source says The NBA draft will have tons of international talent, which is to be expected Pacers bright future becomes much cloudier because of Tyrese Haliburton’s torn Achilles tendon John Haliburton, Tyrese’s father, told ABC late in the first half it was an Achilles tendon injury, as the replays of the play clearly indicated. An MRI is still likely to confirm that, but there are simple tests — without a need for imaging — that doctors typically use to determine whether there is a serious injury to the tendon. The Pacers quickly ruled out Haliburton for the rest of Game 7 with that they called a lower right leg injury, and replays appeared to show something popping in the back of his leg. The injury happened with 4:55 left in the first quarter. Haliburton put no weight on the leg and had his face wrapped in towels as he was taken to the Pacers’ locker room for evaluation. Virtually the entire Indiana playing, coaching and medical staff surrounded him on the court once he got hurt. Even Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander quickly went over, touched Haliburton on the head as the Pacers guard lay face-down on the court and offered a kind word. “All of our hearts dropped,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “But he will be back.” To their credit, the Pacers tried to rally for their teammates. But the Thunder were the best team in the league all season, finishing 68-14 — and in the second half Sunday night, with the title on the line, they were much the best again. Haliburton, who had been dealing with leg issues in the series and had the calf issue flare up in Game 5, had been getting all sorts of treatment to get the calf in good enough shape for him to play in the last two games of the NBA Finals. He played well in Game 6, and Game 7 started promisingly — with Haliburton making three deep 3-pointers. And then he was gone. “I think I have to be as smart as I want to be,” Haliburton said before Game 6 last week. “Have to understand the risks, ask the right questions. I’m a competitor. I want to play. I’m going to do everything in my power to play. That’s just what it is.” Haliburton, part of the team that won Olympic gold at the Paris Games last summer, was using hyperbaric chamber therapy, massage, needle treatments, electronic stimulation, special tape and a wrap to help treat the calf strain. He said after Game 6 that his treatment was going on virtually around the clock. John Haliburton told ABC sideline reporter Lisa Salters that his son was surrounded by family and watching the game in the Pacers’ locker room. “He said that Tyrese is doing as well as he can be under the circumstances,” Salters said on the broadcast. Injuries have been a huge factor in these playoffs. Boston star Jayson Tatum was wheeled off with a right Achilles tendon tear that essentially ended any realistic hope the Celtics had of defending the title they won last season. He will surely miss at least some of next season as well. Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard also tore an Achilles tendon in the Bucks’ first-round series against Indiana. Golden State’s Stephen Curry ran out of time before his injured hamstring could allow him to return to the Warriors’ second-round series against Minnesota. If the Los Angeles Lakers’ season had gone past the first round, LeBron James would have been sidelined with a knee sprain. James was watching Game 7 and immediately posted his reaction to Haliburton’s injury on social media. It was a one-word expletive, which didn’t need much explanation. For Lillard, for Tatum — and now, quite probably, for Haliburton — the issues will linger into next season or rob of them of the chance to play in 2025-26 entirely. I know that he gave us everything, you know, everything he had. It just hurts that he couldn’t see it through with us,” Pacers forward Pascal Siakam said. “But just incredibly proud of him, and everything he’s accomplished. And I know, you know, there’s more. There’s more coming.” ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba

2025-06-24 12:00:43.455

New York City Democrats face a crucial decision in their mayoral primary: resurrect Andrew Cuomo's career, elevate progressive Zohran Mamdani, or choose from a field of lesser-known candidates. Cuomo, despite a sexual harassment scandal, enjoys strong name recognition and fundraising, while Mamdani, backed by AOC and Bernie Sanders, focuses on affordability. The ranked-choice voting system adds complexity, with a potential week-long delay before a winner is declared. The race also features incumbent Mayor Eric Adams (running independently after corruption charges), and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The primary's outcome will reflect the Democratic Party's internal ideological struggle, with Cuomo and Mamdani representing opposing factions. Other candidates, including Comptroller Brad Lander, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and others struggle for recognition. Mamdani's campaign, marked by energetic canvassing and social media presence, promotes policies like free buses and childcare. Cuomo criticizes Mamdani's lack of experience, while Mamdani attacks Cuomo's past. The winner will face Adams and Sliwa in the general election.

2025-06-24 06:01:00.611

The body of the last missing person from a boat that capsized on Lake Tahoe during a sudden and powerful weekend thunderstorm was found Monday, bringing the death toll to eight. Ten people were on board the 27-foot gold Chris-Craft vessel when it flipped Saturday afternoon near D.L. Bliss State Park as the storm whipped up high waves. Two people were rescued and taken to a hospital. Six bodies were recovered Saturday, and a seventh on Sunday. Divers found the last body Monday afternoon. The names of the victims will be released after families are notified. Drowning and accidental deaths occur on the lake, but boating accidents with numerous fatalities are rare. The intensity of the thunderstorm surprised forecasters, who predicted rain but not the squall with 35 mph winds and 8-foot waves. The storm's intensity may have been due to unusually low temperatures. Eight-foot waves on Tahoe are significant. Lake Tahoe is a popular summer recreation destination. Officials haven't released details about the group on the boat or whether it was rented or owned. A witness on a pontoon boat described the sudden drop in temperature, near-zero visibility, and the feeling of being in a tsunami. Video showed moored boats crashing into each other in the storm.

2025-06-21 18:01:05.975

Pope Leo XIV has declared a "zero tolerance" policy for abuse within the Catholic Church, thanking Peruvian journalist Paola Ugaz for her courageous reporting on abuse within the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV). In a message read at a play dramatizing Ugaz's work, the Pope stated the urgency of establishing a church culture that prevents abuse of power, authority, conscience, spirituality, and sexual abuse. He emphasized the need for active vigilance, transparent processes, and sincere listening to victims. Leo praised Ugaz and other journalists for their reporting, acknowledging the unjust attacks they faced, and highlighted the importance of a free press, especially in a country like Peru facing social and political tensions. He called for a "conversion," not just a strategy, to address the issue, referencing Pope Francis' 2018 letter on protecting minors and vulnerable adults. The Pope's message was read at a performance of "Proyecto Ugaz" in Lima, Peru, with Ugaz and Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu present. The Pope's support for investigative journalism stands in contrast to past criticism from some bishops. He underscored the vital role of journalists in ensuring that no one suffers in silence and that the truth is not suppressed. This message follows a previous meeting with media representatives where Leo affirmed his support for a free press and called for the release of imprisoned journalists.

2025-06-20 06:00:33.194

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton showcased his resilience and skill in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, playing through a strained right calf to propel the Indiana Pacers to a 108-91 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. His performance, which included 14 points in 23 minutes, was marked by a spectacular no-look pass to Pascal Siakam for a dunk. Despite missing his first four shots, Haliburton's determination shone through as he displayed his full range of skills, including long-range three-pointers and acrobatic moves, defying his injury. His decision to play was a calculated risk, as he acknowledged that he wouldn't normally play through such an injury during the regular season. The Pacers' medical staff had given him the all-clear following a walkthrough and strength testing, and Haliburton's determination was evident in his commitment to helping his team avoid elimination. Both coaches, Rick Carlisle of the Pacers and Mark Daigneault of the Thunder, recognized Haliburton's exceptional talent and expected him to perform at a high level despite his injury. Haliburton's performance underscored his history of clutch plays in the playoffs, including game-winning shots in previous rounds. The Pacers now head to Game 7 with a renewed sense of hope, thanks to Haliburton's heroic effort.

2025-06-18 18:00:26.688

Seven individuals have been identified and charged with orchestrating a massive jewelry heist, stealing \$100 million worth of diamonds, emeralds, gold, rubies, and luxury watches. The heist involved stalking an armored truck from a San Francisco jewelry show for approximately 300 miles to a rural freeway rest stop north of Los Angeles. Two suspects have been arrested and charged with federal theft and conspiracy charges, while four remain at large. One suspect is already incarcerated in Arizona for an unrelated burglary. Authorities recovered some of the stolen jewelry. The indictment also includes charges related to other robberies committed by some of the suspects, including a \$240,000 electronics theft. The suspects allegedly used lookouts and employed force or threats of violence to carry out the robberies.

2025-06-16 18:01:09.184

Actor Eric Dane is opening up about living with ALS. In his first television interview since revealing he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Dane, 52, recalled the symptoms that led to discovering his diagnosis about a year and a half ago. “I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand,” Dane told “Good Morning America.” “I didn’t really think anything of it at the time. I thought maybe I had been texting too much or my hand was fatigued. A few weeks later I noticed it had gotten a little worse, so I went and saw a hand specialist who sent me to another hand specialist. I went and saw a neurologist who sent me to another neurologist who said this is way above my pay grade.” ALS progressively affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that make the muscles of both the upper and lower body work, according to the ALS Association, a non-profit organization which works to research the disease and offer resources to people living with it. There is currently no known cure. “I will never forget those three letters. It’s on me the second I wake up,” Dane told ABC. Dane said his right arm and hand have “completely stopped working.” “I feel like maybe a couple, few more months, and I won’t have my left hand [functioning] either,” Dane said, adding that he’s worried about the eventual loss of his leg mobility he described as “sobering.” Dane rose to fame as the handsome Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy” from 2006 - 2012. His credits also include film roles in movies like “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” More recently, Dane plays Cal Jacobs, the troubled father to Jacob Elordi’s character in the HBO drama “Euphoria.” Dane shares two teen daughters with actress Rebecca Gayheart. They married in 2004 and though they separated for a time remain close. “I talk to her every day,” Dane said of Gayheart. “We have managed to become better friends and better parents. And she is … probably my biggest champion and my most stalwart supporter. And I lean on her.” He said he is focused on his family and continuing to work as long as he can. “At the end of the day, just, all I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can,” he said, later adding, “I don’t think this is the end of my story. I just don’t feel like, in my heart, I don’t feel like this is the end of me.* CNN’s Dan Heching contributed to this story.

2025-06-13 00:00:26.731

Popular online services worldwide experienced disruptions on Thursday due to ongoing issues at Google Cloud. Downdetector, an outage tracking website, reported tens of thousands of users from platforms such as Spotify and Discord encountering problems. Spotify outage reports spiked around 3 p.m. EST before subsiding, with some users regaining access. Google Cloud acknowledged the incident, stating it affected clients domestically and internationally. They announced that services were beginning to recover after engineers identified and addressed the root cause, although a full resolution timeline remained unclear. Google Cloud, a rapidly expanding part of Alphabet Inc., generated $43.2 billion in revenue last year (a 31% increase from 2023), showcasing its significant role in internet services.

2025-06-12 18:00:49.02

Amid ongoing protests in Los Angeles sparked by ICE raids, California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a scathing attack on President Donald Trump, questioning his mental state and calling him a "stone-cold liar". Newsom denounced the deployment of 700 Marines to Los Angeles as "theater, madness, unconstitutional," arguing that their presence has exacerbated tensions. Trump, meanwhile, insists that Los Angeles is "safe and sound," despite continued unrest and a second consecutive night of curfew. The situation is further complicated by reports of a new ICE app used to track down migrants for deportation, a Justice Department memo urging judges to expedite immigration case dismissals, and the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops in Texas in anticipation of further protests. The protests have spread to at least 37 cities, with more planned. A man in Los Angeles faces eight years in prison for allegedly spitting at an ICE agent, further highlighting the tensions.

2025-06-12 12:00:41.14

The death toll from devastating floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape province has tragically risen to 57, according to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa. The flooding, described as a "real disaster and a catastrophe" by the minister, has impacted the town of Mthatha and surrounding areas. Rescue teams are continuing their search for missing individuals, including four high school students swept away when their bus was caught in the floodwaters. Six students on the bus perished, while three survived by clinging to trees. The floods, resulting from an extreme cold front bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and snow, have caused extensive damage. At least 58 schools and 20 hospitals have been damaged, leaving hundreds of families homeless. Critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has also been severely affected. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has activated the National Disaster Management Center to aid local authorities, and he is scheduled to visit the affected area. The Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, has stated that this is one of the worst weather-related disasters the province has ever faced.

2025-06-12 00:01:01.418

Days before President Trump's surprise pause on tariffs, more than a dozen congressional lawmakers engaged in thousands of dollars' worth of stock transactions, including significant purchases as the market plummeted. A CNN analysis of financial filings shows that these transactions occurred on April 7th and 8th, just before Trump's announcement. While lawmakers claim the trades were managed by third-party advisors, the timing raises concerns about potential insider trading. Experts and some on Capitol Hill question whether lawmakers can play the market without suspicion of using privileged information for personal gain. The article highlights the ethical dilemma and calls for increased transparency and potentially a ban on lawmaker stock trading. The analysis covers transactions from March 31st to April 9th, involving 35 lawmakers with purchases ranging from $8.6 million to $27.9 million and sales from $5.9 million to $22.4 million. Lawmakers involved offered explanations, citing third-party management and non-stock investments, but the issue continues to spark debate about ethics and the integrity of Congress. The article also points to previous instances of similar activity and the ongoing efforts to ban congressional stock trading, with support from key figures including House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

2025-06-09 18:00:42.007

CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — After stumbling out of the starting gate in Big Tech’s pivotal race to capitalize on artificial intelligence, Apple tried to regain its footing Monday at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. The presummer rite, which attracted thousands of developers from nearly 60 countries to Apple’s Silicon Valley headquarters, was more subdued than the feverish anticipation that surrounded the event during the previous two years. In 2023, Apple unveiled a mixed-reality headset that has been little more than a niche product, and last year WWDC trumpeted its first major foray into the AI craze with an array of new features highlighted by the promise of a smarter and more versatile version of its virtual assistant, Siri. Apple had intended the planned Siri upgrade to herald its long-awaited attempt to become a major player in the AI craze after getting a late start in a phenomenon that so far has been largely led by OpenAI, Google, Microsoft and an array of cutting-edge startups. “This work needed more time to reach our high-quality bar,” Craig Federighi, Apple’s top software executive, said Monday at the outset of the conference. Instead of making a big splash as it did with the Vision Pro headset and its AI suite, Apple this year focused on an overhaul of its software that the company is billing as the most extensive overhaul of the iPhone’s operating system in a decade. Federighi described the changes as Apple’s attempt to make its software more compatible with the increasingly sophisticated computer chips that have been powering its products while also making it easier to toggle between the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Even though it might look like Apple is becoming a technological laggard, Forrester Research analyst Thomas Husson contends the company still has ample time to catch up in an AI race that’s “more of a marathon, than a sprint. It will force Apple to evolve its operating systems.” Besides redesigning its software. Apple will switch to a method that automakers have used to telegraph their latest car models by linking the new operating systems to the year after they first arrive at dealerships. That means the next version of the iPhone operating system due out this autumn will be known as iOS 26 instead of iOS 19 — as it would be under the previous naming approach that has been used since the device’s 2007 debut. The iOS 26 upgrade is expected to be released in September around the same time Apple traditionally rolls out the next iPhone models. Although Apple also touted incremental advances in AI that will simplify people’s lives and make its devices even more intuitive to use, the company chose to open Monday’s conference with a short video segment featuring Federighi speeding around a track in a Formula 1 race car. Although it was meant to promote the June 27 release of the Apple film, “F1” starring Brad Pitt, the segment could also be viewed as an unintentional analogy to the company’s attempt to catch up to the rest of the pack in AI technology. While some of the new AI tricks compatible with the latest iPhones began rolling out late last year as part of free software updates, Apple still hasn’t been able to soup up Siri in the ways that it touted at last year’s conference. The delays became so glaring that a chastened Apple retreated from promoting Siri in its AI marketing campaigns earlier this year. “It’s just taking a bit longer than we thought,” Apple CEO Tim Cook told analysts last month when asked about the company’s headaches with Siri. “But we are making progress, and we’re extremely excited to get the more personal Siri features out there.” While Apple has been struggling to make AI that meets its standards, the gap separating it from other tech powerhouses is widening. Google keeps packing more AI into its Pixel smartphone lineup while introducing more of the technology into its search engine to dramatically change the way it works. Samsung, Apple’s biggest smartphone rival, is also leaning heavily into AI. Meanwhile, ChatGPT recently struck a deal that will bring former Apple design guru Jony Ive into the fold to work on a new device expected to compete against the iPhone. “While much of WWDC will be about what the next great thing is for the iPhone, the unspoken question is: What’s the next great thing after the iPhone?” said Dipanjan Chatterjee, another analyst for Forrester Research. Besides grappling with innovation challenges, Apple also faces regulatory threats that could siphon away billions of dollars in revenue that help finance its research and development. A federal judge is currently weighing whether proposed countermeasures to Google’s illegal monopoly in search should include a ban on long-running deals worth $20 billion annually to Apple while another federal judge recently banned the company from collecting commission on in-app transactions processed outside its once-exclusive payment system. On top of all that, Apple has been caught in the cross-hairs of President Donald Trump’s trade war with China, a key manufacturing hub for the Cupertino, California, company. Cook successfully persuaded Trump to exempt the iPhone from tariffs during the president’s first administration, but he has had less success during Trump’s second term, which seems more determined to prod Apple to make its products in the U.S.. “The trade war and uncertainty linked to the tariff policy is of much more concern today for Apple’s business than the perception that Apple is lagging behind on AI innovation,” Husson said. The multi-dimensional gauntlet facing Apple is spooking investors, causing the company’s stock price to plunge by nearly 20% so far this year — a decline that has erased $750 billion in shareholder wealth. After beginning the year as the most valuable company in the world, Apple now ranks third behind longtime rival Microsoft, another AI leader, and AI chipmaker Nvidia.

2025-06-09 06:00:56.279

A new North Korean warship, damaged during a botched launch, has been moved to a port near the Russian border. This move has led analysts to believe that Russia might be involved in repairing the vessel. Satellite images show the 5,000-ton destroyer in a drydock at Rajin port, part of North Korea's Rason special economic zone bordering Russia. While Rajin has repair facilities, its proximity to Russia suggests a potential deepening of military ties. A report from the Modern War Institute at West Point highlights Rason's role in North Korea-Russia cooperation, including arms shipments to Russia. The warship was damaged on May 21 during its launch. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered its repair by late June, calling it a matter of national honor. State media reported a 7-10 day repair time at Rajin. The extent of the damage is debated. Retired South Korean Admiral Kim Duk-ki suggests potential damage to sonar and depth finders, requiring foreign assistance. However, South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-weon believes the damage is less significant, with water flooding being the main issue. Regardless, the repair process will involve purging seawater and drying the ship. While Russian assistance is possible, verifying its extent is difficult. North Korea has reportedly sent munitions to Russia, while receiving weapons technologies and refined oil in return.

2025-06-08 18:00:59.071

During his first 100 days, President Trump's actions have prompted anticipatory compliance from various institutions, including universities, law firms, and corporations. Fear of repercussions, like funding cuts or legal action, has led these entities to preemptively comply with Trump's demands, even without direct orders. This behavior, however, smooths the path to autocracy. Examples include universities censoring course materials, schools altering curriculum, and companies scaling back DEI programs. The media also shows signs of anticipatory compliance, with some outlets self-censoring to avoid Trump's ire. However, a counter-strategy, anticipatory noncompliance, is emerging. Several universities are pushing back against Trump's demands, and some states are challenging his policies in court. Companies that have resisted Trump's pressure, such as Costco and Apple, have seen positive results, while those that complied, like Target, faced negative consequences. The author argues that while restoring democracy will be a long-term struggle, the rising tide of anticipatory noncompliance offers hope.

2025-06-06 18:01:10.792

Tyrese Haliburton hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer to give the Indiana Pacers a stunning 111-110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Pacers overcame a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter, fueled by two 12-2 runs, to snatch the win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 38 points, but Haliburton's clutch shot silenced the Paycom Arena crowd. The Thunder dominated much of the game, forcing 24 Indiana turnovers, and led by as much as 15 points in the fourth quarter. Despite the Thunder's strong defense and Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-caliber performance, the Pacers' resilience and Haliburton's heroics secured an improbable victory. The Pacers' comeback was punctuated by key contributions from players like Pascal Siakam and clutch three-pointers throughout the game. The series continues with Game 2 on Sunday.

2025-06-06 06:00:49.904

The once-close relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has spectacularly imploded. The fallout began with Musk criticizing Trump's spending bill, which Trump responded to by threatening to cut Musk's government contracts with SpaceX and Starlink. Musk retaliated by claiming Trump is implicated in the unreleased Jeffrey Epstein files and even called for Trump's impeachment. The public spat played out on their respective social media platforms, with Trump expressing disappointment in Musk and Musk responding with defiance. The conflict resulted in a significant drop in Tesla's stock value, costing Musk an estimated $20 billion. The rapid escalation and public nature of their falling-out mirror the intensity of their initial alliance, which saw Musk spend at least $250 million supporting Trump's campaign and enjoying unprecedented access to the Trump administration. Musk's final parting shot highlighted the magnitude of the rift, claiming that Trump would have lost the election without his support.

2025-06-06 00:00:20.735

Do you reuse kitchen sponges for days? Leave pizza out overnight? Experts warn that seemingly harmless kitchen shortcuts can expose you to dangerous bacteria and toxins. Cross-contamination is a major concern; E. coli, salmonella, and listeria can linger on surfaces for weeks. Proper handwashing (20 seconds with warm water), avoiding rinsing raw meat, and sanitizing surfaces with bleach solution or disinfectant are crucial. Cook meat to the proper internal temperature (145°F for whole cuts, 160°F for ground meats, 165°F for poultry). Replace sponges frequently or sanitize them daily. Thaw meat safely in the refrigerator or cold water. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours to prevent bacterial growth and toxin production, especially in starchy foods. Pay attention to 'best before' dates, but remember that even foods that look and smell fine can harbor pathogens. Cutting mold off hard cheese is sometimes acceptable, but discard soft cheeses with mold. Don't rely on spices or acid to prevent bacterial growth. Organic food isn't necessarily safer, but buying local may reduce risk. Weakened regulatory oversight increases the importance of careful food handling, especially with high-risk foods like leafy greens. Consider dietary changes to minimize risk.

2025-06-06 00:00:20.73

The once-close relationship between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has dramatically fallen apart, resulting in a very public and nasty feud. Musk, who previously donated $277 million to help Trump's election campaign and benefited from reduced regulations, has now publicly criticized Trump, accusing him of being involved in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and claiming that Trump would have lost the election without his financial support. Musk's actions have been described as reckless and self-sabotaging, even by his own standards. Trump, in response, has called Musk "crazy" and threatened to cut off government contracts with Musk's companies. While there's a possibility of reconciliation given Trump's past behavior, the current situation marks a significant and entertaining turning point in their relationship. The article explores the backstory of their relationship, the reasons for their falling out, and the potential future implications.

2025-06-05 06:00:35.632

NEW YORK (AP) — Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has a book out this fall that promises a close look at President Biden’s decision not to run for reelection and calls for thinking beyond the two-party system. Jean-Pierre herself has switched her affiliation to independent after working in two Democratic administrations, according to Legacy Lit, a Hachette Book Group imprint that will publish “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines” on Oct. 21. “Until January 20, I was responsible for speaking on behalf of the President of the United States,” Jean-Pierre, the first Black woman and openly gay person to hold the position of White House press secretary, said in a statement released Wednesday. “At noon on that day, I became a private citizen who, like all Americans and many of our allies around the world, had to contend with what was to come next for our country. I determined that the danger we face as a country requires freeing ourselves of boxes. We need to be willing to exercise the ability to think creatively and plan strategically.” Jean-Pierre, 50, succeeded Jen Psaki as press secretary in 2022 after previously serving as deputy press secretary and also working as a senior adviser during Biden’s victorious 2020 campaign. During President Barack Obama’s first term, she was a regional political director. Jean-Pierre was criticized at times for being evasive about Biden’s physical condition. Wednesday’s announcement from Legacy Lit says that she will take readers “through the three weeks that led to Biden’s abandoning his bid for a second term and the betrayal by the Democratic Party that led to his decision.” “She presents clear arguments and provocative evidence as an insider about the importance of dismantling the torrent of disinformation and misinformation that has been rampant in recent elections and provides passionate insight for moving forward,” the announcement said. Jean-Pierre’s book could be one of the few by former White House press secretaries to make news. Scott McLellan, President George W. Bush’s press secretary from 2003-2006, made headlines when he criticized Bush and other administration officials in the 2008 bestseller “What Happened.”

2025-06-04 18:00:20.437

The author details her experience with incontinence after childbirth and its return during perimenopause. She tried various remedies, including Kegel exercises, vaginal devices, and bladder training, with limited success. The article then delves into the prevalence of incontinence in women, particularly during and after menopause, due to estrogen decline and pelvic floor weakening. Two main types are discussed: stress incontinence (leakage due to physical pressure) and urge incontinence (sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate). Treatment options are explored, including surgery (sling surgery), bulking agents, medication (anticholinergics and beta-3 agonists), nerve modulation, acupuncture, and botulinum toxin injections. Vaginal estrogen supplementation and pelvic physical therapy are also highlighted as effective approaches. The author's personal journey includes a less-than-successful attempt with a Kegel ball, and ultimately, she undergoes successful sling surgery, resolving her incontinence. The article emphasizes the importance of open communication about incontinence, highlighting that many women experience the same issue.

2025-06-03 18:00:46.85

Nine years after discontinuing the Snack Wrap in the US, McDonald's is giving in to popular demand and bringing the item back to its menu on July 10th. Customer requests, online petitions, and even a Facebook group dedicated to its return all contributed to the decision. The Snack Wrap's lower price point and smaller size are also seen as beneficial in a time of inflation and changing consumer habits. McDonald's has also made improvements to the preparation process and updated its chicken strips to ensure a smoother rollout. While the US launch will feature only fried chicken with ranch or spicy sauce, other markets continue to offer a wider variety. The return coincides with a period of slower growth in the fast-food industry, with inflation being a major contributing factor. The Snack Wrap is seen as a way to attract budget-conscious consumers and cater to the trend of smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

2025-06-02 00:00:17.73

Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, a popular children's YouTube personality, has become a target for pro-Israel right-wingers after speaking out about the genocide in Gaza. She initially announced a fundraiser for children in Gaza and other war zones in May 2024 and has since consistently highlighted the crisis on social media, reaching tens of millions of followers. This activism has drawn significant backlash, including an article in the New York Post labeling her a "Woke brainwasher" and a request from the pro-Israel group StopAntisemitism to the Department of Justice to investigate her for potentially acting as a foreign agent due to her posts. Accurso's advocacy for Palestinian children, juxtaposed against the ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza, has sparked a debate about free speech, humanitarian concerns, and the portrayal of Palestinian children in the conflict. Critics accuse her of disseminating propaganda, while Accurso maintains her focus is on the well-being of all children. The controversy also highlights the broader political climate, with Accurso's support for vulnerable groups and her celebration of diversity attracting criticism from conservatives. The article concludes by noting the relative silence of other more powerful celebrities on the issue, emphasizing the risk Accurso has taken by speaking out.

2025-05-30 00:00:25.847

The Trump administration is facing a series of setbacks. Its flagship bill, promised to save $2 trillion, is projected to deliver only $9.4 billion in savings. Elon Musk has resigned from his government role, citing disapproval of the bill. The bill itself includes controversial Medicaid cuts and tax increases, offset by tax exemptions for tips and overtime, and a massive $4 trillion increase to the debt ceiling. The bill's impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is also raising concerns. Meanwhile, a federal court has struck down most of Trump's tariffs, citing an overreach of executive power. The article concludes by questioning the long-term consequences of the current political climate and the potential for similar figures to emerge in the future.

2025-05-29 06:01:25.341

Nearly two years after Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness announced their separation, Furness is opening up about the “breakdown” of their 27-year marriage. “My heart and compassion goes out to everyone who has traversed the traumatic journey of betrayal,” Furness told the Daily Mail in a statement Tuesday. “It’s a profound wound that cuts deep, however I believe in a higher power and that God/the universe, whatever you relate to as your guidance, is always working FOR us.” Furness added that “this belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage” and that she gained “much knowledge and wisdom through this experience.” “Even when we are presented with apparent adversity, it is leading us to our greatest good, our true purpose,” she also said. “It can hurt, but in the long run, returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values and boundaries is liberation and freedom… We are all on our individual journeys and I believe that the relationships in our lives are not random.” Furness concluded her statement saying that through it all, she remains “grateful.” She filed a petition for divorce in New York City on May 23, according to publicly available court records. Jackman has not yet formally responded to the petition. CNN has reached out to representatives for Furness and Jackman for comment. The pair announced that they were separating in September 2023, saying in a joint statement at the time that “we have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage.” “Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth,” the statement read, in part. “Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness.” Furness and Jackman first met on the set of Australian television series “Correlli” in 1995. They wed the following year and share two adult children, Oscar and Ava.

2025-05-18 06:00:20.618

A music journalist and dancer, at 36, experiences a sudden brain hemorrhage due to a previously unknown aneurysm. The event leads to four months of extensive surgeries, including the removal of part of her skull. The author describes the terrifying experience, the long recovery process, and the physical and cognitive challenges faced. This includes loss of muscle, double vision, difficulty speaking, and impaired motor skills. The story follows her journey through hospital stays, rehabilitation, and the emotional and physical struggles of regaining her independence. Despite the challenges, the author finds unexpected joy in the support of her loved ones, the kindness of medical professionals, and the discovery of new communities and activities. She relearns to dance and embraces a new perspective on life, disability, and the concept of time. The article ends with her reflection on the merging of her 'before' and 'after' selves and the realization that she is more than the sum of her experiences.

2025-05-17 00:00:22.672

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent testimony before Congress highlighted his unconventional views on medicine, even stating that people shouldn't take medical advice from him. This ironic statement underscores the concerning trend of unqualified individuals being considered for high-level health positions within the US government. The nomination of Dr. Casey Means for US surgeon general exemplifies this issue. While she holds a medical degree, she lacks a completed residency, an active medical license, and relevant government experience. Her qualifications are overshadowed by her involvement in the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement, which, while addressing valid concerns about processed food and health industry corruption, is often mired in conspiracy theories. Means's promotion of dietary supplements and co-authorship of a book with her brother, which suggests that most chronic illnesses stem from lifestyle choices, further highlights her lack of mainstream medical expertise. The nomination has sparked infighting within the MAHA movement, with some members deeming Means insufficiently extreme in her views on vaccines. Furthermore, prominent figures like Laura Loomer have criticized Means's unconventional practices, including her use of psychedelic drugs. This situation contrasts sharply with the previous nominee, Janette Nesheiwat, who was also deemed unqualified due to concerns about her medical credentials and pro-vaccine stance. The overall situation points to a concerning trend of prioritizing political alignment and personal connections over medical expertise in the Trump administration's appointments, raising serious concerns about the future of public health in the United States.

2025-05-14 18:01:07.608

Cassie Ventura, Sean "Diddy" Combs' former girlfriend, continued her testimony in Combs' federal criminal trial, describing physical abuse and coercion. Ventura detailed incidents of violence, including a hotel altercation where Combs allegedly gave her "a black eye and a fat lip," which was captured on surveillance footage. She also testified about "Freak Offs," sexual encounters involving Combs, escorts, and Ventura, which she described as unwanted and humiliating. Ventura stated that Combs frequently threatened to release videos of these encounters if she didn't comply with his demands. The testimony included graphic details of physical abuse, emotional manipulation, and the use of drugs and alcohol. The court also reviewed text messages between Ventura and Combs, corroborating her claims of abuse and coercion. Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The defense is expected to cross-examine Ventura, potentially focusing on the long-term nature of their relationship and questioning why Ventura didn't leave sooner. The trial continues with the jury expected to see more evidence, including footage of the "Freak Offs". Diddy's twin daughters were absent from court due to their prom.

2025-05-14 00:00:21.503

The article discusses Donald Trump's acceptance of a $400 million Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari royal family, highlighting the potential conflicts of interest and ethical concerns involved. The author draws parallels to the tale of "The Emperor's New Clothes," suggesting that Trump's actions are transparently self-serving. The plane, intended to become Air Force One, will eventually become Trump's personal property after his presidency. The article also mentions a portrait gifted by Vladimir Putin, raising further questions about Trump's susceptibility to foreign influence. The author expresses skepticism about Trump's presidential library plans and suggests that the gifts highlight Trump's vanity and lack of shame, rendering outrage at his actions almost futile.

2025-05-13 12:00:29.728

The Trump administration's push for increased birth rates in the US, fueled by a growing pronatalist movement, has met with significant backlash. Proposed policies such as $5,000 "baby bonuses" and medals for women with six or more children are seen as inadequate and insulting by many women, who highlight the exorbitant costs of childcare, healthcare, and education in the US. The cost of raising a child is estimated to be between $285,000 and $311,000, not including college tuition. Furthermore, the cost of childbirth itself is significantly higher in the US than in most other countries. Many women express their desire to have more children but cite financial constraints as the primary barrier. Experts point out that the focus should be on addressing systemic issues such as affordable childcare, healthcare, and housing, rather than offering insufficient financial incentives. The pronatalist movement's association with white supremacy and ableism is also a concern for many. Historical examples of pronatalist policies in other countries, such as Hungary, have shown limited success in increasing birth rates. Ultimately, the article questions the effectiveness of government intervention in personal reproductive choices and highlights the broader societal factors influencing declining birth rates.

2025-05-11 06:00:21.566

Just 14 miles off the Southern California coast lies an underwater paradise: the Channel Islands. This area, often called California's Galapagos, boasts incredible biodiversity, thriving within 13 designated MPAs that protect roughly 21% of the surrounding waters. These areas, accessible for swimming, surfing, and diving, prohibit fishing and other potentially harmful activities. However, a required review of these MPAs is currently underway, considering proposals to expand or reduce protections. Stakeholders, including tribes, fisheries, and recreators, have submitted 20 petitions with varying suggestions. Scientists highlight the success of the MPAs, citing increased biomass, species populations, and spillover effects benefiting nearby fisheries. For example, lobster production outside protected areas increased by 225%. Ecotourism, driven by the abundance of marine life, also contributes significantly to the local economy. Despite this evidence, expanding protections faces challenges, with commercial fishers expressing concerns about potential restrictions. The review process is politically charged, with conservation efforts facing headwinds both locally and nationally. While the future of these MPAs remains uncertain, the abundance of life within the protected areas serves as a testament to the value of conservation, offering a glimpse into what could be achieved with expanded protection and continued efforts to preserve this remarkable ecosystem.

2025-05-11 00:00:10.109

Holly Madison took to TikTok to reveal that her "biggest 'I'm bored' scenario" involves gathering all the women her "most recent ex" (implied to be Zak Bagans) cheated on her with to hear all the details. Meanwhile, the Celtics-Knicks game drew celebrities like Timothée Chalamet. Diddy's trial is underway, with Cassie expected to testify. Blake Lively's lawyers are demanding financial records from those suing her for $400 million. A$AP Rocky debuted a ring shaped like Rihanna. Other celebrity news includes updates on Wendy Williams, Sophia Umansky's response to weight loss criticism, and Miley Cyrus defending her mother, Tish. Derek Carr retired from the NFL due to a shoulder injury. Jordon Hudson is trailing in the Miss Maine USA People's Choice Award voting. Finally, Kylie Jenner was seen lint-rolling Timothée Chalamet's suit before an awards show, and Camryn Kinsey thanked viewers for their support after collapsing on Fox News.

2025-05-10 18:00:21.438

Tesla's success is intrinsically linked to its massive Shanghai Gigafactory, producing over half of its annual vehicles. However, this dependence on China creates a precarious situation. Experts warn that if China were to shut down the factory – a worst-case scenario, but not an impossible one given China's history of punishing foreign companies – Tesla's sales would plummet. This dependence gives China significant leverage over Musk, a key financial backer and advisor to Donald Trump. Musk's relationship with China started when Tesla needed to scale up production, and China's manufacturing prowess provided the solution. The Shanghai factory, built with unprecedented speed and autonomy, allowed Tesla to become a major player in the Chinese EV market. However, Musk's ties to Trump and his controversial political stances have created friction with other governments, including Canada and Germany, who are increasingly scrutinizing Tesla. While China has shown a willingness to crack down on corporations, experts believe it's unlikely to target Tesla directly because China needs Tesla's success to showcase its openness to foreign investment. Musk's relationship with China is complex and multifaceted, with some suggesting he acts as a backchannel to the White House. His past actions, including public criticism of tariffs and private attempts to influence Trump, highlight the delicate balance between his business interests and geopolitical implications.

2025-05-09 18:00:20.752

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass after his election, acknowledging the immense responsibility. His election surprised many, given the traditional hesitation towards an American pope due to the country's secular power. Cardinals described the quick decision-making process as a miracle, highlighting the unity achieved despite the diversity of the electors. The new Pope delivered a homily focusing on joyfully spreading Christianity.

2025-05-08 12:00:22.189

Amazon's surprising investment in a nature documentary about octopuses, narrated by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is a quirky and unexpected success. The show features breathtaking footage of octopuses, expert interviews, animated sequences, and celebrity cameos, all interwoven with Waller-Bridge's witty narration. While the blend of humor and scientific information may seem jarring at times, the documentary ultimately succeeds in presenting octopuses as both fascinating and intelligent creatures. The show also includes a brief history of human perception of octopuses, from Aristotle to modern-day science, highlighting the shift in understanding these creatures. Despite some criticisms regarding the balance between humor and scientific rigor, and the inclusion of celebrity appearances, the documentary's stunning visuals and engaging presentation make it a worthwhile watch. While some may question the project's fit with Waller-Bridge's other work, it's a unique and entertaining exploration of the octopus world.

2025-04-07 18:00:20.868

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s attendance at the Texas funeral of an unvaccinated child who died from measles has ignited controversy. Following the funeral, Kennedy lauded two physicians, Richard Bartlett and Ben Edwards, who have unorthodox approaches to treating measles, including the use of vitamins and cod liver oil. Bartlett has a history of disciplinary action by the Texas Medical Board for inappropriate medication use, and both he and Edwards advocate for treatments not widely accepted by the medical community. Kennedy's promotion of these practitioners, while simultaneously advocating for the MMR vaccine, has drawn criticism for its mixed messaging. The measles outbreak, which has claimed at least three lives, underscores the ongoing debate surrounding vaccine safety and efficacy, further fueled by Kennedy's long-standing questioning of vaccine safety. The high vaccine exemption rate in the affected area highlights the complex factors contributing to the outbreak.

2025-04-06 18:05:45.951

Elon Musk has seemingly broken from the Trump administration's tariff policies, expressing his desire for a "zero tariff situation" between the US and Europe. This comes after President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on numerous trading partners, causing an $11 billion drop in Musk's net worth. Musk criticized trade advisor Peter Navarro, even resorting to personal attacks on Twitter. Navarro responded by suggesting Musk was simply protecting his business interests, given Tesla's reliance on international supply chains. Musk further elaborated on his stance during a video conference in Italy, reiterating his hope for a free trade zone between Europe and North America. He also mentioned advising President Trump on this matter. Meanwhile, Italy's economy minister urged de-escalation, while Musk's Tesla faces challenges in Europe due to political backlash and competition from China. Musk's position reflects a shift towards traditional conservative market values, contrasting with the Trump administration's protectionist approach. The new tariffs caused significant stock market losses.

2025-04-05 18:00:12.683

President Trump's sweeping new tariff plan, unveiled on "Liberation Day," has triggered a historic two-day drop in the stock market, wiping out $6 trillion. The Dow plummeted over 2,200 points on Friday alone. This has led to widespread panic among investors and fears of a recession. Simultaneously, over 1,200 "Hands Off" demonstrations erupted across the country, protesting the Trump administration's actions, which include mass layoffs, contract cuts, deportations, and funding cuts for various programs. High-profile figures like Rep. Jamie Raskin and Sen. Ted Cruz have voiced strong criticism, with Raskin calling Trump an "economy-crushing dictator" and Cruz warning of potential political consequences for the Republican party if the tariffs backfire. Even within the Republican party, there's dissent, with Rep. Don Bacon planning to introduce a House bill to restore Congressional authority over tariffs. Internationally, leaders like Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron are coordinating responses, expressing concerns about the global economic and security implications. The article also highlights the impact on individual retirement funds (401Ks), leaving many Americans worried about their financial future. Despite the turmoil, Trump maintains his stance, claiming big business is not worried and the tariffs will ultimately boost the economy.

2025-04-05 00:05:22.25

Jonathan Braun, 41, a convicted drug dealer who received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, has been sent back to jail. Following his release, Braun was involved in multiple violent incidents, including injuring a three-year-old child, groping his nanny, assaulting a man at a Shabbat dinner, menacing a synagogue congregant, and assaulting a hospital nurse. These actions violated the terms of his supervised release. Prosecutors detailed Braun's erratic behavior and cited several instances of violence. Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto, citing concerns about the repeated violent acts, denied Braun bail. Braun, who had previously served less than three years of a 10-year sentence for running a large-scale marijuana distribution ring, was arrested by U.S. Marshals at a Long Island hotel. He had also been involved in running sketchy finance firms with extremely high-interest rates and had previously been arrested for evading tolls. Braun faces the possibility of years in prison for violating his release terms and will have a hearing on April 10th to argue for bail.

2025-04-03 12:00:13.208

President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on goods from nearly all countries, a move he dubbed "Liberation Day." The announcement caused immediate and significant drops in global markets, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures plunging over three percent. Tech giants like Apple and Tesla saw even steeper declines in after-hours trading. The tariffs, ranging from a baseline 10 percent to much higher rates for countries deemed "worst offenders" (including China), are set to take effect within days. This action has been met with strong opposition, including a Senate resolution opposing tariffs against Canada, passed with support from four Republican senators. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to downplay concerns about the impact of these tariffs on America's role in NATO. Despite the market turmoil, Trump expressed confidence in the long-term economic benefits of his policies, pointing to increased investment from companies like Apple.

2025-04-02 18:01:53.841

Dangerous storms are moving across the central US, placing nearly 5 million people under tornado watches in parts of Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri. A level 5 of 5 risk for long-lived, EF3-plus tornadoes is in effect, marking a rare and significant threat. The storms are also expected to trigger multiple days of heavy rain, leading to "generational" flooding in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Climate change is exacerbating the risk of extreme rainfall. Damage reports include overturned trains, downed power lines, and numerous structures destroyed in Missouri towns such as Nevada, Moundville, and Pilot Grove. While no fatalities have been reported in Vernon County, Missouri, significant damage is evident. A radar-confirmed tornado hit Pilot Grove, causing structural damage to homes and vehicles. Another tornado in Owasso, Oklahoma, downed trees and damaged homes. The National Weather Service issued dire warnings for Arkansas, emphasizing the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and long-lived EF3 or stronger tornadoes. Kentucky's governor declared a state of emergency, anticipating four days of severe weather, including widespread flooding. The Mississippi Valley faces a high risk of historic rain and floods, with a level 4 of 4 high risk of flooding rainfall in effect for parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. Forecasters predict 2 to 6 inches of rain daily in some areas, with potential totals exceeding 15 inches by Saturday. The Storm Prediction Center and Nadocast (a machine learning model) both highlight the high risk, but Nadocast's predictions should be viewed cautiously. The speed of the storms is also a concern, giving residents minimal time to seek shelter.

2025-03-31 00:00:37.895

A devastating ice storm slammed Michigan and Wisconsin, leaving over 400,000 people without power on Sunday. High winds brought down trees and power lines, turning churches, schools, and fire halls into makeshift warming centers. The damage is expected to take until Monday to fully repair, especially in rural areas. One county reported nearly all 13,200 residents without power, with trees continuing to fall. Meanwhile, Tennessee braced for severe weather, with potential 70mph winds, tornadoes, and hail up to 2 inches in diameter. Despite the arrival of spring, the situation remains dire in the affected areas, with residents resorting to creative solutions to stay warm and safe. In other news, firefighters in South Carolina reported progress in controlling wildfires in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with rain offering some relief.

2025-03-28 00:02:36.116

Yolanda Saldivar, Selena Quintanilla's killer, was denied parole due to the violent nature of her crime. Kanye West and Andrew Tate recorded a podcast together, which is mentioned in a lawsuit against Tate. Holly Madison confirmed her breakup with Zak Bagans. Amazon is offering deals on landscaping tools. Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly welcomed a baby. Gerry Turner turned down an offer to join "Bachelor in Paradise." Linda Hogan spoke about her strained relationship with her daughter Brooke. Paul Pogba celebrated his birthday with a star-studded party. Bri Stern filed a lawsuit against Andrew Tate for sexual assault. Haliey Welch's SEC investigation into her meme coin is over. North West's rap career might be influenced by Kim Kardashian and FKA twigs. Stephen A. Smith apologized for a mistake about LeBron James. Bhad Bhabie celebrated her birthday. Gene Hackman and his wife's bodies remain unclaimed. JoJo Siwa is facing backlash for her VIP tour experience. A top model is featured in a guess-who game.

2025-03-20 00:03:09.79

A Department of Defense webpage describing baseball and civil rights icon Jackie Robinson’s military service was restored Wednesday after it was missing earlier in the day. This followed the removal of pages honoring a Black Medal of Honor winner and Japanese American service members—the Pentagon attributed this to a mistake—as part of the department’s campaign to eliminate content highlighting the contributions of women and minority groups, which the Trump administration considers "DEI". The page on Robinson, detailing his Army service during World War II, was temporarily inaccessible, with the letters "dei" added to the URL. David Robinson, Jackie Robinson's son, expressed surprise and pride in his father's service. The page reappeared later, with Pentagon press secretary John Ullyot stating that while the department is pleased with the removal of DEI content, mistakes happen and are corrected. Thousands of pages honoring contributions by women and minority groups have been removed as part of this effort. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended the practice. A Defense Department webpage honoring Black Medal of Honor recipient Army Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers was also temporarily removed but restored. Ullyot emphasized that the department salutes all service members for their patriotism, not through the lens of race, ethnicity, or sex, and referred to DEI as "Discriminatory Equity Ideology", a form of "woke cultural Marxism" that allegedly divides the force and interferes with the warfighting mission.

2025-03-18 18:02:10.075

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended violently early Tuesday morning as Israel conducted what it called "extensive strikes" on Hamas targets in Gaza. This action resulted in the deaths of over 400 people and injuries to hundreds more, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, marking the deadliest day in Gaza since November 7, 2023. Hamas accused Israel of breaking the nearly two-month-old ceasefire agreement and jeopardizing the lives of hostages held in Gaza. Israel countered by accusing Hamas of repeatedly refusing to release hostages and rejecting mediation offers. Following the attacks, far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben Gvir announced his return to the government. Numerous European countries condemned Israel's actions, urging both sides to uphold the ceasefire agreement and prioritize diplomacy. The United States, having been informed beforehand, stated that Hamas bears sole responsibility for the renewed hostilities, citing their refusal of multiple mediation proposals. Families of hostages held by Hamas also protested the renewed attacks, fearing for the safety of their loved ones. The Israeli government, however, asserts that the strikes are a necessary step to pressure Hamas into releasing the hostages and that the military campaign will continue. Arab nations, including Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, strongly condemned Israel's actions, accusing them of violating the ceasefire and escalating regional tensions. The situation remains highly volatile, with a significant loss of life and widespread international condemnation.

2025-03-18 06:03:11.067

The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student missing in the Dominican Republic, have formally requested authorities declare their daughter dead. Their request comes despite the fact that Konanki's body has not been found. The family sent a letter to Dominican authorities stating they believe there was no foul play involved in her disappearance from a Punta Cana beach on March 6. They cited the cooperation of Joshua Riibe, the last person to see Konanki alive, with investigators. Riibe, a 22-year-old college student from Iowa, has been described as a person of interest but has not been charged with any wrongdoing. His lawyer is seeking his release from police surveillance, arguing that his passport has been seized despite him not being officially charged. Authorities initially suspected Konanki drowned, but later said they were not ruling out foul play. Riibe claims he and Konanki entered the ocean together, encountered rough water, and separated. He said he awoke on the beach without Konanki. Surveillance footage shows the pair together at a bar before her disappearance.

2025-03-17 06:02:50.373

Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas are sparking more dating rumors after being photographed together in London. The two stars were seen casually dressed in jeans and sneakers after exiting a helicopter at London Heliport. While they weren't seen talking, both had big smiles. This sighting follows a previous encounter at the same heliport the night before, and a Valentine's Day dinner date. Although they could simply be friends or future collaborators, fans are speculating about a romantic relationship. Representatives for both actors have not yet commented.

2025-03-11 00:05:45.942

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole will require Tommy John surgery, prematurely ending his 2024 season. The team announced the decision on Monday, following a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. ElAttrache will perform the surgery on Tuesday. Cole's elbow issues began last year with a diagnosis of elbow nerve inflammation and edema. This year, after only two spring training starts, the pain returned and worsened, prompting the decision for surgery. Cole is owed $144 million over the remaining four years of his contract.

2025-03-10 12:05:25.635

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student from Chantilly, Virginia, vanished from the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana. She was last seen around 4:50 a.m. on Thursday, March 6th, wearing a distinctive brown bikini. Authorities, including the Indian Embassy, Loudoun County officials, and Dominican Republic agencies, are involved in the extensive search, utilizing drones, helicopters, and ground crews. Konanki was on spring break with five friends. The University of Pittsburgh is offering support to her family. Authorities are exploring the possibility that she drowned.

2025-03-09 18:00:59.012

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from Virginia, went missing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, while on spring break with classmates. She was last seen around 4:50 a.m. on Thursday walking on the beach near the Riu Republica Resort wearing a brown bikini and distinctive jewelry. Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office was contacted on Thursday evening and is working with authorities in the Dominican Republic. A search, involving Defensa Civil, a Dominican Republic search and rescue force, began on Saturday and continued into Sunday. The University of Pittsburgh is also supporting the family and cooperating with authorities. Konanki is described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

2025-03-09 00:00:51.438

International Women’s Day saw widespread protests across Europe, Africa, South America, and beyond, with women demanding an end to inequality and gender-based violence. In Istanbul, Turkey, a large rally in Kadikoy featured speeches, dancing, and singing, despite a significant police presence. Protesters challenged the Turkish government's declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Family," arguing against the confinement of women's roles to marriage and motherhood. The government has faced criticism for restrictions on women's rights and insufficient action against violence, including withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in 2021. One Turkish woman, Yaz Gulgun, highlighted the societal pressures women face. Across Europe, women protested violence, demanding better healthcare access, equal pay, and an end to discriminatory treatment. In Poland, activists opened an abortion pill center across from parliament, symbolically challenging restrictive abortion laws. From Athens to Madrid, Paris, Munich, Zurich, and Belgrade, women marched against being treated as second-class citizens. In Madrid, protests highlighted the case of Gisele Pélicot, symbolizing the fight against sexual violence. North Macedonia saw thousands marching for economic, political, and social equality, highlighting the low property ownership rates among women. In Nigeria, thousands gathered in Lagos, celebrating womanhood. Russia's celebrations had a more official tone. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged stronger efforts for equality and warned against the rollback of progress, citing the example of tech companies prioritizing "masculine energy." South American marches focused on protesting femicides, with demonstrations in Ecuador and Bolivia demanding justice and an end to impunity in such cases.

2025-03-08 06:00:48.367

President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order establishing a White House task force for the 2026 World Cup that will oversee preparations for the high-profile tournament. The task force, first reported by OutKick, will be chaired by Trump. Vice President JD Vance will serve as vice chair and an executive director, to be named later, will run day-to-day operations. The task force will coordinate with federal agencies to plan and execute the massive job of hosting both the 2025 Club World Cup and the World Cup a year later, the draft fact sheet outlines. More than 8 million international visitors are expected to come to the US for the monthlong tournament that kicks off in June 2026. Trump said he does plan to attend some matches. Trump was president in 2018 when the US won the bid to co-host the tournament with Canada and Mexico and views bringing the expanded 48-team soccer showcase to the US as a significant accomplishment. He at times has had a replica of the World Cup trophy displayed behind his desk in the Oval Office. He said the current tensions with Mexico and Canada will “make it more exciting.” The president signed the executive order on Friday, a day after CNN reported that travel executives were concerned over the nation’s preparedness to host the quadrennial tournament. US Travel Association president and CEO Geoff Freeman and MGM Resorts International president and CEO William Hornbuckle previously told CNN Sport they questioned whether the US travel system is prepared to handle the influx of foreign travelers expected in next summer’s soccer extravaganza. The worries are numerous: Lengthy wait times for fan visa approvals could discourage thousands from trying to come to the US for the tournament. Outdated technology and staffing shortages could lead to long waits for visitors who arrive in the US to clear customs. Long lines to get through security could potentially snake all the way outside of airports. One of the things, they said, that the federal government could do to start readying was form an interagency task force inside the Trump White House to streamline the preparation process among federal agencies. Freeman and Hornbuckle said that while they believe Trump takes the task of successfully hosting the tournament seriously, his administration has not yet shown the urgency they’d like. One of the main things they’d like to see is an interagency task force set up by the White House to coordinate planning for the World Cup across the sprawling federal government. However, on Friday, Freeman “applauded” the establishment of the task force, calling it a “critical action” that will “ensure a seamless and secure experience” for all visitors. The administration, according to the draft fact sheet, is kicking the readiness into high gear. The draft fact sheet suggests that hosting the World Cup is an opportunity to unite the nation and reinforce the United States’ role as a top destination for major world sporting events. Joining the president for the announcement was FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who said the tournament would create around 200,000 jobs and have an economic impact of around $40 billion. An estimated eight million foreign travelers are expected to come to the US for the tournament, which kicks off in June 2026.

2025-03-08 00:01:04.231

D’Wayne Wiggins, singer and guitarist for the popular R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has died after a battle with cancer, his family announced on the group’s verified social media Friday. He was 64. “With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones,” their statement read. “Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer. Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans and his community.” CNN has reached out to representatives for Wiggins and Tony! Toni! Toné! for comment. Wiggins was one of the co-founders of the group, which included his half-brother, Raphael Saadiq, on bass and vocals and cousin, Timothy Christian Riley, on drums/keyboards. Tony! Toni! Toné! formed in their native Oakland, California, in 1986. They released their debut single, “One Night Stand,” the following year. Their album “Who?” and their hit single “Little Walter” debuted in 1988. They became some of the stars of the New Jack Swing music movement of the ’80s and ‘90s. Their hits, including “Feels Good,” “Whatever You Want,” “Anniversary,” “It Never Rains (in Southern California)” and “Just Me and You” are now classics. The three singers eventually broke off to pursue solo projects, but managed to stay close in ways that have escaped many other groups like them. “There’s nothing like being at home and being on stage together is like being at home in our living room,” Wiggins told CNN in 2023, when the group came back together to tour after 25 years. “Timing is everything.” He told CNN they learned from artists like Earth Wind and Fire to hone their craft with time. “It’s about building a brand,” Wiggins said at the time. “Not many R&B or even in hip-hop artists understand that, but we do.” His family reflected on his accomplishments in their statement. “D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California,” they wrote. “He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Tone! He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.” The note ended with the Wiggins family requesting privacy. “We mourn with you, and are deeply grateful for your love and support,” they added. The announcement of his death came days after a post which stated that Wiggins was “experiencing medical complications.”

2025-03-04 22:36:21.956

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon will oversee the layoff of 3% to 5% of the firm's workforce, amounting to over 1,395 job cuts. This is part of the bank's annual talent management process, but follows smaller reductions in September. While the bank plans to hire new employees later in the year, those laid off received poor reviews or smaller bonuses. Solomon, who received a 26% pay raise to $39 million in 2024, has focused on improving efficiency and refocusing the bank's business. The layoffs come as Goldman Sachs reported record profits of $14 billion in 2024. Solomon has also been navigating the firm's rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies amid potential lawsuits. The timing of the layoffs also coincides with uncertainty surrounding Trump's economic policies, including tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, which Solomon described as an attempt to 'level the playing field'. Despite the layoffs, Goldman Sachs' stock price has surged in the past year.

2025-03-04 12:00:59.917

President Donald Trump will address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, marking his first such address of his second term. While resembling a State of the Union address in format and live television coverage, it's officially titled a 'joint address to Congress'. This tradition originated with President Reagan's first term. The Constitution mandates presidential updates to Congress on policies, though the timing isn't specified. Historically, these addresses occur in January or February, reviewing the past year and outlining future policy. Initially known as the "President’s Annual Message to Congress," President Franklin D. Roosevelt renamed it the "Annual Message to Congress on the State of the Union" in 1934. Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush also delivered similar addresses in their first years, with varying titles reflecting their policy focuses. These first-year speeches carry the same weight as subsequent State of the Union addresses, and are followed by a televised response from the opposing party. This year, Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan will deliver the response.

2025-03-04 00:01:21.428

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Adrien Brody took home his second leading man Oscar for “The Brutalist,” Mikey Madison took home the best actress statuette and “Anora” was crowned best picture on its way to five awards Sunday. Kieran Culkin won the Oscar for best supporting actor for his work on “A Real Pain” and Zoe Saldaña won for her work in “Emilia Pérez.” Sean Baker had a stunning night, winning the screenplay, director and editing awards for “Anora.” “Flow” beat “The Wild Robot” for best animated feature film while Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win an Oscar for costume design for his work on “Wicked”. Here’s the complete list of winners at the 97th annual Academy Awards: Best picture “Anora” Best Actor Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist” Best Actress Mikey Madison, “Anora” Director Sean Baker, “Anora” Best Supporting Actress Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez” Best Supporting Actor Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain” International Film “I’m Still Here” Documentary Feature “No Other Land” Original Screenplay “Anora,” Sean Baker Adapted Screenplay “Conclave,” Peter Straughan Original Score “The Brutalist,” Daniel Blumberg Original Song “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez” Animated Film “Flow” Visual Effects “Dune: Part Two” Costume Design “Wicked,” Paul Tazewell Cinematography “The Brutalist,” Lol Crawley Documentary Short Film “The Only Girl in the Orchestra” Best Sound “Dune: Part Two” Production Design “Wicked” Makeup and Hairstyling “The Substance” Film Editing “Anora,” Sean Baker Live Action Short Film “I’m Not a Robot” Animated Short Film “In the Shadow of the Cypress”

2025-03-04 00:01:21.408

A power outage at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) caused significant flight delays and other disruptions Monday morning. The outage, impacting areas of the main terminal and an adjacent parking garage, was reported around 7:40 a.m. and attributed to a downed power line near the airport by Baltimore Gas and Electric Company spokesperson Stephanie Weaver. Over 150 flights were delayed, and dozens canceled, according to flight tracking websites. While power was fully restored around noon, airport officials advised passengers to check with their airlines for flight status updates and anticipate long lines at ticket counters, checkpoints, and concessions. Inbound flights were diverted, and some airlines used air stairs for deplaning passengers during the outage.

2025-03-03 12:00:38.195

The Academy Awards in memoriam segment left out Michelle Trachtenberg, causing a social media uproar. Despite tributes to stars like Gene Hackman, Maggie Smith, James Earl Jones, and David Lynch, Trachtenberg's passing went unacknowledged. Meanwhile, the Oscars red carpet showcased stunning looks from Demi Moore, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, and Jeff Goldblum. Diane Warren tied the record for most Oscars losses without a win, while Conan O'Brien's monologue included jokes about Karla Sofía Gascón's tweets. Halle Berry and Adrien Brody recreated their famous 2003 Oscars kiss, and Kylie Jenner supported Timothée Chalamet. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner enjoyed a paintball outing, and Kourtney Kardashian denied rumors about her son. David Krumholtz discussed his experience with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome after smoking marijuana, and Michelle Manziel was arrested for DWI. The article also features images of Terann Hilow.

2025-03-02 18:02:47.708

President Donald Trump's second term is off to a tumultuous start, marked by a tense Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump and Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized Zelensky, causing a diplomatic rift with European leaders who are holding an emergency summit in London to show support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is pursuing a domestic agenda that includes shaking up the federal workforce with new weekly reporting requirements, and increasing border security measures. Democrats are struggling to formulate a cohesive response to Trump's actions, with some calling for stronger pushback. The proposed US-Ukraine mineral deal is off the table, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, following Zelensky's request for security guarantees. There is a sharp divide in opinion, with some Republicans supporting Trump's approach, while others, like Senator Chris Van Hollen, express regret over confirming Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Concerns are rising about the potential for tariffs on Mexico and Canada, impacting trade relations. A CBS/YouGov poll reveals that while Trump's overall approval rating is 51%, public support for his handling of the Ukraine situation is low. European leaders, feeling sidelined by Trump's outreach to Russia, are rallying around Zelensky. Various officials offer differing perspectives on the situation, with Trump's national security adviser, Mike Waltz, suggesting a need for new leadership in Ukraine. The situation is further complicated by conflicting opinions on the best way forward, with some advocating for peace negotiations while others emphasize the need for continued support for Ukraine. Trump's upcoming address to Congress is expected to highlight his accomplishments and future plans, while Democrats are planning their counter-strategy. The incident involving Vice President Vance and Zelensky in the Oval Office is viewed as a deliberate provocation by some, further exacerbating the situation. A CNN poll shows that the American public's view of Trump's presidency is more negative than positive. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is working with other European leaders on a plan to present to the US to stop the fighting, emphasizing the need for a lasting peace. Amidst the chaos, the Trump administration continues to demand weekly reports from federal employees, causing confusion and mixed responses from different agencies.

2025-02-28 06:05:21.136

The Department of Justice released a trove of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including his contact list, flight logs, and evidence. The roughly 200-page release included names like Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Alec Baldwin, and members of the Kennedy and Trump families. However, most names were already known, leading to disappointment. Attorney General Pam Bondi claims the FBI is withholding thousands of pages of documents, demanding their release. The released documents also included a redacted list of masseuses and Epstein's flight logs. Two copies of Epstein's "little black book" have already been made public, containing hundreds of names. Critics, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, expressed disappointment and demanded more information. Bondi has given the FBI a deadline to release the remaining documents, while FBI director Kash Patel vowed transparency. Epstein's "little black book" from the 90s, containing names like President Trump and others, surfaced years later and is now up for auction.

2025-02-28 00:07:37.084

Gene Hackman, the acclaimed actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead in their Santa Fe home, along with one of their dogs. Authorities described the scene as suspicious, noting Arakawa's body showed signs of decomposition and mummification. Hackman's body exhibited similar signs of death. While the home's door was ajar, there was no sign of forced entry or theft. A space heater was found near Arakawa, and the possibility of a fall is being investigated. Initial reports ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning. The cause of death is pending a medical examiner's report. Hackman's daughters released a statement expressing their devastation at the loss of their father and grandfather. The investigation is ongoing, with the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department and New Mexico Gas Co. involved.

2025-02-27 08:06:13.039

Nvidia announced a phenomenal fourth-quarter profit and sales surge, driven by the soaring demand for its Blackwell chips, crucial for powering artificial intelligence systems. For the three months ending January 26th, the company reported a revenue of $39.3 billion—a 12% increase from the previous quarter and a staggering 78% year-over-year growth. Adjusted earnings reached 89 cents per share, exceeding Wall Street's projections of 85 cents per share and $38.1 billion in revenue. Net income hit $22.06 billion, surpassing analyst predictions of $19.57 billion. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, attributed this success to the "amazing" demand for Blackwell chips, highlighting the increasing importance of compute power in enhancing AI model intelligence. Data center sales, a major revenue contributor for Nvidia, saw a remarkable 93% year-over-year growth, reaching $35.6 billion in the fourth quarter. This growth aligns with President Trump's initiative to invest $500 billion in AI infrastructure through the Stargate project, a joint venture involving OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and Nvidia. Nvidia's CFO, Colette Kress, revealed that fourth-quarter Blackwell sales exceeded expectations, reaching $11 billion—the fastest product ramp in the company's history. Large cloud service providers accounted for approximately 50% of data center revenue. Nvidia's market capitalization has skyrocketed to over $3 trillion, making it the second-largest company on Wall Street. This growth has significantly contributed to the recent record highs of the S&P 500, despite concerns about inflation and potential economic challenges. While acknowledging uncertainty regarding the impact of potential tariffs, Nvidia remains committed to complying with export controls and tariff regulations. The company also addressed the recent emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, acknowledging its advancements while emphasizing the export compliance of the technology used. Huang expressed optimism about the future of AI, anticipating a "next wave" encompassing agentic AI, physical AI, and sovereign AI. Nvidia's central role in this development was highlighted, promising continued growth and innovation.

2025-02-27 07:45:51.663

Nvidia announced a phenomenal fourth quarter, with revenue reaching $39.3 billion—a 12% increase from the previous quarter and a staggering 78% year-over-year growth. This success is largely attributed to the massive demand for their Blackwell chips, crucial for powering artificial intelligence systems. Adjusted earnings per share reached 89 cents, exceeding analysts' predictions of 85 cents and $38.1 billion in revenue. Data center sales were a major contributor, reaching $35.6 billion—a 93% increase year-over-year. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, highlighted the 'amazing' demand for Blackwell chips, stating that AI is advancing at 'light speed'. The company forecasts continued growth, projecting $43 billion in revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2026. This success is partly fueled by a joint venture with OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, focusing on AI infrastructure development. Despite some concerns about tariffs, Nvidia remains optimistic. The company also addressed the impact of DeepSeek's new AI model, acknowledging its significance while highlighting the continued strong demand for Nvidia's chips. Nvidia's market capitalization has surged to over $3 trillion, solidifying its position as a major player in the AI boom and significantly impacting the overall stock market.

2025-02-27 07:45:51.657

Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, announced a major shift in the newspaper's opinion section, narrowing its focus to solely defending personal liberties and free markets. This decision led to the resignation of opinion editor David Shipley, who was unwilling to lead the change. Bezos justified the move by arguing that the internet now covers a broader range of opinions and that this new focus is underserved in the current media landscape. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising it as a modernization while others criticize it as a move to appease Donald Trump and align with his supporters, potentially influenced by fears of retaliation against Bezos' other business interests. Critics point to this as an example of the dangers of billionaire media ownership. The change follows other recent controversies at the Post, including the decision not to endorse a presidential candidate and the resignation of several key staff members. The shift in editorial focus is immediately visible on the Post's website, with opinion pieces now primarily centered around the two chosen pillars.

2025-02-27 07:45:51.645

NEW YORK (AP) — Michelle Trachtenberg, a former child star who appeared in the 1996 “Harriet the Spy” hit movie and went on to co-star in two buzzy millennial-era TV shows — “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl” — has died. She was 39. Police responded to a 911 call shortly after 8 a.m. at a 51-story luxury apartment tower in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood where officers found Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive,” according to an NYPD statement. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. No foul play was suspected and the New York Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of death, police said. “The family requests privacy for their loss,” Trachtenberg’s representative, Gary Mantoosh, said in a statement Wednesday. Trachtenberg was 8 when she began playing Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” from 1994 to 1996 and then starred in the title role in the film adaptations of “Harriet the Spy” and “Inspector Gadget,” opposite Matthew Broderick. “Michelle comes off as genuine because she really is a genuine kid. Everyone can identify with her,” said Debby Beece, president of Nickelodeon Movies in 1996. In 2000 Trachtenberg joined the cast of “Buffy,” playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar between 2000 and 2003. Trachtenberg thanked Gellar for speaking out against Joss Whedon in 2021, following abuse allegations made against the “Buffy” showrunner. “I am brave enough now as a 35-year-old woman to repost this,” she wrote on social media, and alluded to “his not appropriate behavior” she experienced as a teenage actor. In 2001, she received a Daytime Emmy nomination for hosting Discovery’s “Truth or Scare.” Trachtenberg went on to recurring roles on “Six Feet Under,” “Weeds” and “Gossip Girl,” where she played the gang’s scheming nemesis, Georgina Sparks. For her fan-favorite role, she was nominated as a TV villain at the Teen Choice Award in 2012. “It’s definitely a lot more fun than playing the good girl,” she told Seventeen in 2009. I love the reaction you get. I never understood why some actors don’t want to play villains or evil characters.” She was one of the original series’ stars to return for a pair of guest appearances in the 2021 “Gossip Girl” revival. Blake Lively on Instagram on Tuesday honored her “Gossip Girl” co-star: “The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.” As if to cement herself in millennial culture, Trachtenberg made a cameo in Fall Out Boy’s music video for the “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” alongside Seth Green. Hollywood took to social media to mourn one of their own, one who had made the transition from kid star to teen queen to adult actor. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star David Boreanaz said on Instagram it was “so very sad.. horrible news.” Melissa Gilbert, who starred with Trachtenberg in the 1996 film “A Holiday for Love,” wrote on Instagram: “My heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so.” Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in her “Harriet the Spy” debut, said her death was “heartbreaking:” “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.” Glee star Chris Colfer remembered her this way: “Michelle was the absolute sweetest and one of the most supportive people I knew,” he wrote. Trachtenberg’s later credits included “Ice Princess” in 2005, playing a math prodigy and aspiring figure skater. The AP said it had “a good, though feeble, heart and the best of intentions” and said Trachtenberg was “mining the same nervous twitter from her kid-sister days on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’” The New York City-born Trachtenberg also appeared in the 2004 teen sex comedy “EuroTrip,” she co-starred with Zac Efron and Leslie Mann in 2009’s “17 Again” and played a murderous stalker and abductor on an episode of “Criminal Minds.” For “Killing Kennedy,” the 2013 film in which she played the wife of Lee Harvey Oswald, around 80% of Trachtenberg’s dialogue was in Russian. She had learned the language from her mother growing up. Other credits included supporting roles in the films “Mysterious Skin” in 2004 and “Black Christmas” in 2006. She also starred on the NBC medical series “Mercy” (2009–2010) opposite Taylor Schilling. More recently, she hosted the true-crime docuseries “Meet, Marry, Murder” on Tubi. ___ Associated Press Writer Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report.

2025-02-27 07:43:04.462

Pope Francis has shown slight improvement in his battle against double pneumonia, but his prognosis remains guarded. A CT scan revealed the infection is evolving normally under treatment. The 88-year-old pontiff, who had part of a lung removed in his youth, is receiving high-flow oxygen but hasn't experienced respiratory crises since Saturday. Blood test results indicate improvement in platelet counts and anemia, and kidney insufficiency has receded. He continues respiratory physiotherapy. While the Vatican hasn't explicitly stated he's in critical condition, the prognosis remains guarded. Despite his illness, Francis resumed work from his hospital room, appointing new bishops and approving a new fundraising initiative. Pilgrims gather outside the hospital to offer support. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, led a prayer vigil, highlighting his importance in a potential future conclave. Masses were held in Argentina and at the hospital for the Pope's recovery.

2025-02-27 07:39:49.26

Khloe Kardashian recently shared an embarrassing yet oddly impressive story about her mother, Kris Jenner's, dating advice. Khloe recounted a moment where Kris, in front of Khloe's friends, bluntly asked if she'd given a male basketball player oral sex, suggesting it as the reason for his lack of communication. Khloe was mortified, but also impressed by her mom's direct approach. This isn't the first time Kris has offered unconventional dating advice; Khloe previously revealed Kris encouraged her to send nude photos to men she was interested in. Kris Jenner's dating wisdom is certainly...unique.

2025-02-27 07:39:49.257

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her role in Gossip Girl, was found dead in her Manhattan apartment Wednesday morning. Her mother, Lana, discovered her unresponsive in bed. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant, and sources suggest complications from the transplant, possibly organ rejection, may have contributed to her death. Despite health issues, Trachtenberg had maintained an active social life and defended her appearance online in recent months. She was 39 years old. The family has requested privacy.

2025-02-27 07:39:38.266

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Gossip Girl" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has died. Her mother discovered her unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment. Law enforcement sources suggest her death may be related to complications from a liver transplant she received within the last year. Trachtenberg was reportedly active and out with friends just days before her passing. Tributes have poured in from fellow actors and co-stars, remembering her vibrant personality and talent. Other news includes Khloe Kardashian discussing advice from her mother, Loni Love commenting on MSNBC's personnel decisions, Kanye West clarifying his involvement in a Bhad Bhabie track, Jay Leno responding to Monica Lewinsky's comments, Brianna LaPaglia discussing a breakup and a large financial offer, TikToker Sarah C. Roberts clarifying a viral video, Billy McFarland promoting Fyre Festival 2, Teddi Mellencamp sharing a health update, Sylvester Stallone participating in a charity event, and James Marsters remembering Michelle Trachtenberg. Governor Gavin Newsom's decision to review the Erik and Lyle Menendez case is also mentioned.

2025-02-26 19:17:14.902

A child in West Texas has died from measles, the first death in an outbreak that began late last month and the first from measles in the U.S. since 2015. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the death, stating the child was unvaccinated and school-aged. The outbreak has grown to 124 cases across nine counties in West Texas and nine cases in eastern New Mexico, marking Texas’ largest outbreak in nearly 30 years. The CDC confirmed this is the first measles death in the country since 2015. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. mentioned the outbreak during a cabinet meeting, but the health secretary provided no specifics on federal assistance. Governor Greg Abbott expressed condolences and stated the state will deploy necessary resources. Vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, falling below the 95% threshold needed to protect against outbreaks. The outbreak is concentrated in the Mennonite community, where many families opt out of vaccinations for their children. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is highly effective, and the CDC is providing assistance to West Texas.