Artificial Intelligence
The gig workers who are training humanoid robots at home
Summary
When Zeus, a medical student living in a hilltop city in central Nigeria, returns to his studio apartment from a long day at the hospital, he turns on his ring light, straps his iPhone to his forehead, and starts recording himself. He raises his hands in front of him like a sleepwalker and puts a sheet on his bed. He moves slowly and carefully to make sure his hands stay within the camera frame. Zeus is a data recorder for Micro1, a US company based in Palo Alto, California that collects real-world data to sell to robotics companies. As companies like Tesla, Figure AI, and Agility Robotics race to build humanoids—robots designed to resemble and move like humans in factories and homes—videos recorded by gig workers like Zeus are becoming…
Defense official reveals how AI chatbots could be used for targeting decisions
Summary
The US military might use generative AI systems to rank lists of targets and make recommendations about which to strike first, which would then be vetted by humans, according to a Defense official with knowledge of the matter. The disclosure about how the military may use AI chatbots comes as the Pentagon faces scrutiny over a strike on an Iranian school, which it is still investigating. A list of possible targets might be fed into a generative AI system that the Pentagon is fielding for classified settings. Then, said the official, who requested to speak on background with MIT Technology Review to discuss sensitive topics, humans might ask the system to analyze the information and rank which targets are a priority, while accounting for factors like where aircraft are currently…
Is the Pentagon allowed to surveil Americans with AI?
Summary
The ongoing public feud between the Department of Defense and AI company Anthropic over its technology has raised a deep open question: does the law actually allow the US government to conduct mass surveillance on Americans? Surprisingly, the answer is not straightforward. More than a decade after Edward Snowden exposed the NSA’s collection of bulk metadata from the phones of Americans, the US is still navigating a gap between what ordinary people think is surveillance and what the law allows. The flashpoint in the standoff between Anthropic and the government was the Pentagon’s desire to use Anthropic’s AI Claude to analyze bulk commercial data collected from Americans. Anthropic demanded its AI not be used for mass domestic surveillance (or for autonomous weapons, which are machines that can kill targets without…
Microsoft has a new plan to prove what’s real and what’s AI online
Summary
AI-enabled deception now permeates our online lives. There are the high-profile cases you may easily spot, like when White House officials recently shared a manipulated image of a protester in Minnesota and then mocked those asking about it. Other times, it slips quietly into social media feeds and racks up views, like the videos that Russian influence campaigns are currently spreading to discourage Ukrainians from enlisting. It is into this mess that Microsoft has put forward a blueprint, shared with MIT Technology Review on Thursday, for how to prove what’s real online. An AI safety research team at the company recently evaluated how methods for documenting digital manipulation are faring against today’s most worrying AI developments, like interactive deepfakes and widely accessible hyperrealistic models. It then recommended technical standards that…
Business & Finance
Supreme Court throws out ruling upholding Steve Bannon’s contempt of Congress conviction
Summary
Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, on Monday won a Supreme Court order that is expected to lead to the dismissal of his criminal conviction for refusing to testify to Congress. Prodded by the Trump administration, the justices threw out an appellate ruling upholding Bannon’s conviction for defying a subpoena from the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack by a mob of Trump supporters on the U.S. Capitol. The move frees a trial judge to act on the Republican administration’s pending request to dismiss Bannon’s conviction and indictment “in the interests of justice.” The dismissal would be largely symbolic. Bannon served a four-month prison term after a jury convicted him of contempt of Congress in 2022. A federal appeals court in Washington had upheld the conviction. The justices also issued…
Savannah Guthrie returns to the ‘Today’ show for the first time in two months since her mom’s abduction
Summary
Savannah Guthrie was back and almost all business at NBC’s “Today” show anchor desk on Monday, marking a return for the first time in more than two months since her mother’s disappearance. “Here we go, ready or not,” Guthrie said as the show opened. “Let’s do the news.” After running through a series of news headlines, Guthrie said that “we are so glad that you started our week with us and it’s good to be home.” Her co-host, Craig Melvin said that “it’s good to have you back at home.” She greeted longtime co-worker Al Roker with “Good morning, Sunshine,” when he noted that it was good to see her on the set. At the end of the first 25-minute portion of the show, she offered Melvin a high-five. Emotions got…
Russia’s key Baltic port resumes crude loading after attacks
Summary
Russia’s key Baltic port of Ust-Luga resumed crude loading after days of disruptions amid multiple Ukrainian drone attacks in the region. The Jewel, an Aframax-class vessel, started a cargo loading on Saturday, according to shipping information seen by Bloomberg News. Loadings at Ust-Luga, a key oil-export outlet in Russia’s west, stopped at the end of March as Ukraine stepped up attacks on energy infrastructure along the Baltic coast. Russia’s oil-pipeline operator Transneft didn’t immediately respond to a request for a comment outside normal business hours. READ: Russia Baltic Crude Terminal Looks Undamaged in Satellite Images Ukraine continues its attacks on Russia’s Baltic oil infrastructure, with facilities damaged in the port of Primorsk earlier on Sunday. Ukraine’s moves are aimed at curbing Russian export revenue at a time when global energy…
‘Super Mario’ fans ignore weak reviews and send sequel to $372.5 million global box office debut, biggest opening of the year for a studio film
Summary
Mixed reviews didn’t dissuade mass audiences from buying tickets to the “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” which scored the biggest opening of the year for a Hollywood movie. The Illumination and Nintendo co-production earned $130.9 million over the weekend and a massive $190.1 million in its first five days in North American theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday. Universal Pictures released the sequel globally on Wednesday, capitalizing on kids’ spring break vacations in the week leading up to the Easter holiday. With an estimated $182.4 million from 80 overseas markets, the film is looking at an astronomical $372.5 million debut — the latest hit for the PG rating. Mexico is leading the international bunch with $29.1 million from 5,136 screens, followed by the U.K. and Ireland with $19.7 million. The animated sequel, Illumination…
Education
Education Department Takes a Preliminary Step Toward Revamping Its Research and Statistics Arm
Summary
In his first two months in office, President Donald Trump ordered the closing of the Education Department and fired half of its staff. The department’s research and statistics division, called the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), was particularly hard hit. About 90 percent of its staff lost their jobs and more than 100 federal contracts to conduct its primary activities were canceled. But now there are signs that the Trump administration is partially reversing course and wants the federal government to retain a role in generating education statistics and evidence for what works in classrooms — at least to some extent. On Sept. 25, the department posted a notice in the Federal Register asking the public to submit feedback by Oct. 15 on reforming IES to make research more relevant…
How a SCOTUS Decision on Birthright Citizenship Could Impact Education Access
Summary
Any child born on U.S. soil has a right to citizenship. It was established by the 14th Amendment in 1868, and affirmed by the U.S. Supreme court 128 years ago. On Wednesday, the high court is set to hear oral arguments in a case that could narrow or even end birthright citizenship in Trump v. Barbara. The Trump administration has argued the “privilege” has been too freely applied to children of non-citizens. “Hundreds of thousands of people are pouring into our country under birthright citizenship, and it wasn’t meant for that reason,” President Trump said last year. If this constitutionally protected right is struck down by the court, it would apply to children born on or after Feb. 20, 2025. According to a projection by the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute…
How the New Dietary Guidelines Could Impact School Meals
Summary
Putting together a school meal isn’t easy. “It is a puzzle essentially,” said Lori Nelson of the Chef Ann Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes scratch cooking in schools. “When you think about the guidelines, there’s so many different pieces that you have to meet. You have to meet calorie minimums and maximums for the day and for the week. You have to meet vegetable subgroup categories.” Districts that receive federal funding for school meals — through, for example, the National School Lunch Program — must follow rules set by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). And those rules may be changing soon. In early January, the Department of Health and Human Services and the USDA unveiled new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, along with a new food pyramid. The USDA sets school…
PEN America Warns of Rise in Books ‘Systematically Removed From School Libraries’
Summary
PEN America released its list of the most-banned books of the 2024-2025 school year on Wednesday – and warned that the number of books challenged or banned in public school districts across the country has risen exponentially in the past two years. The group dedicated to free expression counted 6,870 bans during the past academic year. While that’s down from a total of 10,046 bans imposed during the 2023-24 school year, it’s still a sharp rise from the period of 2021-2023, which averaged just under 3,000 incidents of book banning each year, in what it calls a “disturbing normalization of censorship” in public schools. PEN America defines a school book ban as “any action taken against a book based on its content and as a result of parent or community…
Entertainment
9 Best Space Movies To Watch While Artemis II Flies To The Moon, Ranked
Summary
NASA just launched Artemis II and it has the world buzzing about space travel once again. Artemis II, which took off on April 1, is going to take a journey around the moon. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen are on the mission. NASA just launched Artemis II and it has the world buzzing about space travel once again. Artemis II, which took off on April 1, is going to take a journey around the moon. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen are on the mission. NASA just launched Artemis II and it has the world buzzing about space travel once again. Artemis II, which took off on April 1, is going…
Trump Ally Richard Grenell to Step Down as Kennedy Center President
Summary
Richard Grenell, an ally of President Donald Trump who oversaw far reaching changes at the Kennedy Center that prompted many artists to abandon the iconic performing arts venue, will step down as the institution’s president. Trump announced the change in a social media post on Friday after it was first reported by Axios. The president said Matt Floca, who manages the Kennedy Center’s facilities operations, will succeed Grenell. The moves are expected to be finalized at a board meeting scheduled for Monday at the White House, according to a person familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to discuss plans that are not yet public. Grenell’s departure comes as the Kennedy Center prepares to close this summer for a two-year renovation. “Ric Grenell has done an excellent job in helping to coordinate various elements of…
Russian Court Sentences 19 in Moscow Concert Hall Terror Attack That Left 149 Dead
Summary
Nineteen people were convicted in a Moscow court on Thursday for their roles in the deadly 2024 attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue, where four gunmen opened fire on concertgoers before setting the building ablaze, killing 149 people and injuring more than 600 in one of Russia’s deadliest terror incidents in decades. The Islamic State claimed responsibility, and U.S. officials later attributed the assault to ISIS‑K, a regional affiliate. Russian authorities identified the four gunmen as Tajik citizens and said they attempted to flee toward Ukraine before being captured the day after the massacre. The trial, held behind closed doors in a military court due to terrorism charges, ended with 15 defendants receiving life terms, while four others — accused of roles such as selling the attackers a…
T Bone Burnett Looks Back at ‘O Brother Where Art Thou’ Soundtrack’s Legacy of Shining a Spotlight on ‘Incredibly Talented’ & ‘Underappreciated’ Artists
Summary
In 2000, The Coen Brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou? utilized a collection of songs that represented a broad canvas of blues, bluegrass, Gospel and country to help drive a tale set in 1930s Mississippi during the Great Depression, chronicling the story of trio of chain gang escapees, portrayed by George Clooney, Tim Blake Nelson and John Turturro. Those songs were foundational to the movie, as prior to its filming, producer, songwriter and musician T Bone Burnett assembled a group of artists to create the movie’s 19-song soundtrack. The result was an unexpected runaway hit, which cast a national spotlight on a rich catalog of timeless songs and artists including Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, The Fairfield Four, Dan Tyminski and Ralph Stanley, while also featuring select original recordings from…
Environment & Sustainability
JSC Building 41
Summary
Plant Operations Administration Building Johnson Space Center, Building 41 Building 41, Plant Operations Administration Building NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space CenterHouston, Texas Originally built in 1969 as the Hypo/Hyperbaric Training Facility, this facility was used to train individuals on the physiological aspects of flight. It was run by the Manned Test Support Section of the Medical Operations Branch of the Space and Life Sciences Directorate. Students were taught in a classroom environment on atmospheric physics, respiration and gas transfer, hyperventilation and hypoxia. Students were then placed in a decompression chamber in Building 32 to feel the effects of high altitude. Many of the students were then used in experiments aboard the KC-135 high altitude airplane that flew in parabolas to simulate weightlessness in space. Employees who also worked with the…
JSC Building 222
Summary
ARMSEF Johnson Space Center, Atmospheric Reentry Materials and Structures Evaluation Facility, Building 222 Building 222, ARMSEF NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space CenterHouston, Texas Building 222, the Atmospheric Reentry Materials and Structures Evaluation Facility (ARMSEF), was originally built to support reentry environment testing for the Apollo Program and became operational in 1967. At the time of construction, the ARMSEF included a 10-megawatt (MW) arc jet, one vacuum tunnel position, two atmospheric exhaust positions, and an 8’-diameter vacuum test chamber. The ARMSEF was upgraded several times to support the Space Shuttle Program and growing mission needs, including addition of a 10’-diameter vacuum test chamber, replacement of the 8’ chamber with a new 12’-diameter vacuum test chamber, and the construction of a Laser Diagnostics Room within the building’s High Bay. Throughout the Space…
JSC Building 356A
Summary
Fluid Systems Test Building Johnson Space Center, Building 356A Building 356A, Fluid Systems Test Building NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space CenterHouston, Texas Building 356A, the Fluid Systems Test Building, was originally designed in the 1960s for propulsion tests supporting the Apollo Program (1961 to 1972). The facility housed an environment simulation chamber in which test articles sustained a high vacuum with temperatures ranging from -300°F to 350°F. The building included significant engineering features, including the environment simulation chamber, a Class 10,000 clean room, and laboratory spaces that produced equipment important to the U.S. Space Program. Building 356A contained fuel cell test stands that could support tests of multiple fuel systems at the same time. Building 356A was part of the Energy Systems Test Area (ESTA) , which has historically been…
Johnson Space Center Historic Recordation
Summary
Johnson Space Center Home Johnson Space Center History Johnson Space Center Historic… Johnson Home About Johnson Overview Leadership and Organizations History White Sands Test Facility Careers Internships Contact Johnson Contact NASA Find Us on Social Media Programs and Missions Artemis Commercial LEO Development Program Commercial Lunar Payload Services Exploration Architecture, Integration, and Science Directorate Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program Gateway Program International Space Station Program Orion Program STEM Engagement Johnson Office of Procurement Labs and Facilities Food Laboratory Lunar Sample Laboratory Microbiology Laboratory Mission Control Center Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Space Vehicle Mockup Facility Engage with NASA Opportunities and Partnerships Exploration Park Request a NASA Expert Request an Exhibit Request an Astronaut Appearance News Johnson News Releases, Articles, and Blogs NASA’s Texas Economic Impact NASA’s Texas Aerospace Partners Contact…
Food & Travel
Book Your Travel Early: Flight Prices Are Rising as Fuel Costs Surge
Summary
As oil and jet fuel prices climb due to the war in Iran that’s disrupting shipping lanes in the Middle East, airlines are warning that ticket prices will rise, too. Jet fuel costs have jumped sharply since the conflict began on February 28. According to reporting from the Associated Press. Fuel is one of the airline industry’s biggest expenses, typically accounting for about a fifth to a quarter of operating costs. Threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is the sole sea passage from the Gulf to the open ocean, is having the biggest impact on pricing pressures. Nearly 20 percent of global oil supply moves through that chokepoint, and although the waterway is…
Is Mexico Safe Right Now? What US Travelers Should Know
Summary
Mexico is experiencing localized travel disruptions after a federal security operation in Jalisco on February 22, according to reporting by the Associated Press. The country remains open to tourism, but there are developments travelers should be aware of. Mexican authorities confirmed the operation targeted a senior leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). In the hours that followed, roadblocks and vehicle fires were reported in parts of Jalisco, the western Mexican state that includes the beach resort of Puerto Vallarta and the city of Guadalajara. Mexico’s Defense Secretariat confirmed the operation and said intelligence cooperation with the United States took place, noting that information “was provided” by US authorities while Mexican forces conducted the mission. President Claudia Sheinbaum said that “in most of the national territory, activities are developing…
Dodging the “King of Fruits”: Inside the Dangerous Durian Plantations of Raub, Malaysia
Summary
People in the United States usually only mention durian in the form of a punchline. It’s the spiky “King of Fruits” that’s banned on trains and in hotels thanks to a potent sulfur, sewage, rotting smell. The sweet-savory custard flavor that makes it so appealing despite the aroma is often forgotten in the viral videos and meme-ready headlines. So too is the multi-billion dollar (and growing) economy behind this fruit that sends massive shipments from Southeast Asia into China and around the world. The biggest oversight, however, is of the farmers and families who have built a life around durian. Ian Poh Jin Tze has spent years documenting the people and places behind Southeast Asia’s most iconic ingredients. In his book, “Behind The Scenes: Lives of These Unsung Heroes,” the…
Is Your Favorite National Park at Risk During the Shutdown? It Depends on the State.
Summary
The federal government’s shutdown had an immediate impact, that will be increasingly felt for however long the shutdown continues, on the National Park Service. According to the AP, parks remain “generally” open, but services are pared back, facilities may be closed, and most staff are furloughed. This follows what has already been a tumultuous year that has seen deep staffing cuts and high visitation. The agency is leaning on limited fee revenue and skeleton crews to keep access open while protecting life and property — a trade-off that will vary widely by site. Certain states working to keep parks open Utah officials said the state will support keeping its “Mighty 5” (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion) accessible during the lapse, though visitors should expect minimal services. Colorado…
Gaming
Apparently you can’t escape Microsoft Outlook issues even in space as Artemis II astronauts ask NASA for help with the software
Summary
Yesterday, April 1, Artemis II launched to start its mission to orbit the moon and lay the groundwork for future lunar missions. Important stuff. I'm sure NASA has got all its systems in order, no kinks to iron out, no oversi- oh no, wait, never mind, I see the Artemis II is hooked up with Outlook. And it looks like the Microsoft email and calendar suite is already causing problems for the astronauts: "I also see that I have two Microsoft Outlooks and neither one of those are working. If you want to remote in and check the Optimus and those two Outlooks, that would be awesome." Those are the words that recently sounded from Artemis II as one of the astronauts conveyed the issue back to NASA. Though it's…
Oracle, the darling of the AI boom, is reportedly laying off around 10,000 people
Summary
Oracle has just let go of "some 10,000" people, according to one employee who recently spoke to the BBC. There's been some speculation lately over whether the AI industry is showing the first creaky signs of struggle, and this isn't likely to help that. Especially as Oracle is spending big to keep up with datacenter demand. Though it's also suggested tech firms are hoping AI will make up for any loss of workforce. Global software behemoth Oracle has been pumping money into AI over the last year for various projects, and has even said it's willing to look beyond Nvidia for the AI chips needed for its contracts. Those contracts including, for instance, the gigantic $300 billion that's earmarked for OpenAI. But now, Oracle has been laying off "senior engineers,…
Meta to pay $375 million for ‘thousands’ of children’s safety violations, a whole 0.19% of its 2025 revenue
Summary
Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta has suffered a legal defeat over children's safety on its platforms.d. Last week, a New Mexico jury decided against the company in a lawsuit brought by state prosecutors after an undercover investigation by the state. As reported by the Associated Press, the trial went on for seven weeks, with prosecutors arguing that sites like Instagram and Facebook "prioritized profits over safety, and violated parts of the state’s Unfair Practices Act," with Meta failing to protect children from sexual exploitation. "The jury’s verdict is a historic victory for every child and family who has paid the price for Meta’s choice to put profits over kids’ safety," said New Mexico attorney general Raúl Torrez in a press release from the state's Department of Justice. "Meta executives…
Google says it’s preparing for the quantum apocalypse, when traditional encryption methods are broken by quantum computers, by 2029—which is much sooner than originally expected
Summary
If you've never heard of Q-Day, the moment when quantum computers become capable of breaking traditional encryption methods and exposing vast amounts of data, often referred to as the 'quantum apocalypse', then Google's latest announcement might come as something of a shock. The company is giving itself a 2029 timeline to "secure the quantum era" by migrating over to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) methods before the old ones are broken by existing quantum computers. And being one of the primary players in the space, Google's hoping that if it starts making major changes now, the rest of the tech world might follow suit. "As a pioneer in both quantum and PQC, it’s our responsibility to lead by example and share an ambitious timeline", the announcement reads. "By doing this, we hope…
Health & Wellness
Researchers develop AI tool to predict patients at risk of intimate partner violence
Summary
NIH-funded, automated clinical decision support could facilitate timely interventions for at-risk patients years before they might otherwise seek help. NIH-funded, automated clinical decision support could facilitate timely interventions for at-risk patients years before they might otherwise seek help. NIH-funded, automated clinical decision support could facilitate timely interventions for at-risk patients years before they might otherwise seek help. NIH-funded, automated clinical decision support could facilitate timely interventions for at-risk patients years before they might otherwise seek help.
You don’t need to be very altruistic to stop an epidemic
Summary
Reducing social contact is widely understood to slow disease spread, but because there is no personal health benefit gained from self-isolating, this would seem to require some concern for others. But how much do you have to care about others before you would choose to self-isolate when sick? Even people who are only barely altruistic still choose to self-isolate when infected, suggesting it may be a natural survival strategy, finds a new University of Warwick-led study. Reducing social contact is widely understood to slow disease spread, but because there is no personal health benefit gained from self-isolating, this would seem to require some concern for others. But how much do you have to care about others before you would choose to self-isolate when sick? Even people who are only barely…
Rising temperature may shift sex ratios at birth, analysis of five million births finds
Summary
"Temperature and sex ratios at birth," a new study led by researchers at the Department of Sociology at the University of Oxford and published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides new evidence that higher temperatures can influence the sex ratio at birth, with important implications for population health and gender balance in a warming world. The study analyzes more than five million births across 33 sub-Saharan African countries and India. By linking large-scale survey data with high-resolution temperature records, the authors examine how exposure to heat during pregnancy affects the sex ratio at birth. "Temperature and sex ratios at birth," a new study led by researchers at the Department of Sociology at the University of Oxford and published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides…
New imaging technique could transform precision of vocal fold injection procedures
Summary
Researchers at Stanford University, in collaboration with scientists at the German Cancer Institute, have shown for the first time that shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging can be used to visualize injectable filler materials during injection laryngoplasty, a common procedure used to treat vocal fold paralysis and other forms of glottic insufficiency. The findings, published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, of this novel visualization technique could pave the way for precision-guided techniques in laryngeal surgery. Researchers at Stanford University, in collaboration with scientists at the German Cancer Institute, have shown for the first time that shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging can be used to visualize injectable filler materials during injection laryngoplasty, a common procedure used to treat vocal fold paralysis and other forms of glottic insufficiency. The findings, published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck…
Lifestyle
Yes, Microsoft Really Said Copilot Is ‘for Entertainment Purposes Only’ (but That’s Changing)
Summary
AI inspires strong feelings. Some love it, some hate it, few are indifferent. But, usually, AI's biggest proponents are the companies that make and sell the tech. You expect OpenAI to tout ChatGPT's benefits, or Google to talk-up how useful Gemini is. For a company like these to say that their AI tools are nothing but a plaything would be a ludicrous concept—and yet, that's apparently what Microsoft did. As reported by TechCrunch, Microsoft's terms of service for Copilot aren't too laudatory of the AI tech or its capabilities. The policy, which was last updated on October 24, 2025, says the following: “Copilot is for entertainment purposes only...It can make mistakes, and it may not work as intended. Don’t rely on Copilot for important advice. Use Copilot at your own…
Reddit Is (Mostly) Shuttering r/all, but There’s Still a Way to Access It
Summary
Reddit is what you make of it. The "front page of the internet" is really a collection of different subreddits, each with its own communities, rules, and cultures. The main idea is to subscribe to the subreddits that match your interests, so that your internet's "front page" is tailored to you, not other users. Still, it can be fun to browse the posts from subreddits that are blowing up across Reddit, even when you don't personally subscribe to them. This is the purpose of r/popular and r/all: The former offers popular posts from a variety of subreddits, while the latter does the same, albeit with fewer filters. You might not want to browse r/all while you're at work, for example, though Reddit says it doesn't include sexually explicit content. Still,…
This Hydrow Rowing Machine Delivers a Full-Body Workout, and It’s $300 Off for Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
Summary
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Rowing is my latest fitness obsession. A good workout on a rowing machine can engage up to 86% of your muscles, combining cardio and strength training while being gentle on your joints. After a few months of testing the new Hydrow Arc Rowing Machine—which I reviewed in depth—I trust Hydrow as a brand name. And right now, the Hydrow Origin Rowing Machine is available for $1,895 as a part of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, a 14% discount off its list price of $2,195. Hydrow Origin Rowing Machine $1,895.00 at Amazon $2,195.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,895.00 at Amazon $2,195.00 Save $300.00 As you can probably guess from…
OpenAI Just Killed Sora
Summary
It's the end of an (albeit short) era: OpenAI is reportedly shutting down Sora, the company's once-viral AI video generation app. The Wall Street Journal was the first to break the story, and reports that the company is shuttering the app as part of a grander plan to streamline OpenAI ahead of a potential IPO (initial public offering) later this year. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed the news first with company staff on Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal says. It seems the move goes beyond just shutting down the Sora app itself: In addition to axing a developer-version of Sora, Altman reportedly told staff that OpenAI would not incorporate its AI video models in other company products going forward, including ChatGPT. Sora's official X account posted to confirm the news:…
Marketing & SEO
Google confirms AI headline rewrites test in Search results
Summary
Google is testing AI-generated headline rewrites in Search results, describing it as a small, narrow experiment for now. What’s happening. Google confirmed to The Verge (subscription required) that it’s testing AI-generated titles in traditional Search results, not just Discover. The test is “small” and “narrow,” and not approved for broader rollout. It impacts news site but isn’t limited to them. The goal is to better match titles to queries and improve engagement, Google said. One example showed Google replacing original headlines with shorter or reworded versions, sometimes changing tone or intent (e.g., reducing “I used the ‘cheat on everything’ AI tool and it didn’t help me cheat on anything” to “‘Cheat on everything’ AI tool.”). Why we care. Google Search is already sending fewer clicks. Now you also have to…
Yahoo CEO: Google AI Mode is the biggest threat to web traffic
Summary
Yahoo CEO Jim Lanzone said AI-powered search — especially Google’s AI Mode — is putting the open web’s core traffic model at risk and argues AI search engines must send users back to publishers. “I think that the LLMs are one big reason that they’re under threat, with AI Mode in Google being the biggest challenge.” “Those publishers deserve [traffic], and we’re not going to have the content to consume to give great answers if publishers aren’t healthy.” Why we care. Many websites are seeing less traffic from answer engines like Google and OpenAI — and I think it’ll only get worse. So it’s encouraging to see Yahoo trying to preserve the “search sends traffic” model. As he said: “We have very purposefully highlighted and linked very explicitly and bent…
Meta is passing Europe’s digital taxes directly to advertisers
Summary
Starting July 1st, Meta will add “location fees” to ad buys targeting users in six countries — effectively offloading the cost of European digital services taxes onto the advertisers themselves. The numbers. Fees will match each country’s digital services tax rate: France, Italy, Spain: 3% Austria, Turkey: 5% UK: 2% How it works in practice. Per Meta’s email to advertisers — “$100 in ads delivered to Italy will cost $103, plus any applicable VAT on top of that.” The fine print. The fees apply to where the ad is delivered, not where the advertiser is based — meaning a US brand running campaigns targeting French users will pay the French rate regardless. Why we care. This is a direct, unavoidable cost increase hitting European campaigns on July 1 — with…
Court restricts Perplexity’s AI shopping bot from accessing Amazon
Summary
Perplexity AI must stop using its Comet browser agent to make purchases on Amazon. A federal judge sided with Amazon in an early ruling over AI shopping bots. Why we care. The case targets a core promise of AI agents: completing tasks like shopping on a user’s behalf. If courts restrict how agents access sites, AI agents could face strict limits when interacting with logged-in accounts on major websites. What happened. U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney granted Amazon a preliminary injunction Monday in San Francisco federal court. The order blocks Perplexity from using its Comet browser agent to access password-protected parts of Amazon, including Prime subscriber accounts. Chesney wrote that Amazon presented “strong evidence” that Comet accessed accounts “with the Amazon user’s permission but without authorization by Amazon.” The ruling…
Politics & Society
CDC Director Susan Monarez ousted just weeks after confirmation
Summary
Susan Monarez, the longtime government scientist recently confirmed as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has been let go from her position after less than a month in the role. A source familiar with the situation confirmed to The Hill that Monarez is ousted as CDC director. The Senate confirmed her on July 29. The Washington Post was first to report Monarez's firing. The Hill has reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services for comment. Prior to being nominated to lead the CDC, Monarez had served as acting CDC Director shortly after the start of the second Trump administration. She previously served as deputy director at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). President Trump chose Monarez as his second choice after…
Suspected Minnesota shooter’s rifle magazine had ‘Kill Donald Trump’ inscription
Summary
The suspected shooter who killed two children at a Minnesota church on Wednesday wrote incendiary messages on gun magazines, including one that read “Kill Donald Trump.” The images appeared in a manifesto posted online around the same time as the shooting on Wednesday morning. The manifesto included a lengthy written note from the suspected shooter as well. The video had been taken down from YouTube as of late Wednesday afternoon. The video also showed messages written on rifle magazines that said "For the Children" and "Where is your God." "This level of violence is unthinkable," said Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, in a post on X where she discussed the messages. "Our deepest prayers are with the children, parents, families, educators, and Christians everywhere. We mourn with them,…
Trump ramps up DC power grab
Summary
President Trump is ramping up his power grab over Washington, D.C., on everything from the city’s law enforcement to a takeover of its transportation hub and key cultural center. He’s called for the death penalty in D.C. murder cases, cleared out homeless encampments, and is promising to fix everything from fences to light fixtures in what he calls a “beautification” of the city. On Wednesday, his Transportation secretary also announced a takeover of managing Union Station, where National Guard troops have been stationed for weeks. It marked the latest escalation by Trump to encroach on the city’s key institutions and landmarks, and that timing, according to a source close to Trump World, is no coincidence ahead of Congress coming back. “Trump is on very firm political footing on this issue.…
Nvidia revenue jumped 56 percent last year, beats Wall Street expectations
Summary
Nvidia reported a solid jump in second-quarter revenue Wednesday, beating Wall Street expectations for its highly anticipated earnings report. The chipmaker reported $46.7 billion in second-quarter revenue, up 6 percent from the previous quarter and 56 percent over the past year. Wall Street analysts had forecasted revenue of roughly $46 billion, according to consensus estimates. Nvidia has become one of the most powerful and richest U.S. technology companies amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including generative AI chatbots and image generators, which use immense computing power. Nvidia has risen to prominence as the top U.S. manufacturer of the semiconductor chips widely used to run AI programs. The company has also found itself caught in the crossfire of the U.S-China battle over AI. Nvidia and AMD, another major U.S.…
Science
Earthset
Summary
NASA The Artemis II crew captured this view of Earth setting on April 6, 2026, as they flew around the Moon. As the astronauts flew over the Moon’s far side, the crew photographed and described terrain features including impact craters, ancient lava flows, and surface cracks and ridges formed as the Moon slowly evolved over time. They also noted differences in color, brightness and texture, which provide clues that help scientists understand the composition and history of the lunar surface. The image is reminiscent of the iconic Earthrise image taken by astronaut Bill Anders 58 years earlier as the Apollo 8 crew flew around the Moon. The Apollo 8 mission was the first crewed spacecraft to circumnavigate the Moon. For more imagery from the mission, visit our Artemis II Multimedia Page.…
Thinking of You, Earth
Summary
NASA On April 4, 2026, NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman peers out of one of the Orion spacecraft’s main cabin windows, looking back at Earth, as the crew travels towards the Moon. The Artemis II astronauts – Wiseman and fellow NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Victor Glover, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen – are now more than two-thirds of the way to the Moon. Follow along on their journey with our photo gallery and 24/7 livestream. Image credit: NASA NASA On April 4, 2026, NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman peers out of one of the Orion spacecraft’s main cabin windows, looking back at Earth, as the crew travels towards the Moon. The Artemis II astronauts – Wiseman and fellow NASA astronauts…
NASA’s Artemis II Mission Leaves Earth Orbit for Flight around Moon
Summary
Earth’s crescent is seen from a solar array camera on the Orion spacecraft on the first flight day of the Artemis II mission. Credit: NASA For the first time in more than 50 years, astronauts on a NASA mission are bound to fly around the Moon after successfully completing a key burn of Orion’s main engine. With the approximately six-minute firing of the spacecraft’s service module engine on Thursday, known as the translunar injection burn, Orion and its crew of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen accelerated to break free of Earth’s orbit and began the outbound trajectory toward Earth’s nearest neighbor. “Today, for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972, humans have departed Earth orbit. Reid, Victor, Christina,…
NASA X-Ray Mission Gets Fresh Look at 2,000-Year-Old Supernova
Summary
NASA’s IXPE observed the outer rim of the supernova remnant highlighted in purple in the inset. Data from IXPE is combined with data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and ESA’s XMM-Newton. The yellow represents low-energy X-rays, while blue shows high-energy X-rays detected by Chandra and XMM-Newton. The starfield in the image comes from the National Science Foundation’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOILab). NASA/ X-ray: Chandra: NASA/CXC/SAO, XMM: ESA/XMM-NEWTON, IXPE: NASA/MSFC; Optical: NSF/NOIRLab; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/J. NASA’s IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) mission has taken a new observation of a supernova, RCW 86, helping fill in a fuller picture of what other telescopes have observed. When astronomers using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory previously targeted RCW 86, they discovered that a large “cavity” region around the system led the supernova to…
Sports
Report: Argentina-PR moved, Chicago unrest cited
Summary
A friendly between Argentina and Puerto Rico, originally scheduled for next week in Chicago, has been relocated to Florida amid the immigration crackdown in the city, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday. A friendly between Argentina and Puerto Rico, originally scheduled for next week in Chicago, has been relocated to Florida amid the immigration crackdown in the city, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday. A friendly between Argentina and Puerto Rico, originally scheduled for next week in Chicago, has been relocated to Florida amid the immigration crackdown in the city, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday. A friendly between Argentina and Puerto Rico, originally scheduled for next week in Chicago, has been…
Phillies’ Schwarber 1st in NL to reach 50 homers
Summary
Philadelphia slugger Kyle Schwarber hit his 50th home run of the season, a three-run shot off reliever Justin Hagenman in the seventh inning that gave the Phillies a 7-1 lead en route to a comfortable 9-3 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday night. Philadelphia slugger Kyle Schwarber hit his 50th home run of the season, a three-run shot off reliever Justin Hagenman in the seventh inning that gave the Phillies a 7-1 lead en route to a comfortable 9-3 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday night. Philadelphia slugger Kyle Schwarber hit his 50th home run of the season, a three-run shot off reliever Justin Hagenman in the seventh inning that gave the Phillies a 7-1 lead en route to a comfortable 9-3 victory over the New…
Kane among those thrilled to see return of Toews
Summary
Like so many around the NHL, Red Wings forward Patrick Kane, who won three Stanley Cup championships with the Blackhawks playing alongside Jonathan Toews, is eager to see the return of his former running mate, who signed with the Jets this offseason. Like so many around the NHL, Red Wings forward Patrick Kane, who won three Stanley Cup championships with the Blackhawks playing alongside Jonathan Toews, is eager to see the return of his former running mate, who signed with the Jets this offseason. Like so many around the NHL, Red Wings forward Patrick Kane, who won three Stanley Cup championships with the Blackhawks playing alongside Jonathan Toews, is eager to see the return of his former running mate, who signed with the Jets this offseason.
Source: Steelers sign Peppers with Elliott injured
Summary
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, a source confirmed to ESPN, after starting safety DeShon Elliott left Sunday's season opener against the Jets with a knee injury. The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, a source confirmed to ESPN, after starting safety DeShon Elliott left Sunday's season opener against the Jets with a knee injury. The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, a source confirmed to ESPN, after starting safety DeShon Elliott left Sunday's season opener against the Jets with a knee injury. The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, a source confirmed to ESPN, after starting safety DeShon Elliott left Sunday's season opener against the Jets with a knee injury.
Technology
I finally get the iPhone Air
Summary
The perfect phone for people who carry two phones. | Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge I saw a lot of weird phones at Mobile World Congress last month: robot phones, cameras disguised as phones, phones for dogs. But the one that caught me most off guard was the one my friend (and Verge alum) Sam Byford brought to dinner: an iPhone Air. "Ha!" I said. "You actually use that thing?" "Yeah," he said. "It's great." That's when he pulled out a second phone - the Xiaomi Leica Leitzphone, which he was using alongside it. Got it, I said. The trick to enjoying the iPhone Air is to simply have another, much better phone on your person at all times. I found this very funny and recounted the anecdote…
The Neo Effect: How Apple’s cheapest Mac is changing the PC game
Summary
This thing is poised to eat their lunch. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge The MacBook Neo is disrupting the laptop space and putting Apple into the conversation as a value option like it’s never been before. With a price starting at $599 (or $499 for students and teachers), the colorful laptop’s A18 Pro chip may be stolen from older iPads and iPhones, but it offers more than enough performance for everyday tasks and web browsing. From the screen sharpness, trackpad/keyboard feel, and its aluminum build, everything else about it is in line with more expensive MacBooks. And that means PC makers have a hot new competitor to contend with and adapt to — one that they weren’t ready for. Here’s all the news and analysis of…
Iran demands cryptocurrency toll from tankers passing through Strait of Hormuz
Summary
Iran will demand that shipping companies pay tolls in cryptocurrency for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as it seeks to retain control over passage through the key waterway during the two-week ceasefire. Hamid Hosseini, a spokesperson for Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union, told the FT on Wednesday that Iran wanted to collect tolling fees from any tanker passing and to assess each ship. “Iran needs to monitor what goes in and out of the strait to ensure these two weeks aren’t used for transferring weapons,” said Hosseini, whose industry association works closely with the state. Read full article Comments Iran will demand that shipping companies pay tolls in cryptocurrency for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as it seeks to retain control…
Microsoft’s executive shake-up continues as developer division chief resigns
Summary
Microsoft is losing another veteran executive. Julia Liuson, head of Microsoft's developer division (DevDiv), is resigning from the software giant after 34 years. Liuson spent the past 12 years leading Microsoft's developer business, during a period Microsoft focused more on open source projects and acquired GitHub for $7.5 billion. Liuson will continue as head of DevDiv until the end of June, and then move to an "advisory role" reporting to Microsoft CoreAI chief Jay Parikh, according to an internal memo seen by The Verge. It's not immediately clear who will replace Liuson, or whether the DevDiv team will simply report up to Parikh in the … Read the full story at The Verge. Microsoft is losing another veteran executive. Julia Liuson, head of Microsoft's developer division (DevDiv), is resigning from…