Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers in the last 24 hours.
In a move bridging gaming and television, Disney will premiere a new Star Wars mini-series inside Fortnite. Players can watch the debut episode in dedicated in-game lobbies, marking the first time a major franchise has launched content exclusively on a gaming platform. Fortnite is no stranger to big crossovers—previous concerts and events have drawn millions of virtual attendees. Disney aims to capture a younger audience that thrives on interactive experiences. While some traditional fans might be unsure how to tune in, industry watchers see this as a sign of media’s future, where immersive digital worlds host premieres and real-time community gatherings.
Intel introduced a new graphics driver for its laptop GPUs that can improve gaming frame rates by up to 10–25% in certain titles. This update marks a strategic push by Intel to make its Arc discrete GPUs more appealing and stay competitive with market leaders like NVIDIA and AMD. The improvements involve tweaks in power management, rendering pipelines, and memory bandwidth efficiency. Early user feedback suggests noticeable gains, especially in graphically demanding games. Intel aims to continue refining its drivers as it battles for greater recognition among gamers seeking viable alternatives to established brands.
President Trump signed an executive order expanding deep-sea mining, allowing companies to extract mineral-rich nodules from ocean floors. Proponents call this a strategic move to secure rare-earth metals crucial for technology manufacturing. Critics argue it threatens fragile marine ecosystems we barely understand. The order directs government agencies to expedite permits, effectively lowering environmental review barriers. While supporters see it as a way to reduce dependence on Chinese mineral imports, environmental groups warn that disturbing deep seabeds can harm biodiversity and release unknown levels of carbon stored in sediment. This policy intensifies a global debate on whether short-term resource gains justify potential long-term ecological damage.
A multi-industry pilot in Germany tested a four-day workweek with full-time pay, revealing no drop in productivity and surprising boosts to staff morale. As many as 73% of participating companies have now adopted the shorter schedule permanently. Japan’s Tokyo Metropolitan government recently followed suit, announcing an optional four-day week for public employees. These international successes illustrate how a condensed schedule can support employee retention and mental well-being without sacrificing output. Skeptics warn that certain sectors may struggle to compress workloads into fewer days. Still, the growing body of evidence suggests a broader rethinking of standard 9-to-5 patterns might be on the horizon.
Canadians headed to the polls in a snap election largely shaped by rising US trade tensions and provocative comments from President Trump about Canada’s sovereignty. Early results suggest Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party won enough seats to form a minority government. This outcome means Trudeau’s administration will remain in power but must collaborate with smaller parties for key legislation. Voter turnout was robust, driven by concerns over economic stability and the future of US-Canada relations. While exact seat counts may shift as final ballots are tallied, the overall picture points to cautious continuity rather than sweeping change.
Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, tied to Russia’s Ukraine operations, was killed by a car bomb near Moscow—an exceptionally rare act in a city known for heavy surveillance. Security footage shows him inspecting a parked vehicle before it detonated. This high-profile assassination, happening just as Western diplomats arrive to discuss a possible Ukraine ceasefire, raises suspicion about either internal dissent or foreign infiltration. The Kremlin brands it terrorism, fueling fears of an intensified clampdown on perceived enemies. Moscow’s residents brace for stricter checkpoints, while global observers worry about derailed peace efforts and potential escalation. The government has not publicly identified suspects, leaving speculation that rival factions or anti-war insurgents might be involved.
Flow, the latest real estate venture from WeWork founder Adam Neumann, more than doubled its valuation to over $1 billion and reportedly wants to go public soon. The bold target arrives amid a choppy market for IPOs, though Flow touts a disruptive apartment-living model. Critics recall WeWork’s bumpy ride under Neumann’s leadership, wary that hype might outstrip fundamentals. Meanwhile, Flow backers believe the firm can reshape rental housing.
Following a landmark lawsuit settlement restricting open commission discussions on the MLS, many expected realtor fees to drop from the familiar 5%–6% range. Instead, commissions have hardly budged, as realtors simply shifted those fee negotiations off the MLS system. Consumer advocates hoped for transparency akin to international norms of 1%–3%, but entrenched customs and tight inventory keep the status quo. Buyers often remain unaware that sellers factor in buyer-side commissions. Some alternative brokerage models tout discount fees, yet they haven’t captured widespread market share. That leaves most consumers still paying substantial real estate commissions, reinforcing how deep-rooted practices can persist despite legal settlements.
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway now has over $300 billion in cash reserves, a war chest that has analysts speculating about his next blockbuster investment. Shareholders flock to Omaha this week for Berkshire’s annual meeting, marking Buffett’s 60th anniversary at the helm. Historically, the “Oracle of Omaha” has pounced on undervalued opportunities during market turmoil, whether it was picking up Japanese trading companies or Apple shares at opportune moments. But with ongoing tariff threats, inflation jitters, and a rocky stock market, some wonder if Berkshire might be waiting for even deeper discounts or scouting new sectors altogether. As usual, the famously tight-lipped Buffett offers no direct hints—fueling still more anticipation for a reveal that could shift entire sectors.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, yet many find themselves anxious about what to get the mom who insists she doesn’t need anything. From thoughtful gifts under $100 to creative new “experience” ideas, multiple sources are sharing how to celebrate without breaking the bank. The holiday remains a prime moment for family bonding—where a little planning ensures a memorable experience for moms, grandmothers, and mother figures everywhere.
Netflix chief Ted Sarandos reignited the streaming-versus-cinema clash by calling traditional theatrical moviegoing “an outmoded idea” for most viewers. Though Netflix occasionally grants limited theatrical releases for prestige films, Sarandos insists the global streaming audience far outweighs box-office returns. His bold statement rattles Hollywood studios and theater owners, who argue that box-office hits remain cultural events unmatched by at-home streaming.
An AI tool called Cluely has gone viral for helping users “cheat” during virtual interviews and coding assessments. The founder, a Columbia student recently suspended for similar software, frames it as a necessary hack to bypass what he sees as unfair testing platforms. Critics argue it undermines genuine skill evaluation and fosters mistrust between employers and candidates. While Cluely has drawn investor backing, questions about ethics and workplace authenticity hover over its rapid ascent.