Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers in the last 24 hours.
Cluely, branding itself as an AI-based “cheat on everything” service, debuted with a viral video demonstrating how users can lie to dates or pass interviews by receiving covert on-screen prompts. The founder raised millions in funding, claiming this is just another form of everyday tech assistance. Alarmed observers worry the app encourages deception, further blurring lines between skill, authenticity, and AI-driven manipulation.
Major studios are cutting high-dynamic-range color grading to save money as streaming ad revenue falls 31 percent and bandwidth fees climb. Critics warn of a duller “gray-wash” viewing future; studios say most mobile viewers hardly notice.
The influencer ecosystem has ballooned into a multibillion-dollar industry, with personalities across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube turning personal brands into lucrative businesses. Corporate advertisers see these creators as more authentic spokespeople than glossy ad campaigns. Mega-stars can command six- or seven-figure sponsorships, but thousands of micro-influencers also thrive by reaching niche, loyal audiences. While some creators simply pitch products, others expand into merchandise, subscription communities, or e-commerce lines. Yet success can invite burnout and spark debates about authenticity, especially as regulators tighten rules around sponsored content. Balancing personal passion and brand partnerships is key to maintaining trust.
Small towns worldwide, from rural Nebraska to remote Italian villages, are offering nearly free houses to attract fresh residents and revive local economies. Pawnee City, NE, for instance, provides $50,000 to prospective homeowners, hoping to populate schools and businesses. In Italy, one-euro houses lure adventurous buyers—though these properties typically need substantial renovations. The pitch appeals to those seeking a slower pace or a creative project, but pitfalls exist: labor scarcities, structural overhauls, and strict renovation deadlines. Still, success stories abound: couples who transform derelict homes into charming B&Bs or remote workers relishing scenic serenity.
What this means for you: • the political spat on tariffs and the slump in consumer sentiment • highlight growing economic jitters in the US. Many worry that continuously elevated prices could dampen discretionary spending, fueling a cycle of slower growth. Companies that rely on consumer demand, from retail to hospitality, are watching closely for signs of a deeper downturn.
Widespread tariff hikes imposed by President Trump have begun to ripple through consumer markets, pushing up the price of everything from clothes to electronics. A recent analysis shows over 1,000 Amazon items saw an average 30 percent price jump. Car manufacturers like Ford have quietly raised sticker prices, while e-retailers such as Temu or Shein warn customers about looming cost increases. With these tariffs hitting a broad range of imports, the added costs are being passed on to end consumers, fueling inflationary pressure just when prices had started to stabilize. Companies say they’re forced to offset higher import fees, while the White House calls labeling the charges “political theater.” Experts note many everyday goods in the US are sourced from China, so consumers may have limited alternatives. The result is an unwelcome return to rising household expenses.
Microsoft smashed Wall Street expectations this quarter with $70.1 billion in revenue and $25.8 billion in net profit—both double-digit increases. Cloud services and AI tools drove the bulk of that surge, as enterprise clients turned to Microsoft Azure for data processing, machine learning, and other tech solutions. CEO Satya Nadella highlighted “record adoption” in both new and existing AI-driven products, from Office apps to development platforms. Investors welcomed Microsoft’s forecast of continued double-digit revenue growth, reinforcing hopes that enterprise spending might remain robust even amid broader economic concerns. Microsoft’s blockbuster numbers also gave a lift to other major tech stocks, easing recession fears and validating bets on AI as a long-term profit engine.
A vast Hawaiian ranch in Hakalau offers an 8,500-square-foot cabin, 800 acres of rolling pasture, and a waterfall, conjuring visions of cattle rearing or eco-tourism. In contrast, Hay Island off Darien, Connecticut, features an 18-acre private enclave with a main house, cottage, and pool house, providing a vintage coastal retreat near Manhattan. Both command high prices, each catering to ultra-wealthy buyers seeking exclusivity—be it tropical farmland or a secluded island in Long Island Sound. The debate: Which costs more? Historically, East Coast private islands can fetch astronomical sums thanks to proximity to affluent hubs, while large-scale Hawaiian ranches offer fewer direct comparables. Each lifestyle involves specialized staffing, maintenance, and insurance complexities, leaving prospective owners weighing uniqueness against logistics.
A new debate has emerged over how we talk to AI chatbots: Should we say “please” and “thank you”? Supporters argue that using polite language with digital assistants can reinforce kindness in daily habits. Others feel it’s unnecessary, noting that chatbots don’t have emotions. Tech researchers highlight potential benefits of empathy training through interactions with unfeeling machines, though cynics worry about wasted effort or the environmental cost of longer prompts.
Food scientists have dissected the beloved Roman pasta dish cacio e pepe and discovered that the secret to a silky sauce lies in careful heat control and moisture management. Pecorino cheese is prone to clumping if heated too aggressively, so gradually blending finely grated cheese with starchy pasta water at a moderate temperature is key. Proper pepper dispersion also ensures the flavor melds seamlessly rather than piling up. By applying basic principles of chemistry—like controlling protein coagulation and maintaining an emulsion—home cooks can replicate that velvety finish typical of top Roman trattorias.
Russia declared a three-day unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine (May 8–11) citing WWII Victory Day commemorations, asking Kyiv to reciprocate. However, Ukrainian authorities dismissed it as insufficient, demanding a longer break in hostilities. Meanwhile, Canada held a snap federal election overshadowed by US-Canada trade tensions and provocative statements from President Trump about Canada possibly becoming a “51st state.” Early results suggest Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party will form a minority government, maintaining power but lacking a full parliamentary majority. Both events underscore the fragility of global politics: the fleeting pause in Ukraine highlights unresolved conflict, and Canada’s election reveals the significant impact of external trade threats on domestic politics.
President Trump commemorated his first 100 days back in office with a self-congratulatory rally in Michigan, touting job promises and sweeping executive actions. Critics note that public approval remains shaky, with economic concerns and tariff tensions overshadowing the celebration. Meanwhile, in Montana, Republican lawmakers push legislation to limit the impact of a landmark youth climate lawsuit, which previously mandated the state consider climate factors in energy projects. The proposed measures could curtail environmental litigation and alter how courts handle climate challenges. Both stories illustrate how politics can pivot quickly—Trump’s rapid policy execution underscores the power of the executive branch, while Montana’s legislative pushback reveals friction between judicial climate rulings and legislative agendas.