Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers this month.
Twenty-one humanoid robots raced a Beijing half-marathon; only six finished, many overheated or lost limbs. Despite the spectacle, analysts still project a $38 billion robotics market within a decade as AI chips improve.
Today is Arbor Day, celebrating the value of trees and urging people to plant new saplings. One fun fact: as trees grow taller, the branches you see remain at the same height from the ground as when they first sprouted—meaning that bird feeder you hang won’t magically rise with the trunk. Events worldwide encourage everyone to appreciate forests for their beauty, air quality benefits, and wildlife habitats.
All major U.S. indexes fell more than two percent after President Trump labeled Fed Chair Jerome Powell a “major loser” and threatened to fire him if rates are not cut. Legal scholars note the president likely cannot remove Powell easily, yet the rhetoric rattled investors already uneasy over tariffs.
A growing number of tech startups are adopting hybrid work models, splitting time between traditional offices and remote setups. Leaders see this approach as a way to widen talent pools, reduce overhead, and accommodate workers seeking flexibility. Employees often welcome the mix, enjoying in-person collaboration while retaining the perks of home-based work. However, some companies face hurdles in scheduling team activities and maintaining a cohesive culture. Job seekers now look for roles that include at least partial remote options. As the trend spreads, corporate giants may feel pressure to offer similar arrangements, signaling a shift in workplace norms.
The CDC announced today that flu cases across the U.S. have dropped to their lowest April levels in five years. The 2024–2025 season saw fewer hospitalizations compared to pre-pandemic averages, thanks in part to higher vaccination rates and better public awareness. Health officials say maintaining good hygiene habits and flu shot uptake were key factors in this trend.
YouTube just introduced an AI-powered tool that lets you search for music by humming or describing the lyrics. The feature aims to make it easier to find those catchy tunes stuck in your head.
