After filing a lawsuit, farmers have won a legal battle compelling the USDA to reinstate climate-related data removed shortly after President Trump's inauguration. The USDA has committed to restoring all climate-change-related webpages and interactive tools within two weeks. This information is vital for farmers and others relying on scientific data to navigate the challenges posed by climate change. The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, one of the plaintiffs, expressed relief and emphasized the importance of these resources for making informed agricultural decisions. The lawsuit highlighted violations of the Freedom of Information Act and other regulations by the USDA. Despite this win, advocates note ongoing challenges due to funding cuts and policy shifts under the Trump administration that impact climate-related programs for farmers.
YouTube will exclusively stream a free NFL Week 1 game worldwide, kicking off the 2025 season in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 5th. The Los Angeles Chargers will face an as-yet unnamed opponent. The game will also be available to viewers in team home markets through over-the-air broadcasts, NFL Plus in the US, and NFL Game Pass via DAZN internationally. This marks YouTube's first live NFL broadcast, complementing its streaming of NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV since 2023. Mary Ellen Coe, YouTube's Chief Business Officer, highlighted the interactive viewing experience and noted that over 350 million hours of NFL content have been watched on YouTube. Additionally, YouTube secured a multi-year deal to stream the Super Bowl Flag Football game.
TikTok has launched 'AI Alive,' an AI-driven feature that transforms static photos into short videos based on user prompts. Accessible via TikTok's Story Camera, it provides intuitive editing tools to add movement and creative effects, even for users without editing experience. Users select a photo, enter a descriptive prompt (default prompt: "make this photo come alive"), and the tool generates a video within minutes. While results are short clips, the AI occasionally struggles with complex prompts, such as creating specific anime-style animations. TikTok incorporates safety measures by reviewing photos, prompts, and videos with moderation technology before display and prior to posting. Generated videos are labeled as AI content with embedded metadata. Caution is advised to avoid unintended AI alterations like the previously problematic 'sway dance' filter additions.
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, the upcoming Marvel action-adventure game set in World War II, has been postponed to early 2026. Developed by Skydance New Media, the game was initially expected to release this year. The studio announced the delay to allow additional polish and improvements. Skydance New Media, led by former Naughty Dog creative director Amy Hennig, is working on this title featuring characters like Captain America, Black Panther's grandfather Azzuri, Gabriel Jones, and Wakandan spy Nanali. The game was first revealed in 2021, with a trailer shown during the last State of Unreal event. Skydance New Media is also developing a Star Wars game.
Recent advancements in robot vacuums with mopping capabilities have made cleaning floors more efficient. Modern combo robots now scrub floors using vibrating, oscillating, or roller mop pads with onboard water tanks and multifunction docks that automate cleaning and refilling tasks. While these bots require more maintenance and are bulkier than regular vacuums, they can mop and vacuum simultaneously, making them ideal for homes with hardwood, tile, and even rugs. This guide covers the best models across budgets and needs, such as the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni with its unique extending roller mop, the budget-friendly Roborock S8, the midrange Eufy X10 Pro Omni, options for mixed flooring like the Dreame X40 Ultra, and specialized picks for hardwood and tile floors. Some models feature smart mapping, AI-powered obstacle detection, app control, and plumbing hookups for hands-free operation. Testing involves real-world challenges such as spills, debris, and navigation trials. New releases and upcoming models with innovative features like mop removal, robotic arms, and enhanced suction power promise to elevate floor care in 2024.
What initially seemed like Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency's attempt to seize control of the US Copyright Office by having Donald Trump remove top officials has dramatically backfired. Trump's acting replacements, appointed by the MAGA faction, are reportedly hostile to the tech industry. After firing key figures Carla Hayden and Shira Perlmutter, two men, Paul Perkins and Brian Nieves, appeared claiming leadership roles but are aligned with Trump's coalition rather than Musk's DOGE group. This move complicates the landscape for tech companies amid ongoing debates about AI training and copyright.
Republican lawmakers have introduced a budget reconciliation bill aiming to block states from enforcing any regulations on a wide range of automated computing systems, including AI, for 10 years after the enactment. This move could halt state efforts to regulate AI technologies such as chatbots, online search algorithms, and other automated decision systems. Democrats and AI oversight organizations criticize this as a major concession to Big Tech, potentially leading to negative consequences for the public. The bill, spearheaded by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie, would prevent states from imposing restrictions related to AI design, performance, liability, and documentation. The proposed moratorium extends beyond AI, covering many automated decision-making processes used in digital services like search results, health diagnoses, and criminal justice risk analyses. Over 500 state-level AI-related laws proposed for 2025 could be blocked if this passes. Notable state laws protecting against AI misuse, such as those in California, Tennessee, Utah, and Colorado, would be undermined. Critics argue the bill essentially stalls AI safeguards, benefiting companies like OpenAI, which have previously opposed fragmented state regulations. Democrats warn that this could allow unchecked AI practices, privacy violations, and algorithmic discrimination. Although the bill faces potential Senate challenges due to procedural rules, it represents a significant push by Republicans to limit AI oversight amid widespread adoption of these technologies.
The new wireless GameCube controller for Nintendo Switch 2 is now available for pre-order exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online members. Priced at $64.99, the purchase is limited to one per account, helping keep it in stock for several hours after launch. Customers who preorder will receive their controller on the Switch 2 launch date, June 5th. Due to high demand, buyers may experience a 30-minute wait in a virtual queue before purchasing. While GameCube controller support existed on the original Switch via USB adapters, this new wireless version's compatibility is more restricted. It only supports GameCube titles included in the Switch Online Expansion Pack, such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Soulcalibur 2, with compatibility for Switch backward-compatible games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate not confirmed. The controller features USB-C charging and includes a C button to access GameChat, which is free for all Switch 2 users until March 31, 2026.
The VMU Pro revamps the Sega Dreamcast's virtual memory unit with modern enhancements, featuring a vibrant 16-bit color IPS screen and enough computing power to emulate classic 8-bit handheld consoles such as the NES, Sega Master System, and Game Boy Color. Developed by 8BitMods, this updated device maintains its original function as a Dreamcast memory card that fits into the controller while offering new capabilities like a rechargeable battery, MP3 playback, Wi-Fi connectivity, and microSD storage for save files. Preorders begin on May 15th, although pricing remains undisclosed. While its retro emulation is a highlight, it targets enthusiasts who actively use Dreamcast and seek reliable save data management rather than offering the advanced emulation features found in comparable handheld consoles like the Anbernic RG Nano.
The Office universe is growing with Peacock's new spinoff, 'The Paper,' premiering in September. This series follows the same documentary crew from The Office as they explore the revival of a historic Toledo newspaper, The Truth Teller. The show addresses challenges faced by traditional media in the digital age, with the internet as a central antagonist affecting news revenue. Created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, the cast includes Domhnall Gleeson and Oscar Nuñez. 'The Paper' represents Peacock's strategic move to diversify its streaming content alongside other original projects.