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Isar Aerospace is set to make history as it prepares for the first orbital launch from Western Europe, marking a significant milestone in the development of European space capabilities. The company's Spectrum rocket will attempt to reach a polar orbit from Andøya Spaceport in Norway, with the test flight expected to generate valuable data and experience. This achievement paves the way for a new generation of European launches, challenging traditional dominance by Arianespace.

Court documents reveal that Meta employees considered using copyrighted materials, including books, to train the company's AI models despite legal concerns. Internal discussions highlighted a mindset prioritizing rapid model development over strict adherence to copyright laws, with some staff suggesting methods to circumvent licensing challenges. The ongoing litigation reflects broader tensions in the tech industry regarding intellectual property rights and the ethical implications of AI training practices.

A growing backlash against billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump is brewing across America as they dismantle the government. But at the Conservative Political Action Conference, attendees are buying up Musk-related merchandise and praising his efforts to take on the deep state. The Republican Party's response reflects a shift towards embracing radical change, even if it means alienating moderate voters.

Coinbase has announced that the SEC has agreed to drop its lawsuit against the company with prejudice, meaning it cannot be filed again. The move is seen as a significant victory for the crypto industry and reflects the changing attitudes towards cryptocurrency regulation under the new Trump administration. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong credits his fight with saving the US crypto industry and believes that legislation needs to be passed to codify favorable regulations.

The Texas measles outbreak has reached 90 cases, with the majority of them being in children. The disease is highly contagious and can cause severe complications, including pneumonia and death. The low vaccination rate in the affected area is a major concern for health officials, who expect the outbreak to continue growing.

California Assemblymember Chris Rogers has introduced a bill that aims to make Bigfoot the "official cryptid" of the state. The move is seen as an effort to capitalize on tourist interest in the legendary creature and its numerous reported sightings, particularly in Northern California. If passed, it would add another symbol to the state's long list of official symbols, which already includes the golden poppy, grizzly bear, and saber-toothed cat.

Experts say the conflicts posed by Tom Krause’s dual roles are unprecedented in the modern era. The Department of Treasury's internal announcement revealed that Krause had been appointed as fiscal assistant secretary, while he continued to lead his company, Cloud Software Group, with federal contracts worth millions. This unique arrangement has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the blurred lines between public and private interests.

Researchers are uncovering internal conflicts and power struggles within the secretive ransomware group Black Basta through leaked chat logs, which have raised concerns about the personal interests of its leader Oleg Nefedov driving operational decisions. The heightened tensions have contributed to growing rifts between Nefedov and his subordinates, potentially putting other members at risk of being tracked down by law enforcement. As a result, Black Basta's operations are under scrutiny, with some experts warning that the group's actions could provoke reactions from authorities.

Apple's latest developer beta for iOS 18.4 introduces a "Priority Notifications" feature, leveraging Apple Intelligence to enhance user notification management. This feature aims to minimize distractions by prioritizing important alerts on the Lock Screen while allowing access to all notifications through a simple swipe. Although currently turned off by default, users can easily activate it in their Settings to experience a more streamlined notification process.

Researchers have discovered a way to rejuvenate lithium batteries by injecting fresh electrolytes into them, potentially extending their lifespan and capacity. By using a novel electrode material, LiSO2CF3, the researchers were able to restore nearly 99% of the battery's original capacity after heavy use. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective battery manufacturing.

A new humanoid robot prototype, Protoclone, is using fluid-filled muscles to mimic human movement, with its latest iteration kicking its legs while hanging from a ceiling. The robot's sensory system is equipped with four depth cameras, 70 inertial sensors, and 320 pressure sensors that provide force feedback. This technology enables the robot to react to visual input and learn by watching humans perform tasks.

Richard Grenell's sudden departure from his position as Acting Director of National Intelligence has raised questions about the inner workings of the Trump administration. According to an exclusive interview with POLITICO, Grenell had been pushing for a broader purge of the intelligence community, which some say was part of a power struggle against fellow Trump loyalists. His actions led to a series of high-profile resignations and reassignments within the agency.

The Asus Fragrance Mouse combines a wireless mouse with a fragrant experience, allowing users to customize their computer's scent. The mouse supports Bluetooth connectivity and customizable responsiveness through three DPI levels. It features understated color options and is designed to withstand 10 million clicks.

Elon Musk has reversed his stance on the effectiveness of Community Notes, allowing users to manipulate them, after they contradicted President Donald Trump's claims about Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The crowdsourced fact-checking system was previously touted as a way to correct misinformation on Musk's social media platform X, but now he believes it needs a "fix" to prevent outside influencers from gaming the system. This sudden reversal raises questions about the transparency and accountability of Community Notes.

F1 is exploring a return to high-revving, naturally aspirated engines with the potential adoption of V10 configurations powered by sustainable fuels, marking a significant shift from the current hybrid era. The FIA's leadership has signaled openness to revising technical rules in time for 2030, which could lead to cars that are louder, lighter, and less complex. This change would likely have far-reaching implications for the sport, including potential performance advantages and environmental benefits.

RFK Jr. has reportedly canceled an upcoming meeting with vaccine advisory committee members, pulling the plug on a flu shot campaign in the process. This move comes amidst growing tensions between Kennedy and health officials over vaccine policies. The sudden change of heart from Kennedy's office is sparking confusion and concern among medical experts.

The Linux kernel's relationship with Rust has become more nuanced, as Linus Torvalds has clarified that maintainers can choose not to deal with Rust code, but cannot interfere with it. This subtle distinction acknowledges the benefits of using Rust while maintaining the existing C-based development model. The ongoing debate highlights the need for a balanced approach to language choices in the kernel.

The president is barred from being elected more than twice by the Constitution. But that hasn’t stopped Donald Trump from raising it repeatedly — and this time from an official White House event. The crowd in the East Room on Thursday, which included athletes like famed golfer Tiger Woods, chanted “four more years!”.

The recent breach of a manufacturing company's network in just 48 minutes highlights the tactics used by attackers to move at breakneck speed. By leveraging phishing messages as a decoy, accessing employee devices through legitimate tools, and exploiting vulnerabilities such as DLL sideloading, threat actors can rapidly gain control of sensitive areas of the network. As security measures become more sophisticated, attackers must adapt their strategies to stay ahead.

YouTube Premium Lite is expected to launch soon in the US, Australia, Germany, and Thailand, bringing a cheaper streaming subscription that drops YouTube Music from the plan. The new "YouTube Premium Lite" option would cost around $7-8 in the US, offering ad-free YouTube without background playback or offline downloads. However, users may still see banner ads around videos and pre-roll ads before music videos.

Steve Bannon has replicated Elon Musk's infamous "salute" gesture during his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). The move is seen as a nod to the controversy surrounding Musk's behavior, including concerns about authoritarianism and free speech. By mimicking Musk's gesture, Bannon is further fueling speculation about his own views on politics and governance.

DeepSeek plans to release its daily updates of the source code for its AI models, aiming to reveal the "code that moved our tiny moonshot forward." This move follows the open weights structure adopted by major models such as Google's Gemma and Meta's Llama. By releasing training code alongside model parameters, DeepSeek seeks to achieve true openness in AI, allowing researchers to scrutinize biases and limitations.

Theater productions Doomers and McNeal tackle the existential implications of artificial intelligence on humanity and the creative process, exploring themes of innovation, control, and what it means to be human. Playwrights have long grappled with the potential consequences of technology advancements, as seen in Karel Čapek's 1920 play R.U.R., which predicted an android uprising that would change the course of history. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, artists are re-examining the boundaries between creator and creation.

Burundi's parliamentary election was not free, fair, transparent or credible and violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms were committed, the United Nations said on Thursday. The opposition boycotted the election due to concerns about government interference and a lack of transparency. The U.N. mission observed restrictions on media freedom and infringements on the right of the political opposition to campaign freely.

The US government has increased its monitoring tools over the past decade, raising concerns about employee data abuse under President Trump's employee purges. Insider threat programs at various departments use monitoring tools to identify behaviors indicating potential insider threats. These programs aim to prevent leaks and workplace violence but also raise questions about worker privacy.

The latest US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump are expected to result in significant price bumps for the iPhone 17 series, potentially reaching as high as $1,300 at the base level. Apple will need to decide whether to absorb the increased costs or pass them on to consumers through higher prices. This decision could have a ripple effect on the company's bottom line and consumer demand.

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate showcases the potential of tri-fold phones as a serious evolution in mobile computing, offering a larger screen area and improved functionality compared to traditional book-style foldables. With its 10.2-inch display and three-screen mode, this phone provides a more natural video consumption experience, making it an attractive option for those seeking a new way to interact with their devices. The tri-fold design also enhances multitasking capabilities and offers a slim form factor that belies its impressive feature set.

Gold prices have surged for the eighth week in a row, despite falling on Friday, as safe-haven demand remains strong amid concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff plans and lingering uncertainties surrounding global economic growth. The non-stop rally since December has been unchallenged unless prices drop to around $2,850, according to analysts. Gold prices have shattered two record highs this week to trade above $2,950/oz, driven by investor appetite for bullion.

The development of Majarona 1 highlights the challenges of scaling up individual components to achieve significant progress in quantum computing. The achievement of building a "topological qubit" paves the way for practical quantum computing, but its realization remains shrouded in uncertainty due to methodological limitations and debate among experts. Nevertheless, Microsoft's breakthrough offers hope for future breakthroughs in this field.

The Oppo Find N5 is a significant improvement in design, with its 8.93mm thickness when folded making it nearly indistinguishable from a slab phone, while still offering an impressive reading and browsing experience thanks to its 8.2-inch inner display and LTPO AMOLED screen. The phone's slim profile has made it feel like a seamless part of my pocket, with flat sides eliminating the gap between the folded sides for a more comfortable fit. However, some compromises are necessary to achieve this level of thinness, such as a less polished hinge that requires some getting used to.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has a message for fellow governors: sometimes you need to work with Donald Trump, but often it's best to resist him. The key is to "say no" when necessary, while still being willing to listen and find common ground. By doing so, politicians can protect their constituents' interests without sacrificing their own values.

Political cartoonists across the country and spectrum captured this week's most laughable, infuriating, and thought-provoking moments in politics through their ink-stained skills. From mocking politicians' outlandish claims to ridiculing polarizing policies, cartoons provided a unique perspective on the chaos unfolding in Washington. By lampooning the absurdities of contemporary politics, cartoonists offer readers an entertaining counterpoint to the daily news.

Gold is poised for an eighth consecutive weekly gain driven by robust haven demand sparked by geopolitical and trade tensions. The precious metal has hit successive records this year, climbing 27% in 2024 amidst mounting concerns over President Trump's disruptive policies. As the US dollar weakens, investors are flocking to gold as a safe-haven asset.

The Israeli air strike that killed hostage Shiri Bibas appears to have scattered her remains among other human debris from the rubble. Hamas has confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the damage. The identity of those involved in the attack and their connection to the Israeli government remain unknown.

Airlines were forced to divert flights across the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand due to a live-fire exercise conducted by China's People's Liberation Army Navy in international waters, with air traffic control agencies issuing warnings to commercial planes about reports of gunfire. The exercise, which took place outside of Australia's exclusive economic zone, raised concerns among airlines about safety and prompted them to modify flight paths as a precautionary measure. The Chinese navy complied with international law by providing notice of the exercise, but the short notice given caused disruptions to commercial aircraft operations.

Sweden is investigating a possible breach of an undersea cable off the country's southwestern coast in the Baltic Sea, which has raised concerns about the security of critical infrastructure. The incident occurred in an area where multiple seabed cables have been damaged in recent months, leading to power outages and disruptions in telecommunications and gas supply. The government is taking the situation seriously, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stating that damage to undersea infrastructure is particularly concerning given the current security situation.

Chinese technology shares surged on Friday, with a slew of upbeat earnings boosting sentiment and optimism over artificial intelligence attracting investors. The gains were led by Alibaba Group, whose shares rose 15% after beating sales estimates, while AI chipmaker Cambricon Technologies Corp. hit a record high. The rally in Chinese tech stocks has been fueled by recent breakthroughs in AI development, which have prompted investors to re-evaluate the nation's leading internet companies.

Universities across China have launched artificial intelligence courses based on Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, whose AI breakthrough has been hailed as a "Sputnik moment" for China. This move aims to boost scientific and technological innovation in schools and universities, creating new sources of growth for the world's second-largest economy. As Chinese authorities prioritize education and innovation, the country is likely to see significant advancements in the field of AI.

The UK government's tax receipts exceeded its spending by £15.4bn in January, the largest surplus for the month since records began over three decades ago, but fell short of official forecasts. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) had predicted a higher surplus of £20.5bn. This shortfall has increased pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to meet her fiscal rules, which could require further tax increases or spending cuts.

A series of politician-linked meme coins have sparked backlash after brief surges in value, leaving majority of traders with losses. The Libra cryptocurrency, which briefly surged on Argentine President Javier Milei's support before crashing, is the latest in a series of meme coins facing a backlash. Meme coins are crypto tokens named after popular internet trends or people, often without substance, and their popularity can lead to market volatility.

The Israeli Prime Minister's vow to hold Hamas accountable for the failed release of Shiri Bibas' body highlights the complexities of ceasefire agreements in conflict zones, where both parties may have differing interpretations of their obligations. The dispute also underscores the deep-seated mistrust between Israel and Hamas, with Netanyahu accusing the Palestinian militant group of violating a ceasefire agreement in a "cruel and evil manner." As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the fragile ceasefire will hold and whether negotiations for a second phase can proceed as planned.

The investigation by Italy's antitrust agency highlights the need for transparency in electric vehicle marketing, where misleading information can mislead consumers about a vehicle's performance. As the demand for EVs continues to grow, regulators must ensure that companies provide accurate information to avoid deceiving consumers. The consequences of such deception could lead to significant financial penalties and damage to a company's reputation.

Celsius Holdings Inc reported record revenue of $1.36 billion for 2024, reflecting strong consumer demand for premium functional beverages. However, the company's financial performance was impacted by increased competition, rising expenses, and a decline in revenue from its energy drink category. Despite these challenges, Celsius maintained a strong cash balance and expanded its distribution points.

China is focusing its efforts on repairing its economy and negotiating a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump, rather than taking an active role as a peacemaker in the war in Ukraine. Beijing has deliberately avoided taking a major risk that could undermine its ties with Russia, which relies on China for cheap energy. By doing so, China can maintain its economic influence while avoiding potential costs or risks associated with a more active peacekeeping role.

Standard Chartered's strong profit growth and increased share buyback have led to its Hong Kong-listed shares reaching a near-decade high of HK$116, driven by record growth in its wealth business and markets division. The bank's CEO Bill Winters has stated that the company is uniquely positioned to take advantage of growing footprints across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, where growth is expected to outpace global growth. As a result, StanChart is doubling down on its mainstay wealth management and markets business, investing $1.5 billion over five years in various areas.

The Bank of Japan is prepared to adjust its monetary policy to counter a sharp rise in long-term interest rates, Governor Kazuo Ueda said recently. Market forces are expected to set yield levels, and the BOJ will only intervene when market conditions become abnormal. Yield fluctuations may reflect changing economic views on Japan's outlook, but the BOJ will remain vigilant to stabilize markets.

Estonia leads central, eastern Europe in defence tech funding, with perceived Russia threat driving investment in the region. Region's defence tech funding rounds tripled since 2022, reaching nearly $1 billion, according to Dealroom.co data. European Union member Estonia plays an outsized role in its eastern flank, allowing close cooperation with front-line units and investing in purely military technologies.

The European Union should reject the push by European automakers to weaken 2025 CO2 car emission targets and related fines, two European electric transport groups wrote in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The groups argue that easing these rules would only put Europe further behind China in EVs and have a chilling effect on EU investment plans in charging infrastructure and battery development. Any flexibility granted to automakers would undermine the bloc's transition to electric vehicles, which is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Chinese companies are tapping into a rebound in investor sentiment fueled by hopes of Beijing's support for private firms and the popularity of DeepSeek. The revival comes after a rise in investor interest, with Chinese offshore equity deals surging more than six times in January. Dollar investments in startups, however, remain clouded by regulatory scrutiny.

German midcap stocks are gaining traction as investors bet on a post-election fiscal boost and potential end to the war in Ukraine, with companies like Thyssenkrupp and Lanxess poised for significant gains. The MDAX index has historically traded at a premium to the domestically focused DAX index, but currently trades at a 2.4% discount. If investors are correct, the midcap sector could see a significant upside as the economy recovers.