Dozens of Australians diagnosed with rare tattoo-related vision loss

ABC News reports on 40 cases of tattoo-related uveitis in Australia, a rare eye inflammation that can lead to vision loss. The condition, known as tattoo-associated uveitis, has been documented mostly in individuals with black ink tattoos, but other colors have also been implicated. Researchers suggest that while the condition is rare, it may be more common than previously thought and call for more research to understand and mitigate the risk.

‘The Simpsons’ Bart Voice Actress Tells AI “Eat My Shorts,” Wants Human Successor: “AI Has No Heart”

After 800 episodes, Nancy Cartwright, the voice actress behind Bart Simpson in 'The Simpsons', expresses her reluctance to be replaced by AI, emphasizing the importance of human emotion and passion in her role.

Why are criminals stealing used cooking oil from chip shops?

Organised crime gangs in Scotland are targeting chip shops, takeaways, and restaurants for their used cooking oil, which is often left in containers outside to be recycled into biodiesel. Between April and October last year, 178 incidents of cooking oil thefts were reported to Police Scotland, costing the UK Treasury £25m a year in lost duty. The stolen oil is sold to legitimate recyclers who manufacture biodiesel, which has become more prevalent as fuel production technology advances. The thefts result in inconvenience, potential damage, and loss of revenue for caterers. Police Scotland advises businesses to store oil securely and monitor it with CCTV if possible.

EVs are already making your air cleaner, research shows

EVs are already making your air cleaner, research shows. Across nearly 1,700 ZIP codes, the analysis showed that, for every increase of 200 electric vehicles, nitrogen dioxide emissions decreased by 1.1 percent.

The EU Moves To Kill Infinite Scrolling

Teen who called for dad's release from ICE custody dies of cancer

A Chicago teen, Ofelia Torres, who was battling stage 4 cancer, passed away at age 16. She had gained national attention for her advocacy for her father's release from ICE custody during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Three days before her death, an immigration judge ruled that her father was conditionally entitled to receive cancellation of removal, which could provide a pathway to a green card.

Air India flight 171 crash: Pilot deliberately cut fuel switch, report reveals

Air India flight 171 crashed on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people. Investigators concluded that the crash was due to an intentional act by the pilot-in-command, Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, who allegedly turned off the fuel switches. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground.

All U.S. Social Security numbers may need to be changed following a massive breach that is already being investigated as a national threat

A whistleblower has warned that a mishandled cloud copy of Social Security data could put millions at lifelong risk and force Social Security numbers to be changed. The former chief data officer at the Social Security Administration, Chuck Borges, alleges that a federal tech team copied the government’s master Social Security database into a cloud system that lacked normal oversight. If true, this mishandling could expose hundreds of millions of people to fraud and abuse for the rest of their lives. The dataset at issue includes Social Security numbers, medical and mental health records, bank and credit card information, tax details, work histories, and home addresses for millions of Americans. Security experts worry that once such a detailed profile is widely copied, criminals can potentially open accounts, hijack benefits, or file fake tax returns for years. Social Security officials have pushed back on the most dire version of this story, but later court filings have complicated that reassurance.

Russia killed Alexei Navalny with dart frog poison, UK and allies say

The UK and its allies have revealed that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died in prison after being poisoned with a deadly toxin found in the skin of Ecuadorian dart frogs. The neurotoxin, 200 times stronger than morphine, is classified as a chemical weapon and could only have been administered by Vladimir Putin's government, according to the UK and its allies. The Russian government has dismissed the allegations, claiming the toxin was likely manufactured in a laboratory rather than sourced from the frogs.

FTC warns Apple over alleged lack of conservative news

Apple is facing pressure from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over claims that its news app does not feature articles from conservative outlets. The FTC has urged Apple to review its policies, citing potential violations of consumer protection rules. The Media Research Center, a conservative media watchdog, has accused Apple of a 'defiant stance against offering news from right-leaning outlets'. Apple has defended its app, stating that it focuses on 'quality' journalism and bars content that does not follow 'widely accepted journalistic standards'.

Amazon Spent $22.4 Billion on Content in 2025, Up 10%, Surpassing Netflix

Amazon increased its spending on video and music content by 10% in 2025, reaching $22.4 billion, as detailed in its annual SEC filing. This investment supports its Prime Video and Amazon Music services, with a focus on live sports and original series to attract and retain subscribers. The company also plans to increase its total capital expenditures by 50% to $200 billion in 2026, emphasizing AI and cloud computing.

'Canada, better the 28th EU member than the 51st US state'

In this opinion piece, Le Monde columnist Pascal Riché discusses Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's proposal for an alliance of middle powers to counterbalance the influence of great powers, drawing parallels to the European Union's 60-year-old strategy. The article highlights tensions between Canada and the US, particularly under President Trump, who has suggested Canada become the 51st US state, an idea that has angered Canadians.

US gave Ukraine and Russia a June deadline to reach agreement to end war, Zelenskyy says

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the U.S. has set a June deadline for Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace agreement to end the ongoing war. Zelenskyy stated that the U.S. plans to pressure both sides to adhere to this timeline. Recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have caused nuclear power plants to reduce their output, exacerbating power deficits and leading to extended outages. U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi did not result in a breakthrough, as both sides remain steadfast on key issues.

Mexican cartels overpower police with ammunition made for the US military

Mexican cartels overpower police with ammunition made for the US military - ICIJ. Drug syndicates have used .50-caliber ammunition produced at a plant owned by the U.S. Army and smuggled across the border in attacks on Mexican civilians and police. This powerful ammunition, designed for military use, is available for purchase by civilians across the United States and has fallen into the hands of Mexican cartels.

Canada Announces CA$2.3 Billion Incentives for EV Adoption, Reviews Zero-Emission Target

Canada has announced a CA$2.3 billion EV Affordability Program to incentivize the adoption of electric vehicles. The program offers incentives of over CA$5,000 for battery electric and fuel electric vehicles and CA$2,500 for plug-in hybrids. The vehicles must have a final transaction value of up to CA$50,000 and must be manufactured in countries with which it has free trade agreements. The Canadian Government is also investing in its national EV charging network, with a $1.5 billion investment made through the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s Charging and Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure Initiative. The government aims to comply with an adjusted goal of 75% of all new vehicles being electric by 2035 and 90% by 2040.

Olympic Committee begs fans not to boo JD Vance and Marco Rubio during opening ceremony

The International Olympic Committee urged fans to show respect during the opening ceremony of the Milan Winter Olympics, despite tensions over the U.S.'s immigration policies and the deployment of ICE agents for security.

A "living" artificial pancreas implant could be a breakthrough for people with diabetes

New bill aims to strengthen Ky. ban on child marriage

Kentucky Senator Julie Raque Adams has introduced Senate Bill 156 to strengthen the state's ban on child marriage by addressing gaps in reporting, oversight, and age verification. The bill aims to clarify statutory language, strengthen proof-of-age requirements, and improve training for officials, ensuring consistent enforcement and protection of children.

US, China opt out of joint declaration on AI use in military

An AI startup founder says he's planning a 'March for Billionaires' in protest of California's wealth tax

TechCrunch reports on Derik Kaufmann, founder of AI startup RunRL, who is organizing a 'March for Billionaires' in San Francisco to protest California's proposed wealth tax. The tax, which would impose a 5% one-time tax on individuals with a net worth over $1 billion, has faced backlash from tech elites. Kaufmann, who claims the event is not funded by any outside group, argues that the tax would be detrimental to the startup economy, forcing founders to liquidate shares at unfavorable terms. Despite the march, the legislation is unlikely to pass, as Governor Gavin Newsom has stated he would veto it if it reached his desk.

House Dem Leader Jeffries: "F*** Donald Trump"

Colorado funeral home owner who abused nearly 200 corpses gets 40 years, decried as a ‘monster’

A Colorado funeral home owner, Jon Hallford, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for abusing nearly 200 corpses and giving families fake ashes. His former wife, Carie Hallford, who co-owned the funeral home, is scheduled for sentencing in April. The couple pleaded guilty to corpse abuse and federal fraud charges, including cheating the government out of nearly $900,000 in pandemic-era small business aid. Family members of the deceased were devastated to learn that the ashes they received were not their loved ones.

Brothers of Renee Good, woman killed by immigration officer, call for action in Congress

The brothers of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen killed by an immigration officer in Minneapolis, are urging Congress to take action. They shared their grief and called for change at a congressional hearing on use-of-force complaints against Homeland Security officers.

Pinterest CEO rebukes, fires 'obstructionist' employees who created tool to track layoffs

Pinterest CEO Bill Ready rebukes and fires employees who created a tool to track layoffs, emphasizing the importance of constructive debate and privacy.

New Mexico warns against consuming raw milk after newborn dies from listeria

New Mexico health officials warn against consuming raw milk after a newborn died from a listeria infection likely contracted from the mother drinking raw milk during pregnancy. The incident highlights the risks of raw dairy products to pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Pasteurization, which kills germs in milk, is recommended to prevent such illnesses and deaths.