California to use generative AI to improve services, cut traffic jams
sacramento, california — California could soon deploy generative artificial intelligence tools to help reduce traffic jams, make roads safer and provide tax guidance, among other things, under new agreements announced Thursday as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s efforts to harness…
Technology crushing human creativity? Apple’s new iPad ad strikes nerve online
NEW YORK — A newly released ad promoting Apple’s new iPad Pro has struck quite a nerve online. The ad, which was released by the tech giant Tuesday, shows a hydraulic press crushing just about every creative instrument artists and…
US dedicates $60 million to saving water along the Rio Grande
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — The U.S. government is dedicating $60 million over the next few years to projects along the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico and West Texas to make the river more resilient in the face of climate…
It’s not a matter of if a hurricane will hit Florida, but when, forecasters say
SANFORD, Florida — With the start of hurricane season less than a month away, U.S. officials who predict, prepare for and respond to natural disasters had a message for Floridians on Friday: It’s not a matter of if a hurricane…
Solar storm puts on light show, no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on a skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration…
Battles rage in Ukraine; Russian forces claim they’ve captured 5 villages
Fierce battles continue for a second day in northeastern Ukraine, where the Russian Defense Ministry said its troops captured five villages — a claim Kyiv contested. The ministry said Moscow’s forces had taken the villages of Pletenivka, Ohirtseve, Borysivka, Pylna…
8 more Chinese cities join Hong Kong solo travel scheme
HONG KONG — Eight Chinese cities have joined a program allowing their residents to travel to Hong Kong on their own, rather than as part of a tour group, as part of efforts to boost Hong Kong’s economy. Hong Kong…
China tests European unity through Xi Jinping’s trip
Taipei, Taiwan — Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his high-profile European tour Friday after signing dozens of agreements with France, Hungary and Serbia, while reiterating Beijing’s desire to enhance “mutually beneficial cooperation” between China and Europe. Some analysts say Xi’s…
Urgent needs of refugees, vulnerable people surge in flood-hit Brazil
GENEVA — As Brazil’s heavily flooded southern state of Rio Grande do Sul braces for a weekend of intense rain, the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, is calling for greater support to help tens of thousands of refugees, who are among…
UN reports 300 deaths from flash floods in northern Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD — The United Nations and Taliban authorities said Saturday that the death toll from flash floods following heavy seasonal rains in Afghanistan’s northern Baghlan province had risen to a least 300. The U.N. World Food Program said the flooding…