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American president’s comments signal tensions with ally IsraelView the full article

The company behind the Opera browser is launching yet another AI tool with Opera Neon, an agentic AI browser. This basically means that it's a browser with an AI agent built in, which can go beyond answering questions and will purportedly be able to browse the internet for you to help you get various things done. This includes helping you plan trips, booking vacations, and even creating web apps with simple natural language prompts. Oddly enough, this isn't Opera's first go at agentic AI, as it follows the announcement for the standard Opera browser's Browser Operator tool. Technically, Browser Operator isn't released yet, but it seems the difference is that Neon's use cases will be a bit broader, as the AI will supposedly even able to generate content in the cloud while you're offline. The catch is that Neon isn't free, and is currently invite-only. Opera says it'll require a paid subscription when it launches, and while the company hasn't revealed the pricing or the launch date yet, you can join a waitlist to get notified about details closer to release, plus get in line for an invite. Opera says you'll be able to use the integrated AI as a chatbot and it will be able to search the web to find answers for you. It'll also be able to handle repetitive tasks such as filling forms and shopping. The biggest draw seems to be its ability to create content, though. On the Opera Neon website, a sample screenshot shows a someone requesting the AI to make a "retro snake game" for them. One plus going for this product is that it claims to be able to analyze webpages without recording your screen all the time (looking at you, Recall). Opera also claims that your browsing history, website data, and login information will be stored locally on your computer, which is good for anyone with privacy concerns. It goes without saying that all of these features will only be as useful as the AI model is accurate. The last thing I'd want is to have a faceless AI model book an overpriced hotel in a shady location, so I'll be taking all these trip planning claims with a pinch of salt until I see Neon in action. While launching new products always gets more attention, the sheer number of Opera's recent releases means that its browser lineup is getting a bit confusing. Opera currently has the following browsers listed on its website: Opera Browser, Opera GX, Opera Air, and Opera Mini. This makes Opera Neon the fifth product in the lineup. Each has its own specialty, but I'm starting to feel a little choice paralysis here. View the full article

The yield on 10-year benchmark Treasuries was up about three basis points following Wednesday's sale, after earlier climbing more than five basis points. View the full article

US vice-president promises ‘pro-innovation’ regulatory agenda in speech at Las Vegas conferenceView the full article

Messaging app’s 1bn users will gain access to Grok chatbot after Tesla chief met chat app’s founder Pavel DurovView the full article

Fast Company is the official media partner of Summit Detroit. At Summit events, unlikely pairings of innovative yet seemingly disconnected people regularly take the stage. In the past, Summit attendees have heard Kendrick Lamar and Quentin Tarantino discuss their creative processes; investor Brad Gerstner do a deep dive into Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi’s background and upbringing; and Al Gore and actor and entrepreneur Jaden Smith unite over their work combating the climate crisis. This signature feature of Summit events will be no different at Summit Detroit this June 5–8. “Summit becomes the conduit for all of these amazing intersections to happen,” says Summit CEO Jody Levy. Check out just some of the unique pairings coming to Summit Detroit: Picking winners in the AI arms race with Brad Keywell and Dick Costolo Venture investor and former Twitter CEO Dick Costolo and serial entrepreneur Brad Keywell will share the criteria they use to evaluate AI startups, the signals that separate hype from substance, and what most investors get wrong about the space. They will also reflect on the broader implications of AI: the good, the bad, and the potentially catastrophic. How autonomous vehicles, reusable rockets, and humanoid robots will define our solar system for the next 200 years with Franz von Holzhausen and Kiko Dontchev In their first-ever stage conversation, Franz von Holzhausen, chief designer at Tesla, and Kiko Dontchev, SpaceX’s VP of launch, will discuss innovations in revolutionizing transportation, manufacturing, and sustainable design. A new era of creative leadership with LP Giobbi and Ivy Ross Ivy Ross, Google’s VP of design and a trailblazer in neuroaesthetics—the exploration of how the brain responds to art—moderates a deep dive with LP Giobbi, DJ, pianist, and founder of Femme House. Together, they’ll explore how music, design, and science are converging to rewire how we create, connect, and lead. Symbols, systems, and the battle for public imagination with Shepard Fairey and Hank Willis Thomas Two of the most influential impact- and mission-focused artists of our time, Shepard Fairey and Hank Willis Thomas, explore the power of visual language in public areas and its ability to disrupt power, reclaim space, and challenge dominant narratives in a time when truth feels contested. The future of ownership, wealth, and economic power in America with Dr. Bernice A. King, Ashley Bell, and Dhani Jones Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center; Ashley Bell, founder and CEO of fintech platform Ready Life; and former NFL linebacker Dhani Jones will discuss the National Black Bank Foundation, which pioneers a new financial model merging economic justice with investment opportunity. The funny thing about being human with Lori Gottlieb and Ben Gleib As the voice behind The New York Times’ “Ask the Therapist” column and the bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, Lori Gottlieb has helped millions rethink their inner narratives. Gottlieb will join comedian and cultural critic Ben Gleib to explore the hidden threads of identity, self-deception, and transformation. This conversation will offer a disarmingly funny and powerfully clarifying account of our mysterious inner lives and our capacity to shape them. Why creativity still matters in an AI world with Ivy Ross, Eames Demetrios, and Fast Company’s Mark Wilson As generative AI transforms how we build, communicate, and imagine, the role of human creativity has never been more vital. In a time when algorithms can mimic aesthetics and automate storytelling, what distinguishes truly meaningful work? This conversation brings together Google’s Ivy Ross and designer Eames Demetrios to explore how creativity isn’t being replaced, it’s being redefined. Moderated by Fast Company’s global design editor Mark Wilson, this session will delve into why imagination, intuition, and emotion remain irreplaceable tools in shaping beauty, connection, and culture and why design thinking must not only keep pace with AI, but chart the course forward. Learn more about Summit and apply to attend Summit Detroit this June 5-8, 2025. Tickets start at $4,750. View the full article

A German court ruled against a Peruvian farmer Wednesday in a landmark case that claimed global warming fueled by energy company RWE ‘s historical greenhouse gas emissions put his home at risk. Farmer and mountain guide Saúl Luciano Lliuya said glaciers above his hometown of Huaraz are melting, increasing the risk of catastrophic flooding. RWE, which has never operated in Peru, denied legal responsibility, arguing that climate change is a global issue caused by many contributors. Experts said the case had the potential to set a significant precedent in the fight to hold major polluters accountable for climate change. Here’s a look at other climate cases being watched closely: An environmental group has asked the Dutch Supreme Court to uphold a landmark lower court ruling that ordered energy company Shell to cut carbon emissions by net 45% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. That ruling was overturned in November by an appeals court — a defeat for the Dutch arm of Friends of the Earth and other environmental groups, which had hailed the original 2021 ruling as a victory for the climate. Climate activists have scored several courtroom victories, including in 2015, when a court in The Hague ordered the government to cut emissions by at least 25% by the end of 2020 from benchmark 1990 levels. The Dutch Supreme Court upheld that ruling five years ago. ___ The United Nations’ top court held two weeks of hearings in December into what countries worldwide are legally required to do to combat climate change and help vulnerable nations fight its impacts. The case was spurred by a group of island nations that fear they could simply disappear under rising sea waters, prompting the U.N. General Assembly asked the International Court of Justice for an opinion on “the obligations of States in respect of climate change.” Any decision in the case, the largest in the court’s history, would be non-binding advice and could not directly force wealthy nations to act, though it could serve as the basis for other legal actions, including domestic lawsuits. In another advisory opinion requested by small island nations, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea last year said carbon emissions qualify as marine pollution and countries must take steps to mitigate and adapt to their adverse effects. ___ Colombia and Chile are awaiting an advisory opinion from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights on whether countries are responsible for climate change harms and, if so, what their obligations are to respond on human rights grounds. A four-day hearing was held this month in the Brazilian state of Amazonas and an opinion is expected by the end of the year. Much of the testimony focused on indigenous rights in Latin America, including whether industries violate their rights to life and to defend their land from environmental harm. ___ Dozens of U.S. states and local governments have filed lawsuits alleging that fossil fuel companies misled the public about how their products could contribute to climate change, claiming billions of dollars in damage from more frequent and intense storms, flooding, rising seas and extreme heat. In March the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit from Republican attorneys general in 19 states aimed at blocking climate change suits against the oil and gas industry from Democratic-led states. And state supreme courts in Massachusetts, Hawaii and Colorado have rejected attempts by oil companies to dismiss lawsuits, allowing them to proceed in lower courts. Even so, the Department of Justice recently sued Hawaii and Michigan to prevent the states from seeking damages from fossil fuel companies in state court for harms caused by climate change. The DOJ also sued New York and Vermont, challenging their climate superfund laws that would force fossil fuel companies to pay into state-based funds based on previous greenhouse gas emissions. ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. View the full article

It's not easy to maintain your privacy when using technology today. That's largely the fault of companies who prioritize data collection over the integrity of their users. But even though I'm quite used to the lack of respect most companies pay towards my privacy and security, I have to admit, I'm a bit taken aback by T-Mobile's latest decision. T-Life, T-Mobile's tech support app, has a rather unconventional and unnerving feature. For some users, it appears T-Life can record your screen whenever you have the app open. This setting is quite hidden, and worse, enabled by default. Who signed off on this? How T-Life's screen recording worksThankfully, the privacy and security implications aren't quite as bad as the headlines make it seem. T-Mobile says the feature is strictly for T-Life tech support—not for spying. As a T-Mobile spokesperson told CNET, "To help us give customers who use T-Life a smoother experience, we are rolling out a new tool in the app that will help us quickly troubleshoot reported or detected issues. This tool records activities within the app only and does not see or access any personal information." Still, this explanation doesn't excuse quietly enabling in-app screen recording for customers without their knowledge. I have no issue with a company like T-Mobile offering tools that aid tech support when all parties are willing and able, but as CNET points out, the app already has such a feature called "Screen Share" under Help & support. Seems redundant to have a separate "screen recording" setting that serves a similar purpose—especially when it appears the company wasn't planning on telling people about it before the news broke. When you do take a look at the setting in the T-Life app, you'll see the following description: "We use a tool to record how customers use the app to analyze and improve your experience. Only T-Mobile will review and analyze your info. If you turn this toggle on or magenta, we will record your screen while you use the app. If you turn this toggle off or gray, we will not record your screen." Yikes. How to disable T-Life's screen recordingTo disable the feature, open T-Life, then head to Settings > Preferences. Here, you'll see Screen recording tool, where you can disable the setting. (You'll know it's off if it turns gray.) If you don't see the setting, you might not be affected. T-Life hasn't rolled out this feature to all users yet, so it is possible the app isn't screen recording for you at this time. Reports say T-Mobile has rolled this out to iPhone and Android users alike, so don't assume you're safe because you use one platform or the other. View the full article

The Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization has created a new version of, as well as enhanced the current edition. of its reference model. View the full article

Labour party’s approach to managing the public finances has been too haphazardView the full article

Government is seeking to save £5bn a year by reforming disability benefits known as ‘personal independence payments’View the full article

A woman paid a witch on Etsy for a love spell. Instead of following through, the witch found the man online and sent him screenshots of the conversation. Now, people are calling it a WIPPA violation. “Guys the Etsy witch told on me,” @andtheg4gis cried in a TikTok posted on Monday. “I said the guy’s name, his birthday and stuff, and she literally DM’d him on Instagram and exposed me.” The video has since been viewed 2.4 million times and spread across other social media platforms. “Imagine getting a “hey girly” text from a witch,” one person commented. Many in the comments are calling for the TikTok user to drop the name of the Etsy seller, just so they know who to avoid. Some are calling for her to report the witch for violating her trust. As a former Etsy witch, either she was a hater or you wanted something HENIOUS,” one wrote. Other’s are less sympathetic. “Honestly good on the Etsy witch,” one person commented. The ethical considerations of love spells, if you believe they exist, are complex. “I mean that sucks but that’s also what you get for trying to use a love spell on someone,” wrote another. Fast Company has reached out to @andtheg4gis for comment. The $2.3 Billion Business of Belief Love spells are a thriving cottage industry on TikTok and Etsy. A quick search found over 1000 results of love spells for sale, starting from as little as $0.78, up to $5000+. Fast Company can not verify the legitimacy of these spells; use at your own risk. A “commitment spell” to help you “get that ring” is currently on sale for $45. The seller has 2,750 reviews. Another seller, with over 150 reviews, offers a “Dark Bind” spell currently on sale for $49.70. Send over the name, age, gender, your relationship to the subject and a brief explanation. Adding a photo is optional, but does claim to strengthen the spell—which is available in two intensities. Psychic services, including spells, are big business. About 3 in 10 Americans make use of astrology, tarot cards or fortune tellers at least once a year, according to a nationwide survey by the Pew Research Center. The industry, which includes various specialties such as astrology, palm-reading, psychic readings and fortune telling, generated an estimated $2.3 billion in revenue in 2024 and employed 105,000 people, according to market research firm IBIS World. While 20% use these services “just for fun,” according to Pew, about 1% rely on what they learn from these practices for major life decisions. If you can’t trust witches, who can you trust? View the full article

GameStop is taking its promised bitcoin investment seriously—$500-million-worth-of-bitcoin serious, in fact. The video game retailer (which has also become a meme stock) announced the purchase of 4,710 bitcoin, the oldest and largest cryptocurrency, on Wednesday. The company first announced that it had set its sights on cryptocurrency in early March, Fast Company reported, following the GameStop board’s unanimous decision to add bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset, allowing the company to invest its corporate cash, future debt, and equity issuances on digital tokens. Valued at $108,493 per bitcoin at the time of writing, today’s announced investment amounts to around $511 million. As of February of this year, the company held around $4.8 billion in cash, and said in a regulatory filing that it has not set a ceiling for accumulated bitcoin. While the news had an initial positive response in premarket trading, the stock sank as much as 4% (at the time of writing), trading at $30.9 in comparison to the prior day’s closing at $35. Fast Company reached out to GameStop but did not receive a comment at the time of publishing. The bitcoin purchase marks the next step for CEO Ryan Cohen’s plan to improve the company’s profitability. Cost-cutting efforts included closing 590 brick-and-mortar locations last fiscal year. While this year’s fourth-quarter net sales fell to $1.2 billion compared to the prior year’s $1.7 billion, the retailer saw an increase in net income, rising to $131.3 million compared to $63.1 million the year before. The company’s direction has been relatively effective, with stock up around 8% this year, and a current market valuation of $14.2 billion. Following an uptick in stock price in March—due in part to the initial investment policy announcement—GameStop has seen a steady rise despite a decline in early May. The expansion of the company’s portfolio investment toward cryptocurrency follows in the footsteps of software company Strategy (formerlyMicroStrategy), which is the largest corporate holder of bitcoin following years of investments. The decision to turn to digital tokens also follows President The President’s focus on cryptocurrency, with his administration establishing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, and the president launching his eponymous token and hosting a private dinner with holders. View the full article

Fast-fashion group has been hit by US tariffs while flotation has also faced regulatory challenges over risk factorsView the full article

Bill Pulte and the government-sponsored enterprise's chief executive will be working with a firm that analyzes big data and utilizes artificial intelligence. View the full article

The The President administration has decimated climate science across the country, from the mass layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to the shuttering of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Now, scientists are defending their work, and its value to the country, by speaking directly to Americans through a 100-hour livestream full of presentations on everything from air quality to extreme heat to weather stations. Beginning Wednesday, May 28 at 1 p.m. ET, the Weather and Climate Livestream will span five days, ending on Sunday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m. ET. It will feature climate scientists and meteorologists who will talk about their work and the impact of research cuts, and take audience questions. The event kicks off with Kate Marvel, a climate scientist who was formerly an associate researcher at GISS, who will be live streaming the last hours of the GISS lab. That 43,000-square-foot space near Columbia University has been crucial to climate science, but is closing because the The President administration terminated its lease. The livestream will also include a panel discussion with terminated NOAA employees—in March, the The President administration laid off more than 1,000 people—and another with the former directors of the National Weather Service, as well as “primetime” talks from experts on topics like floods, drought, and hurricanes. Prominent climate scientist Daniel Swain—who often hosts his own virtual “office hours” on climate news, heat waves, and wildfires—will be participating with an “Ask Me Anything” session, open to audience questions, on Saturday, May 31 at 9:30 p.m. ET. The 100-hour Weather and Climate Livestream is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@wclivestream/live. It’s billed as a non-partisan event, organized in part by members of the Union of Concerned Scientists. To the participants, it’s also an opportunity to try to save America’s weather forecasts; the event website includes a link for Americans to contact their representatives and urge them to restore weather and climate funding. The President’s funding cuts Scientists, and everyday Americans are already feeling the cuts from the The President administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): The National Weather Service, for example, is already flying fewer weather balloons, which hampered forecasters’ ability to get accurate and timely data to the public about recent hail storms and tornadoes. NWS field offices are short staffed and scrambling to have regular coverage. Hurricane season is also approaching, and is expected to be above-average, with 13 to 19 named storms. The President’s cuts would eliminate climate models that provide accurate forecasting, as well as FEMA services that would help Americans recover from climate disasters. The administration’s cuts would also close multiple research institutions and labs, all six of NOAA’s regional climate centers, and end $70 million in grants to research universities. That means thousands of scientists will lose their funding, which translates to less storm forecasting, no more climate monitoring for farmers, and coastal communities without information on things like tides and flood risk. “For generations, the U.S. government has invested in the science that helps us do so, building one of the greatest meteorology and climate science communities in the world,” the Weather and Climate Livestream website reads. “In recent months, this community has been thwarted in our mission of serving the public due to substantial cuts and firings.” But it’s not too late to stop those cuts, the livestream organizers note. Already, the The President administration has walked back some cuts in the face of public pressure—like by reopening shuttered weather data centers. The 100-hour livestream is a way to “help keep this pressure building,” the site reads. The Weather and Climate Livestream website includes more information on topics, speakers, and the schedule for the 100-hour event. View the full article

EU negotiators privately admit Washington’s ‘reciprocal’ tariffs are unlikely to be overturned in fullView the full article

While updating, upgrading, and reimagining your home can transform it into your dream home, the logistics involved can be daunting, even if you have a general contractor managing the project for you. One of the biggest challenges is setting your budget—unless you have an unlimited budget (lucky you!), determining what a home renovation will involve based on what you can afford is a key aspect of your plan. It’s also one of the most confusing. When budgeting reality bumps up against your dream home fantasy, figuring out what to remove from the project can be difficult because of the emotional aspects involved—everything can seem equally necessary when you’re imagining your future life in the home. In order to pare things down in a coherent and rational way, take a page from business school experts and use the time-tested MoSCoW Method. What is the MoSCoW method?The MoSCoW method was innovated by software developer Dai Clegg in the 1990s as a way to prioritize components of a project in order to stay on schedule and within budget. Although it was initially envisioned as a software development tool (and more widely as a tool for managing business projects in general), it’s malleable enough that it can be ideal for varied circumstances—including getting control of a home renovation project. The method involves breaking all the aspects of your project into four buckets, represented by the letters M, S, C, and W (the Os are just there to make the name more readable). The categories are: Must-haves. These are aspects of the project that are non-negotiable and mandatory. Should-haves. These are parts of the project that aren’t absolutely necessary, but are relatively important. Could-haves. These are smaller details that can easily be removed from the project or added in later if budget allows. Won’t haves. These are aspects of the project that aren’t under consideration at all. The simplicity of the MoSCoW method is its main strength—it’s easy to whip your home reno budget into shape in a short time by plopping everything into the relevant bucket. Using MoSCoW to plan a home renovation projectWhen you’re planning out your home renovation, start dropping each aspect into a bucket as you go: Things that absolutely have to be done are Must Haves. For example, if part of your renovation is replacing a leaking roof, that’s a Must Have—you have no choice, so that cost is baked into your budget from the get-go. Major components of the project that aren’t absolutely necessary fall into the Should Have bucket. If your old hardwood floors are worn but serviceable, replacing them is a big part of what you want to get out of the renovation—but you could leave them in place, or try to refinish them instead of replacing them. These would be the last parts of your project that you remove or downgrade. Grace notes and luxuries go into the Could Have bucket and held there pending how the budget plays out. For example, maybe you’d like your new flooring to have radiant heating. That’s nice, but not an absolute necessity. If money opens up later in the planning, you can toss it in. Finally, there’s the Won’t Have bucket. This might seem like an unnecessary step, since anything not already sorted into a bucket could be considered a Won’t Have. But the exercise of specifically labeling it as a Won’t Have is useful because it brings clarity to your priorities. If you find more budget later, you’ve already prioritized the Could Haves as more deserving of rescue. Won’t Haves aren’t necessarily things you’ll never do—they’re just things you’re not doing now. For example, maybe your HVAC system is a little old and you’re thinking it will need to be replaced in the next few years—but not at this moment, because you’re spending your money on all these other projects. So you put that into the Won’t Have bucket because you know you’ll be returning to it in the future. Once you’ve done an initial categorization of your home renovation, you can start crunching numbers to see if changes are necessary or desired. Maybe you decide, on reflection, that a Should Have is really a Must Have, or vice versa. And if your budget can’t deliver on every priority, you can shift some things into the Could Have bucket and hold them in reserve for the future. Any successful home renovation is as much about planning and prioritization as it is about budget and schedule management, and the MoSCoW Method can help ensure your project is on track before anyone touches a power tool. View the full article

The issuer of USDC, a popular stablecoin that’s pegged to the U.S. dollar, is officially launching an initial public offering. Circle Internet Group filed paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday to raise up to $624 million by offering 24 million shares to investors. With its IPO plans, New York-based Circle is hoping to put a lot of circles—well, zeros—behind its valuation, targeting up to $6.71 billion. Tuesday’s filing has been long-awaited, as the company confidentially filed for an IPO in January 2024 after scrapping 2022 plans to go public via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). While more players in the crypto space have been diving into public markets in recent years, Circle’s filing comes at pivotal timing amid a lot of interest in stablecoins. The company’s biggest coin, USDC, is the seventh-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, according to CoinMarketCap, and second-largest stablecoin behind Tether. You may have been hearing more talk of stablecoins among investors and even the U.S. government. But what even is a stablecoin, anyway? If you’re confused, read on for a complete breakdown of what you need to know. What is a stablecoin? Stablecoins serve a much different role in the crypto space than the likes of Bitcoin or Ethereum, which can experience wild spikes in their prices. As the name suggests, stablecoins are intentionally stable in price because their value is pegged to an asset like the U.S. dollar. Both the Tether and USDC coins are pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, meaning that for every unit of these cryptocurrencies in circulation, they’re backed by $1 of cash or U.S. Treasury bonds. Their prices typically fluctuate only tiny fractions of a cent higher or lower than $1. Even amid Tuesday’s IPO news, the price of USDC was essentially flat. Circle is also the issuer of EURC, which is pegged to the value of the euro. Given their price stability, stablecoins offer a valuable ballast to investors amid the volatility of crypto markets for investors. Once popular as a bridge between traditional and decentralized finance markets, there’s been more interest in stablecoins as various countries around the world embrace cryptocurrencies. What’s the government’s stance on stablecoins and regulation? If you feel like you’re hearing more about stablecoins lately, it’s because they’ve been the topic of recent debate in the U.S. Senate. In February, Senator Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee, introduced the GENIUS Act, which would have classified stablecoins as securities under the jurisdiction of the SEC to establish regulatory guardrails for these coins. That Act would have brought a new layer of legitimacy to the crypto industry by bringing stablecoins into the regulated financial system. But the U.S. Senate voted earlier this month to block further advancement of the GENIUS Act, which was widely viewed as a significant setback for the industry. Once a skeptic, President Donald The President has become a vocal proponent of cryptocurrencies, though some investors worry his support isn’t helping. The $The President meme coin launched just days before he returned to the office for his second term. In March, he voiced his support for legislation that provides regulatory certainty for stablecoins and has said he wants the U.S. to be the “crypto capital” of the world. When is Circle’s IPO? Even though stablecoins have been the topic of much debate in Washington, D.C. that’s not likely to affect Circle’s IPO. There’s been a relative dearth of initial public offerings since an all-time record in 2021 and investors may be eager to hop aboard a new offering, particularly amid a broader market recovery. Circle has applied to list its stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CRCL” and indicated that shares could be priced between $24 and $26. But there’s no definitive timeline yet for when the stock could begin trading. View the full article

Elon Musk is criticizing the centerpiece of President Donald The President’s legislative agenda, a significant fracture in a partnership that was forged during last year’s campaign and was poised to reshape American politics and the federal government. The billionaire entrepreneur, who supported The President’s candidacy with at least $250 million and has worked for his administration as a senior adviser, said he was “disappointed” by what the president calls his “big beautiful bill.” The legislation includes a mix of tax cuts and enhanced immigration enforcement. While speaking to CBS, Musk described it as a “massive spending bill” that increases the federal deficit and “undermines the work” of his Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE. “I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful,” Musk said. “But I don’t know if it could be both.” His CBS interview came out Tuesday night. White House officials did not immediately respond to questions. Republicans recently pushed the legislation through the House and are debating it in the Senate. Musk’s comments come as he steps back from his government work, rededicating himself to companies like the electric automaker Tesla and rocket manufacturer SpaceX. He’s also said he’ll reduce his political spending, because “I think I’ve done enough.” At times, he’s seemed chastened by his experience working in government. Although he hoped that DOGE would generate $1 trillion in spending cuts, he’s fallen far short of that target. “The federal bureaucracy situation is much worse than I realized,” he told The Washington Post. “I thought there were problems, but it sure is an uphill battle trying to improve things in D.C., to say the least.” Musk had previously been effusive about the opportunity to reshape Washington. He wore campaign hats in the White House, held his own campaign rallies and talked about excessive spending as an existential crisis. He was also effusive in his praise of The President. “The more I’ve gotten to know President The President, the more I like the guy,” Musk said at one point. “Frankly, I love him.” The President repaid the favor, describing Musk as “a truly great American.” When Tesla faced declining sales, he turned the White House driveway into a makeshift showroom to illustrate his support. It’s unclear what, if any, impact that Musk’s comments about the bill would have on the legislative debate. During the transition period, he helped whip up opposition to a spending measure as the country stood on the brink of a federal government shutdown. But The President remains the dominant figure within the Republican Party, and many lawmakers have been unwilling to cross the president when he applies pressure for his agenda. The Congressional Budget Office, in a preliminary estimate, said the tax provisions would increase federal deficits by $3.8 trillion over the decade, while the changes to Medicaid, food stamps and other services would reduce spending by slightly more than $1 trillion over the same period. House Republican leaders say increased economic growth would allow the bill to be deficit neutral or reducing, but outside watchdogs are skeptical. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates the bill would add $3 trillion to the debt, including interest, over the next decade. —Chris Megerian, Associated Press Associated Press writer Kevin Freking contributed. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Samsung announced the new Galaxy S25 Series back in January, a three-phone lineup with a fourth variation that was teased a month later, which you can preorder right now with a $50 Amazon gift card before its May 30 release. Out of those four, the Galaxy S25 is the most basic model with the lowest price, and currently, it's hitting a new record low price of $624.99 (originally $799.99), according to price-tracking tools. SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 128GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Camera, Fast Processor, ProScaler Display, Long Battery Li $734.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $799.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Get Deal $734.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $799.99 Save $65.00 The S25 has some upgrades from the S24 lineup: The best features in the OS are shared by all four phones, so you can still enjoy the best features from One UI 7, including exclusive media and notifications features from the cheapest option. Two of the best are Now Bar and Now Brief, which show you brief alerts or notifications personalized to your feed and activities. The Galaxy S25 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, has three rear lenses, including a 50MP wide-angle lens, and a 6.2-inch and 120Hz OLED display. The RAM is a generous 12GB, with the storage options starting at 128 GB. Currently, the mint color is the cheapest available. PCMag gave the Galaxy S25 an "excellent" review for its useful AI features, a bright screen, good battery life, and excellent build quality. You can expect about 14 hours of juice from this phone. Keep in mind it does not support the S Pen stylus. Given its small size of 5.78 by 2.78 by 0.28 inches, it's a great option for those who prefer smaller phones. View the full article

Big U.S. banks are holding internal discussions about expanding into cryptocurrencies as they get stronger endorsements from regulators, but initial steps will be tentative, centering on pilot programs, partnerships or limited crypto trading, according to four industry executives. Wall Street giants that had been largely blocked from many crypto activities by strict regulations are poised to grow quickly. Yet the biggest lenders are still hesitant to be the first among rivals to expand too heavily into crypto in case they fall afoul of changing rules, said the four executives, who declined to be identified since they were discussing internal business plans. If a major firm expands without issues, others will be fast followers to run small-scale pilot projects and weigh other business prospects, the executives said. Jamie Dimon, CEO of the largest U.S. bank, JPMorgan Chase, ruled out getting into custody—storing crypto assets for clients—or expanding significantly even if regulations ease. “When I look at the bitcoin universe, the leverage in the system, the misuse in the system, the money laundering issues, trafficking, I’m not a fan of it,” Dimon, a longtime crypto skeptic, told investors last week. “We’re going to allow you to buy it, we’re not going to custody it. . . . I don’t think you should smoke, but I defend your right to smoke. I defend your right to buy bitcoin,” he added. U.S. President Donald The President vowed to become the first “crypto president” before he took office. He has since wooed the industry’s elite at the White House, promised to boost the adoption of digital assets and said he aims to create a strategic bitcoin reserve. While there are welcoming signs, banks are seeking even clearer guidelines from the government clarifying what they can do in crypto, more than half a dozen industry executives said. “The shift in the stance is encouraging for traditional lenders, but they are still approaching it with caution and viewing the changes in regulation as an opportunity to engage and not a free pass,” said Dario de Martino, A&O Shearman M&A partner who works on crypto-related issues. Custody businesses to store and manage crypto assets are promising, bankers and executives said, but they have thin margins and potentially pose high risks. Most banks are likely to enter custody businesses through partnerships with existing crypto firms, sources said. Charles Schwab CEO Rick Wurster told Reuters earlier this month that the traffic lights from financial regulators were flashing “pretty green” for large firms to grow in crypto. The signals have reinforced Schwab’s plans to offer spot crypto trading within a year, he said. New regulators under The President have also signaled more bank-friendly crypto policies. The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency paved the way for lenders to engage in some crypto activities, such as custody, some stablecoin activities and participation in distributed ledger networks. The Securities and Exchange Commission also scrapped earlier accounting guidance that made it expensive for banks to deal in crypto. Bank of America could launch stablecoins, its CEO Brian Moynihan said earlier this year, and the U.S. banking industry will embrace cryptocurrencies for payments if regulations permit them. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley wants to work with regulators to see how it can be a middleman for crypto-related transactions, CEO Ted Pick said earlier this year. The lender is also exploring adding crypto to its e-trade platform, a source said. Some of the large banks are also exploring issuing a joint stablecoin, with the conversations in initial stages, another banking source said. Big banks seek more clarity around anti-money laundering rules and supervision before diving deeper into crypto. They are also asking for consistent guidelines across banking and market regulators before launching new businesses in digital assets, whose values are volatile. For now, banks are weighing their crypto prospects and running small-scale pilot programs. “While a much-improved environment, banks will continue to have concerns around anti-money laundering and regulatory compliance,” said Matthew Biben, co-head of the global financial services group at law firm King & Spalding. Shifting landscape Banks want to understand if they can engage in crypto lending, or if they are allowed to become market makers for digital assets, one of the banking sources said. The rules for traditional banking businesses are very well defined and there is complete clarity over what a bank is allowed to do and what is outside their ambit, similar well-defined guidelines are needed for digital assets too. The working group on crypto under David Sacks, the The President-appointed crypto czar, has no representation from banking regulators, which needs to be amended if the big banks are allowed to play any meaningful role in the business, two banking sources said. —Nupur Anand, Reuters Additional reporting by Saeed Azhar. View the full article

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If it seems like every tech company is trying shove AI into all of their products and services, that's because they are. And as someone who rarely (if ever) uses AI, it's a lot: I don't need AI to write my emails, nor do I want it to generate realistic videos that might trick viewers into thinking they're human-made. I certainly don't need it to serve up incorrect information when I try to search the internet. But Firefox's latest AI feature seems genuinely useful, likely because it isn't "making" anything for me. Instead its new AI-powered link previews simply show a small summary of the content on a webpage hidden behind a URL, so you'll have a better idea whether or not it's worth clicking on. Mozilla first announced these AI-generated link previews last month, before rolling them out as part of Firefox 139. The feature is currently in the "experimental" phase, and Mozilla is open to user feedback on how to adjust it. Here's how it works in its current iteration: When you hover your cursor over a URL and hit the corresponding keyboard shortcut, Firefox retrieves and analyzes the webpage's HTML without actually loading the page. It then looks for metadata that can help inform the page's title, description, and cover image. Once it has the data it needs, it displays whatever it has pulled up in a pop-out window. Like what you see? Go ahead and click through to see the full page. Not what you're looking for? Move on to the next link. Assuming the summaries are accurate, I can actually see this being something I rely on to give me an idea of whether or not a particular link is relevant to my current query—especially once Mozilla irons out some of the bugs. How to test out Firefox's AI-generated link previewsIn order to try AI link previews for yourself, you need to be running Firefox 139 (or newer). (If you're not sure which version you're on, open Firefox, head to Settings > General, then scroll to Firefox Updates. If there's a new update, install it, then relaunch the browser.) That accomplished, head back to Settings, then select Firefox Labs. Under "Customize your browsing," click the checkmark next to "Link previews." Credit: Lifehacker Now, open any website, hover over any link on your screen, and hit Shift + Alt (Windows) or Shift + Option (Mac). A small pop-up window should open immediately, along with the webpage's title and a brief description. Soon, you should also see the cover image for the page, then, after a few moments, Firefox will generate the page's "Key points." Credit: Lifehacker Are Firefox's AI link previews worth using?So far, the feature has been a bit hit-or-miss for me. Sometimes the key points it offers up are three well-summarized takeaways from the article. Other times, they are quotes lifted straight out of the article. Plagiarism aside, it's tough to get a sense of the scope of an article if the "key points" are just listing the first few ideas in the text. I suspect part of the problem is that what the AI sees as most important will vary based on how each site is configured: I found the previews frequently copied the text on Lifehacker articles verbatim, for example, while summarizing articles found on other sites. Again, this feature is in development, so Mozilla may need to figure out how to accommodate the variations in in websites design to make it uniformly useful. But as AI features go, I don't hate it, and in 2025, that's saying something. View the full article