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Trump Considers Tariff Cuts for TikTok Deal with China

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Wednesday that he might consider reducing tariffs on China to facilitate a deal concerning the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok. Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested that any agreement would require China's cooperation, potentially in the form of an approval for the deal. He expressed optimism that China would comply, stating, "Maybe I'll give them a little reduction in tariffs or something to get it done." Additionally, Trump hinted at the likelihood of extending a deadline if a resolution regarding TikTok was not reached in time. The comments underscore ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and China over the app, which has faced scrutiny over security concerns. sources

Published:
Mar 27 2025, 3 am

ChatGPT Aids Sensory Evaluation of Brownies: Study Findings

A study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has found that ChatGPT can assist in the sensory evaluation of food, particularly brownies, potentially expediting product development and recipe enhancement. Researchers examined 15 brownie recipes, including unconventional ingredients like mealworm powder and fish oil, and asked ChatGPT to describe their sensory attributes, such as taste and texture. The AI's responses were largely positive, even for the unusual recipes, reflecting a psychological phenomenon known as "hedonic asymmetry," where both humans and AI tend to view beneficial items favorably. Study author Damir Torrico noted that using AI could streamline the evaluation process, reducing reliance on human testers, which can be time-consuming and complicated. Future research aims to refine ChatGPT's responses to better mimic human descriptive panels, suggesting a promising role for AI in the food industry’s sensory evaluations. The findings were published in the journal _Foods_. sources

Published:
Mar 30 2025, 3 pm

High-Speed Chase of Stolen Truck Ends in Crash

A high-speed police chase in California on Friday culminated in chaos as a wanted man driving a stolen truck collided with 13 vehicles while attempting to evade capture. The pursuit began around 2:41 PM in downtown Los Angeles, with the suspect reaching speeds exceeding 160 km/h as he recklessly navigated through traffic, sideswiping cars and nearly hitting a bus. The chase ended when he ran a red light, crashing into a paint store's metal railing in Long Beach. After exiting the wrecked vehicle, he attempted to flee on foot but was subdued by nearly a dozen officers. The truck, owned by delivery driver Ricardo Colindes, was filled with his work equipment, which he expressed frustration over losing. Police arrested the suspect at 3:45 PM, with at least one officer injured during the apprehension. Charges are still pending as authorities investigate potential civilian injuries. sources

Published:
Mar 30 2025, 3 pm

Syria's Interim President Appoints New Ally-Dominated Government

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a new transitional government on Saturday, replacing the caretaker authorities established after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The government, which features close allies of Sharaa, includes one woman, Hind Kabawat, a veteran opposition figure and member of Syria's Christian minority, appointed as social affairs and labour minister. Key positions were retained by Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani and Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, while Anas Khattab became the interior minister. The new leadership aims to address international calls for an inclusive transition following recent sectarian violence. Sharaa, leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, signed a constitutional declaration to guide the country through a five-year transitional period. However, concerns remain regarding the concentration of power and the protection of minority rights amid ongoing tensions following Assad's December 8 overthrow. sources

Published:
Mar 30 2025, 3 pm

Bangkok Police: 'Most Victims Likely Dead' in Collapse

A 33-storey high-rise in Bangkok collapsed following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar, shaking the South Asian region on Friday. The unfinished building crumbled in seconds, prompting urgent rescue efforts, though police indicated that the chances of finding survivors were slim, with 17 confirmed dead, 32 injured, and 83 still unaccounted for, primarily construction workers. The building was part of a joint venture involving Thailand's State Audit Office and a Chinese firm, now under investigation for potential structural issues. Experts have raised concerns over the seismic safety of Bangkok's buildings, with only 10% deemed earthquake-proof. Meanwhile, the earthquake has devastated Myanmar, resulting in over 1,600 fatalities and thousands injured, leading the junta to request international aid for the first time amid a state of emergency across six regions. sources

Published:
Mar 30 2025, 3 pm

Sudan Chief: No Forgiveness, Compromise, or Negotiation in War

In a defiant televised address, Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declared his commitment to continuing military operations against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) until they disarm. Following the army's reclaiming of key locations in Khartoum, including the presidential palace, Burhan ruled out any negotiations, asserting that victory would only be achieved by eradicating the RSF completely. His comments came as the RSF formed a military alliance with a faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North, further complicating the conflict. The RSF has vowed to resist any surrender, and recent reports indicate they have launched drone attacks in the Blue Nile state. The ongoing war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 12 million people, leaving Sudan effectively divided between army-controlled regions in the north and RSF-held areas in the west and south. sources

Published:
Mar 30 2025, 1 pm

China Link in Bangkok's 33-Storey Building Collapses in Quake

A Chinese-backed construction firm is under investigation following the collapse of a 33-storey high-rise in Bangkok during a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that originated in central Myanmar. The unfinished building crumbled within seconds, leaving 17 confirmed dead, 32 injured, and 83 missing, primarily construction workers. Search teams, using thermal imaging drones, are working tirelessly in extreme heat to locate potential survivors. The building, part of a joint venture between Italy's Italian-Thai Development Plc and China Railway Number 10, had been under construction for three years, costing over two billion baht (£45 million). Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister has mandated an urgent investigation into the structural integrity of the site. Meanwhile, the earthquake has caused widespread devastation in Myanmar, with over 1,600 fatalities reported and hospitals overwhelmed, prompting a rare appeal for international aid from the country's military leader. sources

Published:
Mar 30 2025, 1 pm

Sam Altman Responds to Studio Ghibli Art Craze

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has urged users to pause the creation of AI-generated Studio Ghibli-style images, which have rapidly proliferated across social media platforms following the launch of the company's latest image generation tool in ChatGPT. Describing the demand as "insane," Altman emphasized that the team behind the technology needs rest, prompting him to introduce temporary restrictions on image generation. While paid subscribers can still access unlimited creations, free users are now limited to three images per day. Altman also humorously noted that the surge in image requests is straining the company's GPUs, which are reportedly "melting" under the pressure. Despite these challenges, he defended his team's capabilities and expressed optimism about enhancing the tool's efficiency. He acknowledged the irony of developing advanced AI only to be inundated with Ghibli-style renditions of himself, even updating his profile picture to reflect the trend. sources

Published:
Mar 30 2025, 1 pm

Trump Clarifies "What's A Woman" Amid Transgender Policy Debate

In a press conference at the Oval Office on Friday, US President Donald Trump addressed the contentious question of "What is a woman?" in the context of Women's History Month. Defining a woman as someone "who can have a baby," Trump’s remarks coincided with ongoing efforts by Republican-led states to legally define gender based on biological sex, thereby limiting transgender rights. The question arose during the introduction of Alina Habba as interim US attorney for New Jersey, prompting Trump to comment humorously on women's intelligence compared to men. He also expressed concern for the treatment of women, particularly transgender women in sports, calling it "demeaning" and "very unfair." These statements reflect his administration's broader policies, including executive orders that restrict transgender participation in women's athletics, limit gender-marker changes on passports, and eliminate federal funding for gender-affirming care for minors, while recognizing only two sexes: male and female. sources

Published:
Mar 30 2025, 2 pm

Venice Hosts Jeff Bezos' Wedding with 200 Guests, No Disruption

Venice authorities have sought to quell speculation surrounding the upcoming wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancée, journalist Lauren Sanchez, scheduled for late June. The municipality emphasized that only 200 guests are invited and dismissed claims of extensive party plans and excessive bookings, calling such reports "fake news." While some reports suggested lavish celebrations with up to 250 guests each night, the city confirmed that arrangements have been made for a limited number of gondolas and water taxis, ensuring minimal disruption to residents and tourists. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro welcomed the couple's choice of venue, noting the economic benefits the event could bring, but acknowledged concerns about potential overcrowding in a city already grappling with high tourist volumes. The city aims to maintain its normal operations during the event, reflecting its experience in hosting larger international gatherings. sources

Published:
Mar 30 2025, 11 am

White House Faces Backlash Over Ghibli-Style Criminal Post

The White House has faced backlash for posting a Ghibli-style illustration of Virginia Basora-Gonzalez, an illegal migrant and convicted fentanyl dealer, who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this month. The image, shared on the White House's official X account, sparked outrage as social media users condemned the portrayal, with one remarking on the "dystopian" nature of the post and others criticizing it as "embarrassing" leadership. Critics noted that even Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, known for his anti-war stance, would likely disapprove of his art style being used in this context. Basora-Gonzalez had previously been deported after a fentanyl trafficking conviction and was apprehended in Philadelphia while allegedly attempting to reenter the US. ICE officials defended the arrest, emphasizing their commitment to public safety. The incident has also raised ethical concerns regarding the use of AI in creative works. sources

Published:
Mar 30 2025, 12 pm

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