Ian McKellen will appear virtually in a new "mixed reality" play called An Ark, which uses smart glasses to blend virtual actors with the real world. The play, premiering in Manchester in March 2027, offers a new way to experience theatre by making actors seem present without their physical attendance.
Key Facts
Ian McKellen stars in An Ark, a mixed reality play debuting in the UK at Aviva Studios, Manchester.
The play uses smart glasses that show virtual actors alongside the real environment, unlike virtual reality that blocks out the real world.
McKellen’s role is virtual; he will not perform live on stage but may visit the play.
Four actors were filmed in a single take using 52 cameras to create the virtual performance.
The 47-minute play explores themes of life, death, human connection, and grief.
This technology aims to create intimate, personal experiences where actors seem to talk directly to audience members.
Factory International's 2027 program includes world and UK premieres and a special production of the opera Einstein on the Beach for Philip Glass’s 90th birthday.
Factory International seeks to explore the future and ethics of mixed reality technology through public events.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK government has asked Interpol to reject Argentina’s requests to arrest people involved in an oil project near the Falkland Islands, calling these requests politically motivated. The dispute over the Falklands’ sovereignty has increased tensions, with Argentina trying to block the oil project and target companies and individuals linked to it.
Key Facts
The UK sent a letter to Interpol asking them to reject Argentina’s “red notice” requests for arrests related to the Falklands oil project.
Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, wants to stop the Sea Lion oil project, which could greatly boost the Falklands’ economy.
The Falkland Islands government says Argentina’s use of Interpol is a political threat but hopes Interpol will not act on these requests.
Interpol’s rules say it cannot get involved in political matters, and it reviews all arrest requests carefully.
Argentina continues to claim the Falklands, but the islands held a 2013 vote where almost all residents chose to remain British.
Argentina has started legal cases against companies involved in the oil project, including the British firm Rockhopper Exploration.
There is a draft law in Argentina that would widen sanctions against those connected to the oil and fishing industries in the Falklands.
The Falklands is a British territory about 300 miles east of Argentina’s coast, and the dispute has been ongoing since a war in 1982.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A youth-led group in India called the Cockroach movement is protesting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. They oppose changes to the voter list that they say help Modi’s party and have continued protests despite a ban, leading to arrests and disruptions in New Delhi.
Key Facts
The Cockroach movement is led by young people in India.
Protesters are against a change in the voter list, which they believe favors Prime Minister Modi’s party.
The government imposed a ban on protests at a key site in New Delhi called Jantar Mantar.
Three leaders of the movement were arrested for breaking this protest ban.
The protests have caused business disruptions across India’s capital city.
The movement is gaining attention as it challenges the ruling government’s policies.
This protest is part of wider political tensions around elections and voting rights in India.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This news segment discusses whether spending a large amount of money on a college degree is still worth it. The hosts explain how to get good value from college and when the cost might be too high compared to the benefits.
Key Facts
College tuition can cost around $400,000 for four years.
The program talks about how to make the most of a college degree’s value.
It also covers situations when paying for college might not be worthwhile.
The discussion includes advice from hosts Jill and Mark.
A caller named Michael asks about affording a home renovation.
Other news topics mentioned include new AI models, President Trump’s Russia diesel deal, and various current events.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The news segment features an extended interview with singer-songwriter Ashe discussing her latest album and personal growth. It also covers various topics including President Donald Trump's recent actions, political updates, weather events, and other current issues in the United States.
Key Facts
Ashe talks about her fourth album, "The Girl of Your Dreams," and writing music during a healed phase of her life.
President Donald Trump promotes a diesel fuel deal with Russia’s President Putin.
Speaker Mike Johnson discusses his role as GOP leader and midterm elections.
Severe storms named Isaias and Rachel are affecting parts of the U.S., with residents preparing for impact.
FEMA is providing aid to struggling residents in Wisconsin after disasters.
Various interviews cover topics like Billy Crystal’s views on love and loss and the impact of the Iran war on fuel prices.
The news also reports on accidents, protests, legal issues, and health topics including flu season and new breast cancer technology.
Updates include the latest on ongoing investigations and political campaigning in key U.S. states.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Some parents consider getting a puppy when they have a newborn baby to help the child grow up with a pet. Experts say having both a baby and puppy at the same time can bring benefits but also adds a lot of work and responsibility.
Key Facts
Having a dog can help a baby's senses like touch, sound, and movement.
Dogs can support a child's social skills by showing different ways to communicate without words.
Puppies provide emotional comfort because they offer unconditional presence without judging.
Parents may get very tired caring for both a newborn and a puppy at the same time.
You cannot always predict how a puppy will act when it grows up; dogs have different personalities.
Babies and puppies both behave unpredictably, so adults must watch their interactions closely to keep them safe.
Adult dogs with known behavior may sometimes be better for families than puppies.
Early socialization and careful supervision are important to make sure children and dogs get along well.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article reflects on lessons learned from questioning Saddam Hussein. It highlights how different perspectives can change the way we understand history.
Key Facts
The article is based on experiences from interrogating Saddam Hussein.
It explains that history can look different depending on a person’s point of view.
The reflections come from someone who was directly involved in questioning Saddam Hussein.
Understanding these different views can help us see events more clearly.
The article suggests that the truth is often complex and depends on context.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Times of London published an investigation revealing that FIFA President Gianni Infantino received an undeclared second salary, which helped fund his luxury lifestyle in Miami. Meanwhile, in France and India, protests and political actions are ongoing related to education, elections, and social issues.
Key Facts
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was paid a second salary that was not officially declared.
This second income helped support Infantino’s expensive life in Miami.
High school students in France began "Act 5" of their protest movement, with teachers and farmers expected to join.
French parliamentary debate on the budget coincides with protests and political tensions.
French MPs planned a vote on a bill to combat sexual violence, but some key protections were rejected.
Amnesty International criticized the French bill for excluding vulnerable groups like trans women, foreigners, and sex workers.
In India, thousands of opposition supporters marched to the Supreme Court demanding the resignation of the electoral board chief over alleged voter fraud.
The Indian opposition claims millions of voters were wrongly removed from electoral lists; the government says these were duplicates or deceased voters.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Federal agents recently searched the home of Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar amid accusations from President Trump and his allies that she committed immigration fraud. Democratic leaders criticized the raid and called it an abuse of power, while Omar said she would not be silenced.
Key Facts
Federal agents raided Ilhan Omar's home, leading to strong reactions from her and Democratic leaders.
Omar and President Trump’s allies disagree over accusations of immigration fraud involving her family.
Omar stated the raid is part of a political intimidation campaign and vowed to keep speaking out.
House Democratic leaders called the federal search “deeply disturbing” and promised to hold officials accountable.
A federal judge temporarily stopped the Trump administration from airing taxpayer-funded TV ads promoting President Trump before the midterm elections.
New York’s mayor compared ICE agents who recently shot a man during an enforcement action to mass shooters, calling for an end to ICE operations in his city.
Anti-vaccine activists are questioning measles death counts during recent outbreaks and blaming medical errors, which public health experts say spreads distrust of doctors.
Latin American criminal groups are increasing their cocaine trafficking in Europe by working with local mafias, according to a major investigation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Chinese court sentenced three members of a criminal gang to death for running scam centers in Myanmar near the China border. The gang was involved in scams, drug trafficking, murder, and other crimes, stealing billions of dollars from victims. China is working with Southeast Asian countries to fight the growing illegal scam industry in the region.
Key Facts
Three gang members were sentenced to death for running scam centers in Myanmar's Kokang region.
The gang also committed crimes like drug trafficking, illegal gambling, prostitution, and murder.
The gang made over 12.2 billion yuan (about $1.8 billion) from their crimes.
3 other gang members got life sentences, and 55 more received prison terms from 3 to 24 years.
Scam centers lure Chinese workers with fake job offers and hold them in prison-like conditions.
The United Nations says scam centers operate worldwide, making tens of billions of dollars.
Myanmar's military has ignored these scam centers, which may fund militias allied with the military.
China is pressuring Myanmar to crack down on these criminal operations that affect its citizens.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israeli forces carried out raids on several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Ramallah, located in the West Bank. The raids included the offices of the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees and a human rights group, and also involved entering the courtyard of a government hospital.
Key Facts
Israeli military forces conducted raids in Ramallah in the West Bank.
Several NGOs were targeted, including the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees.
A prison support and human rights association was also raided.
The Israeli forces entered the courtyard of a government hospital during the raids.
The West Bank is a territory occupied by Israel under international law.
The events were reported by Al Jazeera’s Nida Ibrahim from Ramallah.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to exchange sanctions relief for Russian diesel, but no U.S. payments have been made yet. Trump criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky and suggested Ukraine needs a new leader to end the war, while Russia responded by rejecting ceasefire calls and offering limited election-day no-strike promises.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a deal offering sanctions relief to Russia in exchange for Russian diesel.
No U.S. dollars from this deal have yet reached Moscow’s bank account.
President Trump blamed Ukrainian President Zelensky for not ending the war and suggested Ukraine should have a new leader.
Ukraine is currently under martial law, which prohibits elections during the war.
A poll showed 71% of Ukrainians oppose holding elections while the war continues.
Putin’s Kremlin dismissed calls for a two-month ceasefire and only promised not to strike Ukraine on election day.
Russia continues attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite claims of an energy truce.
Trump claims Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an energy truce, but attacks happened shortly after his statements.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kroger plans to lay off 3,000 corporate workers over the next three years, which is about 37% of its corporate staff. The company aims to simplify operations, improve efficiency, and better focus resources on customers while integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its business.
Key Facts
Kroger will cut 3,000 corporate jobs by 2027, the largest layoffs in its 143-year history.
These cuts represent 37% of Kroger’s 8,200 corporate employees.
CEO Greg Foran said the goal is to speed up decision-making and reduce unnecessary management layers.
Kroger is increasing the use of AI to improve customer service and worker productivity.
In 2023, Kroger also closed about 60 stores, around 5% of its total stores.
A planned $25 billion merger with Albertsons was blocked by regulators, causing legal disputes and financial pressure.
Kroger reduced its full-year sales forecast due to slower growth and challenges like inflation and lower government food benefits.
The company is focusing on cutting costs while continuing to invest in customer experience and employee support.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Japanese and U.S. officials are reviewing rules for how U.S. troops behave off-base in Japan after a U.S. Marine was accused of killing an Okinawan woman. The review will look at patrols, curfews, and the allowed freedoms for off-duty soldiers to prevent future incidents.
Key Facts
A U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa was arrested for the alleged killing of a 39-year-old woman.
Japan and the U.S. are discussing if current off-duty behavior rules for troops work well.
The existing policy bans troops from drinking in public or going to bars between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
After the arrest, the U.S. military paused operations for two days and set a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. for a month.
Japanese leaders have promised to take strong actions to prevent similar crimes.
The U.S. Secretary of State expressed condolences and promised cooperation with the investigation.
U.S. military crimes in Okinawa have caused protests for many years.
About 54,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Japan, mostly on Okinawa Island.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French students are protesting for the fourth week in a row about poor school conditions, such as not enough teachers, crowded classrooms, and bad facilities. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined one of the protests near Paris, where about 200 schools were closed during the demonstrations.
Key Facts
French students have been protesting for four consecutive weeks.
The protests focus on poor school conditions like teacher shortages and overcrowding.
Trade unions and university students support the protests.
Some protests led to blocking schools and clashes with police.
Greta Thunberg, a climate activist from Sweden, joined a protest near Paris.
Around 200 schools were closed during the protests.
The demonstrations covered multiple cities across France.
The movement draws attention to the state of education in France.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The war in Iran has cost American families almost $2,000 each over eight months, according to economist Mark Zandi. This cost comes mostly from higher prices for gas, diesel, and home heating fuel, which have risen due to disruptions in global oil supplies caused by the conflict.
Key Facts
The war with Iran began about eight months ago with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28.
The average American household has spent nearly $2,000 more because of the war.
Nationwide, this adds up to about $265 billion in extra costs.
The U.S. Department of Defense reported direct military costs of $37.5 billion, much less than Zandi’s total estimate.
Higher energy prices, including gasoline, diesel, and heating fuel, are the main reasons for the added costs.
Gasoline prices rose from below $3 per gallon to over $4.30, while diesel prices increased from under $4 to over $6 per gallon.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route affected by the war, remains closed, keeping prices high.
Rising inflation linked to energy prices has influenced the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates, despite President Donald Trump’s opposition.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
RJ Mitte, an actor known for his role in the TV show "Breaking Bad," has died at the age of 34. The Brownsville Police Department confirmed his death on Monday.
Key Facts
RJ Mitte was an actor famous for appearing in "Breaking Bad."
He died at the age of 34.
The Brownsville Police Department announced his death.
The news was confirmed on a Monday.
No further details about the cause of death were provided in the article.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Four people, including two children, died in a house fire in Waterford city, Ireland. Two other children were seriously injured and are in hospital. The fire happened early Tuesday morning in a two-story house on Birchwood Avenue.
Key Facts
The fire was reported at 5:13 a.m. local time on Tuesday.
Firefighters found a large fire when they arrived and rescued several people.
Four deaths were confirmed: a man, a woman, and two children.
Two other children are critically injured and being treated in hospital.
The incident took place in a housing estate about 3 km from Waterford city center.
Irish police and fire services are investigating the cause of the fire.
Local leaders expressed sympathy and asked people not to spread unconfirmed information.
A support center was opened at Butler Community Centre for those affected by the fire.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, is shifting its focus to use more artificial intelligence (AI) in making video games. CEO Tim Sweeney said this change aims to help developers create more and better content faster, not to reduce staff numbers.
Key Facts
Epic Games plans a major move to increase AI use in game development.
Tim Sweeney, the CEO, announced the shift on social media.
Developers are being asked to adopt AI tools to speed up creating game code and art.
The company delayed a game collaboration with Disney that includes Star Wars and Marvel characters, reportedly to use AI for finishing it.
Sweeney said the goal is to empower creators, not to replace workers.
The announcement follows job cuts of over 1,000 employees six months earlier, which Sweeney linked to less Fortnite playing, not AI.
Some critics reacted negatively to the AI shift, but Sweeney said the industry must adapt to current and future technology.
The move adds to ongoing concerns in creative industries about AI’s impact, including a recent actors' union complaint about AI voice use in Fortnite.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The company owning Hobbs, Whistles, and Phase Eight said a cyber-attack hit its UK stores and websites, possibly exposing customer personal data. The company paused online orders and is investigating the incident while working with cybersecurity experts and UK authorities.
Key Facts
The South African-listed company TFG London owns Hobbs, Whistles, and Phase Eight brands.
The cyber-attack affected these three UK retail brands but not TFG’s Inside Story and White Stuff brands.
Some IT systems are still down, and online orders are paused as a safety measure.
The company is investigating if customer personal or sensitive data was accessed and will inform affected people if needed.
TFG’s operations outside the UK, like in Africa and Australia, use separate systems and were not impacted.
External cybersecurity specialists are helping to manage the situation, and the issue has been reported to UK authorities.
This attack happened shortly after a cyber-attack on another fashion retailer, Asos, that exposed millions of customers’ data.
Other major UK retailers, such as Marks & Spencer and the Co-op, have faced similar cyber incidents recently.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
