The article explains how to reduce water usage for lawns by up to 50% with smart irrigation techniques. It includes strategies like using smart controllers, raising mowing height, and optimizing irrigation schedules to maintain green lawns while saving water and reducing costs.
Key Facts
Lawns often waste 30%-50% of water due to poor irrigation timing and runoff.
Smart irrigation controllers adjust watering based on weather and soil conditions, saving up to 15,000 gallons of water each year.
Raising lawn mowing height by 0.5-1 inch in summer can reduce water needs and strengthen grass roots.
Proper irrigation zoning ensures shaded and sunny areas receive the correct amount of water.
Drought-tolerant grasses, like tall fescue and Bermuda grass, require less water than regular grass types.
Installing soil moisture sensors helps determine when different lawn sections need watering.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims smart irrigation systems could save $2.5 billion in water costs across the U.S.
Smart irrigation devices cost between $150 and $250, based on features and customization options.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The city of Milpitas in Silicon Valley will give residents free wireless doorbells with cameras to help police collect video evidence for crime prevention. Residents can share footage voluntarily with the police, and the city chose cameras similar to Amazon Ring but without direct police integration or subscription fees.
Key Facts
Milpitas city council approved $60,000 to provide one camera-equipped doorbell per household on a first-come, first-served basis.
The goal is to help prevent crime and improve public safety by working with the police department.
Residents can voluntarily upload video footage to the police through a shared link.
The city considered Amazon Ring cameras but decided to use similar cameras without direct police system integration.
Milpitas police emphasized that footage is only accessed if residents choose to share it.
Ring cameras require subscription fees to store footage, which the city wanted to avoid for residents.
Similar programs using Ring cameras exist in other U.S. cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Cleveland.
Privacy concerns exist about doorbell cameras, especially related to police surveillance and use of AI technology.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Disney+ is releasing many new shows and movies in April 2026. Key releases include "Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord" and "Daredevil: Born Again" Season 2. The schedule also features episodes of "American Idol" and various other programs.
Key Facts
"Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord," an animated series, starts on April 6, 2026, with new episodes until May 4.
Sam Witwer returns to voice the character Maul in the new Star Wars series.
"Daredevil: Born Again" Season 2 continues throughout April, with new episodes released weekly.
Charlie Cox stars as Daredevil, with Vincent D'Onofrio as Kingpin.
"American Idol" Season 9, also known as the 24th season overall, releases episodes throughout April.
Other shows releasing episodes in April include "Perfect Crown" and "Project Runway All Stars."
Disney+ will introduce a variety of other new content like "Locker Diaries: ZOMBIES: Shorts" and "Donna Hay Coastal Celebrations."
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A list of new movies and TV shows coming to Netflix in April 2026 has been announced. It includes new seasons of popular series like "XO, Kitty" and "Temptation Island," as well as new content like "Stranger Things: Tales From '85."
Key Facts
Netflix will release a new season of "XO, Kitty" and a spin-off series called "Stranger Things: Tales From '85" in April 2026.
"Temptation Island" Season 10 will be available from April 10, 2026.
"Beef" Season 2 is set to release on April 16, 2026, three years after the first season.
Classic movies like "Atonement," "Bohemian Rhapsody," and "Casino" will also be available starting April 1, 2026.
New original movies such as "Eat Pray Bark" and "It Takes a Village" will be released on Netflix this April.
Various other series and seasonal releases are scheduled throughout the month, including "The Ramparts of Ice" and "Bloodhounds" Season 2.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Oracle, a major technology company, has laid off a significant number of employees as it invests heavily in artificial intelligence (AI). The job cuts involve roles like senior engineers and program managers and are not based on employee performance. Oracle is using AI tools to improve efficiency, allowing fewer employees to do more work.
Key Facts
Oracle has made significant job cuts, affecting roles such as senior engineers and program managers.
The layoffs are linked to Oracle's increased investment in AI technology.
The company declined to comment on the specific reasons for the layoffs.
Oracle is one of the largest tech companies, focused on software and cloud computing.
Larry Ellison, a co-founder of Oracle, is a prominent figure in the company.
Oracle's internal use of AI tools aims to boost efficiency and productivity.
The Stargate initiative, a $500 billion project, involves increasing U.S. data center capacity for AI processing.
Oracle plans to invest at least $50 billion in AI infrastructure this year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Spoilers for the 1179th chapter of "One Piece," a popular manga series, reveal details about a mysterious character named Imu. The character's appearance and identity are coming to light as the series approaches its potential conclusion. The chapter is anticipated by fans and will be officially released by VIZ this Sunday.
Key Facts
"One Piece" is a long-running manga series that began in July 1997.
The series is nearing its conclusion, expected in spring 2026.
Imu, considered a potential final villain, will be revealed in the 1179th chapter.
Imu is described as having male features, with black clouds, horns, tattoos, and a tail.
The chapter's spoilers were leaked by "pewpiece" on social media.
The new chapter will be officially available worldwide on Sunday through VIZ.
Fans have been speculating about Imu's identity since being introduced in 2018.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The "Tech Life" episode discusses how technology can help communities sue companies causing pollution. It also looks at the rise of electronic waste due to the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and features a NASA space robot with a mission.
Key Facts
The episode is part of a series on technology topics.
Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events.
Communities might use science and technology to take polluters to court.
The growth of AI may lead to more electronic waste.
Astronauts are planning to return to the Moon.
A NASA space robot has a new mission related to this lunar return.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Peacock is adding over 60 movies and shows to its streaming service in April 2026. Notable new arrivals include movies like "Pulp Fiction," "Interstellar," and exclusive premieres such as "Five Nights at Freddy's 2."
Key Facts
Over 60 movies and shows are coming to Peacock in April 2026.
Available films include "Pulp Fiction," "Interstellar," and "Transformers."
"Five Nights at Freddy's 2" will premiere exclusively on Peacock on April 3.
Other new exclusive releases include "Strays" on April 6 and "Nosferatu" on April 21.
TV shows like "The Valley" Season 3 and "The Real Housewives of Rhode Island" Season 1 will have premieres.
Updates to classic library content such as "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune" will also be available.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two famous arcade games, Tetris and Space Invaders, are teaming up for a special event starting April 1. This collaboration will feature new gameplay experiences and activities throughout April, with special events planned to celebrate the partnership.
Key Facts
Tetris and Space Invaders are joining together for a limited-time event starting April 1.
The event will take place through the Tetris mobile app.
It includes three main parts: Days of Invaders, Earth Protection Events, and Invaders Showdown Tournament.
Days of Invaders (April 1-12) is a 12-day activity where players can earn special rewards.
Earth Protection Events (April 13-23) involve a partnership with Dots.Eco to support wildlife, with Tetris making donations for completed levels.
Invaders Showdown Tournament (April 24-30) is a competitive mode where players can earn high scores for exclusive prizes.
Tetris became popular in the late 1980s and is one of the best-selling games ever.
Space Invaders introduced an endless gameplay loop and is a classic arcade game.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Researchers at Google have linked suspected North Korean hackers to a security breach involving the popular open-source software package Axios. These hackers inserted harmful software that could steal sensitive information into the Axios package, which is used in millions of downloads weekly. Though the harmful software versions were quickly removed, the incident highlights potential risks due to Axios's wide usage.
Key Facts
Google researchers suspect North Korean hackers compromised the Axios package.
Axios is a JavaScript library used to make HTTP requests.
The hackers inserted malware into Axios that could steal credentials, or login info.
The malicious versions affected systems like macOS, Windows, and Linux.
The malicious versions were removed within about three hours of publication.
Axios is downloaded around 100 million times per week and is widely present in many software environments.
The incident is separate from another npm supply chain attack recently disclosed.
It is unclear how the hackers accessed the maintainer's GitHub account.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses the global race to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and argues that success depends on how well countries manage risks related to AI. These risks include job disruption, fraud, and environmental costs. Without proper risk management, public backlash could slow down AI deployment.
Key Facts
The global AI race is often seen as a competition between the U.S. and China.
Key risks of AI include job loss, synthetic voice scams, and environmental impacts.
Public backlash can slow down AI deployment if risks are not managed.
Specific examples include Indonesia temporarily blocking AI content and Germany's protests regarding AI training with voice recordings.
The EU AI Act restricts certain AI uses in public for law enforcement with strict conditions.
Data centers in the U.S. face political issues due to energy demands.
The AI precariat class involves workers facing job insecurity due to AI changes.
An AI Anxiety Index is being developed to measure public concerns about AI.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
NASA has created a new toilet system called the 'Universal Waste Management System' for astronauts in space. It cost over $23 million and works for both men and women. This system will be used in the Artemis II mission, which is set to launch on April 1.
Key Facts
NASA spent more than $23 million on developing a new space toilet.
The toilet is named the 'Universal Waste Management System.'
It is designed to handle both solid and liquid waste.
The system works for both male and female astronauts.
Artemis II is scheduled to launch on April 1.
Artemis II will be the first mission to fly around the moon in over 50 years.
The Artemis mission is a step towards NASA's goal of reaching Mars in the 2030s.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iranian hackers are targeting U.S. and Israeli government officials and company employees with cyber threats, including data leaks and intimidation. This activity marks a shift toward more aggressive tactics by targeting individuals directly, instead of just large organizations.
Key Facts
Iranian hackers are focusing on psychological tactics aimed at government officials and company employees.
A group linked to Iran released supposed emails from FBI Director Kash Patel's personal account and claimed to have details on Lockheed Martin employees.
Lockheed Martin has stated they are confident in their data security systems.
Targeting individuals represents a new, more aggressive tactic in cyber warfare by Iran.
Unverified claims and old data can still require investigations and responses, which use up resources.
The Handala Hack Team, linked to Iran's intelligence, is connected with recent cyber activities.
The U.S. government accused Iran’s intelligence ministry of a cyberattack on medical tech company Stryker.
Future releases of more recent data could increase pressure on allies of the U.S. and Israel.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
NASA plans to launch its Artemis II mission from Florida on a Wednesday evening, aiming for a 10-day lunar flyby without landing on the Moon. Weather conditions are being watched closely, but current forecasts suggest a low risk of disruption due to storms or winds.
Key Facts
Artemis II is the first crewed mission in NASA's Artemis program, flying astronauts around the Moon.
The mission includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
The launch is planned for 6:24 p.m. ET on April 1, with a backup window extending to April 6.
NASA will broadcast the launch live on NASA+ and other streaming platforms.
Weather concerns focus on cloud cover and wind, but the weather is expected to be favorable.
Artemis II will not land on the Moon but will circle it and return to Earth.
This mission tests systems for future missions that plan to land on the Moon.
The risks include potential lightning from cloud coverage and high winds affecting the launch.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Taylor Swift released a music video that pays tribute to actress Elizabeth Taylor using clips from her movies and archive footage. The video supports Swift's song inspired by Elizabeth Taylor, with proceeds benefiting the actress's estate and charitable foundation. The video is exclusively available on Spotify and Apple Music initially, due to changes in how streaming counts towards music charts.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift released a surprise music video dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor.
The video uses scenes from Elizabeth Taylor's films and archive materials.
Swift received permission from Elizabeth Taylor's estate to use her likeness.
Proceeds from the video's streaming will go to the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation.
Elizabeth Taylor's grandson, Quinn Tivey, praised the homage.
The video streams only on Spotify and Apple Music initially due to changes in chart rules.
The music video is part of Swift's album "The Life of a Showgirl."
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
NASA is preparing to launch the Artemis II mission, which will be the first crewed moon mission in over 50 years. The mission involves a rocket launch followed by orbiting the Earth, traveling to the moon, and returning, all within a 10-day span.
Key Facts
NASA is launching a crewed mission to the moon for the first time in 53 years.
The mission is called Artemis II.
The launch is set for Wednesday evening at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Four astronauts will be aboard the 32-story Space Launch System rocket.
The mission will involve orbiting Earth, going to the moon, and returning without landing on the moon.
The flight will last nearly 10 days and end with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
Launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson stated the team is ready for the launch.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A study published by researchers looked at 27 different scenarios for evacuating an Airbus A320 airplane during an emergency. All scenarios failed to meet the 90-second evacuation requirement set by the FAA, with elderly passengers significantly slowing down the evacuation. The study aimed to improve safety by understanding these evacuation challenges.
Key Facts
The study used simulations to test evacuations on an Airbus A320 during emergencies like a dual-engine fire.
None of the 27 scenarios met the 90-second evacuation requirement set by the FAA.
Elderly passengers had the greatest impact on slowing down the evacuation.
The study used computer models and evacuation software to analyze passenger behavior.
A cabin layout with elderly passengers evenly distributed still exceeded the time limit, taking 141 seconds.
Elderly passengers may face difficulties due to cognitive decline and reduced dexterity.
Future research will explore evacuation challenges for babies, children, and pregnant women.
Researchers aim to help airlines improve evacuation times by considering passenger distribution.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
HBO Max announced its new releases for April 2026, which include a mix of movies and TV shows. Highlights include the release of 70 films on April 1, and the return of popular series like "Euphoria" Season 3 on April 12. The lineup also features a variety of programs from networks like Food Network and Magnolia Network.
Key Facts
HBO Max will release 70 films on April 1, including "Alien" and "The Mummy."
"Euphoria" Season 3 will premiere on April 12.
Additional releases on April 12 include shows from Food Network and Magnolia Network.
"Marty Supreme," a movie featuring Timothée Chalamet, will be available on April 24.
Other movie additions include "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Twister."
New seasons for shows across multiple networks, like HGTV and TLC, will also roll out in April.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to improve care for people with Alzheimer's and dementia. It helps identify early signs of these conditions, matches patients with clinical trials faster, and connects patients in remote areas to specialists.
Key Facts
11 million Americans care for someone with dementia.
AI can find early Alzheimer's signs by analyzing eye photos and speech patterns.
AI tools can predict Alzheimer's up to six years before a traditional diagnosis.
Clinical trials for new drugs often face delays due to a lack of volunteers.
AI matches trial volunteers with 87.3% accuracy.
By 2025, the U.S. will have a 19% shortage of neurologists.
AI connects rural patients with specialists remotely to improve access to care.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man from North Carolina admitted in court to using artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake songs and artificially boost their popularity on music streaming platforms. This scheme allowed him to collect over $8 million in fraudulent music-streaming royalties. He faces a possible five-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Key Facts
Michael Smith, 54, generated fake songs using AI and boosted their streaming numbers illegally.
He used software to make bot accounts on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to play these songs repeatedly.
The fake activity diverted over $8 million in royalties meant for real artists.
Smith admitted to his crimes and agreed to forfeit over $8 million.
The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York led the investigation.
Smith could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
The misuse of AI for fraud in digital payment systems is a growing concern.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
