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Alexa Plus is getting an AI update to handle more complicated instructions
Amazon is updating Alexa Plus to let it carry out more complex smart-home requests across a broader set of devices. The move matters because it aims to make Amazon’s AI assistant more practically useful for controlling appliances and home technology, rather than simply issuing basic commands. The update adds support for products from companies including…
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Defense industry leaders align with Trump admin plans in closed-door strategy session on defense spending
Senior Trump administration officials, including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, held a closed-door White House meeting with leading defence contractors to discuss funding for the Iran war in the House budget reconciliation package. The meeting matters because it suggests the administration is seeking industry support for its defence-spending priorities as Congress considers the legislation. Officials…
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Smithsonian pushed ‘revolting’ social action training after ‘whiteness’ chart apology: expert
At a US House hearing, Heritage Foundation analyst Mike Gonzalez criticised the Smithsonian’s involvement in a diversity, equity and inclusion training guide, calling it “revolting”. He argued that the National Museum of American History had continued promoting ideas similar to those in a previously withdrawn Smithsonian chart about “whiteness”, raising questions about political activism at…
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Midwest man so badly attacked while camping at music festival that he can now only communicate by blinking and nodding his head
A man from the American Midwest was left with catastrophic injuries after being attacked while camping at a music festival, leaving him unable to speak and reliant on blinking and nodding to communicate. The victim, named in reports as Lonn Hartman, was assaulted during Michigan’s Blissfest, according to the Daily Mail. The case has drawn…
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French modeling scout linked to Jeffrey Epstein found dead in Paris apartment
French modelling scout Daniel Siad, who had links to Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead in his Paris flat, according to prosecutors. His death matters because it concerns a figure connected to the long-running scrutiny of Epstein’s sex-trafficking network, although no cause has yet been officially confirmed. Siad, 69, was discovered on Monday night and an…
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Defoe leaves Woking after ‘eye-opening’ first managerial role
Jermain Defoe has left Woking by mutual agreement after only four months as manager, ending his first full-time managerial role just before the new National League season. His departure is significant because he had been expected to lead a squad partly assembled under his influence, leaving Woking needing a new head coach at an awkward…
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New ‘Avatar’ Animated Series at Paramount+ Lands Fall Premiere Date, Releases Teaser
Paramount+ will launch Avatar: Seven Havens on 9 October, marking the first new animated series in the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe for more than a decade. The announcement, accompanied by a teaser, expands the long-running franchise with a story set after The Legend of Korra. The 26-episode series follows a young Earthbender who learns…
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Sony Pictures to distribute Ramayana internationally
Sony Pictures will distribute Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part Indian mythological epic “Ramayana” internationally, while Dharma Productions will handle the Indian release. The agreement gives the production a major worldwide platform for an adaptation of the Hindu epic, which is being made for multilingual audiences, including in English. The film follows exiled prince Rama after his wife…
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Marvel’s Wolverine Unpacks Formidable Foes, Jean Grey Relationship & Leaning Into Logan’s “Trauma” At Comic-Con: “He’s Got A Big Heart And That Gets Him Into Trouble”
Insomniac Games and Sony Interactive used San Diego Comic-Con to reveal more about Marvel’s Wolverine, its forthcoming action game set in the same continuity as the studio’s Spider-Man titles. The game presents a younger, amnesiac version of Logan confronting dangerous anti-mutant forces while exploring his trauma, emotional complexity and relationship with Jean Grey. Logan, voiced…
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Thune says Iran sanctions to be added to Russia sanctions bill
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said sanctions targeting Iran would be added to pending legislation aimed at increasing pressure on Russia. The change could broaden the bill’s reach beyond Moscow’s war in Ukraine, while helping secure support for bringing the long-delayed measure to a Senate vote. The bipartisan Russia sanctions package would penalise Russia if…