SpaceX's first flight of the third-generation Starship was called off moments before liftoff when a hydraulic pin holding the launch tower arm failed to retract. The fully fuelled 37-storey rocket stood ready at Starbase, Texas. SpaceX will try again Friday with a 90-minute launch window opening at 6:30pm ET (11:30pm BST). The flight is critical — it's the 12th Starship test and SpaceX is days away from its IPO.
Interesting Engineering · TechCrunch · ReutersNASA's annual Lunabotics robotics competition wrapped up Thursday at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. University teams from across the US competed to build robots capable of excavating and processing lunar regolith — key for future Artemis missions.
NASALenovo reported Q4 revenue of $21.6bn (~£16.1bn), up 27% year-on-year and $2.2bn (~£1.6bn) ahead of consensus, sending shares up ~15% in Hong Kong. AI-related revenue grew 84% in Q4 and now accounts for 38% of group revenue. Full-year revenue hit $83.1bn (~£61.9bn) — the best year in the company's history.
Reuters (via TradingView) · TNWBeijing-backed humanoid robot data training centres are preparing machines for the workforce. Human operators demonstrate tasks so robots can learn via imitation. Robotics job postings in China rose over 30% YoY in Q1 2026 as the country pushes to dominate humanoid robotics.
CNBCOpenAI published a sweeping economic agenda arguing for higher taxes on the rich, expanded welfare, and a "public wealth fund" giving every US citizen shares in profitable companies. Critics call it performative — Silicon Valley signalling radical policy while opposing actual welfare programmes.
VoxPurdue University analysts report urea fertiliser prices have risen approximately 30% above pre-conflict levels, driven by natural gas price spikes linked to the Iran war. Combined with tariffs and rising fuel costs, farm input costs are climbing sharply heading into the northern hemisphere growing season.
Purdue University · Successful FarmingLong waxed coat, heavy knits, work boots, moody earth tones. For cheaper alternatives to the heritage brands: try Uniqlo for roll necks and wool coats, Dr. Martens for boots, Levi's for denim jackets, military surplus for genuine heavy coats at a fraction of the price, and charity shops for the kind of worn-in wool that looks better than anything new.
Styled for TomKeir Starmer announced an extension to the fuel duty freeze and a 12-month vehicle tax holiday for hauliers, citing cost-of-living pressures. The package, expected to cost around $400m (~£300m), also postpones a planned 5p rise. Chancellor Rachel Reeves set out funding details on Thursday. The decision comes amid rising petrol prices linked to the Iran conflict and a tightening fiscal environment.
The Guardian · The TelegraphThe landmark Renters' Rights Act took effect from 1 May, banning no-reason evictions (Section 21), limiting rent increases, and introducing new protections for tenants. Landlords must now provide an information sheet to existing tenants by 31 May. A long-promised reform, it's one of Labour's flagship housing policies.
NRLA Guide · GOV.UK (PDF)Veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby delivered a stark assessment of the country's condition, describing Starmer's government as a "dud" and calling for political change. His comments reflect a broader mood of discontent as the government navigates economic headwinds and internal party pressures.
BloombergThe New York Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act has passed both chambers and awaits Governor Hochul's signature. Companies using self-affirmed GRAS ingredients must submit safety reports for a public database. The bill also bans three additives linked to cancer and hormone disruption. The food industry is pushing back.
Consumer Reports · Venable LLPA proper foodie weeknight winner. Sauté mixed mushrooms (chestnut, shiitake, oyster) in butter until deeply golden. Stir through a tablespoon of white miso paste, a splash of double cream, and a pinch of thyme. Simmer until thick and glossy. Serve piled onto a thick slice of good sourdough, toasted in the pan drippings. Finish with black pepper and a scattering of parsley. It's umami-bomb territory — earthy, savoury, and takes under 20 minutes. Pair with a bold red or a dark beer.
From the Agatha kitchenCold, minimalist post-punk that sits between IDLES' energy and Hooverphonic's atmosphere. Try the album Besides the Abyss next.
For TomPresident Trump hosted an unusual White House swearing-in ceremony for incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, the 17th person to hold the role. His tenure begins amid the Iran war's inflationary pressures, with fuel prices at multi-year highs and euro-area growth faltering.
WSJ · CNBCProgress in Iran ceasefire talks remains undercut by disputes over uranium enrichment and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has rejected proposals allowing Iran to collect fees on strait passage. The conflict continues to drive fuel prices near 2022 highs and has pushed euro-area growth into contraction.
Al Jazeera · BloombergThe United Nations expressed grave concern over a new Taliban law on separation in marriage in Afghanistan, raising further alarm over human rights in the country.
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