Author: Aurora Lane

Users Can Now Pay for Additional Video Creation Credits OpenAI has announced a new monetization model for its AI video generation platform, Sora, allowing users to pay for the ability to create more videos. The change marks a shift from the fully free model that characterized Sora’s initial rollout earlier this year, as OpenAI moves to balance accessibility with growing operational costs tied to intensive AI processing. According to the company, users will soon face reduced free allowances, while premium tiers will offer expanded video-generation limits and faster rendering times. Pricing details have not yet been disclosed, but the update…

Global Sales Rise 1% as U.S. Market Stabilizes Starbucks reported on Wednesday that its same-store sales have returned to growth for the first time in nearly two years, signaling early success in CEO Brian Niccol’s turnaround strategy. Global same-store sales rose 1% during the quarter ended September 28, driven by stronger international demand, while U.S. sales were flat but turned positive in September. Wall Street had expected declines of 0.3% globally and 0.9% in the United States, making the results a welcome surprise for investors. Shares of Starbucks climbed 2% in extended trading following the announcement. “We’re a year into…

Paris Prosecutor Confirms Arrests in France’s Crown Jewel Theft French authorities announced Wednesday that two men arrested in connection with the theft of France’s crown jewels from the Louvre Museum have confessed to their role in the audacious heist. The suspects remain in custody and are expected to face formal charges later in the day, according to Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau. The suspects admitted involvement in the seven-minute daylight raid on the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery on October 19, during which thieves made off with nine priceless pieces of royal jewelry worth an estimated €88 million ($102 million). Despite the arrests,…

Bovino Faces Scrutiny for “Operation Midway Blitz” Tactics in Chicago U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis has ordered Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino, head of the federal government’s controversial “Operation Midway Blitz,” to report to her courtroom every weekday following reports of excessive force and tear gas use in Chicago. The directive came during a tense hearing Tuesday at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse after mounting allegations that agents violated court orders limiting the use of “riot control” weapons. The case stems from a lawsuit filed by several media organizations accusing federal agents of targeting protesters, journalists, and bystanders. A prior court…

Legendary Artist Joins Super Bowl LX Festivities at Palace of Fine Arts Rock icon Sting, best known as the voice behind hits like “Every Breath You Take,” will headline a Super Bowl-branded concert on February 6, 2025, at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts, according to an announcement by the NFL’s hospitality provider, On Location. The event will take place two days before Super Bowl LX kicks off at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8. Sting’s performance is part of the Super Bowl LX Studio 60 series, described as “a weekend of unforgettable music entertainment at one of…

Why Spontaneous Travel Can Be Surprisingly Rewarding Planning a vacation months ahead is exciting, but sometimes you just need to get away now. While booking a last-minute trip may seem stressful, it can actually lead to unexpected savings and adventure. According to AAA Connect, hotels and airlines often slash prices to fill vacant rooms and seats during off-peak periods, allowing travelers to cut costs significantly. Beyond financial benefits, spontaneous travel can have emotional perks. Psychologist Emma Kenny told Forbes that taking an impromptu break can feel “liberating” and promote a “can-do attitude,” boosting happiness and spontaneity. For those who crave…

Freeman’s Walk-Off Homer Seals Epic Victory Over Blue Jays In one of the longest and most dramatic World Series games in recent history, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6–5 on Monday night, claiming a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Freddie Freeman delivered the decisive blow with a solo home run in the 18th inning off Brendon Little — exactly seven years and one day after another Dodgers 18-inning win in 2018. The marathon showdown at Dodger Stadium lasted 6 hours and 39 minutes, featured 609 pitches, and saw 44 players — including 19 pitchers —…

Next-Gen Foldable May Finally Break the 4,400mAh Ceiling The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 earned its place among the best foldable phones of 2025 thanks to its innovative design and refined build quality. However, its 4,400mAh battery—unchanged since the Z Fold 3—and the removal of S Pen support left some fans disappointed. New leaks suggest that Samsung may be addressing both of these concerns with the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8. According to Dealsite (via Jukanlosreve on X), the next-generation foldable could feature a battery capacity of over 5,000mAh. That would mark the first significant increase in power since the…

AI200 and AI250 Accelerators Target the Booming Data Center Market Chipmaker Qualcomm announced Monday that it will launch a new generation of artificial intelligence accelerator chips, marking its official entry into the competitive AI data center space long dominated by Nvidia. The news sent Qualcomm’s stock soaring 15% as investors cheered the move into one of technology’s fastest-growing markets. The new chips, named AI200 and AI250, will target large-scale AI infrastructure and cloud providers. The AI200 is expected to go on sale in 2026, while the AI250 is planned for 2027. Both models will be available in rack-scale systems capable…

Changing Priorities and Social Trends Redefine Parenthood Across the world, families are having fewer children — and Finland is no exception. Once celebrated for its generous family policies, the Nordic nation is now experiencing one of the lowest birth rates in Europe. NPR’s Population Shift series explores how cultural, economic, and technological shifts are reshaping family decisions in an era defined by uncertainty and individual choice. In Helsinki, Poa Pohjola and her partner Wilhelm Blomberg embody this new reality. Their baby naps on the balcony — a Finnish tradition — while the couple reflects on how long they waited to…