Newsbreaker

Image courtesy of Mattel Creations Mattel is buckling up for a sustainable ride with the release of its new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology die-cast Matchbox car, celebrating the iconic G-Class’s electric debut with impressive eco-credentials and authentic details. Read full article

Image via Ray-Ban These Ferrari x Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are straight out of the pit lane. To gear up for Miami Race Week, the three giants in their own right have merged into the Formula 1 lane to create these collectors’ shades. Read full article

Photo 88738013 © Eamesbot | Dreamstime.com An act of protest will twirl climate activist Joanna Smith behind bars for 60 days for defacing a treasured Edgar Degas sculpture. Read full article

Image via Pixar / IMDb Pixar—the name synonymous with animation excellence. But even this entertainment giant wasn’t immune to stumbles. Recently, animator Jason Deamer revealed a behind-the-scenes secret about the beloved 2003 film, Finding Nemo: it almost became the studio’s “first bad movie.” Read full article

Photo 121959868 © Marcos Souza | Dreamstime.com The ongoing saga of the Fearless Girl statue has reached a new chapter with a settlement agreement between sculptor Kristen Visbal and State Street Global Advisors. Signed after mediation earlier this month, the deal resolves the lawsuit initiated by State Street in February 2019. Read full article

Image via Federal Trade Commission In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for reliable personal protective equipment (PPE) soared, leading to a surge in the production and sale of N95 masks. During this time, Razer, renowned for its gaming peripherals, too, ventured into the health product market with the launch of the Razer Zephyr mask, which it promoted as “N95-grade.” Read full article

Image via BAPE Nike and Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape, or BAPE, have stepped into agreement after a months-long legal dispute over lookalike sneakers. Per a joint filing submitted in a New York federal court on April 29, 2024, both parties have reached a settlement. Read full article

Photo 294341912 © Frédéric Legrand | Dreamstime.com Elon Musk’s vision for X, the rebranded Twitter and soon-to-be “everything app,” is slated to go beyond just social media. Recent updates indicate that the platform is rolling out something for smart television entertainment, which it dubs ‘X TV’. Read full article

Illustration 305851599 © Nitsuki | Dreamstime.com China is gunning for big brain energy against Elon Musk’s Neuralink with the development of its brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, NeuCyber. Read full article

Image via Roku Remember curling up on the couch with a mug of hot cocoa, mesmerized by the gentle wisdom of Mister Rogers or captivated by the vibrant adventures of Reading Rainbow? Those cherished programs of yesteryear are back in a big way thanks to the launch of the PBS Retro channel. Read full article

Images via McDonald’s Japan After serving up a rather unexpected Hello Kitty x Yu-Gi-Oh Happy Meal collection, McDonald’s Japan is going back to basics, kind of, with collectible toys featuring beloved Sanrio mascots. The campaign, rolling out over two waves, kicked off on April 12 and concludes on May 9. Read full article

Photo 118276882 © Adrian825 | Dreamstime.com In a digital age where “password” can ironically be the key to your downfall, the United Kingdom has taken a bold stride. The nation has put its foot down on weak passwords, making it the first to do so globally. Read full article

Photo 157125368 © Fromourlittlebubble | Dreamstime.com Chanel enthusiasts around the world have noticed a bump in the price tags of their favorite handbags and garments. But what’s putting the CC in these constant Cost Changes? In a recent interview, Chanel CEO Leena Nair addressed the elephant in the room: global market considerations. Read full article

Image via Select Group Dubai, home to sparkly skyscrapers and state-of-the-art museums, continues to keep its head in the clouds with plans to build the world’s tallest residential building. Six Senses, a hospitality group focused on wellness retreats and ultra-luxury accommodations, is venturing into the residential realm with the ambitious Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina. Scheduled for completion in mid-2028, this 122-story architectural marvel is poised to surpass the current record holder, New York City’s Central Park Tower. Read full article

Left image via Gavin Newsom, right image generated on AI Nature, beaches, and Hollywood glamor—these are some of the glowing qualities travelers might bring up when they think of the Golden State. And perhaps this was the picture its government had in mind when calling upon the people of California to design a new US$1 coin intended to showcase the state’s innovations. Read full article

Video screenshot via Jordanluca Ever wash your hands and have water splatter on your pants? No need to feel self-conscious, because there’s charm in looking like you had a little accident, according to fashionable tastemakers. Tell the haters you woke up like this, soaking with finesse! Case in point: these quirky jeans from the Fall/Winter 2023 line by British-Italian label Jordanluca. Read full article

Image generated on AI Feeling red-hot this summer would be terrible, but it won’t be the worst thing that could happen. The National Weather Service (NWS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are raising the heat advisory game with a brand-new color code system, unveiled on Earth Day. Read full article

Image via Kartell Mattel and Italian design giant Kartell have sat down together for a playful meeting of the minds, bringing together a wonderful collection of chairs reimagined in Barbie’s unmistakable shade of pink. The series, unveiled at Milan Design Week, is no child’s play—it comes in both human and doll sizes. Paying homage to Barbie’s deep-seated, 65-year legacy, Kartell took five of its most beloved designs—the AI, Venice, Louis Ghost, Masters, and Ero|S| chairs—all originally conceived by famed designer Philippe Starck, and shrunk them down to shiny, Barbie-sized proportions. The pieces were also imbued with PANTONE 219 C, the exact match for Barbie pink, and mark the first Barbie’s Signature collection solely dedicated to furniture. Read full article

Image via City of Detroit / Flickr (public domain) In an effort to showcase its economic rebound during the 2024 NFL Draft, Detroit unveiled a US$400,000 sign along Interstate 94. However, its debut was met with widespread disappointment, and artificial intelligence was to blame. Read full article

Photo 179382894 © Deaconsdocs | Dreamstime.com Here’s how you might turn your money into even more money. Several seemingly ordinary US$1 bills could be hiding a small fortune thanks to a printing error by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), which is responsible for safeguarding the integrity of US currency. However, it’s not immune to making mistakes and occasionally experiences glitches in its printing process. Read full article

Photo 228280789 © Ilsur Nigmatzyanov | Dreamstime.com Packing for an outdoor adventure can be a pain. You need a jacket for rain, sunscreen for sunshine, and a tent for shelter—all of which take up precious space in your backpack. But what if you could have all three in one convenient piece? Cue the Nike ISPA NRG Metamorph Poncho, a garment that transforms from a rain-repellent poncho into a one-person sunshade tent, released as part of Nike’s ISPA line in Summer 2024. Read full article

Image generated on AI No number of green thumbs will be able to grow these adorable blooms that resemble kitten faces. Dubbed the “Cat’s Eye Dazzle,” they’re unfortunately a figment of artificial intelligence imagination, but they’re so cute people have already reached into their wallets to buy seeds. Read full article

Photo 126422887 © Phurinee Chinakathum | Dreamstime.com Fujikawaguchiko, a small town in Japan known for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, has taken a drastic step to curb the negative impacts of overtourism. In a move that’s sure to ruffle some feathers—or perhaps, block some shots—the town will erect a barrier to obscure the view of the iconic mountain from a particularly popular photo spot. Read full article

Image via Nissan Nissan set a new course for its electric vehicle (EV) ambitions in China at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show. The Japanese automaker unveiled four experimental cars, showcasing a focus on both pure electric and plug-in hybrid technology for the world’s largest car market. Read full article

[Click here to view the video in this article] Photo 304843475 © Rokas Tenys | Dreamstime.com Read full article