OpenAI to Launch AI-Powered Browser to Rival Google Chrome
OpenAI is set to launch its own AI-powered browser based on Chromium, featuring a ChatGPT-like chat interface and built-in “Operator” agent to streamline tasks and challenge Google Chrome’s market dominance.
July 9 Sets Record as Shortest Day in History, Sparks Talk of Negative Leap Second
On July 9, 2025, Earth recorded its shortest day ever—1.3 to 1.6 milliseconds shorter—raising the possibility of a rare “negative leap second” by 2029 to realign atomic time with planetary rotation.
Layoffs at Microsoft Hit Xbox & Studios, Perfect Dark and Everwild Cancelled
Microsoft is cutting 9,100 jobs, including in Xbox and its studios. King, ZeniMax, Turn 10 hit hardest, with cancellations of Everwild and Perfect Dark and closure of The Initiative. The restructuring aims to streamline and refocus gaming efforts.
Two Women Fatally Stabbed at Girls’ Bar in Hamamatsu, Suspect in Custody
Two women were fatally stabbed at a girls' bar in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, by a 41-year-old man who targeted them without provocation. The suspect, Ichiro Yamashita, has been arrested, prompting increased security measures in local nightlife venues.
Trump Tightens Cuba Policy: Stricter Travel Ban and Military Sanctions Reinstated
President Trump reinstates stringent Cuba policies: bans tourism, tightens financial sanctions on military-linked entities, restores the terrorist designation, and expands visa restrictions targeting medical mission officials.
Japanese Elementary School Teachers Arrested for Sharing Upskirt Photos in Group Chat
Two Japanese elementary school teachers were arrested after allegedly taking and sharing dozens of indecent upskirt photos of students in a private group chat. Parents and officials are demanding immediate safety reforms in schools nationwide.
Trump Signals Potential Reversal on Deportations, Citing Agriculture Crisis
President Trump announced that the U.S. may need to allow some deported undocumented immigrants to return, citing a labor crisis in agriculture and hospitality. “We might have to take some of them back,” Trump said, acknowledging the economic impact of mass deportations on farmers and food production.
OpenAI Releases o3-Pro Model for ChatGPT, Delivering Breakthroughs in Complex Reasoning
OpenAI has launched o3-Pro, its most advanced reasoning model yet, now available to ChatGPT Pro users. With tool integration and improved accuracy, it redefines what AI can do for professionals, educators, and developers alike.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Remaster Introduces Full Voice Acting and Modern Enhancements
Square Enix announces "Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles," a remastered edition featuring full voice acting, updated visuals, and quality-of-life improvements. Set for release on September 30, 2025, the game will be available on multiple platforms, offering both enhanced and classic gameplay modes.
U.S. Court Declares Trump's 'Liberation Day' Tariffs Unlawful, Citing Executive Overreach
A U.S. federal court ruled that former President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs exceeded his authority under the IEEPA, issuing a permanent injunction against their enforcement. The decision emphasizes congressional control over trade policy and has significant implications for executive power.
Elden Ring Live-Action Film Announced with Alex Garland Directing
Bandai Namco and A24 have announced a live-action adaptation of Elden Ring, with Alex Garland set to write and direct. The film aims to bring the game's dark fantasy world to the big screen, with George R.R. Martin among the producers.
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy Faces Up to 24 Years in Philippine Prison Following Arrest for Harassment and Theft
Russian-American YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy faces up to 24 years in a Philippine prison after being arrested for harassment, attempted theft, and unauthorized filming during a livestream in Bonifacio Global City. Authorities emphasize the importance of respecting local laws.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time Debuts to Acclaim, Revitalizing the Life Sim RPG Genre
Level-5's "Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time" launches to critical acclaim, offering a rich blend of life simulation and RPG elements across multiple platforms.
Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Former President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. Despite the severity, the cancer is hormone-sensitive, offering treatment options. Biden and his family are consulting with medical professionals to determine the best course of action.
China's AI-Powered Humanoid Robots Poised to Transform Global Manufacturing
China unveils AI-powered humanoid robots set to revolutionize manufacturing by performing complex tasks, enhancing productivity, and addressing labor shortages.
OpenAI's Sora Experiences Widespread Outage on May 8, 2025
On May 8, 2025, OpenAI's Sora platform experienced a significant outage, leaving users unable to access its text-to-video services. The disruption sparked widespread frustration, with users taking to social media to express concerns over the lack of communication and recurring service issues.
China Unveils Silicon-Free Chip Using Bismuth-Based 2D Material, Surpassing 3nm Silicon Performance
April 2025 marks 15 years since the Deepwater Horizon disaster, when a BP oil rig explosion led to an 87-day spill that devastated the Gulf of Mexico and reshaped environmental regulation. Millions of barrels of oil gushed into the sea, causing massive ecological and economic damage.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Returns After 26 Years, Reviving a Classic Fighting Franchise
SNK revives the Fatal Fury series with City of the Wolves, launching April 24, 2025. The game features a new art style, innovative mechanics, and a mix of classic and new characters, aiming to reestablish the franchise in the modern fighting game scene.
Japan's Population Falls to Record Low Amid Aging Crisis
Japan's population has fallen to 120.3 million, the lowest since records began, highlighting the nation's deepening demographic crisis amid an aging society.
Vending Machines Vandalized in Kamakura Seaside Park; Police Investigate Theft
Three vending machines were vandalized and robbed in Kamakura Seaside Park, prompting a police investigation into the theft and raising concerns over public safety.