Bending Spoons, the owner of AOL and other tech companies, raised $1.7 billion by selling shares on the stock market. The company focuses on buying struggling tech firms and improving them, using technology like artificial intelligence (AI) to help grow their businesses.
Key Facts
Bending Spoons sold 58 million shares at $29 each in its initial public offering (IPO).
The company received $1 billion from the sale, and the total market value reached $25.5 billion.
Bending Spoons owns companies such as Eventbrite, Vimeo, and recently acquired AOL.
AOL was a major internet company in the 1990s and early 2000s but struggled after the dot-com crash.
Founded in Italy in 2013, Bending Spoons has bought over 50 companies and reorganized them.
The company uses AI to help improve the services of its acquired businesses.
In early 2026, Bending Spoons earned $27.5 million profit on $601 million revenue.
Bending Spoons has about 500 million monthly users and 9 million paying customers.
The company holds nearly $4.4 billion in debt and will use some IPO money to buy more companies.
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Hawai‘i plans to build a new $4.7 million facility in Wahiawā that will crack eggs to meet rising demand for eggs in schools and other institutions. The project aims to boost local food production but has raised concerns about who will benefit and whether it will help local farmers.
Key Facts
The facility will crack low-grade eggs to supply liquid eggs for the Department of Education and other customers.
Hawai‘i’s schools currently use less than 1% frozen or liquid eggs but expect demand to rise with increased egg-based meals.
The property for the facility will cost $4.7 million.
The project is part of a larger plan to create centralized food facilities to support local agriculture and schools statewide.
State officials, led by Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, are pushing the project to improve local food security.
Some lawmakers worry public money may primarily benefit a large local egg producer rather than smaller farmers.
The Department of Education wants to purchase 30% of its food locally by 2030.
The facility is necessary because schools cannot buy eggs in shells but require pre-processed liquid eggs.
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European lawmakers warned Albania that its talks to join the European Union could be endangered if it continues plans for a luxury resort supported by Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law. The project involves building on protected coastal areas, which has sparked large protests and concerns about environmental damage and the country’s EU membership goals.
Key Facts
European Parliament members say Albania risks losing progress on EU membership over a €1.4 billion real estate project.
The project is supported by Jared Kushner and involves building a large resort on Albania’s Sazan island and Zvërnec peninsula.
The construction areas include environmentally protected zones, raising concerns about damage to forests, dunes, and wildlife habitats.
Protests against the project, called the “flamingo revolution,” demand the resignation of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
About 92% of Albanians support joining the EU, making accession a major national goal.
Prime Minister Rama aims to finish EU accession talks by 2027 but may jeopardize that deadline by continuing the resort plans.
European Parliament calls for halting construction in protected areas and removing laws that allow risky investments in these zones.
Dutch MEP Tineke Strik said the resort project threatens Albania’s compliance with EU environmental rules needed for membership talks.
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German prosecutors have charged a Ukrainian man, identified as Serhii K, for leading the attack on the Nord Stream gas pipelines under the Baltic Sea in 2022. The suspect denies involvement, and Ukraine denies any role in the explosions that damaged the pipelines carrying Russian gas to Germany.
Key Facts
The accused Ukrainian man was arrested in Italy last summer and extradited to Germany in November.
He is said to have led a team of seven people in attacking and destroying three of the four Nord Stream pipelines.
The blasts released large amounts of methane gas into the Baltic Sea and stopped the pipelines from working.
Germany and Ukraine have denied involvement in the sabotage.
A second Ukrainian suspect was arrested near Warsaw based on a German arrest warrant.
Nord Stream 1 had supplied Russian gas to Germany before Russia shut it down in 2022.
The attacks happened months after Germany canceled approval for Nord Stream 2 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The incident caused tension as Germany is a major military supporter of Ukraine.
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President Trump reported over $1 billion in income related to cryptocurrency in his annual financial disclosure. Democrats claim that he and his family may have made improper profits from their cryptocurrency businesses.
Key Facts
President Trump’s financial disclosure showed more than $1 billion in income tied to cryptocurrency.
He reported about $594 million from World Liberty Financial, a crypto company he started with his sons.
Democrats are raising concerns about possible improper profits from these ventures.
The financial disclosure was released on a Tuesday.
The report focuses on the President’s and his family’s involvement in the cryptocurrency industry.
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Clashes between Iranian security forces and Kurdish rebel groups have increased, raising the risk of a new conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. These events challenge a recent ceasefire between Tehran and Washington and follow past threats from U.S. and Israeli officials to support Kurdish movements against Iran.
Key Facts
Two members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed in an attack in Paveh, western Iran.
A new Kurdish group called Xori Hiwa (Sun of Hope) claimed responsibility for the attack.
The IRGC responded with a counterterrorism operation in West Azerbaijan province, killing six infiltrators linked to Kurdish rebels.
Kurdish group PJAK said four of its fighters died in clashes near Mahabad city.
The Kurdish population in Iran is about 10% and mainly lives in western provinces.
Kurdish groups in Iran have a long history of seeking more autonomy or independence, often through armed conflict.
Iran and Kurdish groups in neighboring Iraq have complex relations, with Iran pressuring Iraq and its Kurdish region to act against Iranian Kurdish militants.
U.S. and Israeli officials have previously threatened to support Kurdish groups as part of their strategy against Iran.
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Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb leads a secret government panel under President Trump that studies unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs. The panel reviews military videos and reports to understand these objects, assuming they are human-made and focusing on national security.
Key Facts
Avi Loeb, a Harvard scientist, was chosen by President Trump to head a panel on UFOs, called unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP).
The panel asks the Pentagon for videos, images, and documents about UFO encounters.
Loeb starts his investigation assuming UAP are created by humans, not aliens.
The panel meets privately and reports its findings directly to the White House.
Some scientists criticize Loeb’s leadership due to his unconventional ideas about alien life.
Another panel member, retired Navy Rear Admiral Timothy Gallaudet, believes some UFOs are alien and claims government cover-ups.
Billionaire Ben Lamm, known for efforts to revive extinct animals, is also on the panel and supports searching for UFOs using satellites.
The U.S. government has released some previously secret UFO files publicly this year.
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Former CIA Director John Brennan has filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department and several Trump administration officials. He wants a court order to protect records related to two federal criminal investigations about him.
Key Facts
Brennan is facing two Justice Department criminal probes linked to his actions while in office.
One probe examines if Brennan lied to Congress in 2023 about Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.
The second probe looks into alleged conspiracies by officials from the Obama and Biden administrations to block President Trump from office.
Brennan’s lawyers claim the investigations are politically motivated and meant to punish opponents of President Trump.
Brennan has asked a judge to require the government and intelligence agencies to keep all relevant materials safe.
The case is assigned to Judge Jia Cobb, appointed by President Biden.
Key figures in the probe include Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and attorneys linked to President Trump’s team.
Some law enforcement veterans worry the investigation is staffed with people who want a politically driven indictment of Brennan.
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The article says that although left-wing candidates claim to represent working-class people, the people who support democratic socialism are mostly wealthy and well-educated. This suggests there is a gap between who the candidates say they represent and who actually supports them.
Key Facts
Left-wing candidates say they speak for working-class people.
Supporters of democratic socialism tend to be wealthier.
Many supporters also have higher education.
There is a difference between the candidates' message and their actual supporters.
The working class may not feel represented by democratic socialists.
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Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has tried several times to return to Venezuela after recent deadly earthquakes, but her efforts have caused tension with the Trump administration. U.S. officials say her actions complicated relief work and increased political conflicts in Venezuela during a critical recovery period.
Key Facts
Maria Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader who won a Nobel Peace Prize and supports President Donald Trump.
Venezuela suffered earthquakes that killed more than 1,700 people and left many homeless.
Maduro was ousted from power on January 3, 2024, after stealing the election, with U.S. help.
Machado has tried to enter Venezuela via nearby countries but was blocked in Curacao and Panama.
The Trump administration is officially neutral about Machado’s return but says her attempts cause confusion and threaten relief efforts.
Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, was installed as Venezuela’s leader by U.S.-backed policy, which Machado opposes.
U.S. diplomat John Barrett expressed trust in local Venezuelan authorities despite criticisms from exiles and opposition.
U.S. officials worry Machado’s actions could cause unrest while many people need humanitarian aid.
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Researchers report that new AI tools are making it easier to create fake sexual images and harmful content targeting Muslim women in India. This technology increases online harassment by producing realistic but false pictures and messages.
Key Facts
Muslim women in India have faced online abuse for several years.
Generative AI can create fake images and propaganda automatically.
These AI-made images often target Muslim women sexualizing them falsely.
The new technology intensifies the scale and impact of online harassment.
Experts are warning about the growing abuse enabled by AI tools.
The use of AI in this way raises concerns about misinformation and hate speech.
This development is part of a broader global discussion about AI ethics and misuse.
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President Donald Trump claims the U.S. Constitution gives him the right to take almost any action as president. Recent Supreme Court decisions have mostly supported him, and documents show he has made about $2 billion from various sources since returning to office, including cryptocurrency and foreign deals.
Key Facts
President Trump says Article 2 of the Constitution allows him wide powers as president.
The Supreme Court has made several rulings that have favored President Trump recently.
A report from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics revealed Trump earned around $2 billion after starting his second term.
His income sources include golf courses, Trump-branded products, cryptocurrencies, and overseas deals.
President Trump received a Boeing 747 airplane as a gift from Qatar.
There are concerns about conflicts of interest between President Trump’s official role and his private business interests.
The Supreme Court stopped Trump’s attempt to fire a Federal Reserve governor without cause.
The court allowed the government to end temporary protected status for some migrants, affecting many people from unsafe countries.
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A U.S. Navy helicopter made an emergency landing on water in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday morning. One of the four crew members on board is missing, and efforts to find them are ongoing.
Key Facts
The helicopter involved was an MH-60S Seahawk.
The MH-60S Seahawk is a two-engine helicopter used for various missions like search and rescue, special operations, and combat support.
The helicopter was assigned to a U.S. aircraft carrier.
The emergency water landing happened in the Arabian Sea.
Four crew members were on board during the incident.
One crew member is currently missing.
The U.S. military is handling the search and rescue efforts.
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The United States has decided not to renew the USMCA trade agreement with Canada and Mexico yet. The US government will continue talks to fix issues in the agreement and address trade deficits but has not agreed to extend the pact in its current form.
Key Facts
The US Trade Representative announced the US will not renew the USMCA now.
USMCA is a trade deal between the US, Canada, and Mexico that started in 2020 and is set to expire in 2036.
The US says the agreement did not reduce its trade deficits with Canada and Mexico as expected.
If the three countries do not all agree to an extension, the deal will require annual reviews instead of a long-term renewal.
Canada and Mexico want to continue discussions and support the agreement.
The US plans to meet with Mexico in late July to discuss the trade pact.
President Donald Trump has expressed mixed feelings about the agreement, calling it of “no real advantage” but being open to negotiation.
Despite the US decision, the USMCA remains in effect until it eventually expires in 2036.
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A foreign container ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz while using a route not approved by Iran, according to Iranian state media. This incident highlights Iran’s claim over control of the strait, a vital waterway for global oil and gas. Meanwhile, talks are ongoing in Qatar between U.S. and Iranian officials aiming to end the war between the countries and address issues including passage rights through the strait.
Key Facts
A foreign container ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz due to shallow waters along an unapproved route, Iranian state TV reported.
Iran claims control over shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, which has long been considered international waters.
The strait is a key passage for about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas during peacetime.
Since a conflict started on February 28, Iran has used control of the strait to gain leverage by disrupting global energy markets.
U.S. officials, including envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and Iranian negotiators are meeting in Qatar to discuss ending the war and issues related to the strait.
Iran wants to control shipping routes and charge fees for passage, which the U.S. and Gulf states oppose.
Recent attacks occurred after an attempt to open a new shipping route near Oman, showing the tension in the region.
Lebanon and the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel remain major challenges in the negotiations.
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Federal prosecutors in Chicago are reviewing over 1,000 grand jury cases after charges were dismissed in the "Broadview Six" case due to prosecutorial misconduct. U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros announced new rules and a large review of past cases to improve trust in the legal process.
Key Facts
More than 1,000 grand jury cases in the Northern District of Illinois are under review.
The review includes cases dating back nearly 20 years and current pending cases.
The Broadview Six case involved protesters arrested outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois.
Prosecutors engaged in improper conduct, like influencing grand jurors and sharing information that should have been confidential.
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Mecklenburg was found responsible for some of the misconduct.
Mecklenburg was later fired from her job working for Senator Dick Durbin.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros created new rules for prosecutors about when to share grand jury materials.
Boutros’s office is conducting a broad and detailed review of past prosecutions to prevent similar problems.
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The mother of a Greek politician from the ruling New Democracy party died from severe burns after an arson attack on her apartment building in Thessaloniki. The attack was one of three suspected coordinated petrol bomb incidents targeting party officials, and the investigation is now led by Greece’s Counter-Terrorism Service.
Key Facts
Vagia Nestora, 72, suffered burns covering about 80% of her body and died in hospital.
The attacks happened early Wednesday morning in Thessaloniki and involved petrol bombs and improvised devices.
Vagia Nestora’s daughter, Afroditi Nestora, a New Democracy party candidate, was also injured and remains hospitalized.
The fires caused explosions, destroyed cars, damaged motorcycles, and harmed multiple residents.
Police are investigating if the three attacks, targeting New Democracy members’ homes, were planned together.
No group has said they carried out the attacks.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis condemned the violence and promised to find and punish those responsible.
Greece’s Counter-Terrorism Service is examining CCTV footage and managing the investigation.
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More than 100 years after Antoni Gaudí designed a unique skyscraper called Hotel Attraction for New York City, an artist used artificial intelligence (AI) to create new images showing how it might have looked. This project highlights AI’s growing role in architecture, where it helps recreate ideas and assist architects with their work.
Key Facts
Antoni Gaudí designed Hotel Attraction, an Art Nouveau skyscraper for New York City, but it was never built.
Artist Thierry Lechanteur used AI to create visual images of this “lost” skyscraper.
This rediscovery coincides with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death in 1926.
Gaudí is famous for designing the Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona, which is still under construction and expected to finish within the next decade.
AI is becoming more popular in architecture for tasks like automating manual work and helping with research.
A 2025 American Institute of Architects (AIA) study found that architects are hopeful about AI but concerned about errors, data use, and transparency.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) reported that 59% of architecture firms used AI in 2025, up from 41% in 2024.
Younger architects, especially those under 35, are more likely to use AI tools like image generators.
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Mortgage interest rates have gone up again after falling earlier in 2025. With a Federal Reserve meeting in July where rates might rise further, homebuyers and people refinancing their homes should take certain steps now to protect themselves from higher costs.
Key Facts
Mortgage interest rates dropped by about 1% earlier in 2025 but have since increased again.
Rates were below 6% as recently as April, but now many borrowers face higher rates.
The Federal Reserve meeting on July 28 may lead to a rate increase, with a 27% chance according to an industry tool.
Borrowers should check their credit reports for errors and work on improving their scores since better credit can lower mortgage rates.
Shopping around with different lenders can find better mortgage rate offers, potentially saving up to a full percentage point.
Locking in a mortgage rate now can protect borrowers from further increases, even if rates are not ideal.
If rates drop later, borrowers who locked in rates might be able to switch to a lower rate before their loan closes.
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A heat dome is causing very high and humid temperatures in the U.S. Northeast just before Fourth of July celebrations. Cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia are experiencing heat warnings, with temperatures reaching into the 90s and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, increasing health risks especially in urban areas.
Key Facts
A heat dome is a strong area of high pressure that traps heat and humidity over a region.
Temperatures in the Northeast are forecast to reach the high 90s and possibly over 100 degrees Fahrenheit by Thursday.
Humidity will make the heat feel even hotter, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Cities are more affected because materials like concrete and asphalt hold onto heat.
New York City has set up cooling centers and organized teams to check on homeless people during the heat wave.
Officials warn that people, especially those not used to such heat, should stay cool and avoid outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.
The heat wave coincides with major Fourth of July events such as parades and outdoor celebrations.
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