Slate Auto has released details about its new electric truck priced at $24,950. The truck’s range, towing, and payload capacities are higher than initially announced, and it features a 65 kWh battery with a range of about 205 miles.
Key Facts
The base price of the Slate electric truck is $24,950.
The truck has an estimated driving range of 205 miles on a single charge.
It can tow up to 2,000 pounds and carry a payload of 1,550 pounds, both increased from earlier estimates.
The motor produces 181 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, powering the rear wheels.
The truck accelerates from zero to 60 mph in about eight seconds with a top speed of 90 mph.
It uses a 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack with 63 kWh usable capacity.
Charging supports DC fast charging up to 120 kW, reaching 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
The vehicle has one-pedal driving with regenerative braking and the option to turn off traction control for more driving control.
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Rep. Frank Pallone, the leading Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, supports a pause on building new AI data centers. This is a notable endorsement from a mainstream Democrat for a policy mostly backed so far by less traditional political figures.
Key Facts
Rep. Frank Pallone is the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
He supports a moratorium, which means a temporary stop, on new AI data centers.
AI data centers are facilities that store and process data for artificial intelligence technologies.
The idea of stopping these centers has mostly been supported by anti-establishment politicians before this.
The moratorium is meant to give policymakers time to understand and manage the impact of AI infrastructure.
This issue was discussed during a committee meeting called a markup session.
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Scotland is working to become a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics by creating a close partnership between companies, government, universities, and investors. A recent conference at Edinburgh Castle highlighted Scotland’s focus on building a strong tech community and attracting international investment.
Key Facts
Edinburgh Castle hosted a conference called “World of Tomorrow” focused on AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
Scotland emphasizes a small, well-connected tech ecosystem to help companies succeed.
Launchpad Build AI opened a research and development center in Edinburgh and raised $11 million in funding.
Several major tech companies like AMD and Universal Robots have set up hubs in Scotland and other UK cities.
Scotland has been the UK’s top destination for foreign investment outside London for the past 10 years.
The Scottish government supports innovation and has a large pipeline of renewable energy projects to help fund technology.
The conference combined Scottish cultural traditions with discussions about future technology.
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French scientists studied how oxygen moves through wine corks using a small experimental bottle system. They found that corks don’t just block air but also slowly release oxygen themselves, affecting the wine’s aging process in complex ways.
Key Facts
Researchers at the University of Burgundy in France led the study on oxygen transfer through corks.
The team created tiny glass vials sealed with small corks to mimic real wine bottles but allow precise oxygen measurements.
Oxygen affects how wine ages: a little oxygen helps mature wine, but too much makes it go bad.
The experiment lasted 18 months and tracked oxygen levels inside the miniature bottles.
Four phases of oxygen transfer were identified after sealing, starting with oxygen balancing between wine and gas inside.
For the first six months, most oxygen entering the wine came from inside the cork, not from outside air.
The cork releases oxygen from tiny spaces within its structure, contributing to the wine’s chemistry.
This finding shows corks act like a living ingredient by controlling oxygen flow during wine aging.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed new rules requiring phone companies to collect and keep detailed personal information from users of prepaid phones, including burner phones. While this aims to reduce scam calls, privacy groups and domestic violence advocates warn it could harm people who rely on such phones to stay safe and anonymous.
Key Facts
The FCC wants phone companies to collect name, address, ID number, and an alternate phone number from users before activating prepaid phone service.
This proposal is aimed at reducing robocalls and stopping scammers from getting phone service anonymously.
Privacy and domestic violence groups say the rules could harm survivors who use prepaid phones to protect their privacy and safety.
Many abuse survivors lack official IDs or cannot share their real addresses because they are fleeing dangerous situations.
The FCC chair says the rules would close gaps where bad actors exploit phone networks.
The proposal suggests verifying customer info through databases and keeping records for four years after service ends.
Survivors often use programs that provide substitute addresses or shelters to stay hidden, which could be exposed by these rules.
The groups argue that treating certain privacy-protection methods as suspicious could put vulnerable people in danger.
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The new iPhone 17e includes an advanced silicon chip developed at Apple’s research and development center in Israel. This chip plays an important role in the phone’s performance and features.
Key Facts
The iPhone 17e has a special chip made with silicon, a material used for computer parts.
Apple’s R&D center in Israel created this chip.
The chip helps improve the phone’s speed and capabilities.
Apple uses technology developed in different countries for its products.
Israeli technology contributes to important parts of the iPhone 17e.
The development shows Apple’s global approach to innovating new devices.
Advanced chips help phones handle complex tasks efficiently.
The iPhone 17e includes this chip as a key component inside the device.
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More than $24 million from pro- and anti-AI groups was spent in a New York congressional primary race, focusing on candidate Alex Bores who sponsored an AI safety bill. The spending showed how the AI industry plans to influence political campaigns, with tech-backed groups and wealthy individuals investing heavily in races before the 2024 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Over $24 million was spent in the New York 12th congressional district Democratic primary, one of the most expensive in the state.
Pro-AI groups spent more than $8 million opposing Alex Bores, while groups supporting AI regulation spent over $16 million to back him.
Alex Bores lost the primary to Michael Lasher, who also supported AI safety legislation.
The race featured prominent candidates, including Jack Schlossberg and George Conway.
Tech-backed Super PACs, which can raise and spend unlimited funds, are investing heavily in upcoming elections.
Leading the Future, funded by OpenAI’s president and venture capitalists, raised over $75 million this year.
Anthropic funded Public First Action with more than $20 million, supporting AI regulation.
Individuals like Elon Musk and Chris Larsen contributed millions to PACs influencing the AI-related political debate.
The race involved many ads, some misleading, focusing on AI and tech industry influence.
Alex Bores disputed negative ads about his past work at Palantir, sending a cease-and-desist letter claiming false statements.
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Elon Musk lost his trillion-dollar wealth status less than two weeks after reaching it, due to a fall in SpaceX and Tesla stock prices. Despite this drop, he remains the richest person in the world, with most of his wealth tied to these two companies.
Key Facts
Elon Musk’s wealth dropped from $1.11 trillion to $957 billion in under two weeks.
The fall followed a large drop in SpaceX and Tesla shares, affecting Musk’s net worth.
SpaceX went public on the Nasdaq at $135 per share, opening at $150, valuing the company at $1.77 trillion.
Musk owns about 42% of SpaceX, making it the largest part of his fortune.
SpaceX shares peaked at $225.64 but then fell over 30% to around $156.
Tesla shares also dropped nearly 6%; Musk owns about 12% of Tesla shares.
Musk’s wealth is mostly in these two companies, making it more sensitive to stock changes.
Analysts say such stock swings are normal for new, fast-growing companies like SpaceX.
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Google is lowering the fees it charges app developers on its Play Store as part of a settlement with Epic Games. Starting June 30, developers in the US, UK, and Europe will pay lower fees, including a flat 10% service fee on the first $1 million they earn each year. Developers will also be allowed to direct users to pay outside the Play Store, avoiding some fees.
Key Facts
Google charged developers a 30% commission on most Play Store transactions before the settlement.
Epic Games sued Google in 2020, claiming Google’s Play Store rules were unfair and limited competition.
The settlement includes lower fees and new payment options starting June 30 in select regions.
Developers will pay a 10% service fee on their first $1 million in revenue annually; fees can be higher above that.
Apps installed after June 30 will have a maximum fee of 20%.
Developers can now send users outside the Play Store to complete purchases, paying only the service fee, not the billing fee.
The 5% billing fee applies to transactions processed through Google’s platform.
The new fee system will expand globally by 2027, with Australia joining in September and Japan and Korea by year-end.
Google will introduce programs that give developers lower fees and better visibility in exchange for using Google Play features.
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A shop worker appeared in TikTok and YouTube videos filmed by former TV presenter Michael Barrymore using smart glasses without being asked for permission. The union for shop workers warned that filming retail staff without consent is a growing issue and can raise privacy concerns, especially as smart glasses become more popular.
Key Facts
Michael Barrymore films videos using smart glasses with built-in cameras and shares them on social media.
A sales assistant in England was filmed by Barrymore without his knowledge or consent.
Shops are private places where permission should be asked before filming people.
Filming workers without consent may break data protection laws, even if not criminal.
Smart glasses, like Meta’s Ray-Bans, are very popular and widely sold worldwide.
Some retail staff may have personal reasons to keep their location or occupation private.
The workers’ union Usdaw says filming without permission can cause real problems for staff.
The sales assistant only found out he was filmed after a customer mentioned it to him.
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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly instructed the company to develop a new prediction market app. This app would allow users to make guesses on future events and outcomes, similar to a market where people buy and sell predictions.
Key Facts
Mark Zuckerberg is the CEO of Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook.
Meta is working on a new prediction market app under Zuckerberg’s direction.
A prediction market app lets users bet on or predict future events.
This project was reported by The New York Times and discussed by tech reporter Mike Isaac.
The app aims to provide a new way for people to share their forecasts and opinions on what might happen next.
Prediction markets are online platforms where the crowd’s collective guesses can indicate likely outcomes.
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Researchers used artificial intelligence (AI) to virtually unwrap and read a charred ancient scroll from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago. The scroll, dating back to the 2nd or late-3rd century BC, contains a text about stoic philosophy, ethics, and human behavior.
Key Facts
The scroll was damaged and charred by the Vesuvius eruption in AD 79 and is only a small part of the original size.
Scientists used AI and high-resolution X-ray images to read 20 columns of hidden text without physically opening the fragile scroll.
The scroll, called PHerc 1667, is one of the oldest from the Herculaneum library, a Roman villa destroyed by the eruption.
The text appears to be a stoic philosophical treatise, possibly written by the Greek philosopher Chrysippus.
The Vesuvius Challenge, a global contest starting in 2023, helped develop AI methods to read these ancient scrolls.
The scroll discusses stoic ideas like impulse (hormē) and practical wisdom (phronēsis), emphasizing reason and self-control.
The project is led by Professor Brent Seales, who pioneered machine-learning techniques to read hidden text in X-ray scans.
The success shows that it is possible to fully "unwrap" and read fragile ancient documents without causing damage.
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The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool is Dyson’s first handheld fan, offering strong airflow in a small design. It has five power settings, but it is quite loud, especially on higher levels. The fan costs about £100 and includes features like a neck lanyard and a charging stand.
Key Facts
The fan has five speed levels plus a boost mode for stronger airflow.
It can reach wind speeds up to 55mph using a motor running at 65,000 rpm.
Noise levels range from 61.5 to 80.3 decibels depending on the setting.
The battery lasts between about 50 minutes on the highest setting and over 6 hours on the lowest.
The fan weighs 220 grams and is 38mm wide.
It comes in three color combinations, including stone/blush and dark blue/black.
The design includes a lanyard for wearing the fan around the neck and a charging stand for desk use.
The price is £99.99, which is much higher than many other handheld fans that cost as little as £6.
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The TSA warns drone pilots to stay out of restricted areas near World Cup event locations because many have ignored the rules. At the same time, the U.S. is using more drones in both civilian airspace and military activities.
Key Facts
The TSA has set flight restrictions near World Cup sites.
Many drone operators are not following these no-fly zones.
Air marshals have issued warnings to drone pilots about these zones.
The U.S. is increasing the use of drones in national airspace.
Drones are also playing a bigger role in military operations.
Drone expert Tombo Jones explained drone technology on CBS News.
The issue is part of wider concerns about managing drone activity safely.
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The Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, set to be the tallest building in the world, will extend above the atmospheric boundary layer, a rarely discussed feature in skyscraper design. This means roughly one-third of the tower rises above the part of the atmosphere where most weather occurs, affecting wind and stress on the building.
Key Facts
The Jeddah Tower will be over 1,000 meters tall, surpassing Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, currently the tallest building.
About one-third of the tower is above the atmospheric boundary layer, where weather effects like strong winds and turbulence are reduced.
The atmospheric boundary layer is the lowest part of the atmosphere, typically up to 1-3 kilometers above the ground, where most weather happens.
Wind speeds above this layer are more steady but produce less extreme peak forces on tall structures.
The building was designed by architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill, with Smith also having designed the Burj Khalifa.
Super tall buildings like Jeddah Tower face challenges related to carbon emissions from construction materials and operations.
Buildings contribute 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions, including emissions in material production and building maintenance.
Designers aim to balance building form with energy efficiency to reduce the environmental impact of such large structures.
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A UK physicist has published a paper questioning Microsoft's recent claims of breakthroughs in quantum computing. He argues that errors in Microsoft’s software and lack of evidence for a key particle called Majorana weaken their results, though Microsoft continues to defend its research and shares some data with a US defense agency.
Key Facts
Dr. Henry Legg published a paper in the journal Nature doubting Microsoft’s quantum computing breakthroughs.
He claims Microsoft’s software used for validating their research contains coding errors and inaccuracies.
Microsoft says it has developed a quasi-particle called Majorana, important for its quantum approach, but Legg says there is no solid proof.
Microsoft disputes these doubts and has published a detailed response defending their methods.
Microsoft shares data with the US defense agency Darpa, but some data is not publicly available due to commercial sensitivity.
The scientific community uses data sharing to confirm or reject research findings, which Legg says Microsoft has not done adequately.
Microsoft released a second-generation Majorana chip, claiming it is 1,000 times more reliable than the first.
Previous Microsoft-backed research on this topic has faced criticism and retractions in the past.
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Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the recent fatal crash in Texas does not make sense if caused by Tesla’s full self-driving software. The crash involved a 76-year-old woman, Martha Avila, who died when a Tesla vehicle drove through her home in Katy, Texas. Authorities and the driver have suggested Tesla’s automated driving system might have been involved.
Key Facts
A Tesla vehicle crashed into a home in Katy, Texas, killing Martha Avila, age 76.
The crash happened on a Friday.
Police and the driver have indicated Tesla’s full self-driving software may have played a role.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, disagrees with these suggestions.
Musk said the crash situation “makes no sense” if caused by the software.
Full self-driving software is Tesla’s automatic driving system meant to guide the car without human control.
The investigation is ongoing and details are still being reviewed.
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This article lists 40 top deals available during Prime Day 2026, carefully chosen and tested by editors to help shoppers find good discounts on items in categories like kitchen, home, sleep, travel, tech, beauty, and fashion. The list includes products such as a nonstick pan, a wine chiller, a blender, a tower fan, and electronics, with updated prices shown for each.
Key Facts
Editors selected 40 best deals for Prime Day 2026, testing and verifying each product's price history and quality.
Deals cover various categories: kitchen, home, sleep, travel, technology, beauty, and fashion.
The Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro is on sale for $129, down from $179.
The BrüMate Togosa 2-in-1 Wine Chiller Bucket & Pitcher is available for $55.99, reduced from $69.99.
The Vitamix 5200 Blender costs $349.95, marked down from $499.95.
The Ninja Slushi Frozen Drink & Slushie Machine is priced at $199.99, discounted from $349.99.
The list is updated daily with new deals during the Prime Day event.
Price history checks help prevent falling for fake discounts or inflated original prices.
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Slate Auto has launched an online configurator for its electric pickup truck, starting at under $25,000. The truck uses a lithium iron phosphate battery with a 205-mile range, and customers can customize it for work or off-road use with various options.
Key Facts
The Slate electric pickup starts at $24,950 before taxes and delivery fees.
It has a 63 kWh usable lithium iron phosphate battery with a 205-mile EPA estimated range.
The electric motor produces 181 horsepower and drives the rear wheels.
Fast charging can add range from 20% to 80% in 30 minutes using a 120 kW charger and a NACS port.
The base truck comes with 17-inch steel wheels and minimal features for a low price.
Custom options include decals, interior trim, a bed floor liner, toolbox, locking tailgate, and telematics for phone connectivity.
Towing capacity is up to 2,000 lbs, with a bed payload of 1,550 lbs.
An off-road version with extra lights, all-terrain tires, and other gear costs about $33,000 plus additional lift kit costs.
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Amazon’s Prime Day offers the lowest prices ever on all Apple Watch models. These watches include features like fitness tracking, heart health monitoring, and satellite messaging, with discounts available on entry-level to premium versions.
Key Facts
All Apple Watch models are at their lowest prices during Prime Day sales.
The Apple Watch SE Gen 3 starts at $199, down from $249.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is now $279, originally $399.
Series 11 includes ECG and blood-oxygen monitoring, though blood-oxygen is disabled in the U.S. due to a patent issue.
Both SE and Series 11 come with options for cellular connectivity, which adds to monthly costs.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3, designed for outdoor use, costs $649, down from $799, and offers features like dual-band GPS and satellite messaging.
The Ultra 3 has a sapphire face to resist scratches and a battery that lasts up to three days.
Customers can save money by choosing models without cellular service if they usually carry their phone.
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