Google Search changes, Orca attack, and portal problems.

Adam Rogers
May 15, 2024

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Big Stories

Google Search is undergoing a big transformation powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

A key feature of the update is "AI Overviews," concise summaries displayed at the top of search results, generated by Google's AI technology called Gemini. The summaries will also include links to resources for more information.
Beyond summaries, AI is fundamentally changing how users interact with Google Search. Gemini can understand search intent regardless of format - text, voice, image, or even video. This allows for innovative features like searching using videos through Google Lens, trip planners that craft itineraries based on a single query, and a smarter organization of search results based on your needs.
For example, imagine searching for restaurants in New York. With Gemini, you can search for romantic restaurants rated four stars in the Flatiron district within a 20-minute walk from Times Square. This level of personalization goes beyond summarizing information; it tailors the search experience to a user’s specific goals.
Ultimately, this AI makeover is a shift towards a more natural and conversational way of interacting with the internet. Users can find information more efficiently with less typing and fewer tabs to navigate.

A group of armed attackers ambushed a prison transport convoy in northern France.

The gunmen used heavy weapons to overpower the guards, killing two and injuring three. The attackers freed a prisoner, Mohamed Amra, who was recently convicted of burglary and faced charges of kidnapping and false imprisonment resulting in death.
Hundreds of police officers, including a helicopter unit, are searching for the attackers. French authorities consider this a major operation and have assigned the investigation to the national anti-organized crime unit.
President Macron expressed his condolences to the victims' families and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Justice Minister declared national mourning and promised to find the attackers and ensure they face severe punishment.

Killer whales attacked and sank a ship in the Strait of Gibraltar.

A yacht named "Alboran Cognac" was rammed by orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar, causing a leak and forcing the crew to be rescued by a passing tanker. This is the latest in a string of orca attacks on boats in the area.
While orca interactions with boats have increased in recent years, the reason for the attacks remains unclear. Some theories suggest the orcas might be playing, hunting, or acting out of frustration. The attacks can happen anytime but are more frequent between May and August.
Last October, a pod of orcas rammed a sightseeing boat for 45 minutes causing it to spring a leak and sink. Another pod attacked two sailing teams racing across the strait. No one on board any of the vessels has been hurt.
Some sailors have resorted to blaring “thrash metal” music to deter the orcas. Encounters are down year over year, so perhaps the orcas aren’t fans of metal.

President Joe Biden imposed new tariffs on Chinese products, including electric vehicles, batteries, solar cells, steel, aluminum, and medical equipment. He criticized China's government subsidies for giving Chinese companies an unfair advantage in global trade, arguing that this is unfair competition and amounts to cheating. (More)

A new public art installation called "The Portal" lets people in New York and Dublin see each other live on giant screens. The artist hopes it will promote global connection, but some people have displayed nudity and offensive gestures on camera, forcing a temporary shutdown. (More)

An Alabama middle school assistant principal, Keante Harris, was arrested on murder charges in connection with a cold case from over a decade ago in Georgia. The remains of three people were found in an abandoned car in 2013, and Harris, along with three other suspects, were recently apprehended across multiple states. (More)

Restaurant spending habits are changing. People are eating out less for weekday lunches (down from 21% to 18% of transactions) and more on weekends (up from 30% to 35%). This reflects a shift to remote work, with people no longer grabbing lunch near the office or drinks after work. The overall amount spent on eating out hasn't necessarily decreased, it's just happening on different days. (More)

A Maryland woman, Sarah Beth Clendaniel, pleaded guilty to federal charges for plotting to attack Baltimore's power grid with a neo-Nazi accomplice. Initially denying the plan, prosecutors say Clendaniel aimed to cause chaos in the predominantly Black city motivated by racial hatred. She faces charges of conspiracy and firearms possession. (More)

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