Breaking AI & Tech News Analyzed

Submersible hydroelectric systems are emerging as a pivotal component of North America’s clean‑energy strategy, especially as the Trump administration eliminates key subsidies for solar and wind. The technology, already proven in Alaska and Maine, is now being deployed in the densely populated Great Lakes corridor, where electricity demand and prices are climbing sharply. Last month, Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) announced its first urban installation on the St Lawrence River in Montreal, slated to launch two carbon‑fiber turbine units later this year. ORPC’s CEO Stuart Davies highlighted the river’s “consistent, high‑velocity water” and estimated a 60‑90 MW resource potential for the Montreal area alone. In parallel, ORPC is preparing a second project on the Niagara River near Buffalo, New York, and plans a future deployment on the lower Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The timing coincides with record electricity price spikes across the Great Lakes. New York’s public service commission approved substantial rate hikes in September, and further increases are scheduled for 2027, while Michigan and Ohio face similar pressures driven by data‑center expansion. These economic pressures are driving interest in marine‑based power. Unlike traditional hydropower, ORPC’s devices resemble “push‑lawn‑mower blades” and can generate between 0.5 MW and 5 MW continuously, offering a potential baseload for industrial users and a reliable backup during grid outages. Environmental considerations remain central. While Quebec benefits from long‑standing, low‑cost hydropower, U.S. projects endure an average eight‑year licensing timeline. Critics worry about impacts on fish and wildlife, though ORPC cites its Alaska deployment—operating since 2019 without recorded fish injuries despite massive salmon migrations—as evidence of minimal ecological risk. Researchers are also expanding the technology’s reach to slower‑moving waters. University of Michigan professor Michael Bernitsas demonstrated the Vivace system on the St Clair River, capable of harvesting energy from currents as low as 0.5 m/s, suggesting broader applicability across the Great Lakes watershed. Operating in fresh water offers a distinct advantage: the absence of salt eliminates corrosion, extending turbine lifespan and reducing costs compared with ocean‑based projects. Some European tidal installations have even anchored devices to riverbeds to avoid ice damage, a practice ORPC may adopt. Financially, the sector benefits from a 40‑50 % investment tax credit that remains intact, even as the Trump administration phases out Biden‑era subsidies for solar and wind. The National Hydropower Association confirms that marine‑energy tax incentives will stay in place through at least 2033, reshaping the competitive landscape and attracting inquiries from entities in over 70 countries. As electricity bills rise and policy shifts favor alternative renewables, submersible hydropower could become a cornerstone of the Great Lakes’ energy mix, delivering resilient, low‑carbon power while navigating regulatory and environmental hurdles.

Egypt's national team director, Ibrahim Hassan, has issued a warning to Mohamed Salah against making a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) when he departs Liverpool at the end of the season. Salah has been with Liverpool for nine successful years, during which he won two Premier League titles and the Champions League.Hassan expressed his preference for Salah to stay in Europe, mentioning potential offers from top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Italian league clubs. He believes a move to MLS would put Salah out of the spotlight, drawing a comparison with Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023.“I would prefer him to stay in Europe,” Hassan told On Sport. “I have heard about offers from Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and clubs in the Italian league. A move to MLS? He would be far too out of the spotlight. You won’t remember Salah any more than I remember [Lionel] Messi now; I don’t even try to watch him.”As an alternative, Hassan suggested that the Saudi Pro League could be a suitable option for Salah if he chooses not to stay in Europe, citing the presence of big names like Cristiano Ronaldo.Salah is currently sidelined by injury and away from Egypt's training camp as they prepare for the World Cup in North America. Egypt face Spain in a friendly in Barcelona on Tuesday after a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Friday. The seven-times African champions are in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran at the World Cup.

The recent news of a six-year-old girl killed in Lebanon by an Israeli bomb has left many in tears. The child's tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war. As we bear witness to such horrors, it's essential that we don't turn away, but instead, take a moment to reflect on the human cost of conflict. The girl's death is a heart-wrenching example of the innocent lives lost in the ongoing violence. It's crucial that we acknowledge the pain and suffering of those affected, rather than becoming desensitized to the news. By doing so, we can work towards a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding these conflicts. The international community must consider the long-term effects of war on civilians, particularly children. The emotional toll of such experiences can be profound and lasting. As we move forward, it's essential that we prioritize empathy and compassion in our response to these tragedies. Ultimately, it's our collective responsibility to stay informed and engaged, ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard and their stories are told. By doing so, we can work towards a more nuanced understanding of the world and its complexities.

Mauricio Pochettino has distanced himself from speculation linking him to a return to Tottenham Hotspur, stating his full focus is on leading the US men's national team at the upcoming World Cup. Despite being linked to the Spurs managerial role, Pochettino emphasized his commitment to his current position.Pochettino, who led Spurs to significant successes during his tenure from 2014-2019, expressed confidence that his former club will avoid relegation, despite their challenging season. He cited the team's talented players and passionate fans as key factors in their likely survival.With Tottenham hovering just above the relegation zone and seven matches remaining, Pochettino's comments offer a boost to the club's morale. The team is reportedly close to appointing Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager, with a long-term contract on the table.Pochettino also left open the possibility of extending his stay with the US men's national team, stating that discussions about his future will take place after the World Cup. For now, his priority remains the team's upcoming friendly against Portugal.

Tottenham Hotspur is on the verge of appointing Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager following productive talks on Monday. The Italian coach has emerged as the club's top choice to replace Igor Tudor, who left his interim position on Sunday after failing to improve the team's form.De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with Marseille, is now the only viable candidate for the role, with Spurs not engaging with other potential candidates. The club aims to secure his services on a long-term contract, believing he can help them stay in the Premier League and build for the next season.The potential appointment of De Zerbi could also impact Mauricio Pochettino's chances of returning to the club. Pochettino, currently managing the US national team, had been considered for an emotional return to Spurs in the summer, but De Zerbi's possible arrival might rule out that move.De Zerbi's backing of Mason Greenwood during his time at Marseille has raised concerns among some Tottenham supporter groups. Greenwood was charged with attempted rape and assault in 2022, although the case was later discontinued. Despite these concerns, Spurs seem willing to overlook them to secure De Zerbi's appointment.The situation at Tottenham is critical, with the team currently one point and one place above the relegation zone and having gone 13 league matches without a win – their worst run since the 1934-35 season. De Zerbi's task would be to turn the team's fortunes around and secure their Premier League status.

South Australia secured a historic back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles, defeating Victoria by 56 runs in a thrilling final. Chasing a target of 196, South Australia resumed at 102-5 on day five at Junction Oval and were eventually bowled out for 139. The match was marred by controversy when Victorian batter Oliver Peake was given out caught off a delivery that appeared to be a front-foot no-ball. Peake's dismissal was a critical blow to Victoria, who had dominated the season and were favourites to claim their first title since 2018-19. Liam Scott, the Shield player of the year, took 3-32, while Henry Thornton claimed 3-12, including the last two wickets. Nathan McAndrew took 3-50 and was named player of the match for his second-innings 60 and six wickets. South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney praised his team's resilience, saying, "We really had to dig deep. The ability for us to stay in the game is incredible and to win two in a row with this group is super-special." The victory marked a significant achievement for South Australia, who only secured a spot in the final in the last game of the regular season.

Rachel Reeves, the UK Chancellor, is set to warn G7 nations that they must move faster on clean energy to insulate economies against global price shocks from oil and gas. This comes as she and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband meet with G7 finance and energy ministers.Reeves will emphasize that long-term energy security from renewables and nuclear is the only way to prevent future crises, in a rebuke to the Conservatives and Reform who have urged her to end the ban on new oil and gas licenses.“As we move faster on renewables and nuclear, our partners in the G7 must do the same – because staying stuck on the rollercoaster of global oil and gas prices will help nobody,” Reeves stated.Reeves will argue that the G7 nations should not “shift pressure on to partners or weaken collective resilience” – a veiled warning about easing sanctions on Russian energy or on new trade barriers.The UK government plans to implement the Fingleton review this year to speed up the delivery of new nuclear power.Reeves rejected calls from the Conservatives to issue new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea, stating they would not insulate the UK from further energy shocks or bring down UK consumers’ bills.

A groundbreaking analysis has revealed that 37% of conventional California produce contains toxic Pfas pesticide residues. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) conducted the study, which coincided with the introduction of California legislation aimed at banning Pfas from being used as active ingredients in pesticides by 2035.The analysis of California department of pesticide regulation residue testing records found that about 90% of peaches, plums, and nectarines contained Pfas residues, while 80% of strawberries and grapes showed contamination. These findings are particularly alarming as children are most at risk from the toxic effects of Pfas, and commonly eat fruits like grapes and strawberries.Pfas are a class of at least 16,000 compounds used to make products resistant to water, stains, and heat. They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not naturally break down and accumulate, and are linked to cancer, kidney disease, liver problems, immune disorders, birth defects, and other serious health problems.The EWG analyzed records for 930 samples across 78 types of non-organic, California-grown fruits and vegetables. The results showed that 348 samples, or 37%, contained Pfas residues, with at least half of all produce varieties treated with Pfas pesticides.The proposed legislation in California would ban the use of Pfas as an active ingredient in pesticides by 2035 and place a moratorium on approvals of new Pfas pesticides. The bill's author, California assemblymember Nick Schultz, stated that he doesn't want his kids "eating strawberries contaminated with chemicals that will stay in their bodies for decades."The pesticide industry is expected to mount a strong campaign against the legislation, but Maine and Minnesota have already passed similar bans, making it more likely to pass in California.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel, marking their first such attack since the US-Israel war on Iran began. The assault was announced by Brigadier-General Yahya Saree, a military spokesman for the Houthis, on their Al-Masirah satellite television. The attack targeted what Saree described as 'sensitive Israeli military sites' in southern Israel. The Israeli military reported intercepting one of the missiles. This development comes as Iran and Hezbollah continue to fire on Israel, with sirens sounding around Beer Sheba and near Israel's main nuclear research centre. Saree stated that the strikes 'will continue until the declared objectives are achieved, as stated in the previous statement by the armed forces, and until the aggression against all fronts of the resistance ceases'. This escalation follows a vague statement by Saree on Friday signaling the rebels' intention to join the conflict. The Houthis, who have controlled Yemen's capital, Sanaa, since 2014, had previously stayed out of the US-Israel war. However, they have been involved in attacks on shipping vessels during the Israel-Hamas war, disrupting commercial transit in the Red Sea. Over 100 merchant vessels were attacked with missiles and drones, resulting in two ships sinking and four sailors killed between November 2023 and January 2025. Experts consider the Houthis' entry into the US-Israeli war on Iran as 'very significant'. Mohamad Elmasry, a professor of Media Studies at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, noted that if the Houthis were to shut down the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal, it would impact two major international shipping waterways, alongside the Strait of Hormuz. Al Jazeera's Nida Ibrahim reported from Ramallah that the opening of a new front in the war is likely to raise questions in Israel about 'the viability of the operations and the way the government is conducting its war'. She expects Israel to retaliate to this attack, as seen in previous instances when Yemen joined the battle.