Thursday, March 26, 2026
35 stories
China's EV Boom: BYD, Geely, Leapmotor Rewriting Global Auto Rules
Chinese EV makers are transforming the global auto industry with rapid innovation cycles. Leapmotor demonstrated its agility when a software bug reported by a German executive was fixed via over-the-air update before his meeting ended — a fix that would take European carmakers weeks.
↗BloombergGerman Court Rejects Bid to Ban Mercedes and BMW Fossil-Fuel Cars
Germany's top appeals court dismissed lawsuits from environmentalists seeking to ban Mercedes-Benz and BMW from selling fossil-fuel vehicles. The ruling represents a setback for climate activists pushing for faster automotive decarbonization in Europe.
↗ReutersFord Bets on Affordable Pickups, NHTSA Escalates Tesla FSD Probe
Ford is doubling down on its affordable pickup truck strategy to capture budget-conscious buyers. Meanwhile, NHTSA has escalated its investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving system, and Stellantis issued recalls affecting over 11,000 vehicles.
↗CBT News2026 Toyota C-HR BEV Launches with 338 HP and Tesla Charging
Toyota revealed the all-new 2026 C-HR BEV, a compact electric crossover with 338 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and Tesla Supercharger network access. The model represents Toyota's accelerating push into the competitive compact EV crossover segment.
↗CBT NewsNissan Has Last Laugh in Failed Honda Merger
Following the collapse of merger talks between Honda and Nissan, Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa appears to have come out ahead. Meanwhile, Chrysler faces ongoing identity questions under new leadership after its all-EV plans fizzled.
↗Automotive NewsTom Holland Joins Zendaya in Paris for 'The Drama' Press Tour
Tom Holland arrived in Paris to support Zendaya during the international press tour for her new film 'The Drama.' The couple continues to be one of Hollywood's most-watched pairs as they balance their individual careers.
↗PeopleDhurandhar 2 Crosses $120M Global Box Office in 7 Days
Aditya Dhar's spy thriller 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' starring Ranveer Singh has surpassed Rs 1000 crore (roughly $120M) globally in just one week. The film has become one of the biggest Bollywood openings of 2026.
↗News24DJI Sues Insta360 Over 360-Degree Drone Patent
DJI has filed a lawsuit against Insta360, claiming the company hired DJI employees who brought proprietary technology. The suit comes just days before DJI's own Avata 360 drone launch, escalating competition in the 360-degree drone market.
↗The VergeApple's Gemini Deal Lets It Train Smaller AI Models
As part of a January deal with Google, Apple reportedly has complete access to Gemini in its data centers. Apple can use Gemini to train smaller 'student' AI models via distillation, specially tuned for Apple devices with less computing power.
↗The VergeSavannah Guthrie Interview Airs on Today Show
NBC's Tom Llamas previewed a heartbreaking new interview with Savannah Guthrie, airing Thursday and Friday on the Today show. The interview comes amid developments in the Nancy Guthrie case.
↗The MirrorOil Jumps 3% as Middle East Tensions Threaten Supply
Oil prices surged over 3% as escalating Middle East tensions threaten critical supply routes. Concerns over potential Strait of Hormuz disruptions and global production outages have intensified fears of a prolonged energy crisis.
↗Business StandardPentagon Weighs Redirecting Ukraine Weapons to Middle East
The Pentagon is considering whether to redirect weapons originally meant for Ukraine to the Middle East as the Iran conflict strains supplies of critical US military munitions. The potential shift highlights growing resource tensions between two major military commitments.
↗ReutersNATO European Allies Boost Defence Spending by 20%
NATO's European allies and Canada increased defence spending by 20% in 2025 compared to the previous year in real terms. Alliance chief Mark Rutte urged members to maintain momentum in his annual report published Thursday.
↗ReutersMalaysia Says Vessels Now Allowed Through Strait of Hormuz
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysian vessels are now being allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after consultations with Iran, Egypt, Turkey, and other regional leaders. The diplomatic development eases some concerns about trade disruption.
↗ReutersIran Conflict Sparks Tourist Cancellations Across Mediterranean
The ongoing Iran conflict is causing a rise in tourist cancellations and a significant drop in new bookings in Cyprus and other Mediterranean countries. Economies heavily reliant on summer tourism are bracing for potential revenue losses.
↗ReutersEmerson Electric Selling 14-Acre Round Rock Campus
Emerson Electric is listing its 14-acre Round Rock campus for sale as it consolidates Austin-area operations at the former National Instruments site in North Austin. The move signals ongoing corporate real estate reshuffling in the area.
↗St. Louis Business JournalThe Lodge Poker Club Closes Indefinitely in Round Rock
The Lodge Card Club's Round Rock location has closed after a March raid and legal warnings that its membership-based model likely violates Texas gambling law. The popular poker room had become a fixture of the local entertainment scene.
↗PlayUSAACC Hosts Space Night at Round Rock Campus Friday
Austin Community College is hosting Space Night at its Round Rock Campus on Friday, March 27 from 4-9:30 PM. The free event features hands-on science activities and stargazing for students, families, and the Central Texas community.
↗ACC NewsroomRodeo Austin Shooting Rumors Debunked by Deputies
Travis County Sheriff's Office debunked rumors of a shooting at Rodeo Austin despite responding to reports of shots fired on Tuesday night. No shooting occurred and the event continues as scheduled.
↗MySanAntonioFIFA World Cup Preparations Ramp Up in Austin Area
With fewer than 80 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, Central Texas preparations are intensifying. The next week marks a critical milestone as 22 nations compete for final tournament spots.
↗Austin ChronicleDemocrat Emily Gregory Wins Florida Special Election in Mar-a-Lago District
Emily Gregory, a mother of three, won a Florida statehouse seat in the district that includes Mar-a-Lago, continuing the Democratic surge into traditionally Republican territory. A union electrician also leads in a state senate race in conservative West Tampa.
↗The New York TimesUS Circulates Iran Peace Plan While Deploying 2,000 Troops
The US is simultaneously circulating a 15-point peace plan for Iran while sending 2,000 paratroopers to the Middle East. The dual approach gives President Trump leverage in negotiations but also leaves open the option of escalating military force.
↗The New York TimesTehran Rejects US 15-Point Peace Plan
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the US peace proposal, saying Washington's shift in tone amounts to an acknowledgment of failure after previously demanding unconditional surrender. Day 26 of the Middle East conflict continues without diplomatic resolution.
↗CNNGOP Voter Bill Stymied, Leaders Eye Procedural Plan B
Republican leaders are considering a last-ditch procedural maneuver to overcome united Democratic opposition to their voter bill. However, political analysts say the chances for success remain slim with current congressional dynamics.
↗The New York TimesThomas Massie: Being Hated by Trump Is 'Worth It'
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie has become a prominent thorn in Trump's side, leading the charge to release the Epstein files and opposing the president on federal spending and the Iran war. Trump has called him disloyal and a complete disaster.
↗The New York TimesNearby Galaxy Found Shattered by Ancient Cosmic Crash
Astronomers have discovered that a nearby galaxy was shattered by a massive cosmic collision. The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal, reveal the violent history of galactic interactions in our cosmic neighborhood.
↗ScienceDaily12,800-Year-Old Climate Mystery Solved in Greenland Ice
Scientists have resolved a mysterious platinum spike found in Greenland ice cores dating back 12,800 years to the Younger Dryas period. New research points to volcanic eruptions rather than a comet impact as the culprit behind the ancient climate event.
↗ScienceDailyResearchers Visualize Atoms in Motion Before Radioactive Decay
Scientists have for the first time visualized atoms moving and rearranging just before a radiation-driven decay process occurs. The surprising discovery reveals that atoms are far more dynamic than previously thought during nuclear transitions.
↗ScienceDailyNew Type of Exoplanet Discovered
Astronomers have identified a previously unknown category of exoplanet, expanding our understanding of planetary diversity beyond our solar system. The discovery adds to the growing catalog of exotic worlds found by modern space telescopes.
↗Dr. Becky / YouTubeFirst Measurements of Lithium Dendrite Properties Could Improve Battery Safety
An international team has reported the first direct measurements of lithium dendrite nanomechanical properties. These microscopic needle-like structures can cause lithium batteries to short circuit or catch fire, and understanding them could lead to safer battery designs.
↗Wikipedia / NatureApple Announces MacBook Air with M5 Chip
Apple unveiled the new MacBook Air powered by the M5 chip, bringing exceptional performance and expanded AI capabilities to its most popular laptop. The new model promises significant processing improvements and enhanced Apple Intelligence features.
↗Apple NewsroomApple Introduces iPhone 17e with iOS 26
Apple launched the iPhone 17e featuring iOS 26 with a new Liquid Glass design, powerful Apple Intelligence capabilities, and meaningful improvements to core apps. The device represents Apple's latest entry-level iPhone offering with premium AI features.
↗Apple NewsroomEU Digital Safety Rules Target Major Porn Platforms
The European Commission has preliminarily ruled that Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos have insufficient measures to prevent minors from accessing their platforms. The sites are being advised to implement privacy-preserving age verification or risk fines under the Digital Services Act.
↗The VergeArm Unveils New AI Chip, Expects Billions in Revenue
Arm announced a new AI chip designed to power the next generation of artificial intelligence workloads. The chip designer expects the new product line to add billions in annual revenue as demand for AI computing infrastructure continues to surge.
↗ReutersApple Settles Trade Secrets Lawsuit Against Snap Staffer
Apple settled its lawsuit against former Vision Pro engineer Di Liu, who allegedly stole trade secrets before joining Snap. Liu agreed to return Apple's confidential information and pay an undisclosed sum in monetary damages.
↗The Verge