AI News

**Europe’s New EES System Launches This Fall – What Travelers Need to Know**
Europe’s long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) will finally roll out this fall, requiring non-EU travelers to submit biometric data at borders. The automated system, delayed since 2021, will track entries, exits, and overstays across 29 European countries.

**How the EES Will Affect US Travelers**
Starting October 2025, US visitors must provide fingerprints and facial scans at their first EU border crossing under the new EES rules. While children under 12 are exempt, refusal means denied entry—so compliance is mandatory.

**EES vs. ETIAS: Europe’s Dual Border Changes Explained**
While the EES tracks biometrics, the delayed ETIAS system (now costing €20) will require visa-free travelers to pre-register by late 2026. Together, they aim to streamline security—but may mean longer waits initially.

**Which Countries Will Use the EES? Full List Inside**
The EES applies in 25 EU nations (excluding Cyprus/Ireland) plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Passport stamps will phase out as biometric checks take over through April 2026.

**Historic SpaceX mission brings first Indian, Polish, and Hungarian astronauts home from ISS**

Axiom Space’s private crew, including NASA veteran Peggy Whitson and astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, splashed down after a groundbreaking mission. The team conducted experiments and made history as their countries’ first space travelers in decades.

**SpaceX capsule returns pioneering astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary**

The ISS’s first visitors from these nations concluded their privately funded mission, marking a milestone in global space exploration. Led by Axiom Space, the crew conducted research and inspired their home countries with their achievements.

**Private spaceflight milestone: Axiom mission wraps up with historic splashdown**

NASA’s Peggy Whitson and three international astronauts returned to Earth after a landmark mission, proving space access for smaller nations. The crew’s experiments and outreach efforts highlighted the growing role of commercial spaceflight.

**Emotional farewell as first Indian, Polish, and Hungarian astronauts leave ISS**

The Axiom Space crew, including trailblazers from three nations, departed the ISS after a mission that united global space ambitions. Their return paves the way for more countries to join the new era of private space travel.

**Trump Admits AI „Not My Thing,” But Pushes Energy Expansion for AI Boom**

At the Energy and Innovation Summit, former President Trump acknowledged AI isn’t his expertise but emphasized the need for doubling U.S. electricity to power AI growth. The event saw $92B in energy and AI investments, with Meta also announcing massive new data centers. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry sees AI-driven demand as a lifeline amid market challenges.

**AI’s Surging Power Demand Sparks $92B Energy Investments**

Trump highlighted AI’s massive electricity needs at a Pittsburgh summit, where energy giants and tech leaders pledged $92B in new projects. With AI data centers like Meta’s „Prometheus” cluster requiring vast power, the natural gas industry—especially in Pennsylvania—sees a major opportunity. Analysts say AI could revive struggling gas markets by boosting demand.

**Pennsylvania’s Natural Gas Industry Bets Big on AI Data Centers**

As AI drives unprecedented energy demand, Pennsylvania’s gas producers aim to capitalize, with EQT’s CEO sharing the stage with Trump at the summit. Facing competition from cheaper Texas gas, Appalachian producers hope AI data centers will justify new pipelines and higher prices. Experts say the industry is aggressively framing AI as its next big market.

**Meta’s AI Push Fuels Natural Gas Revival Amid Supply Glut**

Meta’s plans for gas-powered AI data centers could help absorb the global LNG surplus, analysts say. With AI demanding double the current U.S. electric capacity, fossil fuel producers see a chance to rebound—especially in Pennsylvania, where fracking once boomed. Pipeline firms are already pitching new projects to meet expected data center needs.

**Epic Games Reaches Settlement with Samsung in Antitrust Battle**

Epic Games has settled its antitrust lawsuit against Samsung, marking a potential win for Fortnite players and mobile gamers. The dispute centered on Samsung’s restrictions that made it harder to install Epic’s games outside official app stores. While terms remain undisclosed, the resolution signals progress in Epic’s fight against restrictive app store policies.

**What This Means for Fortnite and Mobile Gamers**

The settlement could pave the way for easier access to Fortnite and other Epic titles on Samsung devices. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed the dismissal, thanking Samsung for addressing the company’s concerns. This follows Epic’s broader legal battles against Apple and Google over app store monopolies.

**A Turning Point for Mobile Game Developers?**

Industry experts see the settlement as part of a larger shift toward fairer mobile gaming monetization. Chris Hewish of Xsolla calls it a win for developer rights, breaking free from restrictive app store ecosystems. With ongoing cases against Apple and Google, Epic’s legal efforts may reshape how games are distributed and monetized.

**Fortnite Players Get More Time for $245M FTC Refund Claims**

Meanwhile, the FTC has extended the deadline for Fortnite players to claim refunds in a $245 million settlement over in-game purchases. Gamers now have until July 9 to file claims, adding another layer to Epic’s evolving legal landscape.

**Regina Spektor Confronts „Free Palestine” Protesters at Portland Concert**

Jewish singer Regina Spektor’s Portland show was interrupted when audience members shouted pro-Palestine slogans, prompting her to pause the performance. Spektor, a vocal supporter of Israel, responded, “You’re just yelling at a Jew,” as fans cheered in solidarity. The incident highlights growing tensions at live events amid the Israel-Hamas war. Protests have also disrupted performances by bands like Kneecap and Bob Vylan, sparking backlash and bans.

**Regina Spektor Clashes with Pro-Palestine Protesters During Concert**

Regina Spektor’s Portland performance took a tense turn when attendees disrupted the show with chants of “Free Palestine.” The Jewish singer, known for her pro-Israel stance, fired back, saying, “This is not the place for that conversation.” The confrontation reflects escalating divisions over the Gaza conflict at cultural events. Meanwhile, artists like Kneecap and Bob Vylan face bans and legal action for supporting Palestine onstage.

**”You’re Just Yelling at a Jew”: Regina Spektor Shuts Down Protesters at Show**

Regina Spektor confronted pro-Palestine protesters at her Portland concert after they interrupted her set with chants. The singer, who has publicly backed Israel, told the crowd, “I’m a real person here to play music,” before urging dissenters to leave. The clash comes as musicians worldwide face scrutiny for their political stances on Gaza. Earlier this month, Kneecap was banned from a festival for supporting Palestine.

**Want to boost biodiversity data? Cash vs. donation incentives yield surprising results**

A new study reveals how financial and prosocial incentives impact citizen science contributions—cash boosts post volume, while donations encourage rare species sightings. Researchers analyzed 830 users of Japan’s Biome app, offering key insights for conservation campaigns.

**Citizen science meets behavioral economics in biodiversity study**

Can small rewards change how people contribute to conservation? A groundbreaking experiment using a wildlife app found cash incentives increased posts by 57%, while donations led users to share rarer species—highlighting new strategies for ecological data collection.

**Smart incentives shape better biodiversity data, study finds**

When it comes to crowdsourcing wildlife sightings, money talks—but donations drive diversity. A University of Osaka-led study tested incentives on a nature app, proving targeted rewards can optimize both data quantity and quality for conservation efforts.

**How to motivate citizen scientists? New research has answers**

Cash or charity—which works better for biodiversity monitoring? Research shows financial rewards boost participation, while donation-linked incentives encourage users to seek out uncommon species, offering a dual strategy for conservation initiatives.

Wall Street internships are wrapping up—here’s what to do if you don’t get a return offer. With M&A rebounding and AI reshaping junior roles, this summer’s return rates remain uncertain. Experts reveal how to pivot quickly if your full-time offer falls through.

Not landing a Wall Street return offer? Here’s how to bounce back fast, according to finance insiders. From networking strategies to deal-adjacent roles, experts share their playbook for keeping your banking dreams alive.

Summer interns at top banks face a pivotal moment as return offers loom—but not getting one isn’t the end. Recruiters and professors break down the smartest moves for students to stay on track for a finance career.

Wall Street return offers are rolling out—what if yours doesn’t come? Banking recruiters reveal the three key reasons interns get passed over and how to turn rejection into your next opportunity.