Stories from United States

AvRide has launched a pilot program for self-driving vehicles on sidewalks in Arlington. The program aims to test autonomous navigation in pedestrian environments. No specific timeline for full deployment was provided.

The US Treasury is launching a program to provide cybersecurity information sharing and intelligence to the digital asset industry at no cost. The initiative aims to improve information sharing and security standards for crypto-related entities.

Death doulas offer emotional, physical, and psychological support to individuals in terminal phases. The concept gained prominence following a lecture at the University of São Francisco by an 84-year-old actress. She noted the need for such care after her mother's death in 2024.

The Chicago Sky lost their preseason finale 87-78 to the Atlanta Dream at Wind Trust Arena. Angel Reese received a standing ovation during a video tribute at the arena. The Sky are scheduled to begin their regular season on May 9th.

Microsoft reported strong fiscal third quarter results that beat Wall Street expectations. Revenue for the company rose 18% to nearly $80 billion. The report was provided by CBS News correspondent Michael Toscano. Microsoft reported revenue rose 18 percent with cloud business surging 40 percent. The company spent nearly $32 billion on AI infrastructure this quarter. CEO Satya Nadella noted AI is now a $37 billion annual business.

Sources told the Wall Street Journal and CNBC that Riad will withdraw support for the LIV Golf league. This withdrawal is expected to force the league to explore strategic alternatives. The next scheduled event is set for May 7 at Trump National near Washington.

FIFA is constructing new soccer fields in the United States as part of a global pledge to create play spaces. One such mini arena featuring astroturf and tall netted walls was completed at Monterra Middle School.

Baltimore County police are searching for a suspect caught on video looking into an apartment window in Townsend. The individual was recorded looking into a window on April 18th and returning on April 28th.

Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a computer model designed to revolutionize the violin-making process. The tool allows for the realistic reproduction of sound within the instrument using a digital model. This development aims to provide more accurate acoustic modeling during the manufacturing stage. The program enables the virtual hearing of a violin long before its physical construction is complete. Future versions of the software are expected to include simulations of full bowing, which involves more complex physical interactions. The platform aims to reduce construction timelines by up to 50%. It is also expected to reduce costs by up to 30%.

Mayors from Alabama's largest cities are campaigning for a ballot measure to allow judges to deny bond in violent crime cases. The initiative aims to change judicial discretion regarding pretrial release.