Image by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty ImagesDevelopmentsLast week, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary and noted anti-vaccine crackpot Robert Kennedy Jr. announced sweeping layoffs as part of a major restructuring effort.Roughly 20,000 of the department's 82,000 full-time employees ended up on the chopping block. Around 10,000 have been laid off, with the rest being taking either early retirements or buyouts, according to the announcement.But it's looking like Kennedy moved too hastily, firing important workers who even he admits were actually needed."Personnel that should not have been cut were cut," he told reporters this week, as quoted by CBS News. "We're reinstating them."Bafflingly, he defended the unprofessional screwup."And that was always the plan," Kennedy added. "Part of the DOGE, we talked about this from the beginning, is we're going to do 80 percent cuts, but 20 percent of those are going to have to be reinstated, because we'll make mistakes."It's a confounding admission, highlighting the second Trump administration's "move fast and break things" approach, and how little thought is being put into sweeping cuts affecting the HHS and a vast number of other government agencies.DOGE has already had to reinstate key government employees on several occasions, including staff who were working to contain bird fluand USAID efforts to prevent Ebola outbreaks.Kennedy, a noted figure in the anti-vaccine movement, has proven a highly controversial pick for the job, and is already pouring resources into investigating long-debunked claims linking vaccines and autism.It's a precarious situation, especially given the ongoing measles outbreak. As the New York Times reported late last month, ill-informed measles patients were experiencing complications after following Kennedy's advice to take large amounts of Vitamin A.As part of the HHS restructuring efforts, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's complete Lead Poisoning Prevention and Surveillance Branch was laid off, according to CBS which, Kennedy argued, was a mistake.Despite backtracking on DOGE's ill-devised plans, it remains unclear how or when the HHS will reinstate these key figures. CDC officials told CBS that they hadn't been informed of any upcoming plans to do so.And the effects of the mass layoffs are already being felt. The CDC, for instance, won't be able to continue its investigation into lead in water "due to the loss of subject matter experts," officials said, as quoted by CBS.Despite admitting that 20 percent of the cuts were a mistake, Kennedy has said that restructuring the HHS could save taxpayers $1.8 billion a year "without impacting critical services."Now that the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration have been hit hard, we'll all find out whether that'll turn out to be true.Share This Article

Marvel just showed off new footage from their upcomingThe Fantastic Four: First Steps at CinemaCon. The trailer isnt online, and no one was allowed to record the footage but ScreenCrushs Colton Ogburn was there, and he saw it all.In our latest Marvel video, hell break down everything in the newFF trailer. What does Silver Surfer look like? What does she sound like? What was the warning she brought to the new Fantastic Four? What was the best part of the teaser? What were the connections to Jonathan HickmansAvengers run? How did the footage compare with the sneak peak at James GunnsSuperman? Plus: Colton runs down theThunderbolts* teaserAvengers: Doomsday, plus theother stuff he saw at the Marvel CinemaCon panel. Watch the whole conversation below:READ MORE: The Worst Marvel Comics EverIf you liked that video on The Fantastic Four: First Steps CinemaCon footage, check out more of our videos below, including one on Daredevil: Born Again Episode 7 and why the end of the Muse storyline was a huge mistake, one on why Spider-Man isnt among the announced cast of Avengers: Doomsday, and one on what we can expect from every member of the Avengers: Doomsday cast, and why RDJr. shushed everyone. Plus, theres tons more videos over atScreenCrushs YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to catch all our future episodes. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to open in theaters on July 25.Sign up for Disney+ here.Get our free mobile appEvery Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to BestIt started with Iron Man and its continued and expanded ever since. Its the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with 35 movies and counting. But whats the best and the worst? We ranked them all.

Full-Stack Developer (Remote)Company: Scarlet Creative Software (Trinidad & Tobago)We are an innovation-driven software studio that extends beyond merely offering cloud-based solutions. Our primary goal is to automate workflows for businesses to enhance productivity and efficiency, frequently integrating AI into our solutions. We handle full-stack development (web, desktop, and mobile), graphic design, website builds, and more.We currently have multiple vacancies and offer various shift optionsplease choose the schedule that suits you best.Work Schedule - Choose which one works best for you: Monday Friday, 8:00 am 5:00 pm EST Monday Friday, 5:00 pm 1:00 am EST Wednesday to Sunday, 8:00 am 5:00 pm EST Wednesday to Sunday, 5:00 pm 1:00 am EST________________________________________About UsScarlet Creative Software is a fully remote, globally distributed team that specializes in automation, AI integration, and modern development practices. We frequently develop:Web, desktop, and mobile applications (Node.js, Python, Flutter, React, Vue, etc.).AI-powered solutions for workflow optimization (using GPT-based models, machine learning, and advanced analytics).Odoo integrations and additional ERP/CRM customizations.Custom websites (including e-commerce) and creative design/branding assets.Automation for business processes, bridging third-party APIs, serverless functions (AWS, GCP), and more.We value a collaborative environment, rigorous coding standards, and the autonomy to experiment with the latest technology. If you are seeking to enhance your skill set and play a pivotal role in project creation, we would be pleased to have you on our team.________________________________________Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop end-to-end features (front-end and back-end) for web, desktop, and mobile applications.Automate workflows using APIs and AI integration (for instance, GPT-based models, machine learning, or advanced analytics).Implement and maintain microservices (Node.js, Python) deployed on AWS, GCP, or similar cloud platforms.Build, document, and manage RESTful APIs with emphasis on performance, security, and scalability.Collaborate with designers, product managers, QA, and occasionally clients directly to plan and deliver new features.Secure code by implementing authentication, authorization, and best practices (including CI/CD, code reviews, and so forth).Optimize performance by employing monitoring and metricsregularly diagnosing and improving speed, responsiveness, and reliability.Participate in Agile ceremonies (sprint planning, daily stand-ups, retrospectives) and continually refine our processes.________________________________________Required Skills & ExperienceProfessional Full-Stack Development experience with tangible deployments.Proficiency in Node.js and/or Python (preferably both) and a modern front-end framework (React, Vue, or Angular).Experience with automation or workflow integrations, whether through custom scripts, CRM/ERP integrations, or internal tools.Familiarity with AI/ML concepts or libraries (at least a foundational level), or a strong desire to learn about AI integration.Cloud deployment proficiency (AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, or containerized services using Docker or Kubernetes).Version control (Git) skills with collaborative workflows (pull requests, code reviews, CI/CD pipelines).RESTful API design and best practices.Strong debugging, problem-solving, and communication skills.Comfort working in Agile/Scrum teams, utilizing tools such as Jira or Trello.________________________________________Nice-to-Have (Optional)Mobile development experience with Flutter, React Native, or a similar framework.Odoo or ERP/CRM integration experience.DevOps or Cloud infrastructure skills (for instance, Terraform, CloudFormation, or advanced CI/CD pipelines).Graphic design or front-end styling skills (Tailwind, Sass, responsive UI design).E-commerce platform expertise (WooCommerce, Shopify, or custom shopping cart solutions).Experience with remote work in a distributed team.Experience with Project Management.Experience with Front-End development.________________________________________What We OfferFully Remote: Work from anywhere with a good internet connection.Flexible Shifts: Availability of Day, Night, or Weekend schedules.Competitive Compensation: Benchmarked by experience and location, taking local cost-of-living into account.Rapid Growth Potential: Although we are small, we are expanding quickly. Highly capable individuals may assume leadership or specialized roles (e.g., AI, DevOps) in a short timeframe.Collaborative Culture: We foster transparent dialogue, peer reviews, and knowledge-sharing. You will have meaningful influence on product direction and architecture.Paid Time Off: Generous vacation policies, national holidays, and flexible personal days that support work-life balance.________________________________________How to ApplyPlease send your CV or resume, along with any portfolio or GitHub links, to [emailprotected]. In your email, kindly indicate:Your preferred shift (Day, Night, or Weekend).Your reasons for interest in Scarlet Creative Software.Any experience integrating AI or automating workflows, if applicable.We encourage applications from Latin America, the Caribbean, or Eastern Europe, but we welcome applicants from any location. We look forward to your application.

Here are hints and the answer for today's Wordle No. 1,386 for April 5.

April 4, 20253 min readScientists Identify a Brain Structure That Filters ConsciousnessOur conscious awareness may be governed by a structure deep in the brainBy Smriti Mallapaty & Nature magazine An MRI image of the human brain. Alain Jocard/AFP via Getty ImagesNeuroscientists have observed for the first time how structures deep in the brain are activated when the brain becomes aware of its own thoughts, known as conscious perception.The brain is constantly bombarded with sights, sounds and other stimuli, but people are only ever aware of a sliver of the world around themthe taste of a piece of chocolate or the sound of someones voice, for example. Researchers have long known that the outer layer of the brain, called the cerebral cortex, plays a part in this experience of being aware of specific thoughts.The involvement of deeper brain structures has been much harder to elucidate, because they can be accessed only with invasive surgery. Designing experiments to test the concept in animals is also tricky. But studying these regions would allow researchers to broaden their theories of consciousness beyond the brains outer wrapping, say researchers.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.The field of consciousness studies has evoked a lot of criticism and scepticism because this is a phenomenon that is so hard to study, says Liad Mudrik, a neuroscientist at Tel Aviv University in Israel. But scientists have increasingly been using systematic and rigorous methods to investigate consciousness, she says.Aware or notIn a study published in Science today, Mingsha Zhang, a neuroscientist at Beijing Normal University, focused on the thalamus. This region at the centre of the brain is involved in processing sensory information and working memory, and is thought to have a role in conscious perception.Participants were already undergoing therapy for severe and persistent headaches, for which they had thin electrodes injected deep into their brains. This allowed Zhang and his colleagues to study their brain signals and measure conscious awareness.The participants were asked to move their eyes in a particular way depending on whether they noticed an icon flash onto a screen in front of them. The icon was designed so that the participants would be aware of its appearance only about half of the time.During the tasks, the researchers recorded neural activity in multiple regions of the brain, including the thalamus and the cortex. This is the first time that such simultaneous recordings have been made in people doing a task that is relevant to consciousness science, says Christopher Whyte, a systems neuroscientist at the University of Sydney in Australia. The work is really pretty remarkable, he says, because it allowed the team to look at how the timing of neural activity in different regions varied.GatekeeperThe activity in the participants thalamus and prefrontal cortex when they were aware of the icons appearance was markedly different from the activity when they were not. The activity when they were aware of the icon appeared earlier and was stronger in sections of the thalamus than in sections of the cortex, and seemed to be coordinated across the two areas. This suggests that the thalamus acts as a filter and controls which thoughts get through to awareness and which dont, says Mac Shine, a systems neuroscientist at the University of Sydney.Previous animal studies support these findings. In a 2020 paper, researchers used magnets to move individual mouse whiskers just enough for the mice to notice about half the time. The animals were trained to take a lick from a water-spout when they did feel the movement. The researchers found that cells in the cerebral cortex that were activated when the mice noticed the whisker-flick projected down to deeper brain regions, including the thalamus.The latest study is one of the most elaborate and extensive investigations of the role of the thalamus in consciousness, says Mudrik. But there is still a question about whether the task genuinely captured neural activity associated with conscious experience, or just tracked attention to a stimulus that was not necessarily consciously perceived, she says.Zhang plans to conduct more experiments in people and to investigate brain activity in detail in macaque monkeys.This article is reproduced with permission and was first published on April 3, 2025.

Binding of Isaac creator's long-awaited cat breeding game Mewgenics gets dumbfounding live-action trailerRelease date news coming soon.Image credit: Edmund McMillen/Tyler Glaiel News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on April 4, 2025 It's been one hell of a wait, but Binding of Isaac creator Edmund McMillen's extremely long-awaited cat breeding game Mewgenics is almost upon us. And with a release looming (comparatively speaking, at least), its first proper trailer is here - and, wow, is it something.Mewgenics (or Mew-Genics as it was originally known) first surfaced back in 2012. It was described as a cat-themed "cross between The Sims and Pokmon with a sprinkling of Animal Crossing and a dash of Tamagotchi", and was supposed to be developer Team Meat's long-awaited follow-up to Super Meat Boy - until it was quietly shelved just a few years later.Since then, a lot more has happened. After McMillen and Team Meat development partner Tommy Refenes opted to go their separate ways, McMillen went on to create the hugely successful The Binding of Isaac Rebirth, plus other acclaimed oddities like The End is Nigh and Isaac spin-off The Legend of Bum-bo. In 2018, however, McMillen revealed he'd decided to resurrect Mewgenics, and development has been ticking along ever since.Mewgenics trailer.Watch on YouTubeWe've had a steady stream of updates since then, including confirmation Mewgenics has changed considerably since its original inception 13 years ago. It's now something like a cat-themed tactical RPG, split between breeding and combat, and is currently scheduled to launch this year. But while McMillen says there won't be any release date news just yet, we do have one hell of a live-action trailer to tide us over. It tells the heartwarming story of a struggling couple and the rutting cat-things that brought them closer together. And there's even some gameplay in there too, but given everything else going on - including the catchy little song it's all set to - you might need to watch a few times to take it all in.Revealing the trailer in a post on Steam, McMillen offered a brief development update, explaining Mewgenics is currently undergoing a bit of polishing ahead of a more thorough showing next month. And as for a release date? McMillen said there'll be more news on that next month too. In the meantime, it's available to wishlist on PC.

Your vestibule is one of the first things you see when you enter a home, which is why selecting one of the best console tables to hold court by the doorway matters. These versatile pieces are known interchangeably as console tables, entryway tables, or sofa tables, but whatever you choose to call them, they are one and the same: a relatively long and narrow table thats meant to provide a storage surface for keys and mail without taking up too much space.Ahead, weve rounded up a few of our favorites where functionality and style harmoniously coexist. From sleek, modern picks that match the elongated design of your hallway to stately wood pieces that lend some gravitas to your space, versatility is the name of the game here.Our Top Picks for the Best Console TablesBest Budget Pick: Plank+Beam Forma Console Table, $280Best Basic Glass Option: AllModern Marena Console Table, $579Best Burl Beauty: Anthropologie Shura Burl Console Table, $1,598Best Space Saver: DWR Risom Console, $1,095Best for Classic, Modern Design: Rejuvenation Woodson Console, $1,499Plank+Beam Forma Console TableSpecsMaterial: WoodDimensions: 32"H x 46.5"W x 12"DWeight: 32.7 lbsThis down-to-earth table keeps its shelving directly on the floor, which is an unexpected way to add decorative accents or a row of storage baskets and bins to a foyer. We especially like the cut-out effect of the curved legs connecting the bottom and top shelves. The light pecan-colored wood is also neutral enough to blend with an airy, light-colored space or bold wallpaper, so its a true team player.AllModern Marena Console TableSpecsMaterial: Tempered glassDimensions: 29.5"H x 53"W x 13.8"DWeight: 200 lbsFor a contemporary take on the console table, consider going for sheer transparency. This pick includes a second shelf for storage (or decor), and the rounded edges remove any fear of bumping into sharp corners on your way in or out the door. The transparent quality of glass also helps it gel with a variety of styles without clashing, and lets you dress it up or keep it minimal as you see fit.Lulu and Georgia Samantha Console TableSpecsMaterial: WoodDimensions: 57.5"W x 16"D x 30"HWeight: 51 lbsA classic wood design combined with some charming scalloped details takes this piece over the top. Two low-key drawers add pullout storage for anyone who wants to stuff away their junk mail, while the natural wood grain and classic profile make this piece a natural fit for folks with a traditional-with-a-twist style. Its like if Parker Poseys accent in White Lotus was a piece of furniture: an elevated and slightly wild take on something familiar.Anthropologie Shura Burl Console TableSpecsMaterial: Acacia hardwood and birch plywoodDimensions: 31"H x 48"W x 18"DWeight: 123 lbsWith undulating Art Deco-style curves and warm brass hardware, this piece feels serious and sexy at the same time. The two small drawers are perfect for storing all of those out-the-door essentials and knickknacks, while the overall glamour of this piece would look right at home in an upscale apartment or quiet country home.CB2 Intarsia Rectangular Mosaic ConsoleSpecsMaterial: Mango wood, teak, boneDimensions: 30.5"H x 49.75"W x 13.75"DWeight: 66 lbsFor a hallway beamed straight out of Marrakech, this mosaic piece combines woods and neutrals to a trippy effect. The triangular designs feel playful but not overwhelming in spaces that lean bohemian or eclectic. Beyond the design, the materials are the true standouts here: Its crafted from long-lasting teak and durable bone, which means the inlay can stand up to use in a higher-traffic space.Urban Outfitters Lucie Iron Mirror Entryway Storage ConsoleSpecsMaterial: IronDimensions: 68.25"H x 33"W x 15"DWeight: 48 lbsSometimes, you want an entry console that does it all. This colorful iron table is a small space dwellers dream, complete with a mirror, multiple shelves, and three hooks that are equal parts vanity and shelving system. The rich red color adds depth to the piece, and the multilevel shelves provide different tiers of display options for anyone with enough bookshelf wealth that it spills over into the hallway.Rejuvenation Woodson Console TableSpecsMaterial: Solid walnutDimensions: 32"H x 53"W x 14"DWeight: 48 lbsFor a classic look with a modern edge, opt for this minimal (but not boring) console table. The extra shelf provides storage or staging space, making it a nice match for multiple spaces, and the durable walnut wood ensures that if you treat it well, it will be with you for years without looking any worse for the wear.Olivia & May Contemporary Metal Console TableSpecsMaterial: MetalDimensions: 47.5"L x 13.5"W x 33.5"HWeight: 36.5 lbsWith an oval design resembling a birdcage, this three-tiered shelf is a winner that gives you plenty of room to display all your coffee table books and decor accents, thanks to the ample space on the top row.Design Within Reach Risom Console TableSpecsMaterial: Solid oak legs, wood veneer, and MDFDimensions: 53.9"L x 15.74"W x 31.49"HWeight: 69.74 lbsMinimal, contemporary, and compact, this best-selling console table is for anyone who craves compactness without losing any character along the way.Room & Board Slim ConsoleSpecsMaterial: Recycled steelDimensions: 27"H x 48"W x 12"DWeight: 43 lbsMade from recycled steel and available in an impressive 13 color options and multiple size adjustments, this piece can be configured all kinds of ways. A pop of cherry red dials up the saturation in any modern entryway, with three tiers of skinny storage for baseline functionality.Taracea Palma Reclaimed Wood Sculptural ConsoleSpecsMaterial: Mexican oak woodDimensions: 48"L x 14"W x 29"HWeight: 75 lbsThis high-quality and heavy-duty hallway table features a one-of-a-kind C-curve that connects two tiers of storage. The thick top is sealed with protective lacquer against spills, and the silhouette is guaranteed to give you a conversation starter at house parties.West Elm Hazel Entry ConsoleSpecsMaterial: Poplar wood and engineered woodDimensions: 42"L x 14"W x 30"HWeight: 42 lbsWith a white lacquer finish and a glossy sheen, this console table has a modern 80s vibe that would pair well with a bubbly sofa or squishy chair. Its also contract grade, meaning itll be going and going after years of use.West Elm Mid-Century ConsoleSpecsMaterial: Eucalyptus wood and engineered Acacia woodDimensions:42"L x 14"W x 30"HWeight: 83.6 lbsWith tapered legs, an angular base, and beveled edges, this console table boasts an elegant midcentury-modern aesthetic. If youre looking for an extra small console table, this exact design is also offered in a miniature version.

Physical TherapyWarframe, relationship problems, and strong fingers: the candid story of how Digital Extremes saved one man's marriageA massive win for Gauss players, Atlas mains, and someone's wife.Image credit: Digital Extremes News by Connor Makar Staff Writer Published on April 4, 2025 A Warframe player has taken to Reddit to express his gratitude to the game and Digital Extremes for saving his marriage. The player, who goes by Foreign-Molasses7586, posted his story for the community to see, and has been met by overwhelming support and celebration from Tenno all over the world.Titled "Thank you, Digital Extremes, Warframe saved my marriage", the post explains that Foreign-Molasses7586 has had a "congenital malformation in the tendons of my ring and middle fingers", which is in basic terms is an abnormality in the finger tendons that would make movement difficult. This, as you can imagine, is a real challenge to live with. However, Mr Foreign-Molasses7586 outright claims he struggled with "pleasuring my wife" as a result.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Enter Warframe, which seems to have changed everything for the lovely couple: "Then came Warframe. And with it, two frames that changed everything: Gauss and Atlas. I picked them up because they were fun and aggressive. What I didnt expect was how demanding they were on my hands. At first, playing them hurt (a lot) because of all the spamming, but I kept going, because I loved the gameplay and I wanted to get better."Over time, Foreign-Molasses7586 started to fade and muscle tissue started to develop, leading them to invest in a new keyboard with heavier keys. This he claims brought back the pain, but allowed them to further improve their finger strength. Thank you, Digital Extremes, Warframe saved my marriage. byu/Foreign-Molasses7586 inWarframeTo see this content please enable targeting cookies.Finally, the payoff. Foreign-Molasses7586 dropped the wonderful news that his new fingers - the powerful and just fingers of a Gauss and Atlas player - were strong enough to take on a challenge more important than any Mastery Rank trail. "And last night, during an intimate moment with my wife, I was confident enough to bring it up again and IT WORKED (the movement is still rough around the edges but hey, it's something!). We both just sat there after, kind of stunned. I was the happiest man alive."he doesn't state outright what happened, but you can put two-and-two together - it's unlikely he's talking about a vigorous night of hair braiding. The comments to this post are hilarious and supportive. One user posts, "THANK YOU DE I CAN FINGER BLAST AGAIN!!!!!", while another writes, "Digital Extremes really brought your digits to the... extreme". One community member even wondered if Warframe studio Digital Extremes' devs would read the post during its next stream. That should happen, 100%. This is exactly the sort of thing those lot love to spotlight.All joking aside, this is a heartwarming story. Video games have been a long been a point of interest for those keen top explore their potential to aid in physical rehabilitation. In this Able Gamers post, it states that video games can be "a valuable tool in the rehabilitation process". I'd wager that process doesn't often involve, er, bedroom hijinks, but damn it, a win's a win and the raunchy nature of this story only adds to the arguments for gaming's use in this line of care.So let's all give a big congratulations to Foreign-Molasses7586 and their wife, and here's to many more years of happy marriage and, for lack of a SFW term, passionate Gauss gameplay.

HD Rumble in the Jungle.The whirlwind reveal and showcase of the Switch 2 hardware and software was a complete blowout. So many ports! A brand new Donkey Kong game! The C button actually does something! Sure, there were some pretty big issues in the fine print, but I think there's something that Nintendo massively undersold and didn't even really talk about much until we got some hands-on time with the games.How many people actually leave the rumble or vibration on? With the Switch, I think I turned it off long ago because I'm always worried about the battery life of the console or the Joy-Con. The Pro Controller is different, but I also have it turned off there. It's just how it's always been, and since controllers have largely gone wireless, that's how I've always been. Apart from the haptics of the PS5 Dual Sense, which, poor thing, has been more susceptible to drift and quick-draining battery than any other controller I've owned in my life.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation. Sign up here for free just click TechCrunch Mobility!Over the 13 years reporting on Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, I have watched the rise, fall, near misses, and rise again of the company and its billionaire leader. Musk, known for his willingness to take risks, has admitted how close the company came to filing for bankruptcy before turning it all around.It was that us versus them storyline that helped turn Musk into a symbol of innovation.His political alignment with President Trump, and more importantly, his activities as the unofficial leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, has changed public perception of Musk. But its Tesla that is taking the biggest hit, including a drop in Q1 sales, global Tesla Takedown protests, and a falling stock price. And automakers, which have long trailed Tesla in EV sales, are taking advantage of this opening by offering sweet trade-in deals and other incentives.Senior reporter Rebecca Bellan has documented the moments over the past several months that have affected Tesla. Her article will be periodically updated, so be sure to check back.Can Tesla rebound? The recent tariffs announced by Trump could help Tesla since its vehicles and many of its components are made here in the United States. It still might not be enough protection to stop the bleeding. And tariffs will likely hurt Teslas energy-storage business.The chaos surrounding the tariffs implemented by Trump will linger. Were just starting to see how automakers are reacting and adjusting. Some, like Ford, are trying to get ahead and provide discounts to boost sales in the short term. And Volkswagen has told dealerships it plans to add an import fee to the price of imported cars sold in the United States, per The New York Times.A little birdImage Credits:Bryce DurbinA little bird told us that while Tesla definitely appears poised to launch a robotaxi service in Austin this summer, the automakers outreach to the city has been slim. Others like Waymo and Cruise (back when Cruise was a thing) have tried to get off on the right foot by connecting with as many city stakeholders as possible before launching.Some government officials also shared safety concerns around Teslas brand of autonomy. They worry Teslas cars might have a more limited awareness of surroundings since they only rely on cameras, rather than lidar and radar, for perception.Got a tip for us? Email Kirsten Korosec at kirsten.korosec@techcrunch.com or my Signal at kkorosec.07, Sean OKane at sean.okane@techcrunch.com, or Rebecca Bellan at rebecca.bellan@techcrunch.com. Or check out these instructions to learn how to contact us via encrypted messaging apps or SecureDrop.Deals!Image Credits:Bryce DurbinAll quiet on the deal front this week. Still, there were a few worth noting.EVident Battery, a Massachusetts-based advanced battery inspection tech startup, raised $3.2 million in a seed funding round led by Ibex Investors. Nationwide Ventures, Automotive Ventures, and Avesta Fund also joined.Fourier, the hydrogen startup, raised $18.5 million in a Series A round led by General Catalyst and Paramark Ventures. Other participating investors include Airbus Ventures, Borusan Ventures, GSBackers, MCJ Collective, and Positive Ventures.Windrose Technology, an EV maker based in Belgium and with Chinese roots, plans to file for an IPO in the U.S. to $400 million, The New York Times reported.Notable reads and other tidbitsImage Credits:Bryce DurbinAutonomous vehiclesTechCrunch reporter Maxwell Zeff interviewed San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie, and autonomous vehicles do come up. Check out the video here.Uber has partnered with Dubais Road and Transport Authority in a deal that paves the way for the company to operate AVs in the United Arab Emirates city. Uber doesnt have its own AVs, so it will rely on partnerships. Its first in Dubai will be with Chinese company WeRide.Speaking of WeRide, the AV company has obtained a driverless public road testing and operating permit in France.Electric vehicles, charging, & batteriesHarbinger,Meanwhile, Harbinger has also inserted itself into the bankruptcy proceedings of EV startup Canoo. Harbinger filed an objection to the sale of Canoos assets to its CEO, potentially throwing a wrench into the 2-month-old bankruptcy case.Rivian delivered just 8,640 vehicles in the first three months of 2025, the companys worst quarterly mark since the end of 2022. The company says it still expects to deliver between 46,000 and 51,000 EVs by the end of 2025.Redwood Materials, the battery materials and recycling startup founded by former Tesla CTO JB Straubel, opened a research and development center in San Francisco. The 15,000-square-foot facility located in the citys Design District is equipped with lab space to support engineers who will eventually work on every point of the battery ecosystem, from chemical engineering and cathode science to software and electrical engineering.