BlackJack3D/Getty ImagesVirtual private networks are no longer just for tech enthusiasts and privacy buffs -- they've become an essential tool for navigating a more restricted internet. VPNs offer a lifeline to digital freedom and security, from bypassing censorship to securing data from prying eyes. In the US, legislation in several states has blocked adult websites orplacedthem behind strict age gates. Regional policies limit access to various types of content, including streaming services and political materials. As more sites and services become geographically restricted, more individuals are using VPNs to bypass these blocks, protect their digital freedoms, and safeguard their data. Beyond unblocking adult websites or region-locked media, many users worry about government surveillance, data retention laws, and the sale of personal browsing data by ISPs. A VPN addresses these privacy risks by encrypting your traffic and masking your IP address. However, a VPN alone may not provide a comprehensive solution for network security or privacy concerns. To truly safeguard your data and enhance network privacy, combining a VPN with robust protocols like WireGuard and integrating them into advanced hardware setups (such as Firewalla and others mentioned below) can make a significant difference. Also: How AI will transform cybersecurity in 2025 - and supercharge cybercrimeThis guide outlines how to pair the open-source WireGuard protocol with Proton VPN, a Swiss-based provider celebrated for its strong privacy policies, and to integrate them into router-based setups for entire-network coverage. I'll also explore advanced techniques like policy-based routing, IP passthrough, zero-trust segmentation, and even building your firewall router on Linux or FreeBSD. Understanding VPN protocols and WireGuard Many commercial VPNs (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, etc.) rely on proprietary protocols that often lock users into specific apps. For example, NordVPN'sNordLynx protocol is based on WireGuard but deviates from the standard implementation. It does not use standard WireGuard .conf files for direct use on routers. Instead, NordVPN (and ExpressVPN) employs the older OpenVPN protocol for router configurations, which is less performant and more complex to set up. In contrast, WireGuard provides a refreshing alternative with an open-source design, a tight codebase (4,000 lines total), and notably high performance. Its modern cryptographic methods and lean architecture result in lower latency and faster speeds than legacy protocols like OpenVPN or IPSec, making it an excellent fit for bypassing region locks, streaming content, or engaging in latency-sensitive tasks like gaming. Example of a simple WireGuard configuration (.conf) file created by Proton VPN's download portal. Screenshot by Jason Perlow/ZDNETWireGuard's key management is also straightforward and highly efficient. Each peer -- whether a router, laptop, or smartphone -- is assigned a public/private key pair, eliminating the need to manage complex certificates. This simplified design reduces the overall attack surface and eases auditing, as fewer lines of code typically mean fewer potential vulnerabilities. Notably, you can install WireGuard on a router (rather than on each device in your network), allowing all network traffic to pass through the secure tunnel without managing separate VPN clients or profiles on individual computers or mobile devices. This router-based approach is especially valuable for environments where multiple devices -- from personal laptops to IoT gadgets -- must be secured, as it centralizes the VPN configuration and simplifies network-wide encryption. Legal and ethical disclaimer Using VPNs to bypass regional blocks or consume restricted content may be unlawful in certain jurisdictions. VPNs bolster privacy but do not guarantee total anonymity. If you evade local laws concerning adult content, abortion information, or other regulated material, understand there may be legal consequences. Always research your VPN provider's logging policies -- some free solutions log user data or inject malware, compromising rather than enhancing user privacy. WireGuard VPN providers Although this article primarily showcases Proton VPN for its transparent WireGuard .conf files (no proprietary lock-in), strong no-log policy, and free vs. paid plan structure, many other reputable VPN providers offer WireGuard configuration files for router-based setups. These include: Mullvad An independent, Swedish-based VPN service run by Mullvad VPN AB. Mullvad is praised for its no-email registration, strict no-logs policy, and the option to pay anonymously in cash or cryptocurrency.CyberGhost Part of Kape Technologies, which owns ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), and ZenMate. CyberGhost is known for specialized servers (streaming, torrenting) and user-friendly apps.Private Internet Access (PIA) Another Kape Technologies brand, recognized for its large server network, advanced configurations like split tunneling, and its built-in ad/malware blocker ("PIA MACE").Surfshark Now under the Nord Security umbrella (following a 2022 merger), Surfshark is popular for unlimited device connections, ad/malware blocking ("CleanWeb"), and relatively budget-friendly pricing.Many of these services let you select a server in their portal or app and generate a .conf file for WireGuard, which you can then import into your router. The basic steps -- choosing a region, downloading the configuration, and applying it -- are similar to those we'll follow with Proton VPN below. Why Proton VPN? Proton VPN was founded in 2017 by the team behind Proton Mail, the world's largest secure email service. Operated under the Swiss-based, non-profitProton Foundation, Proton VPN prioritizes user privacy over profit-driven motives, similar to theSignalmessaging service. Its structure ensures that no shareholders or external investors influence its mission, maintaining a focus on privacy and security.Proton generates revenue through paid subscription plans to sustain its services, but it remains a not-for-profit organization governed by the Proton Foundation. This unique approach allows Proton to regularly publish transparency reports, invest in independent security research, and avoid corporate ownership by large VPN conglomerates. Proton VPN is a compelling choice for users seeking privacy-first, router-friendly configurations. Even on the free tier, Proton VPN delivers reliable and fast connections. Its focus on privacy extends to its router-friendly WireGuard configurations, which are transparent and free of proprietary lock-in. Proton VPN's tiered Free and Paid plans cater to a broad range of needs.PlanFreePaidServer Locations 35 countries (limited) 110 countries (city-level selection) Speed Decent, not guaranteed Often near max ISP speeds, priority servers Advanced Features Basic NetShield (ad block) Full NetShield, multi-hop, Secure Core Devices 1 device 10+ devices (tier-dependent) Performance ~5070% of ISP bandwidth Potentially close to full ISP bandwidth Step-by-Step: Using WireGuard on Proton VPN Step 1: Create a Proton VPN account Visit ProtonVPN.com and click Get Proton VPN Free.Choose a Free or Paid plan, depending on your needs.Verify your account via email.Log in to your Proton VPN dashboard once your account is confirmed. Proton VPN's download portal. Jason Perlow/ZDNET Step 2: Generate your WireGuard configuration Go to Downloads (or the WireGuard Configuration section) in your Proton VPN dashboard.Enter a descriptive name for your configuration in the "Device/certificate name" field, such as "ZDNET Test Router."Choose Router (or whichever platform you're setting up).Configure NetShield (ad/malware blocker) by selecting the desired filter level, or leave it off if you prefer.(Optional) Enable NAT/PMP (for port forwarding) or Moderate NAT based on your networking needs.(Optional) Check "VPN Accelerator" to improve speeds, if supported.Pick a standard server or region. Proton VPN may also auto-select the best server based on load.Click Create (or "Download") to generate and save the .conf file. Many WireGuard-compatible routers, such as the Firewalla Purple and Gold series, allow direct import of WireGuard .conf files generated by services such as Proton VPN. Screenshot by Jason Perlow/ZDNET Step 3: Configure your router Log in to your router's admin interface (commonly accessed via 192.168.x.x).Navigate to the VPN / WireGuard settings section.Import or Paste the Proton VPN .conf file you downloaded. Some routers let you upload the file directly; others might require copying the keys, peer settings, and endpoint details manually.Save your changes and enable the WireGuard interface or tunnel. Step 4: Enable IP Passthrough or Bridge Mode (if needed) If your ISP modem also acts as a router (e.g., AT&T BGW-320, Arris, etc.), you risk double NAT (Network Address Translation) unless you enable "Bridge Mode" or "IP Passthrough." This configuration ensures your custom router (Firewalla, OpenWRT, or another) receives a public IP directly, managing NAT independently. Access the ISP gateway's admin interface (often 192.168.1.254 or 192.168.0.1).Locate Bridge Mode or IP Passthrough in the advanced settings.Assign the MAC address of your router as the passthrough device.Save and reboot both devices. Step 5: Verify your connection Check your public IP at ipinfo.io. It should show Proton VPN's server location. Speedtest.net will also display your IP configuration.(Optional) Run a ping or traceroute to confirm stable routing.All traffic on your network should now traverse the WireGuard tunnel. Which routers support WireGuard? Many router manufacturers are adding native WireGuard support to their devices. Asus, Netgear, and Linksys regularly include WireGuard in their firmware updates, especially for mid-to-high-end models. Open-source firmware platforms like OpenWRT also offer extensive support, making them an excellent choice for advanced users. Other router options GL.iNet OpenWRT-based routers come pre-loaded with WireGuard, making them ideal travel VPN routers. OpenWRT One, developed by the Software Freedom Conservancy and Banana Pi, is a $89 dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router (available from Amazon fully assembled for US and EU power supplies) with full OpenWRT firmware. It features a 2.5GbE PoE WAN port, an M.2 slot for hardware add-ons, and a hardware switch to prevent bricking by toggling between NOR and NAND memory. Because it's standard OpenWRT, you can access thousands of packages (including WireGuard) and frequent security updates. Firewalla Purple and Gold series devices are widely praised for their simple configuration, high performance, and mobile app. Its newAP7 Wi-Fi 7 access pointallows zero-trust segmentation, meaning you can isolate IoT gadgets on separate networks to minimize the impact if one device is compromised. Firewalla routers also offer multiple VPN profiles, letting you fine-tune which devices or users tunnel through WireGuard. If you have enterprise-level or advanced requirements, consider a Firewalla Gold Pro, Ubiquiti Dream Machine, Mikrotik, OPNSense, or Netgate device for robust VLAN configurations, advanced QoS, and large-scale LAN deployments. Troubleshooting and FAQ Even with WireGuard's simplicity, a few issues may arise: Handshake failure: Check that your public/private keys match Proton VPN's settings. Ensure the router's clock is accurate, as major time differences break WireGuard's cryptographic handshake.DNS leaks: Your real location is exposed if DNS requests still go to your ISP. Update your router's DNS to Proton VPN's resolvers and validate at dnsleaktest.com.Policy-based routing: If you want to use the VPN only for specific devices or domains (e.g. streaming boxes that need local region access), explore split tunneling or "policy-based routing" in your router firmware (Firewalla, OpenWRT, OPNsense, etc.).Wi-Fi performance: Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 or adding multiple access points can alleviate coverage gaps. However, your overall VPN speed also depends on your router's CPU speed for WireGuard encryption.General security tips: Stick to reputable VPNs like Proton VPN, avoid free apps, and keep firmware updated. Router-based VPN setups typically offer better consistency than phone-based VPN apps. Show more Advanced tips and security best practices Key rotation: Change your WireGuard keys periodically to reduce the chance of compromised credentials over time. Proton issues profiles that are valid for one year until a new profile import is required.Hardware constraints: Lower-power routers (~700 MHz single-core) might cap out at ~100 Mbps for WireGuard, while dual-core ARM or x86 at 1.4+ GHz CPUs on these devices can handle hundreds of Mbps or more. (Firewalla Gold Pro can handle 2Gbps WireGuard connections.)Kill switch/fail-closed: In advanced firewall OSes (pfSense, OPNsense), you can configure firewall rules that drop all traffic if the VPN goes down, preventing accidental leaks.Zero-trust segmentation: Isolate IoT or guest devices on separate SSIDs/VLANs. If a device is breached, attackers can't easily pivot across the rest of your network. Building your WireGuard-compatible firewall router on Linux or FreeBSD For advanced users, building a WireGuard-compatible firewall router using open-source platforms like Linux or FreeBSD offers near-limitless customization. Solutions such as OPNsense and pfSense (FreeBSD-based) or OpenWRT and IPFire (Linux-based) provide robust options for integrating WireGuard at the OS level. These platforms allow for refined firewall rules, VLAN management, bandwidth shaping, and multi-WAN failover. While setup requires more technical expertise and hardware compatibility considerations, the payoff is unmatched control over advanced routing and security features. Next steps After you've set up WireGuard on a router via Proton VPN: Explore multi-hop/secure core: Proton VPN's paid plans offer layered routing for heightened privacy.Check WAN failover: If your router supports dual WAN or cellular backup, set up automatic failover so your VPN reconnects if one link drops.Refine policy-based routing: Split tunneling allows selective encryption, perfect for devices that need local content or minimal latency (e.g. gaming consoles).Self-host WireGuard: Platforms like AWS Lightsail, Linode, or DigitalOcean let you build your own VPN server, cutting out third-party operators entirely.Intrusion detection: Tools like Suricata or Snort on OPNsense or pfSense can monitor and block suspicious traffic in real time. The increasing need for router-based VPNs Growing geoblocks, censorship laws, and privacy concerns have made VPNs indispensable for many users. WireGuard stands out with its speed, simplicity, and open-source ethos. Proton VPN offers a robust, privacy-centric VPN that's straightforward to deploy on a wide range of routers, including Firewalla's Gold Series/AP7 for zero-trust segmentation or OpenWRT One for budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 performance. Also:How we test VPNs in 2025With proper planning, you can maintain the freedom to access geo-blocked content and the security to navigate the modern web safely. Security

What makes the dream work, as management ranks are thinning. gettyManagement has decided to eliminate management, it seems. A new trend is emerging, as bureaucracies are flattened - and teams need to move forward inside a new structure. With recent trends in white collar layoffs, the future of work is being built on self-directed teams. Cutbacks are driving the change. Yahoo!News has declared that the six-figure job market faces a white collar recession. Bloomberg Intelligence says that Global banks will cut as many as 200,000 jobs in the next three to five years.Meta, Bayer, GE and 3M, the movement away from management is a step towards new requirements for workers. How can you prepare for the new new normal, where management means something different than it ever has before?Self-Leadership is the New ManagementAuthor and leadership expert Steve Denning has done research into new management structures. He notes that many high-performance teams are not manager-led. Top results emerge when management steps back, allowing the team to self-organize. What generates the energy and passion of self-organizing teams, and their eventual high productivity, is that the members enjoy the opportunity to organize their own work and contribute their full human potential to the collective, he shares.Management layers are reduced in the pursuit of profitability, efficiency - and greater empowerment for employees. But moving to a self-led structure isnt as easy as writing a prompt for ChatGPT. Workers want to know who is in charge, when the managers are being let go. Who referees between budget allocations, product launch dates, legal approvals? Who will have the authority to sign off on your next vacation request? The answer depends on the organization, but greater autonomy is emerging as the path forward. In a world without managers, opportunity appears. An opportunity for you to step up - and step into - self-leadership. These three vital self-leadership skills will help you to prepare for the future of work - and future-proof your career.As Management Departs, the Self-Governing Workforce ArrivesIn self-governing teams, according to Dennings research, what to do is often harder than actually doing the work. The ability to identify choices, and challenges, is central the team. That objective emphasizes the importance of persuasive communication. That way, others can enroll in a proposed course of action - but discussion and discourse are part of the new new normal. To thrive in this evolving environment, employees should focus on developing the following self-leadership strategies:Decisiveness: Are you good at making decisions? Structure can reduce or even eliminate the need to make decisions. However, removing the hierarchy of management means everyone needs to make decisions. Responsibility is shared, not dictated. Your success relies on your cognitive skills, not management oversight. The future of work requires employees that can see the rules (guardrails) and innovate in between them - seeing new possibilities not just old regulations. Abdicating responsibility wont work any more - ownership is whats required, at every level. The navigation involves critical thinking, assessing available information (including that suspicious output from ChatGPT) and taking responsibility for outcomes. Decision-making will shift to the individual, based on the needs of the team, when moving to self-directed workforce. Heres how the Project Management Institute explains the difference: Manager-led teams are defined and led by someone from the outside. A manager appoints a project manager, and the project manager becomes the boss of a team. The team does whatever the manager tells it to do. In the self-directed team, you are the CEO of a Brand Called You. Your choices define your success, based on the impact you create for your team. What decisions do you need to make, to enable that impact?Collaboration and Cooperation: Success in self-directed teams hinges on effective collaboration. Building strong interpersonal relationships and fostering open communication are essential for achieving collective goals. So, how do you do that? Turns out, collaboration and cooperation both leverage the oldest tool in business: the conversation. In self-directed teams, notice that self isnt really what matters most. Ambition takes a back seat, when nobody needs or wants to be in the manager. Advancement comes from advancing projects. Evaluation is based on performance. Surprisingly, self-directed teams emphasize selfless service, not selfishness. The project or task is what matters - not office politics, promotion or positioning. Collaboration is critical to the success of self-directed teams. Where will self-directed teams fail? Inside toxic cultures. Cutthroat companies cant compete in the new order. If you arent finding collaboration and cooperation, look at your culture - and get ready to change.Self-Reliance and Initiative: Projects need to follow SMART objectives: goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-boxed (urgent). Teams must organize around objectives, and involving others in creating those objectives is the key. In manager-led teams, expectations determine behavior. In self-directed teams, agreement drives behavior. Moving from expectations to agreement is an exercise in self-reliance and initiative, so that you can share your ideas in a way that is compelling - and resistant to criticism. In my consulting work with companies undergoing digital transformation, creating a culture of agreement (not expectation) is key. After all, in the self-directed team theres an egalitarianism of ideas (everyone has an opportunity to contribute - versus just listening to the boss for guidance). This emerging democratization of the workforce means you have to own your voice, and your ideas - sharing them with initiative and confidence, in your communication.What Leaders Can Learn From Established Management Systems of Self-Directed TeamsSophie Thatcher from Yellowjackets.Getty Images for Paramount +MORE FOR YOUThe concept of self-governing groups isn't entirely new. For instance, boarding schools provide a parallel, where students live away from parental oversight. Unlike that flashback from an episode of Yellowjackets, a natural discipline and leadership emerges for young adults in prep school. At St. Johns Northwestern Academies, a boarding school in Delafield, Wisconsin, students learn and demonstrate personal accountability. Boarding school life requires students to step outside their comfort zones and become more self-reliant. The same can be said for the self-directed workforce. And maybe for the characters on Yellowjackets? Ill leave that for you to decide.Despite initial concerns about potential disorder, students often develop unspoken systems of collaboration and cooperation, establishing a natural order among themselves. As adults, we have an even greater capacity for creativity and collaboration, inside self-directed teams. Concerns about disorder need to be replaced with a deeper understanding of human nature. We are wired to collaborate. Our ability to communicate, not the organizational hierarchy, is what built the world around us. This phenomenon illustrates the human capacity to self-organize and adapt, which has been around since long before Henry Ford built the first assembly line. Management is evolving to bring us back to what we do best, when ownership, empowerment and self-leadership take charge.

TL;DR: Recent advancements in lithium-sulfur battery technology have been reported by two independent research teams, each tackling key challenges in commercializing these energy storage devices. One team concentrated on enhancing the cathode material, while the other developed an innovative solid electrolyte. In the first study, a team led by Professor Jong-sung Yu at the DGIST Department of Energy Science and Engineering developed a nitrogen-doped porous carbon material to enhance the charging speed of lithium-sulfur batteries. This material, synthesized using a magnesium-assisted thermal reduction method, acts as a sulfur host in the battery cathode. The resulting battery exhibited remarkable performance, achieving a high capacity of 705 mAh g even when fully charged in just 12 minutes.The carbon structure, formed by the reaction of magnesium with nitrogen in ZIF-8 at high temperatures, enabled higher sulfur loading and improved electrolyte contact. This advancement resulted in a 1.6-fold increase in capacity compared to conventional batteries under rapid charging conditions. Furthermore, the nitrogen doping effectively suppressed lithium polysulfide migration, allowing the battery to retain 82 percent of its capacity after 1,000 charge-discharge cycles.Collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory revealed that lithium sulfide formed in a specific orientation within the carbon material's layered structures. This finding confirmed the benefits of nitrogen doping and the porous carbon structure in boosting sulfur loading and accelerating reaction speed.A separate study by Chinese and German researchers introduced a solid electrolyte designed to address the slow chemical reaction between lithium ions and elemental sulfur. This innovative electrolyte is a glass-like material composed of boron, sulfur, lithium, phosphorus, and iodine.The standout feature of this study is the inclusion of iodine in the electrolyte. Thanks to its rapid electron exchange capabilities, iodine acts as an intermediate in electron transfer to sulfur, dramatically accelerating electrode reactions. Researchers propose that iodine's mobility within the electrolyte may allow it to function as an electron shuttle. // Related StoriesThe performance results were equally impressive. When charged at an extremely fast rate achieving a full charge in just over a minute the battery retained half the capacity of one charged 25 times more slowly. At an intermediate charging rate, the battery retained over 80 percent of its initial capacity after more than 25,000 charge-discharge cycles. This level of durability far exceeds that of conventional lithium-ion batteries, which typically experience similar capacity degradation after only about 1,000 cycles.Together, these advancements bring lithium-sulfur batteries closer to practical implementation. The DGIST team's work demonstrates the promise of advanced cathode materials in rapid-charging scenarios, while the Chinese-German collaboration highlights the transformative potential of solid electrolytes in improving battery longevity and charging speed.

Table of ContentsTable of Contents5. Stranger Things (TBD)4. Yellowjackets (Feb. 14)3. The White Lotus (Feb. 16)2. Andor (Apr. 22)1. The Last of Us (April)2025 has arrived, and its bringing a lot of interesting new and returning TV with it. Severance season 2was the years first major return, but since it already debuted, it will not be on this list.Looking toward the rest of the year, weve sussed out the dramas that were most looking forward to in 2025. All of these shows are returning in 2025 because so many were caught up in delays around the writers and actors strikes. That does mean there will be an abundance of riches to choose from in 2025. Without further ado, these are the drama shows were looking forward to most in the year ahead.Recommended VideosStranger Things 5 | Title Tease | NetflixThe roller coaster ride of Stranger ThingsRelatedNow, though, Eleven and the boys know the threat theyre facing, and theyre ready to face it head-on. Season 5 looks epic and long, but given the shows enormous popularity, itll also be eagerly anticipated.You can watchStranger Thingson Netflix.Yellowjackets Season 3 First Look ?As one of the more surprising small-scale TV phenomenons in recent memory, Yellowjacketswill return for its third season with a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. The series follows the aftermath of a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness and the survivors of that crash who are still haunted by it decades later.Yellowjackets continued to unspool mysteries around what was happening in that wilderness and what the women who survived are hiding decades later. The shows second season was not quite as universally beloved as the first, but theres still plenty of room for optimism heading into season 3.You can watchYellowjacketson Paramout+.The White Lotus Season 3 | Official Teaser | MaxEvery time The White LotusThe ensemble cast that has been assembled for this new season includes Carrie Coon,Michelle Monaghan, Walton Goggins, and Jason Isaacs, among others. While we dont know how this new season will unfold, mostWhite Lotusseasons involve a dead body, and this one probably wont be any different.You can watchThe White Lotuson Max.Star Wars television has not, on the whole, been all that good. Thats why the first season of Andorwas such a major surprise. The show, a prequel to Rogue One, tells the story of Cassian Andor as he transforms from a thief into a genuine diehard rebel.Along the way, though, it becomes a meditation on what its like to live under fascism and how much easier it is to keep your head down than it would be to openly rebel. Andors second season will be eagerly anticipated because the first season exceeded expectations. Hopefully, it doesnt disappoint.You can watchAndoron Disney+.The Last Of Us Season 2 | April 2025 | MaxWhen its first season debuted in 2023, many were amazed at how well The Last of Us avoided many of the crutches plaguing most video game adaptations. Set 20 years after a fungal virus has turned most of humanity into flesh-eating zombies, The Last of Usfollows a man and a young girl as they travel across the country together after discovering that the girl is immune to the infection.The second season will be adapted from the hugely acclaimed and somewhat controversial The Last of Us Part II, which features a time jump and several other surprises but is just as dark and thrilling as the first installment.You can watch The Last of Us on Max.Editors Recommendations

The forthcoming DOGE commission has been the talk of Washington in recent months.Just miles away, Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland is pushing his own government efficiency plans.Moore wants to save the state $50 million by weeding out waste.President-elect Donald Trump'sElon Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy will co-lead the effort.A perhaps less talked about but also significant governmentGov. Wes Moore of Maryland announced this month his state would launch an initiative to weed out waste. His goal: Find $50 million in savings for the current fiscal year.Maryland faces a $3 billion budget gap. So Moore is proposing $2 billion in spending reductions to his $67.3 billion budget plan. An executive order that Moore signed earlier this month directs state agencies to identify cost savings and eliminate redundancies.Moore told Business Insider in a recent interview that while he didn't know DOGE's full slate of proposals, he thinks they "should probably take a look" at what his administration is doing to boost government efficiency in Maryland."We're looking at everything from fleet management to how we're looking at IT consolidation to how we're looking at real estate," he said. "These items alone are going to save the state of Maryland tens of millions of dollars.""DOGE should pay attention to what we're doing with our government modernization," he added.Moore is a first-term Democrat leading one of the country's bluest strongholds, while the DOGE is a national GOP-led effort. When asked if more Democrats should embrace government efficiency efforts, Moore said voters are looking for results."If people are asking, 'Where's the future, and what should I look to for inspiration?' I would say, 'look at the states,'" he said. "The budget that I just proposed is giving a tax cut to nearly two-thirds of Marylanders and 82% of the people in my state are either about to get a tax cut or have no change at all in their tax code."Moore told BI his plan would cut corporate taxes and eliminate the inheritance tax. The plan would also create a 6.25% tax rate for single filers making at least $500,000 and a 6.5% tax rate for state residents who earn $1 million or more. Under the current tax code, single filers in Maryland who make over $250,000 have an income tax rate of 5.75%.Similar to the optimism of DOGE's leaders, Moore believes his state's efforts can serve as a model for forthcoming efficiency efforts."We're doing a lot of things that people are paying attention to and a lot of innovation that we're hoping for is actually happening within our state," he said. "I'm really proud that Maryland is helping to lead the charge on that."

This year marks a significant change in the air for Superman. Along with James Gunns upcoming movie, DC Comics is offering a massive shakeup to the status quo, and with a big get from its distinguished competition: like Brian Michael Bendis before him, Dan Slott, a longtime writer for Marvels Spider-Man and Fantastic Four comics, will take on the Man of Steel. Slott will team with artist Rafael Albuquerque and colorist Marcelo Maiolo on Superman Unlimited,a new monthly comic set to kick off in May. Billed as a driving force for whats to be a Summer of Superman, the book kicks off with an asteroid filled with Green Kryptonite crash-landing on Earth. Naturally, this kicks off an arms race for the criminal underworld, and parties like Intergang are verykeen to get their hands on Supermans biggest weakness. For Superman, hell adjust to this new paradigm shift by forging new alliances, new tech and new tactics. Things are also changing for his friends and loved ones at the Daily Planet. After merging with Morgan Edges Galaxy Communications, the outlet has become a multimedia platform that prominently features characters thatll be the filmlike Jimmy, Steve Lombard, and Cat Grantand also includes a new IT specialist in Tee-nah, King Solovars goddaughter from Gorilla City. In a statement to DC, Slott said he, Albuquerque, and Maiolo will take Supermanand youto places youll want to escape to every month. Millions of surprising ideas for him, Lois, the supporting cast, classic rogues, and all-new friends and foes, too. Superman Unlimitedwill kick off May 21, and will be set up with a Zero Issue in DCs Free Comic Book Day issue on May 3. According to DC, the Summer of Superman will include ongoing and limited books for fellow Supers like Supergirl, Superboy, and Krypto. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Kushtia Neighborhood Mosque / Ahsan Habib + Chinton ArchitectsSave this picture! Shakil Ibne Hai, Asif SalmanMosqueKushtia, BangladeshArchitects: Ahsan Habib + Chinton ArchitectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:5200 ftYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2022 PhotographsPhotographs:Shakil Ibne Hai, Asif SalmanMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!A Critical Response To Mosque Architecture in Bangladesh The mosque in Kushtia is built on the idea of climate, cost, and simple functional arrangement. The engagement of local craftsmen and using local materials. Its unique climatic quality is achieved through careful study of the local technique.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The Context In Bengal, two things are significantly connected to the life of people: Landscape and Religion. The landscape of Bengal is primarily shaped by rivers, farmlands, and lush vegetation. It is an intricate part of our culture and history. Numerous mosques were built during the five and a half centuries of Muslim rule before the British colonial period, but only a few landmarks illustrate properly how the mosque style was developed through time. If you observe closely, it seems that the mosque buildings were merely an extrusion of the ground, as opposed to building on it. These built forms had a strong inseparable relationship with the ground. I believe, in Bangladesh, the landscape should come first then the built form. You have to understand the softness of the alluvial soil and the spirit of the land. The building is not important to us because we never had such fancy traditions. But we had a humble influence on the climate and functional needs in our lives.Save this picture!Save this picture!The Between Space The "between space" is a sanctuarya tranquil threshold where time feels slower and emotions feel deeper. The atmosphere here would be crafted to honor its purpose: a blend of contemplation, connection, and comfort. It is a place where the village people can pray, rest, and talk about their life. It will be shaded in summer and have the soft morning light in winter.Save this picture!Peace Architecture must look for peace! We were imagining a space that evokes calmness and connects people with nature. Designing inclusive spaces that accommodate diverse groups promotes equity and cultural harmony. This could be through creating communal areas, reducing segregation, or designing spaces that respect local traditions while fostering shared experiences.Climate In a world grappling with climate crises, this architecture is also sustainable. By minimizing environmental impact, using renewable resources, and integrating local techniques, architecture aligns human living with ecological balance. It is an example of how architecture can provide a sanctuary for peace.Save this picture!Comfort The front facade is a big ventilator. The facade is designed to allow natural airflow, creating a healthier indoor environment and reducing reliance on mechanical ventilation. By encouraging cross-ventilation, the facade helps regulate indoor temperatures, particularly in hot and humid climates. In regions with high temperatures and humidity, such as Kushtia, a ventilating facade is particularly beneficial in responding to the local climate.Save this picture!Save this picture!Atmosphere In summer, dappled light filters through the small holes delicately casting patterns on the floor. This interplay of light and shadow would soothe and cool the space, making it inviting even at the peak of the heat. Soft morning light enters unimpeded, gently warming the surfaces it touches.Material Brick, RCC, Mahagoni wood, Local tile, and glass are the major materials. Because of the cavity wall, it stays cool in summer and absorbs sunlight to radiate warmth in winter. It's neither completely indoor nor outdoor; it blurs the boundary.Save this picture!Cost The budget was extremely limited, and contextual constraints further complicated the project. The available funds were insufficient, making it essential to source all materials from the local market. Additionally, the construction workers were hired from the neighborhood. These measures were taken to save costs, minimizing transportation expenses for both materials and personnel.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Kushtia, BangladeshLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officePublished on January 18, 2025Cite: "Kushtia Neighborhood Mosque / Ahsan Habib + Chinton Architects" 18 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025782/kushtia-neighborhood-mosque-ahsan-habib-plus-chinton-architects&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Nature, Published online: 15 January 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08426-5IL-33 induces tertiary lymphoid structures.

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A mixed bag of results Like many other companies, PlayStation pushed into the very popular, potentially lucrative, and very competitive, live-service market by making a number of bets, and not all of them have paid off. Most recently, Sony confirmed that it canceled multiple projects, including a live-service God of War and another live-service title from Bend. There have been successes, too, mostly notably Helldivers 2. The game sold more than 12 million copies, ranking as the No. 3 best-selling game of 2024 in the US through November. Sony's multiplayer game Concord, on the other hand, failed to find an audience and was quickly taken offline, with its studio shuttered.In this post, we're rounding up all the multiplayer/live-service games PlayStation has in development and providing a status report on them. This was inspired by Radec on social media, who was first to compile a rundown of Sony's live-service projects and their status.It was reported in 2023 that PlayStation boss Jim Ryan, who left Sony in 2024, had a mandate that Sony's teams should make more games-as-a-service titles. A number of PlayStation developers were reportedly upset with this, and the blame was said to have fallen not on Ryan but Connie Booth, one of the most important and veteran PlayStation developers, leading to her eventual departure.Another former PlayStation boss, Shuhei Yoshida, recently said the chance of finding success in the competitive live-service market was "small," but his replacement, Hermen Hulst, was given the resources to fund both single-player games and live-service titles at the same time. However, had Yoshida stayed in that role, he said he would have "tried to resist" the push into the live-service market. He joked, "That's one of the reasons they removed me."Prior to the cancellation of The Last of Us Online and the live-service God of War most recently, Sony indicated it was pulling back from its ambitious live-service strategy. Back in 2023, Sony management said it would only go ahead with six live-service games in the near future, down from a dozen. At the time, management said it was attempting to focus on quality over quantity. But that's not the end of PlayStation's foray into live-service, so let's take a look at how things have gone so far and where future projects stand. Helldivers 2 One of Sony's most successful live-service games ever, Helldivers 2 launched in early 2024 and became a huge hit right away. It has since sold more than 12 million copies. It's currently the No. 3 best-selling game of 2024 in the US through November, and it's likely to rank inside the top five for all of 2024 when December's data comes out later this month. The game has faced its share of issues, too, as developer Arrowhead was criticized for requiring a PlayStation Account for its Steam release (a decision that was later reversed, though subsequent Sony PC games do require one) and for the way its paid Killzone cosmetics were rolled out. But Helldivers 2 remains very popular and is also getting a Hollywood movie adaptation in the future. Concord Sony's biggest live-service failure, at least among games that have come out, Concord launched in late August 2024 for PS5, but unlike many live-service games, which are free-to-play, it carried a $40 price tag. It drew a generally positive critical response, but it reportedly only sold 25,000 copies. Unsurprisingly, then, Sony shut the game down two weeks after launch. There was a period in which it seemed possible that it would be reworked and relaunched, but instead Sony refunded players and developer Firewalk Studios, which Sony acquired in 2023, was closed. Fairgame$ Former Assassin's Creed boss Jade Raymond's new team, the PlayStation-owned Haven Studios, is making a heist-themed competitive game for PS5 and PC called Fairgame$ (yes, it's really styled that way). Described as a "fresh, modern take on the heist genre," Fairgame$ aims to be a competitive heist game where people steal from the rich to "rebalance the scales." No gameplay footage has been released and there is no word on the launch timing. Horizon multiplayer game and MMO It's been reported that Guerrilla Games is developing a live-service, online game based on its Horizon series. There is basically nothing to go on at this stage, and the game hasn't even been announced. But a report from September 2024 said the game was still going ahead in the wake of Concord's dismal launch and shutdown.Beyond Guerrilla's new game, NCSoft is said to be working on a Horizon MMO in partnership with Sony. This hasn't been officially announced, however, and plans can always change. Bungie games Sony's Bungie studio has a number of live-service projects in the works, including ongoing support for Destiny 2, as well as a new Marathon, an extraction shooter-style revival of its classic FPS series. Beyond that, Bungie's incubation team is working on a genre-mix title reportedly codenamed Gummy Bears.Additionally, in the wake of a massive upheaval at Bungie, a number of staffers shifted to a new team inside Sony that is building a brand-new science-fantasy universe, though whether or not it's a live-service game is unknown. Based on the latest information, all of these projects at Bungie and within SIE continue to go forward. God of War live-service game Most recently, Bloomberg reported that a live-service God of War game at Bluepoint Games had been canceled. Sony confirmed the cancellation to the site but had no other details to share. Many questioned how the God of War series might have translated to live-service/multiplayer, and it seems we won't find out. Bluepoint is best known for its work on various remasters and remakes, typically of single-player games, such as the acclaimed PS5 version of Demon's Souls, so this project marked a departure from the norm. The Last of Us Online In December 2023, Naughty Dog confirmed that it cancelled The Last of Us Online. The company said when it ramped up to full production, it realized the "massive scope" of the company's ambitions made the project unrealistic. Naughty Dog said it made the choice to focus on single-player games instead of live-service games. It now has two single-player games in the works, including Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and The Last of Us 3 (we think). Bend Studio project Days Gone developer Bend Studio was working on an unannounced live-service project, but Bloomberg reported on January 16 that it was canceled. There isn't anything more to go on, however. Bend Studio hasn't released anything since 2019's Days Gone. Prior to that, it was known for the Syphon Filter series and the Vita entries in the Uncharted series. Deviation Games project Deviation Games, a studio founded by Call of Duty veterans Dave Anthony and Jason Blundell, was shuttered in early 2024. It was partnered with Sony for a new IP that would have been exclusive to PlayStation, and many guessed that it was going to be a multiplayer/live-service game. Twisted Metal In February 2024, it was reported that UK studio Firesprite was developing a live-service Twisted Metal game, though it wasn't actually greenlit. In any event, the report said whatever was to potentially come of this was no longer moving ahead. Despite the existence of the ongoing Peacock series, the Twisted Metal series has been dormant since 2012's entry on PS3. London Studio Sony's London Studio development team (known for SingStar, EyeToy, and other unconventional PlayStation games) was said to be working on a fantasy co-op live-service game set in an alternate version of London. But it wasn't meant to be. The game was canceled alongside Sony's closure of London Studio as part of Sony's wide cost-cutting program. Spider-Man: The Great Web In 2024, it was reported that Insomniac was working on a Spider-Man live-service project called Spider-Man: The Great Web. A leaked gameplay video showed that teams of five players would have faced off against the Sinister Six in New York City. The game would have incorporated multiverse elements, too, the leak said, and players would have been able to choose from a big roster of Marvel superheroes.