The Trump administration on Wednesday announced it will reconsider the reach of the nations bedrock clean water law and likely further limit the wetlands it covers, building on a Supreme Courtdecision two years agothat removed federal protections for significant areas.Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin said at agency headquarters in Washington that officials will listen to concerns from farmers and other groups worried about federal interference in how they use their land and then set limited, predictable and lasting rules defining which waterways the Clean Water Act protects.President Donald Trump sought to shrink the laws reach in his first term while prior Democratic administrations have expanded federal power to regulate the nations lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and oceans. Thats created drastic swings in how the law is interpreted and applied.In the 2023 Supreme Court case Sackett v. EPA, the majority of justices largely agreed with the Trump administrations limited approach. That decision departed from decades of federal rules governing the nations waterways.When the Biden administrationrewrote protections to comply with Sackett, however, some conservative groups believed that the rule still protected too many wetlands and improperly limited private property rights. On Wednesday, the EPA issued guidance about how the ruling should be implemented to exclude certain wetlands.We are not looking for this to be a ping-pong anymore, Zeldin said. What we are looking for is to simply follow the guidance from Sackett.That decision was one of several Supreme Court rulings in recent years thatdrastically shrank the federal governments power to regulatethe environment and industry.Some states, however, have passedtheir own laws to strengthen wetlands protections.For decades, environmental interests and left-leaning policymakers have fought right-leaning industry and agricultural interests in federal court over the Clean Water Acts power. At the center of those cases is the definition of just five words in the law, waters of the United States, which determines its reach.In Sackett, the conservative majority sided with those industry and agricultural interests that sought more flexibility to dig or fill wetlands, finding that federal regulators had long wielded too much authority.Environmental groups have sharply criticized Sackett, saying it will mean more polluted and filled-in wetlands, which is expected to hit the arid southwest especially hard.Julian Gonzalez, senior legislative counsel at the environmental nonprofit Earthjustice, called the Sackett decision industrys white whale that achieved weakened environmental protections after years of work. He said the effort is especially concerning now that the EPA is facing drastic cuts, reducing its capacity to enforce the rules.Despite the fact that they finally got that decision after all those years, they are still not resting on their laurels, he said. They are going to continue to find ways to change the Clean Water Act to weaken public safeguards.Wetlands filter pollutants, reduce flooding, serve as important habitat and are worth protecting, Gonzalez said.Sackett was brought byan Idaho couple who wanted to build a housenear Priest Lake in the states panhandle. Chantell and Michael Sackett objected when federal officials identified a soggy part of their land as a wetland, which meant they had to get a permit before they filled it with rocks and soil.Justice Samuel Alitos majority opinion said federally protected wetlands must be directly adjacent to a relatively permanent waterway connected to traditionally interstate navigable waters such as a river or ocean. That viewpoint was similar to a 2006 opinion by the late Justice Antonin Scalia.They also must have a continuous surface connection with that water, making it difficult to determine where the water ends and the wetlands begins, Alito said.That departed from a 2006 Supreme Court opinion that had established the longtime standard for evaluating which waters were protected. In that case, then-Justice Anthony Kennedy described covered wetlands as having a significant nexus to larger bodies of water. Opponents have long objected that the standards were too vague and unpredictable.American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall spoke during Zeldins announcement, saying farmers wanted a simple rule.Im a farmer and I need a rule thats on one page, that is sitting on the dash of my truck right next to my devotional book, and if I have a question about a ravine on my farm, I can pick that one page up, read it, and interpret it myself, Duvall said.The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs environmental coverage, visithttps://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environmentMichael Phillis, Associated Press

Elon Musks ability to court controversy has always been part of Teslas brand mystique, but in Europe, the act is wearing thin. Teslas sales are nosediving with Germanyits largest market in the regionrecording a 76% year-over-year decline in February 2025 (1,429 vehicles sold vs. 6,038 in 2024). Although not quite as severe, Swedens 43.9% decline follows the same troubling pattern for the American EV maker. While Musk leans further into right-wing politics and headlines spiral from erratic leadership to outright scandals, Polestar is quietly stepping in to claim the space Tesla is leaving behind. The Swedish EV maker isnt just competing on technology or range; its offering an exit strategy for Tesla owners who are fed up, frustrated, or simply embarrassed to be associated with Musks brand.The offer is straightforward but effective. Tesla owners who switch to a Polestar 3 can get up to $20,000 in discounts. As a part of its Clean Vehicle Incentive, Polestar was offering a $15,000 discount for anyone looking to lease the Polestar 3 SUV, but now, the company is offering an extra Trade in Your Tesla discount of $5,000 for people looking to ditch their existing Elon-mobiles for something safer, bringing the total up to a whopping $20,000 off on your lease. Unlike Tesla, which has been slashing prices in a desperate bid to boost demand, Polestars incentives feel more strategic. Its not about offloading excess inventoryits about targeting a specific kind of buyer: one whos fed up with Musks chaos but still wants a premium EV.Musks increasingly erratic behavior is making Teslas brand toxic in markets that value stability and ethics. His political hard-right turn, combined with public outbursts and labor disputes, has European buyers looking for the exits. The most damaging moment came when he delivered what many saw as a Nazi salute at Trumps inaugurationa gesture that sent shockwaves across the Atlantic. German consumers responded swiftly, sending Teslas sales into freefall. Sweden, a country that prides itself on progressive values and corporate responsibility, isnt far behind. Polestar is tapping into that shift with a campaign thats part trade-in deal, part political statement.The $20,000 Trade in Your Tesla deal is already proving to be a hit. By stacking a $5,000 Tesla-owner discount on top of another $15,000 in incentives for Polestar 3 leases, the brand is making it financially tempting to cut ties with Musks empire. Its a clever move, tapping into not just economic logic but also the growing sentiment that Tesla ownership is becoming a cultural liability. Tesla was once the ultimate status symbol for the tech-savvy and eco-conscious. Now, driving one feels like an endorsement of Musks political aspirations, a turn-off for many European buyers.Polestars pitch goes beyond just politics. Tesla has long struggled with service issues, from slow repairs to buggy software updates. In contrast, Polestar leans on Volvos infrastructure, offering a more traditional dealership and service experience. Its a quieter, more polished ownership experiencesomething Tesla buyers might not realize they want until theyve spent a few too many hours dealing with phantom braking or misaligned panels.Theres also the matter of design. The Polestar 3 isnt trying to be a spaceship on wheels; its an EV for people who appreciate Scandinavian minimalism and solid craftsmanship. It has physical buttons where they matter, a more refined interior, and none of Teslas infamous cost-cutting measures, like yoke steering wheels or missing stalks. Thats not to say Polestar is perfectits still a relatively small company with production limitsbut its positioning as a premium, well-built alternative to Tesla is resonating, especially in Sweden.The data backs it up. Teslas European market share is shrinking, with sales in Sweden dropping by a whopping 43.9% in recent times. Meanwhile, Polestars numbers are creeping upward, aided by offers like the Tesla trade-in deal. While Tesla is still ahead in sheer volume, Polestar doesnt need to outsell it to win. It just needs to peel away enough customers in key regions to cement itself as the homegrown alternative.The post Polestar Offers A $20,000 Trade In Your Tesla Discount to Swedish EV Owners Looking To Switch first appeared on Yanko Design.

There is news of an ambitious new stadium for Manchester United, designed by the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners. The stadium will feature a large, umbrella-like covering designed to enhance energy efficiency. This project is part of a broader redevelopment initiative in the Old Trafford area of Manchester, where the iconic soccer team resides. The new stadium will be situated next to the teams existing 115-year-old stadium. While the future use of the original structure remains unspecified, it may potentially serve as a museum.Designer: Foster + PartnersAs previously noted, the new stadium will be crowned with a substantial umbrella-like structure, giving it a distinctive appearance reminiscent of a circus tent. This innovative design is aesthetic and functional, as it will be equipped to harness solar energy and collect rainwater. By doing so, the stadium aims to significantly reduce its reliance on conventional grid-based energy sources, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.The stadium is designed to accommodate an impressive 100,000 spectators, marking a substantial increase from the current stadiums capacity, which holds just over 74,000 fans. This expansion reflects the ambition to host larger events and welcome more visitors, enhancing the overall experience for attendees. A large public plaza will also be developed, creating a vibrant community space. Transport links will be improved to offer easier access for visitors. The development plan also includes the potential construction of up to 17,000 new homes, contributing to the regeneration of the area and addressing local housing needs.Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the worlds greatest football stadium, at the center of a regenerated Old Trafford, said Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United. Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport. By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.The construction of the building will involve a prefabrication process, where it will be assembled in 160 distinct components that will be transported to the site via a nearby canal. This efficient method of delivery is designed to streamline the construction process. If everything proceeds according to plan, the completion of the project is anticipated to occur in approximately five years. As reported by the BBC, the financial investment required for the stadium is estimated to be around 2 billion, which is roughly equivalent to US$2.6 billion. This substantial budget showcases the ambitious nature of the project, reflecting the commitment to creating a state-of-the-art facility that meets high standards of design and functionality.The post Manchester Uniteds New State-of-the-Art Stadium Will Feature A Solar-Powered Umbrella Roof first appeared on Yanko Design.

After abandoning its Google Glass smart glasses in 2023, Google seems ready to take another kick at the can with what will reportedly be a $115 million acquisition of Canadian startup AdHawk Microsystems.AdHawk has developed camera-free, MEMS-based eye-tracking technology that offers an accurate, low-latency view of where the user is looking, using considerably less power than camera-based systems. The company designs and produces all of the systems components, from silicon to cloud the chips and micro optics, the hardware, with reference designs, and the algorithms and software necessary to make it all work.Bloomberg reportedon the potential acquisition Tuesday, citing people with knowledge of the matter who had asked not to be identified. The agreement is on track to be completed this week, but its still possible that the talks could fall apart at this late stage because the deal hasnt been signed, Bloomberg reported.Neither Google nor AdHawk responded to a request for comment.Waterloo, Ontario-based AdHawk was founded in 2017 and received funding from the venture arms of tech giants including Intel, HP, Samsung, and Sony Group. It offers several products as well as its components, and touts its MindLink and MindLink Air glasses as a way for researchers and neurologists to examine the eye-brain connection.The technology is also a vital component of both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headsets. In December 2024, Google introduced Android XR, an operating system that will work on Samsungs upcoming Moohan headset and other devices. It includes frameworks to let developers embed eye tracking in their software.Adhawk is one of the few independent third-party solutions, saidAnshel Sag, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, but it hasnt been as prominent in the market as some of the others that have been acquired. He added that Google is one of the few companies that doesnt have an eye-tracking system of its own, so it makes sense why the company would go out and get Adhawk. That said, this is a much different solution than most other eye-tracking camera-based systems and could enable some unique applications, but [it] could also limit Googles application of eye-tracking.Eye tracking for AR enables better visual acuity and calibration, which can reduce eye strain as well as being used as a biometric authentication method, Sag said. It also makes better user interface experiences possible.But, there are also heavy privacy implications of eye-tracking, which I believe most companies have done a good job addressing so far, he said. Most raw eye-tracking data stays on-chip, and no biometric data leaves the device.A competitor, Tobii, already uses glasses with eye tracking in consumer scenarios to monitor eye movements in controlled environments; Sag believes Google could also use consumer data in very compelling ways as long as its careful about how it manages user privacy and biometric data.As for the business world, he said, the skys the limit.I believe the business use casesare virtually unlimitedand that AI will be a strong driver of making these AR experiences compelling and financially successful, Sag said. Its why I believe AR will inevitably surpass VR and MR in market size.

Apple faces a renewed threat in the UK, where anew report from the top antitrust regulator says both it and Google are holding back innovation in themobile browser market. By far, most of the criticism is being leveled at Apple.The finalCompetition and Markets Authority(CMA) inquiry report finds thatApple wields too much power. Not only does it determine what mobile browsers can do on its devices, which limits differentiation, but it also gives Safari greater or earlier access to key operating system functions and new WebKit features before offering them to any other browser or browser developer.This, they claim, has a negative impact on competition and innovation, which means consumers and businesses could be missing out on potential innovative features that mobile browsers can provide.Safari and Chrome, holding back innovationFollowing our in-depth investigation, we have concluded that competition between different mobile browsers is not working well, and this is holding back innovation in the UK, said Margot Daly, chair of the CMAs independent inquiry group. The analysis set out in our report and the range of potential interventions considered to address the market issues we have identified, merits consideration by the CMA under its new powers, which have been specifically designed for digital markets.Some of these arguments seem moot. For example, it seems appropriate that Apple would introduce new operating systems via its own controlled browser first, in order to maintain security while the new features are bedded in, and in that regard early access seems an acceptable thing. However, the report points out that those risks could be managed in other ways that would not involve a complete ban on other browser engines, such as by the imposition of minimum security standards on browsers that dont use WebKit.No change yet, but its comingThe report suggests a number of changes, but a lot will \ rest onanother decision currently going through the CMA. Under new powers contained in the recently-approved Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, the CMA can now declare some firms as having Strategic Market Status (SMS). A firm that receives SMS status must submit to the CMA, which can impose legally binding conduct requirements or intervene to force changes in systems.We dont know whether Apple will be given SMS status that investigation only began in January but it seems probable, after which it can expect to be forced to engage in a range of changes in its business practices, including in mobile browsing.It is important to note that rather than demanding immediate changes, the CMA has shunted responsibility to the wider market investigation ongoing into Apple. Presumably, this means the CMA plots a series of demanded changes that go beyond those distilled in todays report. It also means that, for the moment, Apple can carry on as it is already.What will Apple need to change?As for todays new report, some of the changes Apple might be forced to make could include being:Required to support browser engines other than WebKit.Forced to offer competing browsers access to key functionalities from the operating system.Forced to provide proper support for Progressive Web Apps, as many smaller UK app developers have complained that the higher cost of native app development is holding back their business.Required to make it possible to link to web content from within an app on iOS, enabling traffic to be directed to competing browsers. It is interesting that the CMA highlights Facebook as being a company that wants to be able to do this. I presume if it were to do so, this would utterly undermine hard-won privacy controls; it isnt clear whether privacy could become a minimum standard required from third parties.Placed in position to allow Safari to become an optional choice when setting up a new iPhone. The CMA resolutely believes the default nature of Safari on new devices forms a barrier to entry to other browser vendors.The regulator did walk back previous criticisms concerning cloud gaming on iOS devices, saying it is satisfied with recent changes Apple made to its approach.Follow the moneyPerhaps the biggest and most expensive problem identified by the CMA is the lucrative revenue-sharing deals between Apple and Google over search traffic. The CMA says these revenues are so great that neither Apple nor Google are strongly motivated to compete. The lock-in they share, given that both Apple and Google share dominance of the smartphone market, makes it that much harder for independent browsers to thrive.We find both Apples and Googles product design choices about when, whether and how users make certain decisions about mobile browsers, also known as choice architecture, are making it significantly harder for users to drive competition by making active choices about their use of mobile browsers, the report says.This latest salvo of bad news for Apple from the UK follows hot on the heels of the UK governments criminally shameless attempt to undermine iPhone security for people worldwide with a demand to create a secret back door into iPhone data. That decision, made in private and subject to very little public scrutiny, also affects people outside of the UK. Its understood that Apple will protest the demand in a top secret UK court later this week though the nature of the pernicious legislation is such that even when it does, the people actually impacted by the decision wont get to learn about it.You can follow me on social media! Join me onBlueSky, LinkedIn, andMastodon.

Apple has held firm on not granting backdoor access to users' iCloud data, and the UK continues to try to find a way just not publicly.UK ParliamentApple continues to push back against the UK government's request for full access to all iCloud content across the globe. As a result, the appeal is set to be considered at a secret hearing at the High Court.According to BBC, it's due to be considered by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, an independent court that has the power to investigate claims against the UK intelligence services. Allegedly, the meeting is being kept under wraps because it relates to security services. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority wants Apple to allow rivals like Facebook to offer browsers on iPhone, but passes the buck on doing anything about it.UK ParliamentBack in November 2024, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK released a preliminary report saying that Apple blocks developers' ability to offer innovation in the browser market. Apple responded by saying the CMA was giving too much weight to the self-interest arguments from its rivals.Now the CMA has released its full report which chiefly ignores Apple's position on browsing. The CMA's original investigation was also into the area of cloud gaming, but the regulator says Apple's recent rule changes have satisfied its concerns. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Farshid Moussavi, Young & Ayata, Neri&Hu, Mark Wigley, and Andrs Jaque have been announced as the five headline Awards in Architecture honorees for 2025 by the American Academy of Arts and Letters.Leading the field was Moussavi, the winner of the $20,000 Arnold W. Brunner Memorial Prize. The British architect follows SelgasCano (2024), University of Virginia professor W. G. Clark (2023), and Carme Pins (2022) to win the Prizes 69th edition. It adds to a list of accolades that includes the 2022 Jane Drew Prize. Moussavi was added to the Order of the British Empire in 2018 and was recently appointed to the Mayor of Londons new Town Architects committee.

The video game development business of Pokmon Go developer Niantic is being acquired by Scopely. According to GamesBeat, The deal is valued at $3.5 billion, and will include all of the various titles that Niantic has worked on so far, including Pokmon Go, Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now.Scopely, known for making Monopoly Go, will also be acquiring other Niantic-run services and companion apps like Campfire and Wayfarer.Pokmon Go has by far been Niantic biggest game; as of 2024, the game boasted more than 100 million unique players. The game has reportedly maintained a player base of more than 20 million monthly active users. As a whole, Niantic reported more than $1 billion in revenue in 2024.According to the announcement, the studios acquired by Scopely will continue to run their games and follow their planned content roadmaps. Studio leads Kei Kawai and Ed Wu will also be making the jump to work on the titles under Scopely.Scopely has always been focused on cultivating meaningful communities through a shared love of play, and the Niantic games organization is one of the best in the world at this endeavour, said Scopelys chief revenue officer and board member Tim OBrien in a statement. We are extremely inspired by what the team has built over the last decade, delivering innovative experiences that captivate a vast, enduring global audience and get people out in the real world.We look forward to further accelerating the teams creativity through our partnership. Few games in the world have delivered the scale and longevity of Pokmon Go, which reached over 100 million players just last year.OBrien also spoke about how Scopely will continue to run things as they have been going for popular titles like Pokmon Go, mentioning its live events.The experience also stands apart for its unique ability to foster in-person connections, with Pokmon Go live events attracting millions of attendees, he said. After spending time with the Niantic team, it quickly became clear that this organization shares our inclination to create industry-leading outcomes and exceptional player experiences. We look forward to a bright future ahead.After the acquisition goes through, Niantic plans on spinning off its technology-based holdings into an entirely new company, dubbed Niantic Spatial Inc. This entity will have Niantic founder and CEO John Hanke at its helm, and will focus its efforts on being what it refers to as a geospatial AI company.Interestingly, while the licensed games business will be acquired by Scopely, Niantic will continue to work on its own AR games, namely Ingress Prime and Peridot. Development on these titles will continue.Capping off the announcement has been Scopelys statement to players of Pokmon Go, Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now. In this statement, the company talks about respecting the games, and wanting to allow its developers the freedom to continue developing them.We have long admired the innovative gameplay pioneered by the Niantic games team and the vibrant communities that have shaped the titles into the beloved xperiences they are today. We deeply respect what makes these games special the freedom to explore, the community forged along the way, and the thrill of discovery, Scopely said in its statement. We believe our partnership with the Niantic games team who will all join Scopely through this acquisition will further enable them to achieve their exciting long-term goals, which are designed first and foremost with you in mind.

Ivy Roads Wanderstop is playable on all platforms, including PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5. Developed by veterans like The Stanley Parable creator Davey Wreden and Gone Home co-creator Karla Zimonja, it focuses on Alta, a fallen warrior who starts working at a tea shop. Check out the launch trailer below with music by Daniel C418 Rosenfeld of Minecraft fame.While Wanderstop is a cozy game, its also about expectations, with Wredens own process of dealing with burnout as a major inspiration. Despite the charming vibes and intriguing clientele, Alta isnt jazzed to be there, and yet, there may be valuable lessons to learn from the experience.Between conversing with various NPCs, players will also make and serve tea. Of course, you have to grow the ingredients, harvest them, keep the shop clean, or even meditate. You can also decorate surroundings to suit your tastes (and potentially impress customers). Head here for more details on the development process.