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Tariff Refund Portal Opens for U.S. Importers

Finance

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Tariff Refund Portal Opens for U.S. Importers

Online system launches after Supreme Court ruling

A national tariff refund system went live at 8 a.m. Monday, allowing eligible businesses to seek reimbursement for tariffs deemed illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court. The platform, called Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries, enables electronic filing of refund claims.

Businesses that paid tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, along with customs brokers, may apply. However, participation is not automatic. Companies must opt in, submit supporting documentation, and receive approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Refunds possible within 60 to 90 days

According to CBP guidance, valid claims may be processed within 60 to 90 days after approval. Legal experts caution that incomplete paperwork, documentation errors, or administrative backlogs could delay payments.

As of April 9, more than 56,000 U.S. importers had registered to pursue refunds. Estimates suggest the federal government could owe businesses as much as $175 billion in repayments.

Third-party firms offer upfront payouts

Some hedge funds and financial service firms have begun purchasing tariff refund claims from businesses. In these arrangements, firms assume responsibility for filing and managing the claim process while providing immediate funds to importers, typically at a discounted value.

Companies weighing their options must consider administrative effort, potential processing delays, and whether selling claims provides a faster path to liquidity.

Study Links Teen Cannabis Use to Slower Cognitive Growth

Finance

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Study Links Teen Cannabis Use to Slower Cognitive Growth

Large U.S. brain study tracks 11,000 adolescents

Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine report that teenagers who begin using cannabis show slower gains in thinking and memory skills as they grow older. The findings, published April 20, 2026 in Neuropsychopharmacology, draw on data from more than 11,000 participants enrolled in the long-running Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, the largest study of youth brain development in the United States.

The team followed 11,036 children beginning at ages 9 and 10 through ages 16 and 17. Researchers tracked cognitive performance alongside substance use, combining self-reported information with biological testing, including hair, urine and saliva samples, to detect cannabis exposure.

Slower improvement in memory and thinking skills

Across multiple cognitive domains such as memory, attention, language and processing speed, teens who used cannabis showed more limited growth over time compared with peers who did not use the substance.

Lead author Natasha Wade, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine, said the differences became clearer as participants aged.

“Adolescence is a critical time for brain development, and what we’re seeing is that teens who start using cannabis aren’t improving at the same rate as their peers,” Wade said. “These differences may seem small at first, but they can add up in ways that affect learning, memory and everyday functioning.”

In some cases, teens performed similarly to or slightly better than their peers before initiating cannabis use. However, once use began, their progress tended to level off while others continued to improve.

THC identified as likely contributing factor

The study also examined specific cannabis components. In a smaller subgroup, adolescents with evidence of exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, showed worsening memory performance over time compared with non-users.

Participants with evidence of cannabidiol exposure did not show the same pattern, though researchers noted that the CBD sample was limited.

“These results point to THC as a likely driver of the changes we’re seeing,” Wade said, adding that some products marketed as CBD may still contain measurable levels of THC.

Modest differences with potential long-term impact

While the observed effects were described as modest, researchers emphasized that adolescence is a period of rapid neurological development. Even small disruptions in attention, memory or processing speed may influence academic performance and daily functioning.

The authors caution that the findings do not establish direct causation. Other variables such as environment, personality and family background could also play roles. However, the analysis accounted for numerous factors, including prior cognitive ability, mental health status and use of other substances.

The research team plans to continue following participants into young adulthood to assess longer-term effects and to better understand how timing and frequency of cannabis use may shape brain development.

“Delaying cannabis use supports healthy brain development,” Wade said. “As cannabis becomes more widely available, it’s important for families and teens to understand how it may affect the developing brain.”

Tornado Hits Rivian Plant Ahead of R2 Launch

Business

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Tornado Hits Rivian Plant Ahead of R2 Launch

EF-1 storm damages Normal, Illinois facility

Rivian confirmed that its manufacturing complex in Normal, Illinois was struck by an EF-1 tornado over the weekend, causing structural damage to part of the facility. The company said no injuries were reported, and teams are assessing the full extent of the impact.

The storm hit what Rivian calls “Building 2”, the section of the plant responsible for production and logistics tied to the upcoming R2 SUV. Operations in that building have been temporarily paused.

In an internal email to employees, CEO RJ Scaringe thanked staff for following emergency procedures when tornado alarms sounded. “I am proud of how everyone came together,” he wrote, noting that employees sought shelter quickly and have since assisted in cleanup efforts.

Roof damage, temporary shutdown

Photos shared online show that a portion of the roof collapsed inside the affected area. Rivian indicated that the damaged section is part of a newer expansion primarily used for R2-related logistics, including parts deliveries.

Company spokesperson Marina Hoffmann said Rivian expects to resume operations in Building 2 later this week once the impacted area is secured. Production in other parts of the Normal plant continues as scheduled.

Rivian has not yet indicated whether the brief shutdown will affect the highly anticipated rollout of the R2, which is slated to begin in the coming weeks.

High stakes for the R2 program

The timing of the storm adds pressure to a pivotal moment for the electric vehicle maker. Rivian has invested heavily over the past five years to streamline manufacturing costs across its R1 vehicle lineup, but the company continues to post quarterly losses.

According to Scaringe, those losses are partly driven by upfront investments in infrastructure designed to support future scale. The R2 SUV is expected to play a central role in improving Rivian’s financial performance.

Rivian projects sales of 20,000 to 25,000 R2 vehicles by the end of the year. If achieved, that pace would rank among the fastest launches of a new EV model in the U.S., trailing only Tesla’s Model Y debut.

Production of the R2 is beginning at the Normal facility alongside Rivian’s R1 vehicles and electric delivery vans. Meanwhile, the company is advancing plans for a new factory outside Atlanta, Georgia, where both the R2 and the forthcoming R3 hatchback are expected to be built starting in 2028.

Rivian broke ground on the Georgia site late last year and plans to begin vertical construction this year. The success of the R2 launch is widely viewed as critical to stabilizing the automaker’s path toward profitability.

Ukraine’s Robots Are Rewriting Warfare

World

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Surrender to machines, not soldiers

The image is timeless: enemy troops raising their hands in surrender. But on a recent battlefield in eastern Ukraine, there were no human captors in sight. Two Russian soldiers gave themselves up to Ukrainian land robots and drones operated remotely from miles away.

According to Mykola “Makar” Zinkevych, commander of the NC13 unit within Ukraine’s Third Separate Assault Brigade, the enemy position was taken “without a single shot being fired.” He says the mission marked the first time a position was stormed and prisoners captured using only ground robots and drones, without infantry involvement.

While difficult to independently verify, the claim reflects Ukraine’s growing confidence in its battlefield technology. What began as experimentation has evolved into routine operations where machines increasingly replace frontline troops.

From evacuation tools to assault platforms

Drones have dominated Ukrainian skies for years, making frontline movement extremely dangerous. In response, Ukrainian forces began deploying ground-based robotic systems initially for casualty evacuation and resupply. Today, those same systems are conducting offensive missions.

Land drones, operating on wheels or tracks, are harder to detect than conventional armored vehicles. They function in adverse weather, carry heavier payloads than aerial drones, and offer longer battery life. Late last year, Ukraine’s Third Army Corps reported that a machine-gun-equipped ground robot held off a Russian advance for 45 days, requiring only light maintenance and battery recharges every two days.

“We will never have a numerical advantage over the enemy,” Zinkevych said, referring to Russia’s larger military force. “So, we need to achieve this advantage through technology.” His unit aims to replace up to one-third of infantry roles with robotic systems this year.

President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that drones and robots conducted more than 22,000 missions in three months, saving thousands of lives by entering high-risk zones instead of human soldiers.

Debate over the future battlefield

Military analysts say Ukraine’s advances are reshaping global defense discussions. Robert Tollast of the Royal United Services Institute described the developments as sparking debate over whether robots truly represent the future of warfare.

Ground drones may struggle to hold territory without infantry support, he noted, but they are already proving invaluable in mine clearance, logistics, evacuation and direct combat support. In a conflict defined by constant aerial surveillance, unmanned systems significantly reduce risk to personnel.

Scaling technology as a strategy

Ukraine’s push intensified after Mykhailo Fedorov, formerly minister of digital transformation, became defense minister in January. His strategy emphasizes data-driven warfare, rapid production and scaling of unmanned systems.

The defense ministry has outlined plans to create a 15 to 20 kilometer “kill zone” along the front line, sustained by continuous drone and robotic operations. Around 1,000 crews are already participating in the program.

Ukraine’s drone superiority has contributed to stalled Russian advances, according to the Institute for the Study of War. However, commanders acknowledge that Russia is also advancing technologically. “The decisive factor is who can scale it long term,” Zinkevych said.

Global implications and AI caution

Ukraine’s battlefield innovations are attracting international interest, particularly in regions facing drone threats. Kyiv has begun sharing expertise in exchange for military support, including air defense missiles.

Artificial intelligence represents the next frontier. Ukraine is training AI models using battlefield data, but commanders remain cautious. Zinkevych insists that humans must retain final decision-making authority in lethal operations.

“Human life is priceless, whereas robots do not bleed,” he said. “They must be developed faster and on a larger scale.”

Red Hair Gene Shows 10,000 Years of Selection

Health

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Red Hair Gene Shows 10,000 Years of Selection

Evolution still shaping modern humans

A sweeping genetics study suggests that human evolution has not slowed in recent millennia. By analysing DNA from nearly 16,000 ancient individuals and more than 6,000 living people, researchers found clear evidence that natural selection has continued to shape populations in West Eurasia.

Among the most striking findings is that genetic variants linked to red hair and fair skin have been actively selected for more than 10,000 years. The study did not aim to explain why this occurred, but it challenges the long-held assumption that major evolutionary changes largely stalled after the rise of agriculture.

Hundreds of genes influenced by natural selection

The team identified 479 genetic variants that appear to have been favored over time. In addition to traits associated with red hair and lighter skin, the researchers observed increases in variants connected to coeliac disease susceptibility and decreases in genes associated with diabetes, baldness and rheumatoid arthritis.

Previous research had documented only about 21 clear examples of recent directional selection in humans, including the well-known ability to digest milk in adulthood. The limited evidence led some scientists to believe evolution had largely plateaued after modern humans dispersed from Africa roughly 300,000 years ago.

This new analysis, using a much larger ancient DNA dataset and advanced computational tools, suggests otherwise. According to Dr Ali Akbari of Harvard University, the techniques now allow scientists to “watch how selection shaped biology in real time.”

Possible advantages in ancient environments

Some evolutionary patterns appear intuitive. Variants associated with red hair and fair skin may have supported improved vitamin D synthesis in regions with low sunlight, particularly among early farmers whose diets lacked sufficient vitamin D.

Other findings are more complex. A mutation strongly linked to coeliac disease first appeared around 4,000 years ago and has steadily increased in frequency. Despite raising the risk of autoimmune problems, carriers may have gained survival advantages in certain historical contexts.

Similarly, a variant of the immune gene TYK2, which increases susceptibility to tuberculosis, rose in frequency between 9,000 and 3,000 years ago before declining. Researchers suggest that some disease-associated genes may have provided protection against other pathogens prevalent at the time.

The study also detected negative selection against combinations of genes promoting high body-fat levels. This supports the “thrifty genes” hypothesis: traits that once helped hunter-gatherers survive food scarcity may have become disadvantageous after agriculture ensured more stable food supplies.

Senior author Prof David Reich noted that the work allows scientists to assign both place and time to evolutionary forces. While the analysis focused on West Eurasia, it remains unclear whether similar trends occurred globally. The findings were published in the journal Nature.

DJI Unveils Osmo Pocket 4 With Major Upgrades

Tech

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DJI Unveils Osmo Pocket 4 With Major Upgrades

Launch skips the U.S. market

DJI has officially introduced the Osmo Pocket 4, the latest version of its compact stabilized vlogging camera, following months of leaks. While the previous Osmo Pocket 3 brought a significant redesign in 2023, the new model focuses on performance upgrades rather than a dramatic hardware overhaul.

However, the device will not launch in the United States. According to DJI, regulatory authorization is still pending. The Osmo Pocket 4 is instead rolling out across Europe and the UK in three bundle configurations.

The Essential Combo starts at £429/€479 and includes a pouch and tripod-compatible handle. The Standard Combo, priced at £445/€499, adds a wrist strap and gimbal clamp. The top-tier Creator Combo costs £549/€619 and includes a wide-angle lens, mini tripod, magnetic fill light and the wireless DJI Mic 3 with mounting accessories.

Improved sensor and higher frame rates

The Osmo Pocket 4 features a new 1-inch sensor with up to 14 stops of dynamic range, improving low-light performance and detail retention in highlights and shadows. Its 2-inch rotating OLED touchscreen now reveals two additional buttons in landscape mode. One toggles between 1x, 2x and 4x zoom, while the other can be customized for preset settings.

A new 5D analog joystick enhances control, allowing users to flip the camera, adjust gimbal movement speed and quickly recenter the shot.

Video capabilities have been expanded, with 4K slow motion at up to 240fps. Still image resolution jumps from 9.4 megapixels to 37 megapixels, enabled by what DJI describes as an optimized imaging algorithm.

In addition to microSD card support, the camera now includes 107GB of built-in storage, with transfer speeds reaching up to 800MB per second.

Creative tools and smarter tracking

The Osmo Pocket 4 introduces six new film-tone filters, including one inspired by classic Fuji stock aesthetics. Built-in beauty filters offer skin smoothing and complexion enhancements, working alongside a new magnetic fill light accessory that provides three brightness levels and adjustable color temperatures.

DJI has also upgraded its subject tracking with ActiveTrack 7.0, which functions even at 4x zoom. The system can follow vehicles, animals and people, lock onto a selected face and prioritize pre-registered subjects.

Gesture controls further streamline solo shooting. Raising a palm activates subject tracking, while making a peace sign starts or stops recording. For content creators filming without assistance, these features aim to deliver greater autonomy and smoother workflow.

Study Finds Cannabis May Increase False Memories

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Study Finds Cannabis May Increase False Memories

Researchers Examine THC’s Impact on Memory

A new study from Washington State University suggests that cannabis may not only impair memory but also increase the likelihood of forming false memories that feel real.

Researchers recruited 120 regular cannabis users and randomly assigned them to inhale either cannabis containing 20 or 40 milligrams of THC, the main psychoactive compound, or a placebo. Participants then completed 21 different memory tests, including measures rarely used in previous cannabis research.

The findings showed that about 70% of participants experienced some level of memory impairment after consuming THC. The most notable effect was an increased susceptibility to recalling events or details that never occurred.

Why False Memories Occur

Scientists believe false memories arise when the brain reconstructs incomplete information. THC appears to weaken detailed recollection while preserving a general sense of familiarity, which can make inaccurate memories feel convincing.

The researchers reported that, compared to placebo, cannabis increased false memories and impaired several types of memory, including verbal, visuospatial, working, source and temporal order memory. No significant differences were observed between moderate and higher THC doses.

Carrie Cuttler, associate professor and co-author of the 2026 study, explained that THC disrupts neural pathways involved in memory formation and recall. When those pathways are overstimulated, accurate reconstruction becomes more difficult.

Broader Cognitive Effects

The study authors noted that this was the first research to detect acute cannabis effects on prospective memory and temporal order memory, which are considered important for daily functioning.

They concluded that short-term cannabis use may broadly affect multiple domains of memory rather than selectively impairing only a few areas.

Cuttler added that acute alcohol intoxication is generally more disruptive to memory than cannabis. She also noted that THC-related effects can diminish significantly after sustained abstinence.

Common Side Effects of Cannabis

In addition to memory changes, commonly reported short-term effects of marijuana use include altered sensory perception, changes in mood, slowed reaction time, impaired coordination, confusion, dizziness and, in some cases, panic reactions.

Cannabis remains classified as a Class B drug in the UK, though it continues to be the most commonly used illicit substance in England and Wales.

Allbirds to Exit Footwear, Pivot to AI

Finance

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$50 Million Convertible Financing Secured

Allbirds announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with an institutional investor for a $50 million convertible financing facility, funding a major strategic shift away from sustainable footwear and toward AI compute infrastructure.

The company said it will pivot to become a GPU-as-a-Service and AI-native cloud solutions provider. It expects to rebrand as NewBird AI following the completion of the transition.

Sale of Brand Assets

As part of the transformation, Allbirds has agreed to sell its brand and footwear assets to American Exchange Group for $39 million. The buyer specializes in brand management within the accessories sector.

Proceeds from the convertible financing are expected to be used to acquire high-performance GPU hardware. The company plans to deploy these assets under long-term leasing arrangements to customers seeking dedicated AI compute capacity.

According to company statements, NewBird AI intends to focus on low-latency, high-performance systems to address demand not reliably met by hyperscalers or spot compute markets.

Stock Surge on Pivot Announcement

Investors reacted strongly to the news. Shares of BIRD surged more than 400% shortly after the announcement, reaching an intraday high of $12.72. The stock had closed at $2.49 the previous day and had fallen more than 60% over the past six months.

The company’s market capitalization had recently hovered near $21 million, reflecting prolonged financial strain. Over the last 12 months, Allbirds reported negative free cash flow of more than $58 million.

The financing facility is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026. A special shareholder meeting is scheduled for May 18, and the company anticipates issuing a special dividend in the third quarter.

High-Risk Strategic Shift

The move represents one of the more dramatic pivots in recent corporate history, transitioning from consumer footwear to AI infrastructure despite lacking prior computing operations.

Rising demand for AI hardware has prompted several companies to repurpose existing infrastructure toward compute services. However, Allbirds begins without a legacy data center or mining footprint, making execution a central challenge.

The pivot has drawn comparisons to past rebranding-driven stock surges in other industries, underscoring both the speculative enthusiasm surrounding AI and the operational risks tied to abrupt business model overhauls.

Starbucks Debuts ChatGPT Drink Finder

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AI Tool Aims to Spark Beverage Inspiration

Starbucks has introduced a beta app within ChatGPT designed to help customers discover new drinks based on mood, flavor preferences and dietary needs. The feature allows users to enable the Starbucks integration through ChatGPT’s app directory and submit prompts that include “@Starbucks.”

Customers can refine their beverage choices and select a pickup location through the chatbot interface. However, final purchases must still be completed through the Starbucks mobile app or website, preserving the company’s loyalty-driven ordering ecosystem.

“Over the past year, one thing has become clear: Customers aren’t always starting with a menu,” said Paul Riedel, senior vice president of digital and loyalty. He noted that many begin with a feeling or craving rather than a specific product, and the new tool is designed to capture that moment of inspiration.

Part of Broader Turnaround Strategy

The beta launch aligns with Starbucks’ broader “Back to Starbucks” initiative aimed at reviving U.S. traffic. The company has reintroduced seating in stores, streamlined its menu and brought back tiered rewards within its loyalty program.

On its own mobile platform, Starbucks has also promoted drink discovery through trending beverage categories and curated “secret menu” options under promotional tabs. Personalized discovery has become especially important for attracting Gen Z consumers, who tend to gravitate toward distinctive and customizable beverages.

Early signs suggest the strategy is gaining traction. After two years of declining store visits, Starbucks reported higher customer transactions in its fiscal first quarter ended December 28.

Expanding AI Partnerships

The ChatGPT beta marks another step in Starbucks’ use of generative artificial intelligence. In 2025, the company introduced Green Dot Assist, an AI-powered assistant for baristas built on Microsoft Azure’s OpenAI platform.

Starbucks joins other major consumer brands experimenting with commerce through AI chat interfaces. Companies including Walmart, Etsy and Booking.com are also testing shopping and purchasing capabilities via ChatGPT integrations.

By embedding product discovery into conversational AI, Starbucks is betting that future ordering behavior will increasingly begin not with a menu board, but with a digital dialogue.

Nine Killed in Turkey School Shooting

World

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Attack at Secondary School in Kahramanmaras

At least eight students and one teacher were killed in a shooting at Ayser Calik Secondary School in the Kahramanmaras region of southern Turkey, according to Interior Minister Mustafa Cifci.

Cifci said 13 people were injured, with six reported to be in critical condition. The attacker was also killed during the incident, local governor Mukerren Unluer confirmed.

Second School Shooting in Two Days

The violence comes one day after a separate shooting at another high school in southern Turkey left 16 people injured. In that case, authorities said an ex-student opened fire before taking his own life.

The motive behind Wednesday’s attack remains unclear. Officials have launched an investigation.

Suspect and Investigation

Turkish media reported that the attacker, believed to be a teenager, entered two classrooms armed with multiple weapons. Governor Unluer alleged that the firearms — reported to include five guns and seven magazines — belonged to the suspect’s father, a former police officer.

Local reports said the father has been detained by authorities as part of the investigation.

Scenes of Panic

Video footage showed students attempting to escape through first-floor windows as gunfire rang out. Witnesses described chaotic scenes outside the school, with parents gathering in distress after news of the attack spread.

A reporter for Turkish broadcaster NTV said the sound of gunfire was intense and that panic quickly gripped the area surrounding the school.