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President Trump is gearing up for what a senior White House official said will be an "all-out advocacy effort" to push Republican senators to advance the bill their House colleagues passed last month.

(Image credit: Alex Wroblewski)

Demis Hassabis' work ranges from finding cures for diseases to making email less bothersome. Which will he achieve first?

Hints and answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, No. 253, for June 3.

A new study from Yale University finds that singing to babies improves their overall mood. NPR wants to know what songs our listeners sing to their babies.

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• Asus is trying to persuade those who can’t upgrade their Windows 10 laptop to switch to a Copilot+ PC
• This is ignoring concerns about millions of PCs heading to the scrapheap because of Windows 11’s spec requirements
• Asus is also overselling the abilities of Copilot+ PCs, which just aren’t that impressive overall – not yet, anyway

For some time, Microsoft has been urging folks with a Windows 10 PC that can’t upgrade to Windows 11 that they should buy a new computer, preferably a Copilot+ PC – and Asus is now playing that same tune.

Windows Latest noticed a post from Asus about why now’s the time to switch to Windows 11, and to consider upgrading to a Copilot+ device (from Asus, naturally).

This is aimed at folks who are in the unfortunate situation where their Windows 10 laptop is too old to support the stricter hardware requirements of Windows 11, and so they can’t upgrade. Notebooks with older CPUs are left out in the cold, of course, as you can’t switch out those parts like you can with a desktop PC.

Asus reminds us that Windows 10 runs out of support in October 2025, which is rapidly approaching, and that you shouldn’t run an OS without security updates, which is certainly true.

The laptop maker then moves on to persuade us that what everyone in this situation needs is a new Windows 11 notebook, and that what makes these devices different is one word: Copilot.

Moreover, Asus argues: “But here’s where it gets even better: with Copilot+ PCs, Windows 11 takes the AI experience to a whole new level. These devices are equipped with an NPU – a dedicated AI processor, specifically designed to handle AI tasks locally, making your experience smoother, faster, and more secure.

“If your current laptop isn’t up to snuff for Windows 11 or Copilot+, this is the perfect time to upgrade to a device that’s built for it.”

Thereafter follows a series of plugs for Asus Vivobook models, Copilot+ PCs with both Snapdragon (Arm-based) and traditional Intel processors.

(Image credit: Photo by Tom Fisk via Pexels)Analysis: Landfill woes and unwise overselling

The problem with these marketing campaigns, which are nudging people to simply dump their Windows 10 PC, is that this isn’t a very green-friendly perspective to serve up.

Going way back, there have been alarm bells rung about potentially towering piles of scrapped PCs heading to landfills later this year, thanks to Microsoft’s policy of enforcing steeper system requirements with Windows 11. If it wasn’t for some of those – generally security-related – measures, those folks could upgrade to the newer OS just fine and keep their current laptop (or indeed desktop PC).

So, when companies like Microsoft and now Asus push the benefits of throwing out old hardware for a shiny new Copilot+ PC, you can see why this frustrates organizations that are working to promote eco-friendliness in one way or another.

At any rate, if your laptop isn’t compatible with Windows 11, is it really ready for the bin when October 2025 and the End of Life for Windows 10 rolls around? Of course not – one option is that you can pay to extend support for a year.

That’s a choice Microsoft has provided for consumers for the first time ever, actually, likely to placate those with the aforementioned environmental concerns – though it’d be good if this support could be extended even further. (It can be for businesses, but we don’t know if that’ll be the case for everyday users).

Another option is switching to Linux, of course, as has been highlighted recently.

The other problem with the argument Asus presents here (and Microsoft is guilty of this too) is that it’s overselling the ability of Copilot+ PCs. While there are some impressive powers for these devices – like improved (natural language) Windows 11 search, and the same search trick in Settings too – most of the AI exclusives for Copilot+ devices aren’t overly compelling (Recall included right now).

While Copilot+ laptops may eventually take your Windows 11 computing experience to ‘another level’ as Asus mentions in its blurb, we definitely aren’t there yet. This is marketing fluff, essentially, and while that’s hardly unexpected, companies need to be careful about how they’re framing these kinds of posts, given the environmental concerns in play here.

No, you can’t keep your PC running forever, but Microsoft and its partners need to be more thoughtful about the state of tech landfill and our planet. And I’d really like to see Microsoft confirm extended support for updates to consumers for more than just a year, without making that additional time prohibitively expensive.

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• Windows 11 is still my favorite OS, ads and all
• Microsoft looks to be making a big change to how you install and log in to Windows 11 – and I’m not happy about it at all

Commentary: This bingeworthy detective show cast my hometown in a noirish light.

Representatives from Russia and Ukraine gather for peace talks in Istanbul. The meeting comes after the two countries each launched large-scale drone attacks on one another over the weekend, including an audacious Ukrainian strike on Russia's bomber aircraft fleet. We hear the latest from the talks and about how Ukraine's drone capabilities have evolved.

• We're just days away from the Switch 2 launch on June 5, 2025
• A safety manual reveals the Switch 2 has a protective film layer as part of its screen
• If you're getting a Switch 2, don't try and peel it off ... though it's not a traditional screen protector

The Nintendo Switch 2 is nearly here, and we’re still learning more about the console in the short lead-up until the June 5, 2025, launch. Case in point, Nintendo of Europe has shared the Nintendo Switch 2 safety manual as a PDF online.

While it contains standard operating instructions we’d expect for a portable game console, Nintendo Soup spotted that it tells us a bit more about the display. Mainly, “The screen is covered with a film layer designed to prevent fragments scattering in the event of damage. Do not peel it off.”

That brings back memories of the original Galaxy Fold for some, including myself, but this is less a screen protector and more a layer of the display. Even so, Nintendo is making it as clear as possible, as a key bullet, and reminding folks not to risk removing it. In the unfortunate event that you drop the Switch 2 and crack the display, the film layer could prevent the crack from spreading.

@techradar

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Now, this film layer isn’t exclusive to the Switch 2, as it’s found in most glass displays to prevent further injury from a cracked screen. You don’t want splints or pieces of glass going everywhere. It’s not a knock on the Switch 2’s durability by any stretch, and the Switch OLED features a similar layer.

Further, if you want to add another layer of protection to the Switch 2’s 7.9-inch display, you can still affix a screen protector. And keep in mind, this film layer isn't a screen protector in the traditional sense.

The rest of the manual has some other helpful operating tips that are all pretty standard for a portable game console. You can see it in full here.

If you’re lucky enough to be holding a successful preorder for the Switch 2, you’re only just days away from receiving the gaming system. But if you’re like me and countless others, you might still be on the hunt for a console. You can check out TechRadar’s live blog tracking pre-orders and, come launch day, the ready availability of the console.

Though if it’s anything like previous Nintendo launches or, say, the PS5, don’t be surprised if the Switch 2 is hard to find.

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• Target reveals it will have Nintendo Switch 2 stock next week
• I spent four hours with Nintendo Switch 2, and it hasn't just exceeded my expectations – it's blown them away
• Nintendo Switch 2: everything you need to know, from pre-orders and price to exclusive games and launch titles

Here are hints and the answer for today's Wordle, No. 1,445, for June 3.

Reports of deadly shootings by the Israeli military close to a new food distribution site in Gaza are coming under heavy criticism from the U.S.-backed group distributing the food.

You don't need to buy a scanner to sign, scan and send official documents -- just follow these steps to use the scanner right on your iPhone.

Owning all the novels and watching all the movies doesn't help me guess the "wholly original" story, but it's a fun way to bide time until this week's preview.

• GangExposed leaks sensitive information and PII on key ransomware figures
• Among them are Stern and Professor
• Stern's identity was confirmed by German police

A mysterious leaker has been spotted unveiling the identities of some of the world’s most wanted cybercriminals, including the masterminds behind Conti and Trickbot ransomware, infamous groups responsible for some of the biggest extortions in modern history.

Recently, The Register spoke to an anonymous individual that goes by the alias GangExposed, who said they are on a personal mission to “fight against an organized society of criminals known worldwide”.

"I take pleasure in thinking I can rid society of at least some of them," GangExposed said. "I simply enjoy solving the most complex cases."

Doxxing Stern

One of the people they doxxed is Stern, the leader of Trickbot and Conti ransomware operations. They claim Stern is actually one Vitaly Nikolaevich Kovalev, a 36-year-old Russian national. His identity was later confirmed by German police.

"The subject is suspected of having been the founder of the 'Trickbot' group, also known as 'Wizard Spider,'" the Federal Criminal Police Office of Germany said recently. "The group used the Trickbot malware as well as other malware variants such as Bazarloader, SystemBC, IcedID, Ryuk, Conti and Diavol."

Soon after, GangExposed doxxed another key figure, AKA Professor. Behind this alias, they claim, is a 39-year-old Russian named Vladimir Viktorovich Kvitko. Kvitko is allegedly living in Dubai.

Besides naming key figures, GangExposed leaked chat logs, videos, and ransom negotiations.

The leaker claim not to be an “IT guy” and that the methodology relies on observing patterns that others have missed:

"My toolkit includes classical intelligence analysis, logic, factual research, OSINT methodology, stylometry (I am a linguist and philologist), human psychology, and the ability to piece together puzzles that others don't even notice," they told the publication.

"I am a cosmopolitan with many homes but no permanent base — I move between countries as needed. My privacy standards are often stricter than those of most subjects of my investigations."

To uncover the identities of infamous cybercriminals, they used data obtained via "semi-closed databases, darknet services (for probing state records through corrupt officials), and I often purchase information. I have access to the leaked FSB border control database," they added, claiming to have purchased them from the darkweb for $250,000.

An interesting detail is that they could have claimed at least $10 million in bounty from the FBI, but have apparently decided against it - leading some media to speculate they are a disgruntled former member just looking for revenge, while others believe grabbing the bounty could incriminate themselves, as well.

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• Conti ransomware group officially shuts down - but probably not for long
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This move can impact all Instagram and Facebook subscribers and the future of the global advertising industry.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised airport officials, unions and workers for completing the estimated 60-day project 13 days early. The Newark airport has been hobbled by delays.

(Image credit: Kena Betancur)

Rebecca González runs one of ICE's local domestic intelligence offices. She told NPR how her agents are tracking down immigrants in Puerto Rico to deliver on President Trump's mass deportation promise.

(Image credit: Adrian Florido)

Let's see if Google also introduces a super slim handset.

New details of the administration's budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 came after a federal judge blocked the president's efforts to close the U.S. Education Department.

(Image credit: Allison Robbert)

The list included dozens of cities and counties that DHS said was in noncompliance with federal statutes and had come under intense criticism from some mayors and law enforcement.

(Image credit: Kevin Carter)

Here are some hints and the answers for Connections for June 3, #723.