Lions

Attention is on Brisbane Lions midfielder Will Ashcroft and discussion of the Norm Smith Medal, the award for the best player in the AFL grand final.SEN coverage outlines how selector Michael Voss approaches his Norm Smith voting, putting the spotlight on which players, including Ashcroft, are under consideration for the honour.

Classified budget estimates indicate the National Security Agency is paying billions of dollars to test artificial intelligence models, according to a new report. The spending suggests US intelligence agencies are moving aggressively to evaluate advanced AI systems, raising questions among readers about surveillance uses, oversight of classified AI programs, and how government testing compares with private industry efforts.

Researchers have found that ordinary cleaning sponges shed trillions of microplastic fibers during use, sending the tiny particles into wastewater and the environment. The finding adds everyday household cleaning to the growing list of routine activities contributing to microplastic pollution, prompting discussion about safer alternatives and how much plastic people unknowingly release in their homes.

President Trump has reportedly told congressional leaders he is canceling billions of dollars in previously approved federal funding. The move would affect programs Congress already authorized, raising immediate questions over executive authority and the power of the purse. Late-night coverage and political commentators seized on the report, with critics calling it an overreach and supporters framing it as cutting waste.

The NFL has three games on the slate: the Los Angeles Chargers visit the Seattle Seahawks at 4:25 PM EDT, the Detroit Lions travel to the Carolina Panthers at 8:20 PM EDT, and the Atlanta Falcons face the New Orleans Saints at 8:15 PM EDT the following day. Fans are sharing the upcoming kickoff times ahead of the weekend's football action.

Scientists have identified millions of rock formations on the deep ocean floor that act like natural batteries, holding electrical charge built up over millions of years. The finding has drawn wide attention because of what it suggests about seafloor chemistry and its possible relevance to deep-sea mining debates.

A researcher is describing efforts to track mule deer movements near the US 101 wildlife crossing in the Ventura County area. The crossing, built to reconnect habitat fragmented by the busy freeway, is meant to let deer and other animals such as mountain lions move safely between the Santa Monica Mountains and nearby ranges. Tracking data is being used to see whether deer are approaching and using the route.