North Carolina signs $34.4B budget; Stein approves | JQJO

A late‑stage trial of Moderna and Merck’s melanoma vaccine, intismeran autogene, combined with Merck’s Keytruda, reduced the relative risk of disease recurrence or death by 42% compared with Keytruda alone after a median follow‑up of 24.6 months. The result, disclosed ahead of the European Society for Medical Oncology meeting, met the study’s primary endpoint and was described by analysts as a landmark moment. Shares of both companies fell immediately, with Moderna’s stock dropping nearly 25% and Merck’s falling about 1%. Analysts noted a “sell‑the‑news” reaction to the announcement. The 42% reduction is slightly below the 44% observed in a smaller Phase 2 trial, but still represents a significant clinical benefit.

Forest Hills Stadium has reached a settlement with local residents, agreeing to limit annual concerts to twenty‑eight. The deal ends a years‑long legal battle and allows the venue to continue hosting events while addressing neighbor concerns about traffic and noise.

Canva has released its first image‑generation model, Canva Craft, to all users. The model works in two stages: first it interprets prompts and creates a detailed plan, then it generates up to 2K‑resolution images in roughly 30 aspect ratios. Canva says the approach yields accurate object details and legible text, and allows precise edits without affecting other parts of the image. The model was trained on human‑designed templates from Canva’s library, including posters, social posts, presentations, infographics, menus, and typography‑rich layouts. Images produced by Canva Craft can be converted into layered designs using Canva Magic. The model is available on the platform’s Dream Lab tab and via the Canva API, with plans to support third‑party chatbots such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Canva also announced two cost‑efficient versions, Craftfast and Craft‑ultrafast, that will be released soon. The research team behind the model includes contributors from Canva’s 2024 acquisition of Leonardo.ai.

Arman Tsarukyan said he has been assured a lightweight title fight at the beginning of next year. He was previously scheduled to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 but was pulled a day before due to health issues. Tsarukyan’s victory over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in September solidified his status as a top contender. He remains focused on defending the belt once he wins it.

iOS twenty seven introduces Call Context, an Apple Intelligence feature that surfaces business call information on the screen. The feature automatically displays flight confirmation numbers and other relevant data when calling a business. Call Context is available only in English and supports iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models that support Apple Intelligence.

Sony has quietly ended production of its final 4K UHD Blu‑ray player, the UBP‑X700/K, in Japan. The decision follows a broader shift by the PlayStation maker away from home electronics and physical media. Sony sold much of its TV and hardware production to TCL earlier this year, and it has announced that new PlayStation games will be digital‑only starting in January 2028. The UBP‑X700/K will no longer be restocked, marking the likely end of consumer‑grade UHD players from Sony worldwide.

In the new documentary "You Can See Everything," insiders say Elizabeth Holmes is lying. Reporters John Carreyrou and Amy Chozick point to moments where Holmes’ statements contradict evidence, such as her 2014 TED talk and a 2023 Times interview. Whistleblower Tyler Shultz notes that the device shown in the film is a prototype, not the one used by Theranos. The film has sparked debate over Holmes’ authenticity and the accuracy of her public persona.