Millions are flocking to grow virtual gardens in viral Roblox game created by teenager

A 16-year-old’s Roblox game, Grow a Garden, has shattered records for the most concurrent players in history. The simple, stress-free game lets players grow plants, trade or just hang out. Its relaxing vibe, with a Minecraft-like aesthetic and classical music, has drawn comparisons to *Animal Crossing" and other cozy games. Because it's especially popular with kids, experts recommend that parents get involved with their child exploring the game — letting them lead the way, asking questions and using parental controls to keep them safe.

Microsoft Authenticator is ending password autofill soon. How to set up a passkey before Aug. 1

NEW YORK (AP) — If you’re a Microsoft Authenticator user, you’ve probably received at least one notice that the app’s password management features are no longer usable and that your stored passwords will be inaccessible starting Aug. 1 unless you have the Edge browser. Authenticator has been a staple in providing multi-factor authentication, one-time passwords and biometric logins for services and some websites. Although the app will continue to provide authentication for passkey-compatible services, it is pushing its password management and autofill functions out to the company’s Edge browser instead.

Palo Alto Networks buying CyberArk in cash-and-stock deal valued at about $25 billion

Cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks is buying CyberArk in a cash-and-stock deal valued at approximately $25 billion. CyberArk, which is based in Petach-Tikva, Israel, is a maker of software that detects attacks on privileged accounts. CyberArk shareholders will receive $45 in cash and 2.2005 shares of Palo Alto Networks common stock for each share of CyberArk that they own. The boards of both Palo Alto Networks and CyberArk have unanimously approved the deal, which is expected to close during the second half of Palo Alto Networks’ fiscal 2026. The transaction still needs approval from CyberArk shareholders.

How US adults are using AI, according to AP-NORC polling

A new poll finds most Americans say they've used artificial intelligence to search for information. But it's younger adults who appear to be the generation leaning the most into AI, with many using it for brainstorming and work tasks. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll finds about 60% of U.S. adults and 74% of younger ones use AI to find information at least some of the time. Only about 4 in 10 Americans say they’ve ever used AI for work tasks or coming up with ideas, a sign the tech industry’s promises of highly productive AI assistants still haven’t touched most livelihoods after years of promotion and investment.

Tea app takes messaging system offline after second security issue reported

Tea, a dating discussion app that recently suffered a high-profile cybersecurity breach, announced late Monday that some direct messages were also accessed in the incident. The app — designed to let women safely discuss men they date — rocketed to the top of of the U.S. Apple App Store last week but then confirmed on Friday that thousands of selfies and photo IDs of registered users were exposed in a digital security breach.

Australia bans YouTube accounts for children under 16 in reversal of previous stance

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The Australian government has announced YouTube will be required to ensure account holders are at least 16 years old starting in December. The decision reverses an earlier exemption for the video-sharing service. Communications Minister Anika Wells on Wednesday released rules defining “age-restricted social media platforms.” Platforms like Facebook and TikTok also will need to comply or face fines. Wells defended the move, citing research that many Australian children report harm on YouTube. Children can still access YouTube but cannot have accounts. YouTube expressed disappointment, stating it is not social media. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese plans to seek international support for similar bans.

Cheyenne to host massive AI data center using more electricity than all Wyoming homes combined

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A massive AI data center proposed near Cheyenne, Wyoming, would use more electricity than all homes in the state combined. Mayor Patrick Collins calls it a "game changer." The center is a joint effort by Tallgrass and Crusoe. It will start at 1.8 gigawatts and could expand to 10 gigawatts. Wyoming is a top energy producer and exports most of its electricity. The center would have dedicated energy produced by renewables and by burning natural gas. Although OpenAI is searching for data center sites, a Crusoe spokesperson declined to confirm if this project is part of the OpenAI Stargate effort.

Pope Leo XIV surprises Catholic youth festival with unexpected popemobile salute

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has surprised tens of thousands of young Catholics by showing up unexpectedly at a Holy Year welcome ceremony. Leo emerged in St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile on Tuesday at the end of an evening Mass that kicked off the Jubilee of Youth. The event is a weeklong celebration for young Catholics. The estimated 120,000 young pilgrims who had packed the square erupted in shocked cheers and chants. Leo beamed for 20 minutes. He waved and clearly seemed to enjoy the outpouring of enthusiasm from his perch on the popemobile in the first mass event of his pontificate.

It’s moo-ving day for dairy cattle at Michigan State University

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Dozens of dairy cattle are on the move at Michigan State University. About 80 cows hoofed it Monday to their new home, the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center. The East Lansing school says the $75 million facility will allow students to learn on a modern farm that’s equipped to replicate even the most high-tech operations in the world. Dairy is the No. 1 contributor to the state’s agricultural economy. George Smith, who heads Michigan State’s AgBioResearch department, calls it a 21st century cattle drive. Another 180 cows will be moved as well. The new complex is significantly larger than the existing dairy farm, which was constructed in the 1960s.

Why are scientists dressing pigs in clothes and burying them in Mexico?

ZAPOPAN, Mexico (AP) — Scientists in Mexico are testing innovative methods they hope can be employed to locate the overwhelming number of people missing due to cartel violence. They are experimenting with pigs to simulate how human bodies decompose, and researchers are using satellite, geophysical and biological mapping techniques to study changes in the porcine graves. They hope the research will enhance efforts to find the more than 130,000 reported missing across Mexico. Jalisco, a state heavily affected by disappearances, is a focal point for this research. While technology isn't a complete solution, it complements traditional methods such as witness testimonies and digging.