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By Jacqui Palumbo, CNN

(CNN) — After feathers fully took over fall fashion weeks, we predicted that veritable flocks of birds would arrive by spring. And so they did on Sunday at the Academy Awards, where some of the evening’s boldest looks featured showstopping plumage.

Actor Demi Moore, who presented during the ceremony, arrived in a peacock-channeling gown courtesy of Gucci, just weeks after she sat in the front row for creative director Demna’s highly anticipated runway debut for the luxury house. In Milan, the designer had offered a slinky set of nightclub staples — to mixed reviews — but his custom Oscars dress for Moore presented a very different view of Gucci’s future. With an elegant silhouette bursting with intricate featherwork, the gown also seemed to reference the iridescent, dark plumage of the label’s Fall-Winter 2012 show.

It’s a look that made sense for Moore during this red-carpet season; at the Actor Awards earlier this month she wore a black Schiaparelli gown with a crystal-adorned burst of white tulle that would have rivaled any set of tail feathers.

Elsewhere on the Oscars red carpet, best supporting actress nominee Teyana Taylor and presenters Maya Rudolph and Nicole Kidman also wore feathery custom looks — each opted for quilled Chanel gowns that signal a new era for the heritage luxury house under creative director Matthieu Blazy.

Feathers have featured prominently on Blazy’s runways, both in his sophomore collection, which showed in Paris less than a week ago, and the couture collection that he debuted in late January (for the latter his mood board was, fittingly, filled with photographs of birds, per WWD).

At the time, CNN’s Rachel Tashjian reported that Chanel-under-Blazy’s couture collection had an “overall feeling of extraordinary lightness,” with gauzy and feathered pieces that “looked as if they were floating on the models.” That feeling certainly carried through to both Taylor and Kidman’s looks. Taylor’s black-and-white gown played with opacity, transitioning from a sheer bodice to a tiered, dramatic skirt of plumes; Kidman’s peach peplum waist and skirt hem were both delicately adorned with feathers, giving her an ethereal glow.

Though Blazy is experimenting within Chanel’s signature codes, he has also transformed them. And, across social media, the reactions towards his Academy Award showings were largely of the “I-can’t-believe-it’s-Chanel” spirit.

Other stars also jumped on the trend, from Bella Thorne’s black feathered sleeves to best supporting actress winner Amy Madigan’s Dior jacket with black and gold feather paillettes. And though a little less lite

By Jacqui Palumbo, CNN

(CNN) — After feathers fully took over fall fashion weeks, we predicted that veritable flocks of birds would arrive by spring. And so they did on Sunday at the Academy Awards, where some of the evening’s boldest looks featured showstopping plumage.

Actor Demi Moore, who presented during the ceremony, arrived in a peacock-channeling gown courtesy of Gucci, just weeks after she sat in the front row for creative director Demna’s highly anticipated runway debut for the luxury house. In Milan, the designer had offered a slinky set of nightclub staples — to mixed reviews — but his custom Oscars dress for Moore presented a very different view of Gucci’s future. With an elegant silhouette bursting with intricate featherwork, the gown also seemed to reference the iridescent, dark plumage of the label’s Fall-Winter 2012 show.

It’s a look that made sense for Moore during this red-carpet season; at the Actor Awards earlier this month she wore a black Schiaparelli gown with a crystal-adorned burst of white tulle that would have rivaled any set of tail feathers.

Elsewhere on the Oscars red carpet, best supporting actress nominee Teyana Taylor and presenters Maya Rudolph and Nicole Kidman also wore feathery custom looks — each opted for quilled Chanel gowns that signal a new era for the heritage luxury house under creative director Matthieu Blazy.

Feathers have featured prominently on Blazy’s runways, both in his sophomore collection, which showed in Paris less than a week ago, and the couture collection that he debuted in late January (for the latter his mood board was, fittingly, filled with photographs of birds, per WWD).

At the time, CNN’s Rachel Tashjian reported that Chanel-under-Blazy’s couture collection had an “overall feeling of extraordinary lightness,” with gauzy and feathered pieces that “looked as if they were floating on the models.” That feeling certainly carried through to both Taylor and Kidman’s looks. Taylor’s black-and-white gown played with opacity, transitioning from a sheer bodice to a tiered, dramatic skirt of plumes; Kidman’s peach peplum waist and skirt hem were both delicately adorned with feathers, giving her an ethereal glow.

Though Blazy is experimenting within Chanel’s signature codes, he has also transformed them. And, across social media, the reactions towards his Academy Award showings were largely of the “I-can’t-believe-it’s-Chanel” spirit.

Other stars also jumped on the trend, from Bella Thorne’s black feathered sleeves to best supporting actress winner Amy Madigan’s Dior jacket with black and gold feather paillettes. And though a little less literal, the fringe detailing on “Sinners” actor Jayme Lawson’s electric blue Loewe dress seemed to emulate the look of a vibrant tropical bird.

The plumes continued into the evening, spilling out onto the silver carpet at Vanity Fair’s annual after-party. Jessica Alba arrived in a Tamara Ralph gown w

By Madeline Holcombe, CNN

(CNN) — Lunch of grilled chicken, brown rice and steamed broccoli, and then dinner of salmon, sweet potato, and a green salad dressed with only olive oil. Oh, and keep each element under 4 ounces and the whole day of eating at about 1,500 calories.

Does that sound like enough food for any 15-year-old boy you know? Well, it is what AI recommended for one.

If a teen is interested in losing weight, chances are they may turn to artificial intelligence platforms to get advice.

But that could cause trouble.

The AI advice they get may be to keep their calories and nutrients drastically below their daily needs, according to a new study published Thursday in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.

Those AI meal plans for teens asking to lose weight had an average of 700 fewer calories per day than recommended by human dietitians, said lead study author Dr. Ayşe Betül Bilen, assistant professor in the department of nutrition and dietetics at Istanbul Atlas University in Turkey.

The plans also had significant discrepancies when it came to protein, fats and carbohydrates.

The problem is particularly concerning considering how prevalent both weight-loss attempts and AI use are among teens, said Dr. Jason Nagata, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. He was not involved in the research.

Nearly 48% of teens 16 and older reported attempting to lose weight within the past year, according to a January study. And a Pew Research Center survey found that nearly two-thirds of teens reported using chatbots, with about 30% saying they use them every day. So, it’s not surprising to see adolescents use chatbots to learn how to diet.

“While these technologies can be useful for general information, they should not replace professional guidance — especially for children and adolescents whose nutritional needs are unique,” Bilen said.

Not enough calories, wrong nutrients

Although generative AI platforms are widely used by teens, researchers –– and the public –– still don’t know a lot about the kinds of information teens are getting from AI.

To investigate the quality of nutrition information provided by AI platforms, researchers created four profiles of 15-year-olds: two boys and two girls, each with one classified as overweight and one as obese by body mass index, or BMI, according to the study.

Using each of these profiles, the researchers asked five different AI models for a three-day meal plan with the understanding that the individuals profiled wanted to lose weight.

The meal plans were compared against guidance from dietitians. Not only did the AI-generated plans incorporate a greater calorie deficit, but the protein and fats were significantly higher than the levels recommended by the dietitian and the carbohydrates were much lower.

“For adolescents, who are in a critical period of growth and development, these imbalances could potentially be problematic if followed long term,” Bilen said.

Risks to growth and development

Inaccurate guida

By Arlette Saenz, Steve Contorno, CNN

Chicago (CNN) — The retirement of Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin after nearly 30 years in office sparked an expensive three-way Democratic primary that has showcased the party’s divisions over how to confront President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and introduced pro-crypto forces as an influence seeking to shape the midterm elections. The contest is also setting up a test of Gov. JB Pritzker’s political clout in the state as he eyes a potential 2028 presidential bid.

Whoever wins the Democratic nomination on Tuesday will be the heavy favorite in November to succeed the 81-year-old Durbin in a state where no Republican has won statewide in 12 years.

The field features an experienced slate of Illinois politicos — US Reps. Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. Each would bring some degree of generational change in replacing Durbin, the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate.

After a face-off in Texas earlier this month, the Illinois race marks the second contentious primary for Democrats early in the midterms calendar, offering more clues about the direction of the party as it charts a path back to power in Congress and beyond. The Illinois contest on the Democratic side has drawn even more spending than the one in Lone Star State.

For Pritzker, who has exerted his political and financial influence to boost Stratton, the race is poised to serve as a gauge of his strength in his home state as he starts to look to an expected national campaign in 2028.

Pritzker’s involvement in the race has led to some tension within the Democratic Party. New York Rep. Yvette Clarke, who leads the influential Congressional Black Caucus, which has backed Kelly, accused Pritzker of an “effort to tip the scales” in the contest.

“A sitting governor shouldn’t be heavy-handing the race. Quite frankly, his behavior in this race won’t soon be forgotten by any of us,” Clarke said in a statement.

At a news conference after Clarke voiced her criticism, Pritzker said of Stratton, “I would like a Black woman to represent us in the United States Senate. I just want the best person. She happens to be a Black woman.”

“By the way, I think I’ve proven for many years now that I stand with communities of color across the state and with candidates who are running for public office,” he added.

If Kelly or Stratton were to win in November, it would mark the second time Illinois voters elected a Black woman to represent them in the US Senate. Former Illinois Sen. Carol Moseley Braun in 1992 became the first Black woman ever elected to the chamber. Durbin has remained neutral in the race, while the state’s other senator — Democrat Tammy Duckworth — has endorsed Stratton.

Krishnamoorthi, who was born in New Delhi and immigrated with his family to the US as an infant, would become the first Indian American from the state to serve as senator.

Outside money pours in

Little public polling exists in the race, but Krishnamoorthi, 52, has held a substantial financial edge over his opponents, and his spending has fueled a surprisingly expensive contest.

“The level of spending is just ludicrous,” said Peter Giangreco, a veteran political operative in the state who is not working for any of the Senate candidates.

Krishnamoorthi has brought in more than $30 million for his bid, including $20 million transferred from his House campaign account, according to Federal Election Commission fillings. His campaign has accounted for roughly half of advertising spending in the Senate primary — $28.9 million out of more

By Alexandra Banner, CNN

Gas prices in the US have risen about 24% since the war in Iran began, according to AAA. This comes as Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, briefly surpassed $106 a barrel on Sunday, reaching its highest level since 2022.

Here’s what else you need to know to get up to speed and on with your day.

1⃣ War with Iran

As the war with Iran enters its 17th day, fresh strikes are rattling parts of the Middle East while disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are pushing oil prices to their highest levels in years. The critical waterway — the main route for shipping oil from the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world — has been effectively closed since the war began. President Donald Trump has urged US allies to help address disruptions in the strait and warned NATO faces a “very bad” future if it does not assist. Trump has also invoked executive authority to restart a controversial oil pipeline off California’s coast amid opposition from state officials. The Energy Department said the order is intended to “address supply disruption risks” and reduce US reliance on foreign oil.

2⃣ Oscar winners

The 98th Academy Awards on Sunday celebrated the year’s biggest films and top talents. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” won best picture along with five other awards, including best director and best adapted screenplay. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” which entered the night with a record 16 nominations, took home best original screenplay, best original score and best cinematography. Michael B. Jordan won best actor for his impressive dual role as twin brothers in the film. Jessie Buckley also completed her award season sweep, winning best actress for her riveting performance in “Hamnet.”

MORE: See the full list of Oscar winners

3⃣ Travel chaos

One month into the partial government shutdown, hundreds of TSA agents have quit, while others have taken unscheduled time off, prompting even more travel disruptions at airports nationwide. TSA workers missed their first full paycheck over the weekend after funding for the Department of Homeland Security — which oversees the agency — lapsed in February amid a standoff between Republicans and Democrats over immigration reform. In a letter Sunday, the CEOs of major airlines urged Congress to restore funding and ensure federal aviation workers are paid during shutdowns.

4⃣ Severe weather

A powerful storm is sweeping across the eastern US as millions of people in the Midwest and Great Lakes remain under blizzard warnings. Damaging winds topping 75 mph and tornadoes are possible across much of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic today, with a Level 4 out of 5 severe risk covering parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. A Level 3 risk stretches from Georgia to Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The system intensified Sunday as multiple storms raced from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes with winds up to 80 mph, triggering numerous severe weather warnings overnight as it pushed toward the Appalachians.

5⃣ US airmen

Tributes are pouring in for the Read more