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Apple donates $1 billion to California affordable housing projects.

Apple said that it has committed more than $1 billion to housing projects across California as part of its ongoing efforts to address the state's massive housing shortage.

The funds will be used to pay for new housing, development, first-time home buyer assistance, and homelessness prevention programs in 25 counties across the nation's largest state, according to the internet giant. It's the most significant component of Apple's multibillion-dollar plan.

"We're proud that our work has made a tangible impact on the lives of so many Californians as we expand our efforts and move forward with our comprehensive strategy to address housing in the state," Kristina Raspe, Apple's vice president for global real estate and facilities, said in a speech.

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Richard Branson responds to critics who argue that his money should not be spent on space exploration.

Sirisha Bandla, a British billionaire and fellow Virgin Galactic astronaut, spoke up about the necessity of making space travel accessible to everyone.

Richard Branson, the billionaire, realizes that the money spent to power his voyage to the edge of space on Sunday may have been better utilized to address other issues, but he feels there is place for both.

In an exclusive interview with Virgin Galactic government affairs vice president Sirisha Bandla on TODAY Wednesday, the Virgin Galactic founder addressed those who argue that issues like economic inequality, climate change, and the pandemic deserve money from the ultra-wealthy before areas like civilian space travel.

"I completely agree that people in positions of wealth should spend the majority of their money, if not all of their money, on addressing these issues," Branson told Ho. "But we should also create new industries that can create 800 engineers and scientists who can create wonderful things that can make space accessible at a fraction of the environmental cost that it has been in the past."

He went on to say that the environmental cost of Virgin Galactic transporting passengers into suborbital space is the same as a Virgin Atlantic round-trip flight from London to New York.

Branson, 70, realized a lifelong dream on Sunday when his flight with five other crew members blasted off from the New Mexico desert and reached the edge of space at a height of more than 53 miles.

Richard Branson becomes space's first billionaire.

The flight was just over an hour long, with about four minutes of weightlessness.

Branson and Bandla were part of a six-person crew that includes Virgin Galactic chief astronaut trainer Beth Moses, lead operations engineer Colin Bennett, and pilots Dave Mackay and Michael Masucci.

Bandla had taken the usual route to becoming an astronaut but was rejected due to her bad eyesight, so the mission was a dream she didn't think was achievable at first.

"I was trying to figure out how I was going to go there when Richard announced (in 2004) that he was going to start Virgin Galactic, which was going to be a space line for everyone and make space accessible to everyone," Bandla said on TODAY. "That's how I'm going to get to space, I recall thinking.

In an exclusive interview with TODAY, Richard Branson discusses his historic spaceflight.

Another advantage of Virgin Galactic space travel, according to Bandla, is the opportunity to conduct experiments in space while in flight.

Bandla remarked, "We now have the capability to send researchers up with their experiments." "Normally, they would hand their experiment to an astronaut, NASA, or another agency with instructions, but now they can travel with it.

"So, if you look at some of the film from this last voyage, you'll see me tinkering with this tube, and I'm actually conducting a science experiment in space."

Branson also beat fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos to the edge of space, since Bezos is set to launch a rocket from Texas on July 20 using his own Blue Origin space business.

"I'm pleased that he'll have the most incredible experience and that he'll have the best crew with him," Branson says.

The flight on Sunday is the first step toward Virgin Galactic's goal of starting commercial spaceflights with private clients next year, at a reported cost of around $250,000 per person for a trip to space. The Federal Aviation Administration has already given the business permission to send passengers into suborbital space on future commercial trips.

Branson is also working to make space travel accessible to people who aren't affluent. Virgin Galactic has announced a partnership with Omaze, a crowdfunding website, to run a sweepstakes to give away two tickets to a Virgin Galactic spacecraft set to debut next year.

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Britney Spears cries in court and accuses her father of 'conservatorship abuse.'

The sudden departure of Spears' court-appointed counsel is scheduled to be the subject of a hearing in her conservatorship case on Wednesday.

Britney Spears was granted her request to employ her own attorney on Wednesday, a move that might signal a significant change in the way her 13-year conservatorship case is handled.

The court hearing was postponed due to the unexpected departure of her court-appointed counsel, Samuel D. Ingham III, who had been handling her case since 2008. Judge Brenda Penny of the Los Angeles County Superior Court granted Ingham's resignation and the appointment of Britney Spears' chosen attorney, veteran federal prosecutor Mathew Rosengart.

During Wednesday's hearing, Britney Spears sobbed as she told the judge that she is "very afraid" of her father, James "Jamie" Spears, and that she is unwilling to be tested in order to have him removed.

According to an observer, Britney Spears' new lawyer will be the "fierce advocate" she deserves.

Britney Spears revealed that she had had troubles with her father for years, dating back to when her parents would leave her alone in their trailer many times a week. She used to be afraid that Jamie Spears would "come up drunk and embarrass her," referring to her father's previous alcoholism problems.

She stated, "I'm here to get rid of my father and prosecute him with conservatorship abuse." She later said that she wanted him probed and that the conservatorship had allowed her father to "ruin my life."

She informed the court that she was under strict control in every aspect of her life, including her food, and that she worked 70 hours a week.

"It was their intention to make me feel insane, and I'm not," she explained. "And that's not acceptable."

Rosengart spoke briefly in court on Wednesday, telling the judge that despite his tardiness, it was evident that "this isn't working." He plans to file a petition with the court as soon as possible, with the goal of ending the conservatorship, he added.

Britney Spears' mother believes Britney should be able to choose her own attorney.

Jamie Spears' new counsel has also asked him to withdraw from his daughter's case.

"If he loves his daughter, it's time for him to step aside and move on," Rosengart said.

Britney Spears celebrated "actual representation today" by posting a video of herself doing cartwheels and riding a horse on Instagram after court on Wednesday. A middle finger emoji and the hashtag #FreeBritney were included in her caption.

"I'm grateful and blessed!!!!" "Thank you to all of my supporters," she added. "You have no idea how much it means to me to have such amazing supporters!!!!" "May God's blessings be upon you all!!!!!"

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Contemporary Slinky Sofa Armrests - The Atos is a Handmade Flexible Couch Arm Tray (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) Relaxing on your couch is now more convenient than ever thanks to the launch of the Atos—a customized, modular armrest tray. The functional decor piece includes a smartphone and tablet stand... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-atos

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Snake-Themed Watches - Gucci Will Release Two Different Snake Watches with a Water-Resistant Design (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) Gucci will release two different snake watches. Both of the snake watches are Swiss made, with stainless steel designs. The watches feature a water-resistant design, as well as two prominent snake... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snake-watches

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Canned Cold Brew Coffees - Station Cold Brew's Products are Handcrafted, High-Quality and Dairy-Free (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) Station Cold Brew has an extensive range of products. While some come in extra-convenient package designs that render them drinkable on-the-go, others — like the Brew-It-Yourself Bags and the Keg,... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/station-cold-brew

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Hydrating Skincare Cosmetics - The Conceal & Hydrate Concealer & Foundation Contain Hyaluronic Acid (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) After the immensely successful launch of its Conceal & Define product range (one product is sold every five seconds around the world,) Revolution Beauty heard the demand from fans who were eager... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conceal-hydrate

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Goth-Inspired Brand Launches - Goth des Garçons is a Brand That Exaggerates Online Fashion Culture (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) Online fashion cultures, punk revival, and “dangerous-looking footwear” are some of the aesthetics that newly launched brand Goth des Garçons is embracing as its ethos and artistic... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-fashion-culture

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Replica Royal Rings - M&S Created a Budget-Friendly Version of Kate Middleton's Engagement Ring (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) Department store M&S recently added to its collection of cost-effective jewelry with the Platinum Plated Cocktail Ring, which boasts a classic design that reminds of Kate Middleton's... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kate-middletons-engagement-ring

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Leather-Crafted Cushioned Sneakers - Karhu Delivers the 'OG' Iteration of the Legacy 96 Model (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) Finnish sneaker label Karhu turns its attention to its iconic Legacy sneaker series, which was first introduced in 1996, naming it the Legacy 96. It brings life back to the Legacy 96 OG, nodding to... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/legacy-96

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Free-From Cheesecake Snacks - Gü's Gluten-Free & Plant-Based Cheesecake Has a Coconut Cream Base (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) One of the newest indulgent yet healthy snack products from Gü is a gluten-free and plant-based cheesecake, which is sold in single-serve pots for on-the-go snacking. The Free From Strawberry &... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-cheesecake

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Stylishly Versatile Customizable Backpacks - Kiri Can Be Tailored to Satisfy a Variety of Activities (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) Kiri is a customizable backpack that is ideal for the urban environment as its design allows consumers to effortlessly tailor the product to various activities and lifestyle demands — from running... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customizable-backpacks

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Box-Free Return Programs - Happy Returns is Helping to Reducing Cardboard Waste (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) To help consumers and retailers alike reduce their carbon footprint, Happy Returns is now implementing a cardboard-free returns solution to minimize cardboard waste. Thanks to this new program,... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/return-program

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Elegant Archival Nubuck Sneakers - Ellesse Re-Introduces the Piazza OG Sneaker Model for NYC (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) Italian sportswear label Ellesse revisits one of its most iconic sneaker silhouettes, bringing it back one more time—the Piazza OG footwear model is a highly esteemed silhouette. Packer Shoes&#... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/piazza-og

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Tulip-Infused Skincare - Bloomeffects Makes Skincare with Tulip Extracts and "Dutch Dirt" (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) Bloomeffects is a new line of “field-to-face” skincare products out of Amsterdam that makes its products with tulip extracts. While consumers are used to seeing a variety of beautifying... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloomeffects

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Wearable Smart Stickers - The BodyNet Sticker is Able to Track Breathing and Heart Rate Information (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) Researchers from Stanford University have created a BodyNet sticker that is able to track the wearer's body wirelessly. The BodyNet sticker functions by using an RFID connection to power the... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bodynet-sticker

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Vintage Controller Compatible Remakes - Nintendo Has Filed with the FCC for a SNES Switch Controller (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) Nintendo has begun a process to create a SNES Switch controller. The controller recently surfaced in an FCC filing, along with an image. Limited details are known about the design, however, the SNES... source http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snes-switch-controller