Two serious security problems were found in PHP, a programming language used by almost 70% of websites. AI tools, including an OpenAI model, helped discover these flaws, which could let hackers take control of websites without needing passwords.
Key Facts
PHP is an open-source programming language that runs nearly 70% of all websites.
Two critical vulnerabilities were found in PHP that hackers can exploit easily.
The flaws could allow attackers to control web servers without passwords.
AI, including an OpenAI model, helped find and fix one of these vulnerabilities.
Governments from the U.S. to Japan advised website owners to patch their systems quickly.
Some websites, like parts of Wikipedia and 4chan, temporarily shut down to fix the problems.
These PHP flaws have existed for many years but were very hard to exploit until now.
The discovery shows both the benefits and risks of AI in cybersecurity.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Plaza Hotel in New York City, a historic building opened in 1907, will close in January 2027 for at least four years to restore its landmark-protected exterior. This restoration follows a major renovation completed in 2008 and is part of a larger trend of refurbishing older buildings across the U.S. for environmental and preservation reasons.
Key Facts
The Plaza Hotel opened in 1907 and has hosted many famous guests and leaders.
The hotel will close in January 2027 for at least four years to repair its façade (exterior front).
The restoration will follow historic preservation rules to keep the building’s original look.
A similar big renovation occurred in 2005, costing $450 million, changing parts of the hotel into condos.
Other historic buildings in NYC, like the Flatiron Building and Hotel Bossert, are also undergoing restorations or conversions.
Nearly half of U.S. buildings are older than 50 years, making restoration important for sustainability.
Reusing buildings can reduce carbon emissions by 50-75% compared to new construction.
There is growing interest in adapting existing buildings rather than building new ones from scratch.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump is visiting South Carolina to support Darline Graham in her Senate race. She was chosen to complete the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s term and won the Republican nomination with Trump’s endorsement. The Senate race is close, and her Democratic opponent, Annie Andrews, has criticized her experience and debate performance.
Key Facts
President Trump will hold a rally in South Carolina to support Darline Graham’s Senate campaign.
Darline Graham was appointed to finish her brother Lindsey Graham’s term after his death in July.
Trump endorsed Darline Graham in the Republican primary as a tribute to her brother.
Polls show Darline Graham leading by about 2.7 percentage points in a tight race.
Democratic challenger Annie Andrews criticized Graham’s lack of experience and debate performance.
Lindsey Graham was a strong supporter of Ukraine and U.S. foreign policy before his death.
Trump’s visit comes after his executive order lifting many Russia sanctions, which Darline Graham opposed.
The close race reflects challenges for Republicans nationwide amid low approval ratings for Trump and concerns over the U.S.-Israel war with Iran.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump will visit South Carolina to support U.S. Senator Darline Graham in her campaign for re-election. The race is important to Republicans as Democrats hope to win the seat, but the state usually leans Republican.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump is holding a rally in South Carolina for Senator Darline Graham.
Darline Graham was appointed to the Senate seat after her late brother, Lindsey Graham, passed away in July.
Trump supported her appointment and backed her during a special primary against more experienced Republicans.
There was some disagreement recently between Trump and Graham over his decision to waive sanctions on Russia related to the Ukraine war.
Democrats see an opportunity because Graham has made some campaign mistakes.
Republicans are focused on defeating Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician.
Over $34 million has been spent on this Senate race.
Republicans accuse Andrews of supporting surgeries for transgender minors, but she denies this claim.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A judge in Massachusetts denied a request from Lindsay Clancy’s defense team to question a juror who did not agree on the verdict in her murder trial. The trial, where Clancy was charged with killing her three children, ended in a mistrial because the jury could not reach a unanimous decision.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy faced charges for the deaths of her three children.
The jury could not agree on a verdict, leading to a mistrial last month.
Defense lawyers wanted to question the holdout juror who prevented a unanimous verdict.
Judge William Sullivan refused to allow questioning of the juror at the next hearing.
Clancy is scheduled to return to court on November 2 for the next hearing.
The decision to deny questioning keeps the reasons for the holdout juror’s stance private.
The case remains unresolved due to the mistrial and will continue with new legal steps.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A judge in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $25 billion for misleading Facebook users about privacy violations. The jury found Meta responsible for more than 43 million violations of consumer protection laws, making this the largest fine ever against the company.
Key Facts
A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $25 billion in fines for privacy violations related to Facebook.
A jury decided Meta misled users about who could access their personal information and how harmful content was handled.
The case found Meta broke consumer protection laws over 43 million times.
The money awarded will go into New Mexico’s education system fund.
Meta plans to appeal the ruling and expects to win.
The lawsuit partly stems from the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where data from 87 million Facebook users was used without consent.
This is the second big legal loss for Meta in New Mexico in six months, with previous fines totaling nearly $1 billion for failing to protect young users.
Meta's chief legal officer criticized the ruling, saying it makes it very hard to do business in New Mexico.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Researchers found that orangutans prefer food linked to sounds of laughter from their peers. The study showed that hearing laughter made the apes value the food more, suggesting emotions affect how they learn and make choices.
Key Facts
Scientists studied six orangutans in zoos to see if sounds influenced their food choices.
Orangutans were trained to find treats hidden under different substances like moss or sawdust.
Before choosing, orangutans heard recordings of either laughter or neutral environmental sounds.
Four out of six orangutans chose food associated with the laughter sound.
The findings suggest positive emotions like joy affect how orangutans learn and remember.
Researchers believe this emotional effect on learning also applies to humans, for example, in education.
Being in a good mood might make people value information more and affect their preferences for subjects.
The study helps understand the link between emotions and rational decision-making in animals and people.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Massachusetts woman, Jennifer Gonzalez, is accused of running a fake marriage scam for more than 10 years. She allegedly charged up to $40,000 to arrange sham marriages between immigrants and U.S. citizens to help the immigrants get green cards. Several people linked to her were charged with marriage fraud and related crimes.
Key Facts
Jennifer Gonzalez is charged with running a marriage fraud scheme in Massachusetts.
The scheme operated for about 12 years, arranging 18 to 20 fake marriages per year.
Gonzalez charged clients between $38,000 and $40,000 for each sham marriage.
Other people involved were paid to participate or help run the operation.
Prosecutors say the group helped immigrants get hundreds of green cards illegally.
Gonzalez encouraged actions to make the marriages seem real, like setting up joint bank accounts and life insurance.
The operation continued even as immigration enforcement became stricter under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Massachusetts was described by Gonzalez as a "sanctuary" state, which she said made it easier to operate there.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Department of Justice asked the Supreme Court to allow construction of a border wall and related infrastructure in the Big Bend region of West Texas. This request aims to lift a court order that currently stops the Department of Homeland Security from building the barrier in that area.
Key Facts
The request asks to resume construction in a remote area that includes parts near Big Bend National Park.
A lower court temporarily blocked the construction due to legal challenges.
The government wants to build walls, patrol roads, detection technology, and vehicle barriers along the southern border.
The Big Bend Sector covers over 500 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border and 77 Texas counties.
The Justice Department says the area has high levels of illegal border crossings and drug smuggling.
Construction began recently on a 47-mile stretch in the Big Bend region.
Environmental and local groups filed a lawsuit to stop the project, citing concerns about wildlife, culture, and environmental damage.
Federal law allows the Department of Homeland Security to bypass some environmental rules for border barrier construction to prevent illegal entry.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s Senate campaign first said she was not a member of Phi Beta Kappa because of membership fees. Later, they confirmed she was actually a member of the honor society.
Key Facts
Peggy Flanagan is the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota.
She is running for the U.S. Senate.
Phi Beta Kappa is a prestigious college honor society recognizing academic excellence.
Initially, Flanagan’s campaign said she wasn’t a member.
The campaign claimed she declined membership because of the cost.
The campaign later corrected this and confirmed she is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russia is sending its first tanker with diesel fuel to the United States as part of a deal to help lower high fuel prices before the November midterm elections. However, experts say this shipment is small compared to US fuel needs and likely won’t reduce prices much in time for the elections.
Key Facts
Russia will send its first diesel tanker to an undisclosed US port starting Thursday.
The shipment is part of a larger plan to increase Russian fuel exports to the US.
Russia faces its own fuel shortages caused by attacks on its refineries.
President Donald Trump canceled new sanctions that could have targeted Russian oil imports.
US diesel prices are currently over $6 per gallon, much higher than last year’s $3.62 per gallon.
Experts say the Russian shipment equals about two hours of US diesel use and will not meaningfully lower prices.
The tanker might not arrive before the US midterm elections in early November.
The broader plan includes shipments of 300,000 tonnes initially, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November, and 1 million tonnes later.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russia will send its first tanker carrying 40,000 metric tons of diesel fuel to the United States on Thursday, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. More shipments are planned for the future.
Key Facts
The shipment is the first diesel fuel delivery from Russia to the U.S.
The tanker will carry 40,000 metric tons of diesel fuel.
Alexander Novak, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, announced the shipment.
The shipment is scheduled for Thursday.
Additional diesel shipments from Russia to the U.S. will follow.
The information was reported by Reuters, citing Russian media RIA.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
AI technology is advancing quickly, and tech leaders are discussing how to manage its risks. They want to make sure AI is used safely while competing with China in technology development.
Key Facts
Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing fast.
Tech leaders are concerned about potential dangers of AI.
Strategies are being planned to control and monitor AI risks.
There is a global competition, especially with China, to lead AI advancements.
The discussion includes balancing innovation with safety.
The news segment features interviews with well-known technology experts.
Managing AI is seen as important for future technology policies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Colombian authorities seized 7.6 tonnes of cocaine at the port of Cartagena. This is the largest drug seizure in Colombia in the last ten years. The shipment was headed for the Netherlands as part of a drug trafficking crackdown.
Key Facts
The cocaine seizure took place at Cartagena, a port on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Authorities confiscated 7.6 tonnes of cocaine in one shipment.
This is the biggest drug seizure in Colombia in the past decade.
The seized drugs were destined for the Netherlands.
The operation is part of a broader effort to fight drug trafficking in Colombia.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced the seizure.
The crackdown aims to reduce illegal drug exports from Colombia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott and Democratic challenger Amanda Janoo will debate on Wednesday at 7 p.m. EDT. The debate is part of the campaign for the November election where Scott seeks reelection.
Key Facts
The debate will be moderated by Mikaela Lefrak, host of Vermont Edition.
Amanda Janoo, an economist, won the Democratic primary in August.
Governor Phil Scott has been in office since 2017.
If reelected and serving the full term, Scott will be Vermont's longest-serving governor since 1791.
The Cook Political Report recently changed the race rating from "Solid Republican" to "Likely Republican."
The debate is broadcast live by Vermont Public.
This election is a key effort by Vermont Democrats to replace Governor Scott.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Federal changes to the hepatitis B vaccine recommendations removed the rule to vaccinate all newborns, which may lead to more infections in children and leave millions vulnerable. A recent study shows that delaying vaccination or making it optional based on shared decisions could increase cases of chronic hepatitis B.
Key Facts
The CDC stopped recommending universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns in late 2025.
Hepatitis B is a virus that damages the liver and can cause lifelong illness.
Babies infected at birth have a 90% chance of developing chronic hepatitis B.
Since newborn vaccination began in 1991, infant infections have dropped by 99%.
Researchers modeled the impact on 3.6 million U.S. babies born in 2026.
Delaying the vaccine until 2 months could increase chronic infections by 19%.
Using shared decision-making instead of routine vaccination might raise infections by 83%.
Up to 1.8 million young adults could be vulnerable to hepatitis B due to these changes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senate Republicans are worried about losing some seats this election, including in states like Mississippi, South Carolina, and Kansas, which have voted Republican for decades. They are increasing their campaign spending to support vulnerable Republican senators and protect their Senate majority.
Key Facts
Mississippi, South Carolina, and Kansas are becoming competitive Senate races for Republicans.
Mississippi hasn't elected a Democratic senator in 44 years, Kansas in 94 years, and South Carolina in 28 years.
Republicans are boosting spending, including millions of dollars in TV ads, to support their candidates.
Democrats are investing money in key races, like $1.2 million in Mississippi.
Some Senate Republicans, like those in Florida and South Dakota, face less concern.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee raised $31.4 million in one month but took a $20 million loan for campaign expenses.
Senate Leadership Fund has $155 million in cash but has spent or reserved $169 million in ads since October 1.
President Trump’s super PACs have promised to spend $400 million before the election.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Mexican prosecutors have charged César Jáuregui Moreno, a former state attorney general, with treason for allowing US agents to join a drug raid without proper permission. This followed a crash that killed two CIA agents and two Mexican officers during an operation targeting drug labs in Chihuahua.
Key Facts
César Jáuregui Moreno was the attorney general of Chihuahua state from 2023 until recently.
He is accused of letting US agents operate in Mexico without official approval, which is seen as a breach of Mexican sovereignty.
Two US agents, reportedly CIA operatives, and two Mexican law enforcement officers died in a crash on April 19 during a drug raid.
The US agents were said to be "instructor officers" providing training, according to Jáuregui.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum insists that foreign officials can only work in Mexico if allowed by the federal government.
Jáuregui denies the allegations and also faces other legal charges, including abuse of public office in Chihuahua.
A court will decide if there is enough evidence to continue prosecution at an upcoming hearing.
President Donald Trump has pressured Mexico to fight drug trafficking but Mexico resists US-led operations on its soil.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ohio Senator Jon Husted criticized a campaign ad by gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy that features the mother of Ramaswamy’s opponent, Amy. Husted said he would not have used the ad in his campaign.
Key Facts
Ohio Senator Jon Husted is a Republican.
Vivek Ramaswamy is running for governor of Ohio as a Republican.
Ramaswamy released a campaign ad that includes the mother of his opponent, Amy.
The ad sparked some controversy.
Senator Husted told the Associated Press he would not have used this type of ad.
The ad was first shown online.
The opponent’s full name is not mentioned in the article excerpt.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
