Account

  Login
  Sign Up For Free

The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

Technology News

Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

Microsoft and OpenAI try to rebalance their relationship

Microsoft and OpenAI try to rebalance their relationship

July 31, 2025
OpenAI and Microsoft are renegotiating the terms of their partnership, which has been important to both companies. They aim to adjust their business arrangement, including Microsoft's stake in OpenAI and how they share future earnings. Both companies are working to be less dependent on each other while maintaining their collaboration.

Key Facts:

  • OpenAI and Microsoft are in discussions to change their partnership agreement.
  • Microsoft needs to approve OpenAI's plan to become a fully for-profit company.
  • SoftBank might reduce its investment if OpenAI's restructuring isn't completed by year's end.
  • The renegotiation affects Microsoft's 49% stake and future revenue sharing.
  • Both companies seek changes, like OpenAI's right to choose other cloud providers beyond Microsoft.
  • Microsoft currently uses OpenAI's technology but wants to prepare for the future when AI evolves.
  • OpenAI wants a typical ownership structure and more flexibility with cloud services.
  • The relationship remains important as both companies work to reduce mutual dependence but retain benefits from their collaboration.

Source Information

Axios
What will rescission do to foreign aid? Details are murky. Here's what we found out

What will rescission do to foreign aid? Details are murky. Here's what we found out

July 31, 2025
Congress approved a plan allowing the White House to take back $7.9 billion previously set aside for foreign aid, including funds for disease control, disaster relief, and democracy promotion. Details on which programs will be affected are not clear, causing uncertainty among aid groups about the changes this will bring.

Key Facts:

  • Congress agreed to let the White House take back $7.9 billion meant for foreign aid.
  • The approval for this money retraction was given on July 18.
  • This funding originally supported efforts like disease and famine control, disaster relief, and democracy promotion.
  • Aid groups are unsure how the cuts will be implemented because specific details are lacking.
  • The White House claims the cuts will prevent wasting taxpayer money, but no evidence of waste was provided.
  • The rescission involves taking significant funds from long-term development assistance programs.
  • Around $2.5 billion will be cut from development aid, crucial for reducing poverty and building infrastructure.
  • These cuts may affect programs that help build self-reliance in low-income countries.

Source Information

NPR Home
Axing of The Late Show reveals how monopolisation has gutted US media

Axing of The Late Show reveals how monopolisation has gutted US media

July 31, 2025
CBS announced it will end "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in May 2026, citing a drop in viewers. This decision came shortly after Stephen Colbert criticized CBS's parent company, Paramount, for settling a lawsuit with former President Trump. The cancellation coincides with the Federal Communications Commission approving a major merger involving Paramount.

Key Facts:

  • CBS will cancel "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in May 2026.
  • CBS cited declining viewership as the reason for ending the show.
  • Stephen Colbert recently criticized Paramount for settling a legal case with Trump.
  • The cancellation came soon after the Federal Communications Commission approved a merger involving Paramount.
  • The FCC approved an $8 billion merger between Skydance and Paramount.
  • The US media landscape has changed significantly since the 1980s due to deregulation.
  • The Fairness Doctrine, which required broadcasters to air different views, was abolished in 1987.
  • Only a few companies now control 90% of US media, down from over 50 in 1983.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Cambodia seeks release of 20 soldiers held by Thailand after border clashes

Cambodia seeks release of 20 soldiers held by Thailand after border clashes

July 31, 2025
Cambodia is asking Thailand to return 20 Cambodian soldiers captured during a recent conflict over a disputed border area. Thailand plans to return the soldiers after completing legal processes, while maintaining the ceasefire agreement.

Key Facts:

  • Cambodia wants 20 soldiers captured by Thailand to come back home.
  • The soldiers were captured after a ceasefire was agreed upon between the two countries.
  • Thailand wishes to complete legal processes with the soldiers before returning them.
  • Nearly 300,000 people evacuated due to cross-border fighting.
  • The conflict resulted in 15 Thai soldiers and 15 Thai civilians dead, as well as eight Cambodian civilians and five Cambodian soldiers.
  • The ceasefire, facilitated by Malaysia, is holding despite some violations.
  • The United Nations called for the ceasefire to be fully respected and for both countries to work on peaceful solutions.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
The transformative power of keeping a daily journal

The transformative power of keeping a daily journal

July 31, 2025
Suleika Jaouad has used journaling to cope with personal challenges, such as battling leukemia and surviving the pandemic. She has written a book, "The Book of Alchemy," which includes writing prompts and essays from various artists to inspire others. Jaouad runs an online community, The Isolation Journals, to help people use writing as a tool for personal reflection and transformation.

Key Facts:

  • Suleika Jaouad started journaling during her fight with leukemia at age 22.
  • She found inspiration from reading journals of well-known writers like Audre Lorde and Sylvia Plath.
  • Jaouad published a book, "The Book of Alchemy," which includes writing prompts from 100 writers and artists.
  • The book aims to help people find creative inspiration and new perspectives.
  • Jaouad founded an online journaling community called The Isolation Journals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • She views journaling as a way to transform everyday experiences and emotions.
  • Favorite journal prompts from the book include "Just Ten Images" and "A Day in the Life of My Dreams," offering structure for creative reflection.

Source Information

NPR Home
Lionel Messi returns as Inter Miami beat Atlas in Leagues Cup

Lionel Messi returns as Inter Miami beat Atlas in Leagues Cup

July 31, 2025
Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami win their Leagues Cup match against Atlas by setting up two goals, one in the final moments of the game. This was Messi’s return after a one-match suspension from Major League Soccer.

Key Facts:

  • Lionel Messi had two assists in Inter Miami's 2-1 win over Atlas.
  • The game was part of the Leagues Cup, featuring teams from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
  • Messi's assist to Marcelo Weigandt in the final minute secured the win.
  • Messi had been suspended for one match before this game for missing MLS’s All-Star game.
  • The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) confirmed Weigandt’s goal after an initial offside call.
  • Messi was named MLS Player of the Month, with five assists and eight goals in July.
  • Inter Miami's Rodrigo De Paul, a national teammate of Messi, made his debut in this match.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Online news publishers face 'extinction-level event' from Google's AI-powered search

Online news publishers face 'extinction-level event' from Google's AI-powered search

July 31, 2025
Online news publishers are facing significant drops in website traffic due to Google's AI-generated search summaries. These AI Overviews display at the top of search results, leading users to click on news websites less often. The decline in traffic affects publishers' ad revenue and their overall business model.

Key Facts:

  • Google's AI Overviews were introduced in May 2024.
  • These AI summaries appear at the top of Google search results.
  • News websites like CNN, Business Insider, and HuffPost have seen traffic drop by 30% to 40%.
  • This drop in traffic impacts online advertising revenue which many publishers rely on.
  • If publishers opt out of AI Overviews, they also lose visibility on Google Search.
  • Some publishers are suing AI companies over the use of their content.
  • Google states that AI Overviews are popular with users and may become more common.

Source Information

NPR Technology

Sign in to get news based on your interests

It’s free.

Sign In Sign Up Free

What is 'Google Zero' and what could it mean for the web?

July 31, 2025
A new idea called "Google Zero" suggests that search engines may stop sending people to websites. This could happen because more people are using tools like Google AI, which don't require clicking on links.

Key Facts:

  • "Google Zero" is a term used to describe when search engines do not direct traffic to websites.
  • This situation could happen due to the rise of AI tools like Google AI Overview.
  • These AI tools give people information directly, reducing the need to click on website links.
  • Fewer website visits could cause problems for online publishing.
  • Many parts of the internet depend on web traffic to survive.
  • The potential lack of traffic might lead to some parts of the web collapsing.

Source Information

NPR Technology

Layoffs at the Department of Justice are transforming its workforce

July 31, 2025
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has laid off over 200 employees this year. These layoffs are significantly changing the DOJ workforce.

Key Facts:

  • More than 200 employees have been laid off at the Department of Justice this year.
  • Some employees reportedly do not know the reasons for their layoffs.
  • The layoffs are having a major impact on the workforce at the DOJ.
  • The reported changes are ongoing as of July 31, 2025.
  • The information was reported by Carrie Johnson.

Source Information

NPR National
Delta flight diverted to Minneapolis after severe turbulence: 25 hospitalized

Delta flight diverted to Minneapolis after severe turbulence: 25 hospitalized

July 31, 2025
A Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam had to land unexpectedly in Minneapolis due to strong turbulence. This resulted in 25 people going to the hospital, and the plane safely landed with emergency services ready to help.

Key Facts:

  • The flight was going from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam.
  • It had to land in Minneapolis because of significant turbulence.
  • There were 275 passengers and 13 crew members on board.
  • The plane landed safely at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.
  • After landing, medical staff checked on the passengers and crew.
  • 25 people were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
  • Delta is helping the affected passengers with their immediate needs.

Source Information

Axios
Airlines demand answers after air traffic control failure

Airlines demand answers after air traffic control failure

July 31, 2025
There was a problem with the UK air traffic control system managed by NATS, causing over 150 flights to be canceled and more grounded across the UK. The issue, described as "radar-related," was fixed in 20 minutes, but it still led to significant disruption, including flights being canceled the next morning. The government is working with NATS to understand the cause, and airlines are demanding explanations.

Key Facts:

  • NATS experienced a system outage affecting air traffic control in the UK.
  • The issue was resolved in 20 minutes by switching to a backup system.
  • Over 150 flights were canceled on Wednesday, with additional flights canceled on Thursday morning.
  • The problem was related to radar systems and was not linked to a cyber attack.
  • Airlines, including EasyJet and Ryanair, expressed frustration and demanded answers from NATS.
  • In a previous incident in August 2023, over 700,000 passengers were affected by a separate system outage.
  • Affected passengers and businesses expressed frustration due to the disruptions.

Source Information

BBC Business
Meta profits surge helps fuel Zuckerberg’s AI ambitions

Meta profits surge helps fuel Zuckerberg’s AI ambitions

July 31, 2025
Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, reported a strong increase in profits and is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) projects. From April to June, Meta's revenue increased by 22% to $47.5 billion, while profits rose by 36% to $18.3 billion. Meta is using its strong financial performance to fund CEO Mark Zuckerberg's AI goals, which include creating advanced AI tools for everyday tasks.

Key Facts:

  • Meta's revenue from April to June was $47.5 billion, up 22% from the previous year.
  • Meta's profits in the same period rose by 36% to $18.3 billion.
  • Expenses increased by 12% to $27 billion due to investments in AI and infrastructure.
  • CEO Mark Zuckerberg plans to develop an "AI Superintelligence" for complex problem-solving.
  • Meta aims to create "personal superintelligence" for everyday uses, like remembering events.
  • Meta has spent over $14 billion on AI firm ScaleAI and hired its CEO, Alexandr Wang.
  • The company uses AI in its advertising business to boost revenue.
  • Meta's shares rose by more than 10% after its earnings announcement.

Source Information

BBC Tech
Hotel tycoon reveals Heathrow expansion proposal

Hotel tycoon reveals Heathrow expansion proposal

July 31, 2025
Hotel business owner Surinder Arora has put forward a plan to build a 2,800-meter third runway at Heathrow Airport. This proposal is different from the airport's current plan, which involves a longer, 3,500-meter runway and rerouting a major road. Arora's plan aims to reduce costs and avoid the hassle of moving the road, with a goal of having the new runway ready by 2035.

Key Facts:

  • Surinder Arora proposed a 2,800-meter runway for Heathrow, shorter than the planned 3,500-meter one.
  • The new plan avoids moving the M25 motorway, a busy road near the airport.
  • Arora aims to have the new runway ready by 2035 and a new terminal by 2040.
  • The plan is estimated to cost under £25 billion, not including some airport updates.
  • Heathrow’s original runway plan was expected to cost £14 billion, but this may increase.
  • The UK government is considering different expansion proposals.
  • Arora is a major landowner at Heathrow and has a history of completing projects on time and on budget.
  • The current expansion could increase flights at Heathrow from 480,000 to up to 720,000 per year.

Source Information

BBC Business
The Gulf bets big on AI as it seeks the 'new oil'

The Gulf bets big on AI as it seeks the 'new oil'

July 30, 2025
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) to become a key global hub for this technology. The UAE announced a large AI campus in collaboration with the US and plans to build significant data centers as part of its "Stargate" project, which involves several international tech firms.

Key Facts:

  • The UAE seeks to be a major center for AI, similar to its role in air travel, by investing in AI technology.
  • A large AI campus was announced during a visit by Donald Trump, highlighting UAE-US cooperation in this domain.
  • The UAE aims to reduce its reliance on oil by focusing on AI and data centers, part of its broader economic strategy.
  • Nvidia, a US company, will provide advanced microchips for the UAE's AI projects.
  • G42, an Emirati tech company, is leading the AI investment and development in the UAE, building infrastructure like data centers.
  • Saudi Arabia is also investing in AI, with its Public Investment Fund (PIF) launching a national AI company called Humain.
  • The UAE is encouraging international AI companies and experts to relocate by offering benefits such as low taxes and long-term visas.
  • There is still a challenge in attracting top AI research talent to the region.

Source Information

BBC Business
What makes a tsunami — and what to do if one comes

What makes a tsunami — and what to do if one comes

July 30, 2025
A large earthquake measuring 8.8 struck off Russia's east coast, sending tsunami waves toward Japan, Hawaii, and other regions around the Pacific. The earthquake triggered alerts, prompting people to move to safer areas, but no deaths or major damage were reported.

Key Facts:

  • A tsunami alert was issued following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia's Far East.
  • This earthquake is one of the strongest ever recorded.
  • Tsunami waves reached areas including Japan and Hawaii.
  • Residents in affected areas were advised to move to higher ground.
  • Tsunamis are usually caused by large earthquakes underwater.
  • An earthquake must be at least magnitude 6.5 to 7 to potentially cause a tsunami.
  • The Ring of Fire, with many earthquakes, is a common area for tsunamis.
  • Tuesday's earthquake was shallow, meaning it occurred close to the Earth's surface, increasing the likelihood of a tsunami.

Source Information

NPR Home
Hawaii avoids major damage after massive earthquake triggers tsunami

Hawaii avoids major damage after massive earthquake triggers tsunami

July 30, 2025
A strong earthquake occurred off the coast of Russia, prompting tsunami warnings and evacuations in the Pacific. Waves reached Hawaii and the West Coast, but damage was mostly minor and there were no serious injuries.

Key Facts:

  • An earthquake happened off the coast of Russia.
  • This earthquake triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific.
  • People in many areas were evacuated as a precaution.
  • The earthquake was the strongest since 2011 and sixth largest ever recorded.
  • Tsunami waves reached Hawaii and the West Coast of the United States.
  • Most of the damage reported was minor.
  • There have been no reports of serious injuries.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
The White House is pushing to embed crypto everywhere, from taxes to retirement

The White House is pushing to embed crypto everywhere, from taxes to retirement

July 30, 2025
The White House is calling on the government to quickly make changes to support the growth of the cryptocurrency industry. A new report outlines areas for improvement, like banking and taxes, to make the U.S. a leader in digital assets. The report also emphasizes the need for clear rules and swift action to enable growth in the crypto market.

Key Facts:

  • The White House released a 160-page report with recommendations on cryptocurrency regulations.
  • The report is the result of a six-month review of U.S. cryptocurrency policy.
  • It aims to make the American digital asset market the largest and most accessible in the world.
  • The report focuses on areas like securities, commodities, banking, taxes, and cybersecurity.
  • It asks for quick action from the SEC and CFTC to regulate crypto markets.
  • Banking regulators are urged to clarify permissible activities for financial institutions regarding digital assets.
  • There are recommendations for updating tax rules to better accommodate blockchain and digital assets.
  • The report calls for swift action by government agencies to help the crypto industry grow.

Source Information

Axios
Seven more die from malnutrition in Gaza, Hamas-run ministry says

Seven more die from malnutrition in Gaza, Hamas-run ministry says

July 30, 2025
Seven more people have died from malnutrition in Gaza, bringing the total to 154 deaths since the Israel-Hamas war began, according to Hamas-run health authorities. Meanwhile, there is ongoing tension and violence in Gaza, with reports of shooting near aid distribution centers and unmet needs for significant humanitarian aid.

Key Facts:

  • Seven people died from malnutrition in Gaza in the past day.
  • Since the 2023 Israel-Hamas war began, there have been 154 malnutrition deaths, including 89 children.
  • International experts warn that famine is happening in Gaza.
  • Israel says it is allowing aid to enter Gaza, but the UN and other agencies disagree.
  • A US envoy will meet with Israeli officials to discuss the crisis.
  • Six Palestinians were reportedly killed near an aid distribution center in Rafah, disputed by the Israel Defense Forces.
  • Only 109 aid trucks entered Gaza on Tuesday, far below the needed 600 trucks daily.
  • The humanitarian aid situation has worsened, with significant shortages in food, medicine, and fuel.

Source Information

BBC World
The White House announced a new health data tracking system. How would it work?

The White House announced a new health data tracking system. How would it work?

July 30, 2025
President Donald Trump announced a new plan for a private health tracking system to help patients easily access and share their health records. This system involves collaboration between the government, Big Tech companies, and health firms. However, there are concerns about privacy and how personal health data might be used.

Key Facts:

  • The new health tracking system aims to help patients access their health records across different healthcare systems and technologies.
  • The federal government, through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will maintain the system.
  • Big Tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Apple, along with health companies like Cleveland Clinic and UnitedHealth Group, are involved.
  • Patients must opt in to share their medical records and data, which are promised to be kept secure.
  • Once enrolled, patient data can be shared across participating apps and health systems.
  • Currently, each health provider keeps records differently, with no unified database available.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services states that 60 companies support the system, set to roll out by the first quarter of 2026.
  • There are concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of health information, with experts warning of ethical and legal issues.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Helicopter in deadly DC airport collision was flying too high, NTSB says

Helicopter in deadly DC airport collision was flying too high, NTSB says

July 30, 2025
Investigators found that an Army helicopter involved in a mid-air collision over Washington DC showed faulty altitude data, causing it to fly higher than planned. The collision resulted in the deaths of 64 passengers and crew from an American Airlines flight, along with three helicopter crew members.

Key Facts:

  • The Army helicopter had faulty altimeters, which are devices that show altitude.
  • These altimeters showed errors between 80 feet and 130 feet too high.
  • The crash happened on January 29 and caused 67 deaths, including passengers and crew.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting a three-day hearing to investigate.
  • The first day of the hearing focused on the helicopter's altitude and navigation systems.
  • A video animation was shown to demonstrate the helicopter and plane's path before the crash.
  • Families of the victims attended the hearing, looking for answers about the crash.

Source Information

BBC US