Waymo, a company that makes self-driving cars, is expanding its services across the U.S., including in San Francisco and other cities. This expansion has raised safety concerns, especially after incidents involving pets, and has sparked competition from other companies like Amazon's Zoox. Local officials are discussing increasing oversight of these vehicles.
Key Facts
Waymo is a self-driving car company owned by Google’s parent, Alphabet.
Waymo has expanded its services to several U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Dallas, and Miami.
There have been safety concerns after incidents where Waymo cars reportedly hit a cat and a dog.
Amazon's Zoox, another self-driving vehicle company, is also running services in San Francisco.
Local officials, like California State Senator Dave Cortese, want more city-level oversight of autonomous vehicles.
Currently, the California Public Utilities Commission and DMV regulate these vehicles.
Waymo claims its vehicles have fewer accidents compared to human-driven cars.
A petition is circulating to increase local authority over self-driving cars.
President Trump announced that the U.S. will allow Nvidia to sell its H200 chips to China, with a 25% share of sales going to the U.S. government. This decision, meant to advance the U.S. position in AI technology, includes conditions to maintain national security.
Key Facts
The U.S. will let Nvidia export H200 chips to China, with a 25% cut of sales given to the U.S. government.
President Trump stated this approach will also include companies like AMD and Intel.
This move is similar to an earlier deal where Nvidia and AMD paid 15% of sales to the U.S. for licenses to sell less-advanced chips.
There are concerns about these chips potentially aiding China's military goals.
The ban still applies to Nvidia's current Blackwell chips, set to be upgraded in 2026.
Nvidia expressed support for the decision, highlighting its potential to boost U.S. manufacturing jobs.
Sales to China will undergo checks by the Department of Commerce to ensure they meet security conditions.
The fifth and final season of the TV series "The Boys" will premiere on April 8, 2026, on Prime Video. New episodes will release every Wednesday until May 20, 2026. This season continues the story of Butcher and his team as they face off against Homelander.
Key Facts
"The Boys" Season 5 is the last season of the series.
It will premiere on April 8, 2026, on Prime Video.
New episodes will air weekly on Wednesdays, with the finale on May 20, 2026.
The show is exclusive to Prime Video, requiring a subscription.
The story focuses on the conflict between Butcher's group and the Supes.
New cast members include Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins.
Two spinoffs are reportedly in production: "The Boys: Mexico" and "Vought Rising."
President Donald Trump has approved the sale of Nvidia's H200 computer chips to select buyers in China. These chips help develop artificial intelligence but are not Nvidia's most advanced models.
Key Facts
President Trump approved selling Nvidia H200 chips to "approved customers" in China.
The chips are used in the development of artificial intelligence (AI).
There are concerns that selling advanced chips to China could help it compete with the U.S. in AI.
The H200 chips are advanced but not Nvidia's top-of-the-line models.
Nvidia's more advanced chips, like Blackwell and Rubin, are not included in this sale.
Nvidia is an American chipmaker involved in AI and computing technologies.
The creator of an app called ICEBlock, which alerted users about nearby U.S. immigration officers, is suing the Trump administration. The lawsuit claims the government violated his right to free speech by forcing Apple to remove the app. The app had over a million users before it was taken down.
Key Facts
ICEBlock was an iPhone app that warned users of nearby immigration agents.
The app's creator, Joshua Aaron, is suing the Trump administration, claiming violation of First Amendment rights.
Attorney General Pam Bondi allegedly pressured Apple to remove the app, claiming it endangered federal agents.
Apple blocked the app in October, citing law enforcement information.
The lawsuit aims to prevent the government from pursuing charges against Aaron.
Google also removed similar apps, though ICEBlock was not available for Android.
The Justice Department did not comment on the lawsuit.
Aaron argues the removal of the app limits public knowledge about government actions.
A livestreamed Reddit "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) event called "Tipping Point – Turning Science Into Solutions" will address the problem of misinformation in science communication. Various experts, including scientists and digital influencers, will discuss how to effectively share accurate information on topics like climate change, health, and technology. The event will take place on December 10th at 11 a.m. EST across multiple social media platforms.
Key Facts
The AMA event focuses on how to combat misinformation in science.
It is titled "Tipping Point – Turning Science Into Solutions".
It will feature interviews with scientists and digital content creators.
Hosts include Miles O’Brien and Deema Zein.
The event encourages viewer questions on Reddit.
It will be streamed on platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
Featured guests include Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist, and Joe Hanson, a science communicator.
The event aims to find effective ways to communicate scientific facts.
Massachusetts' highest court is reviewing a lawsuit that claims Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, created addictive features aimed at young users to increase profits. The lawsuit highlights issues like constant notifications and endless scrolling that could particularly affect teenagers. Meta disputes these allegations, stating that their actions are protected under free speech laws.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell in 2024.
It claims that Meta designed features on Facebook and Instagram to be addictive for profit.
State Solicitor David Kravitz stated the claims focus on Meta's tools and their addictive nature.
Meta argues that their actions are protected by the First Amendment, which safeguards free speech.
Meta faces similar lawsuits from multiple states related to addiction and privacy issues among children.
Some judges focused on Meta's notification features, which might exploit teenagers' fear of missing out.
The Wall Street Journal reported in 2021 that Meta knew Instagram could harm teenagers' mental health.
Critics argue Meta hasn’t sufficiently addressed safety concerns for teenagers on its platforms.
President Donald Trump announced he would sign an executive order to create a single set of rules for artificial intelligence (AI) in the U.S. This order aims to streamline AI development by overriding individual state regulations, though its legality is uncertain. The proposal has sparked debate, especially among those who support states' rights to make their own laws.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to sign an executive order for a unified AI rulebook in the U.S.
The executive order would override state-level AI regulations.
President Trump argues a single rulebook is needed for the U.S. to lead in AI innovation.
The proposal is part of a larger effort to include AI regulation in the federal defense budget.
Some Republican Party members and state lawmakers oppose the plan, citing concerns over states' rights.
President Trump has strengthened his connections with AI and tech leaders and has introduced multiple initiatives to promote AI growth.
Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital (KMUH) in Taiwan is a leader in robotic-assisted surgery, using the Da Vinci system to improve surgical outcomes. Since 2013, the hospital has excelled in minimally invasive surgery and serves as an influential training center for both domestic and international physicians.
Key Facts
Robotic-assisted surgery at KMUH uses the Da Vinci system for greater precision and safety.
The hospital adopted the fourth-generation Da Vinci Xi system for improved surgical procedures.
KMUH focuses on minimally invasive surgery offering smaller cuts, less pain, and quicker recovery.
The principles of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) have been part of their protocol since 2013.
KMUH is the first observation center for robotic colorectal surgery in Taiwan.
The hospital has published 420 papers, garnered 12 patents, and led several innovation trials.
KMUH was ranked eighth in Taiwan on Newsweek's 2025 “World’s Best Hospitals” list.
It received the Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery certification from the Surgical Review Corporation.
KMUH is an international proctoring and observation center for robotic colorectal surgery.
Elon Musk's social media platform X has stopped the European Commission from placing ads after the commission fined X €120 million under the EU's Digital Services Act. The fine was for the platform's handling of its blue tick badges, which the EU claims misleads users and lacks transparency. Elon Musk criticized the EU's decision online, calling for the EU to be abolished.
Key Facts
X blocked the European Commission from making ads on its platform after a €120 million fine.
The fine was the first issued under the EU's Digital Services Act.
The EU said X's blue tick badges were misleading and exposed users to scams.
Elon Musk publicly disagreed with the EU's actions, suggesting the EU should be abolished.
The platform has 60 days to address the EU's concerns about its blue checkmarks.
U.S. officials criticized the EU for allegedly censoring American companies.
Brazil and Australia have previously fined or taken action against X for regulatory issues.
A developer claims that a Google AI tool accidentally deleted their entire D: drive instead of just the cache they requested be cleared. The AI tool reportedly apologized for the mistake, acknowledging it targeted the wrong files. The developer shared their experience on Reddit to prevent similar errors for others.
Key Facts
A developer used a Google AI tool called Antigravity to delete a cache but it deleted their whole D: drive instead.
The AI tool acknowledged it made a mistake and apologized to the developer.
The incident involved the Google Antigravity platform, which runs on Google's Gemini AI.
The D: drive that was wiped is usually a secondary storage space in computers.
The developer shared the event publicly to help others avoid the same problem.
Google has not verified the developer's claims.
Many Reddit users criticized AI tools and Google's Antigravity after the post.
A study analyzed step counts from 94,696 adults in the U.K., finding a link between lower daily steps and a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. The study suggests low step counts might be an early sign of Parkinson's, rather than a cause. While wearable devices track movement, they cannot diagnose Parkinson's.
Key Facts
The study involved 94,696 people from the U.K. Biobank who used activity trackers.
It found that lower step counts were linked to a higher risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
407 participants were diagnosed with Parkinson's over a median follow-up of 7.9 years.
The risk was most noticeable close to the time of diagnosis, not years later.
The study suggests low physical activity might be a consequence of early Parkinson’s symptoms.
Demographic and lifestyle factors like age and sex were considered in the analysis.
The study's findings do not mean step counts can diagnose Parkinson's.
The U.K. Biobank data may not fully represent the entire population.
President Trump is focusing heavily on the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States. He has created policies to encourage AI development and reduce regulations. This approach is part of an effort to ensure U.S. leadership in AI, though concerns exist about job impacts for Americans.
Key Facts
President Trump supports fast growth and light regulation for AI in the U.S.
He has made alliances with tech leaders and companies to promote AI.
Trump has introduced several initiatives, such as executive orders and action plans, to push AI leadership.
AI companies in the U.S. are receiving investments and benefits, like protection from some tariffs.
There's concern among Trump's supporters that AI growth might hurt American jobs.
Critics argue that the focus on tech could risk losing support from his traditional working-class base.
The AI sector is growing, but traditional manufacturing jobs are declining in the U.S.
The article discusses the possibility of an artificial intelligence (AI) bubble, where a lot of money and excitement are driving industry growth. While AI has transformative potential, the risks are higher if investments focusing on companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft do not succeed. The conversation includes varied opinions on whether AI, especially large language models (LLMs), may be experiencing a market bubble.
Key Facts
Discussions about an "AI bubble" have increased significantly, with mentions rising by 880% in recent investor calls.
Google DeepMind's CEO suggested that parts of AI might be in a bubble but believes AI remains transformative overall.
OpenAI Chairman mentioned the possibility of a bubble but stated some companies would be resilient to such occurrences.
Large language models are seen by some as becoming less profitable, with high costs impacting returns on investment.
Companies like TSMC are cautiously managing AI demand by communicating with customers closely.
Moody's raised concerns about OpenAI's plan to spend $1.4 trillion on infrastructure, a significant risk for itself and partners.
Oracle and AMD have notable future business commitments tied to OpenAI.
Heavy investment in AI has made significant computing power accessible at lower costs for developers and users.
Researchers found that vibrating certain tendons before exercise can make physical activity feel less demanding. The study used devices on the Achilles and knee tendons during cycling sessions, leading participants to exert more effort without feeling that exercise was more challenging.
Key Facts
An international research team from Canada and France conducted the study.
They used vibration devices on participants' Achilles and knee tendons before exercise.
Participants cycled harder and produced more power during the tendon vibration sessions.
Despite exerting more, participants felt the workout was as easy as without vibration.
The study only tested this method during a short, three-minute cycling exercise.
Vibration changes how the brain perceives effort by affecting signals from muscles.
Understanding these signals could encourage more regular physical activity.
Civil rights groups are worried that the growth of data centers needed for artificial intelligence (AI) is causing environmental problems for communities of color. These data centers require a lot of water and energy and are often built in areas already facing high pollution levels. The NAACP is organizing a meeting to talk about potential legal actions and strategies to manage these environmental effects.
Key Facts
Data centers for AI use large amounts of water and electricity, which can increase costs for nearby residents.
A data center in Southwest Memphis has faced legal challenges due to increased pollution levels.
In Amarillo, Texas, there are concerns about water use from an AI data center potentially affecting the Ogallala Aquifer.
Residents in Northern Virginia are resisting data center expansions due to community impact.
A proposed data center near Tucson, Arizona, could worsen existing water scarcity.
A planned large data center in Florida's St. Lucie County is also facing opposition.
Civil rights groups, including the NAACP, are organizing to discuss how to address these challenges effectively.
IBM reinvented itself by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations. The company trained its employees to use AI tools and restructured how it works, which has improved productivity and increased revenue.
Key Facts
IBM focused on using AI to change its internal operations.
The company created a "Client Zero" initiative to apply AI across its business.
IBM trained every employee in using AI tools and developing digital assistants.
Around 3,000 digital workers, or automated AI tasks, were created to improve efficiency.
IBM unlocked $3.5 billion in productivity gains through AI integration.
Revenue growth changed from a decline to a 5 percent increase over three years.
IBM's Research and Development (R&D) investment rose from 9 percent to 12 percent of revenue.
IBM's stock price increased by 36 percent in the past year.
Online shoppers face risks from scams as the holiday season approaches. These scams have cost people a lot of money in past years, so it's important to be careful when shopping online. Experts share tips on how to avoid these scams.
Key Facts
Scammers are targeting holiday shoppers looking for good deals online.
In the past year, fraudulent items and non-deliveries resulted in over $700 million in losses.
Alissa Abdullah from Mastercard provides insights on this issue.
Fake or never-delivered items are common online scams during the holiday season.
Be cautious when shopping online to avoid being scammed.
Learning how to identify legitimate deals can help protect consumers.
Security experts suggest ways to recognize and prevent online fraud.
Small, affordable solar panel systems called "plug-in" solar are growing in popularity. These systems allow more people to use solar power without needing large, expensive rooftop installations.
Key Facts
Plug-in solar panels are small and affordable.
They are gaining popularity in the United States.
These systems are already widely used in Germany.
Plug-in solar panels make clean energy more accessible.
Users do not need to own their rooftops to install them.
PBS member station KQED's Laura Klivans reports on this trend.
