Starting January 1, 2026, New York City's MetroCards will no longer be available for purchase or refill as the transit system moves to the OMNY contactless payment system. Most people are already using OMNY to pay for subway and bus rides. The switch is expected to save money and modernize the payment process.
Key Facts
The MetroCard will no longer be sold or refilled after December 31, 2025.
OMNY allows riders to pay fares by tapping a contactless card or device.
Over 90% of subway and bus trips in New York City are already paid with OMNY.
Remaining balances on MetroCards can be transferred to OMNY Cards for up to two years after the expiration date of the MetroCard.
MetroCards will be accepted for use until a specific date in 2026, which will be announced later.
The new OMNY system includes a weekly fare cap of $34, where rides after the 12th trip in a week are free, mimicking the old 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard plan.
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A TikTok video by a user named Lejla from New Jersey highlighted the extensive time people spend on their phones, prompting many to calculate their annual screen time. This led to a widespread reflection among viewers as they recognized the impact of their screen habits, with some reporting over 100 days of phone usage in a year. The video encouraged discussions on reducing screen time and becoming more mindful about digital consumption.
Key Facts
A TikTok video showed a user calculating her annual screen time as 130 days.
The video was shared by a user named Lejla, becoming viral with over 4.7 million views.
Many viewers also calculated their screen time, some realizing they exceeded 100 days.
Lejla uses apps to track and limit her phone usage, aiming to reduce her daily screen time.
The trend follows a podcast suggestion for a "phone-free fall," encouraging less screen usage.
The topic sparked conversations about the health impact of excessive screen time.
TikTok imposed a 60-minute daily screen time limit for users under 18 in 2023.
The digital minimalism trend, like "Gen-Z timeout," promotes spending time without digital distractions.
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Barry Webb, a photographer, captures detailed images of tiny slime moulds using a special technique called focus bracketing. His work has gained recognition, including a recent award from the British Photography Awards. Webb's images reveal the unique structures and ecosystems where slime moulds live.
Key Facts
Barry Webb is a photographer who specializes in capturing images of slime moulds.
He uses a high-powered macro lens and focus bracketing, a method that involves taking many photos and combining them for a detailed image.
Webb's photograph titled "Glistening Slime Mould" won the people's choice award in the macro category at the British Photography Awards 2025.
Slime moulds are single-celled organisms related to amoebas, not plants, animals, or fungi.
Webb began photographing slime moulds more during the Covid lockdown.
Slime moulds feed on bacteria, algae, and fungi, playing an important role in ecosystems.
Slime moulds have been used in practical applications like urban transport mapping and searching for dark matter.
Taking photos of these tiny organisms has become easier with advances in digital photography technology.
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This year, artificial intelligence (AI) has seen major growth in development and spending. It has boosted the tech industry and contributed to economic growth. Some experts are questioning if this rapid growth may be part of a financial bubble.
Key Facts
AI development and spending are major economic stories of this year.
AI is driving significant growth in the tech industry.
The tech industry's growth is helping the overall economy.
There are concerns about whether this growth is part of a financial bubble.
Discussions about this potential bubble include experts from major news outlets.
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Author Malcolm Gladwell talked with Amna Nawaz on the podcast "Settle In." They discussed insights from revisiting his book, "The Tipping Point," after 25 years.
Key Facts
Malcolm Gladwell is an author.
Amna Nawaz is the host of the "Settle In" podcast.
Their discussion focused on Gladwell's book, "The Tipping Point."
The book was revisited by Gladwell 25 years after its original release.
They talked about what Gladwell learned from looking back at his work.
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Season 3 of HBO's "The Last of Us" series will have a major character recast due to scheduling conflicts. Danny Ramirez, who played Manny Alvarez, cannot return for this season. The series, adapted from a popular video game, may face further challenges as some creative changes have unsettled fans.
Key Facts
"The Last of Us" is an HBO series based on a popular video game.
Danny Ramirez played the character Manny Alvarez in Season 2.
Scheduling conflicts prevent Ramirez from being in Season 3, so his role will be recast.
The show's Season 2 had a low audience approval rating of 37 percent.
Creative changes in the adaptation have upset some fans of the video game.
Neil Druckmann, originally a key creative voice, is stepping back to focus on other work.
There is uncertainty about the continuation of the series to a fourth season.
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Venture capitalist Alex Davis is worried that too many data centers are being built without businesses lined up to use them. His investment firm, Disruptive, is involved in the AI industry and has invested in tech companies like Groq. Davis warns that this could lead to financial problems in the future.
Key Facts
Venture capitalist Alex Davis is concerned about the rapid construction of data centers without guaranteed users.
Davis sent a letter to investors highlighting these concerns.
His firm, Disruptive, recently invested heavily in AI companies, including Groq.
Groq signed a significant $20 billion licensing deal with Nvidia.
Davis predicts a financing crisis for those building data centers without tenants by 2027–2028.
Data centers affect electricity prices and are becoming a political issue.
The investment community is now questioning the viability of current data center strategies.
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Ubisoft's game, Rainbow Six Siege, experienced issues over the weekend due to a suspected hack. The game servers went offline and in-game currency was mistakenly distributed to players. Ubisoft has restored server access and is investigating the problem, although the marketplace remains shut down.
Key Facts
Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege game servers were offline due to a suspected hack.
During the downtime, in-game currency worth millions was distributed to players.
Ubisoft has restored server access but has shut down the game's marketplace for now.
The company plans to investigate and fix the issues over the next two weeks.
Rainbow Six Siege is a popular game, with regular players and esports events.
Ubisoft did not confirm the incident as an official hack but acknowledged the issues.
Players received 2 billion credits, valued at approximately $13.3m (£9.9m).
Users noticed irregular messages, but Ubisoft stated these were not from their team.
The situation affected both new and long-term players, especially during the holiday season.
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The release of the James Bond video game, 007 First Light, is delayed to May 27, 2026. Developer IO Interactive says the game is playable but needs more time to make it better. The game will feature actor Patrick Gibson as a young James Bond.
Key Facts
The release of 007 First Light is delayed from March 27, 2026, to May 27, 2026.
IO Interactive, known for the Hitman series, is developing the game.
The game tells a new James Bond story, focusing on his early years as he joins MI6.
Actor Patrick Gibson stars as James Bond in the game.
Lenny Kravitz will perform the role of the main villain.
The game has elements similar to the Hitman game series, including gadgets and action scenes.
Fans have raised concerns about some technical aspects, like frame rate drops and motion blur.
IO Interactive describes this as its most ambitious project and thanks players for their patience.
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Nvidia and Groq have made a deal to share technology to speed up and reduce costs related to using AI models for real-world tasks, called inference. This partnership targets improving how AI processes data it hasn't seen before, making AI more practical for everyday uses. This could influence the AI industry by encouraging more companies to adopt and invest in AI technologies.
Key Facts
Nvidia and Groq have a tech licensing deal focused on AI inference.
Groq's chips are designed for inference, helping AI models work in real-life situations.
Nvidia mainly dominates the AI training phase but aims to strengthen its position in inference.
Inference allows AI models to generate responses based on learned data.
Improving inference can reduce AI costs and encourage more commercial use.
Nvidia will gain expertise from Groq employees joining their team.
AI models work in two phases: training (learning with data) and inference (using that knowledge).
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In 2026, several highly anticipated TV shows and series reboots across various platforms are scheduled for release. These include sequels and finales of popular series, new adaptations of classic stories, and the return of beloved entertainment formats. The lineup features a variety of genres ranging from spy dramas to sci-fi and classic mysteries.
Key Facts
"The Night Manager" series 2 will premiere on 1 January on BBC One/BBC iPlayer, featuring Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Colman.
"Red Eye" series 2 will air on 1 January on ITV1/ITV Player, set in a US Embassy with security threats.
The "Stranger Things" finale will stream on 1 January on Netflix, concluding the series nearly 10 years after it began.
"The Traitors" returns for a new series on 1 January on BBC One/BBC iPlayer with host Claudia Winkleman.
"Seven Dials," an Agatha Christie adaptation, will be available on Netflix starting 15 January.
"A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," a Game of Thrones spin-off set a century earlier, will debut on 19 January on Sky Atlantic/NOW.
A reboot of the medical drama "Scrubs" featuring original cast members is set to release on 25 February on Hulu, with UK availability to be confirmed.
"Young Sherlock," directed by Guy Ritchie, will explore Sherlock Holmes's early years and premieres on 4 March on Prime Video.
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Starting January 1, people in the UK who want to fly drones weighing 100g or more outside must pass an online theory test to receive a Flyer ID. This change applies to many new drone users, as the previous requirement was only for drones weighing 250g or more.
Key Facts
From January 1, UK drone users must pass a theory test for a Flyer ID if their drone weighs 100g or more.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) introduced the rule to ensure drones are used safely.
Previously, only drones weighing 250g or more needed a Flyer ID.
The new rules affect up to half a million people in the UK.
Children under 13 need a parent or guardian present during the test.
Drones with cameras require users to register for an Operator ID.
Flying without a Flyer or Operator ID can lead to fines or prison.
The CAA's rules aim to protect privacy and ensure drones don't disrupt certain areas.
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The article explains how modern winter jackets use old physics principles and new materials to keep people warm. It discusses how jackets manage heat using conduction, convection, and radiation, while also staying breathable to allow sweat to escape.
Key Facts
Winter jackets keep you warm by managing heat through conduction, convection, and radiation.
Conduction is the passing of heat from your warm body to the colder air around you.
Convection involves the movement of air, where cool air replaces the warmth around the body.
Radiation deals with heat transfer through electromagnetic waves, like how heat from the sun warms the Earth.
Modern materials like synthetic fibers and aerogels improve how well jackets trap heat.
New designs use thin layers and breathable membranes to keep jackets lightweight and comfortable.
Jackets also have outer shells that block wind and water to keep warmth in.
These innovations give designers better control over warmth, breathability, and comfort.
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The article explains how creating an AI-generated image requires many steps involving energy, hardware, and software. It outlines how AI uses powerful computer chips called GPUs in data centers that consume significant electricity, and how this power is managed and optimized.
Key Facts
An AI-generated image is created using a process that involves computer chips called GPUs.
These GPUs are often provided by Nvidia, a leading company in the market.
Data centers housing these chips require a lot of electricity and cooling systems.
The electricity demand for AI-optimized data centers is expected to quadruple by 2030.
Companies like EmeraldAI and Schneider Electric work to improve energy efficiency in data centers.
Data centers are connected to power sources through the electric grid or increasingly directly linked to specific power sources.
Energy sources can include wind farms, nuclear power plants, or natural gas facilities.
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AI-generated videos with racist and misleading content are spreading online, influencing political views. These videos are becoming easier to create and harder to spot, often being shared on social media for profit or misinformation. Companies are attempting to manage this issue with policies, but the problem persists.
Key Facts
AI-generated videos are used to spread racist and misleading content.
These videos can influence political discussions and public opinions.
Creating such videos is becoming easier with apps from companies like OpenAI and Google.
Some users share these videos for profit, exploiting social media engagement rewards.
These videos perpetuate harmful racial stereotypes and misinformation.
Companies have policies to reduce racist content, but detection and control are challenging.
Misleading videos can affect perceptions of social programs and political elections.
OpenAI and Google use watermarks and restrictions to limit misuse of their AI tools.
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Researchers in Yellowstone National Park are using advanced AI technology to study wolf howls. The goal is to improve the monitoring and tracking of wolves in the park. This research is being reported by PBS Montana.
Key Facts
Scientists are working in Yellowstone National Park.
They are studying wolf howls.
They use advanced AI technology for this research.
AI stands for artificial intelligence, which involves creating smart computer programs.
The research aims to better monitor and track wolves.
PBS Montana is reporting on this research.
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In 2026, several major streaming services will change their subscription prices. Paramount+, Disney+, and Peacock have already announced their price increases, while others like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have not confirmed changes yet. Spotify might also raise its prices, but details are unclear.
Key Facts
Netflix has not announced a price change for 2026 but acquired Warner Bros. Discovery and may change prices later.
Spotify might raise its subscription prices in early 2026, though details are unconfirmed.
Paramount+ will increase its U.S. subscription prices on January 15, 2026, with ad-supported plans going from $7.99 to $8.99 and ad-free plans from $12.99 to $13.99.
HBO Max has already increased its prices in October by $1 monthly.
Amazon Prime Video has no confirmed price increase for 2026, despite analyst speculation.
Disney+ raised its prices in October this year, increasing the ad-supported plan by $2 and the ad-free plan by $3.
Peacock raised its prices in July, with both the Premium and Premium Plus plans increasing by $3 monthly.
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The article discusses the rise of AI influencers like Gigi, created by student Simone Mckenzie, who gain popularity on social media with minimal effort and cost. Traditional human influencers, like Kaaviya Sambasivam, face challenges competing with these AI creations. AI influencers can generate content quickly using AI tools, changing how influencers operate online.
Key Facts
Gigi is an AI influencer created by a student named Simone Mckenzie.
AI influencers can produce videos using simple prompts, making it easier and quicker to create content.
Simone's AI influencer Gigi gained millions of views in just two months.
Traditional human influencers invest time and money in content creation, unlike AI influencers.
AI influencers have the potential to change the influencer industry by making it more accessible.
The influencer industry is estimated to be worth over $250 billion.
AI influencers can disrupt the traditional ways human influencers gain and maintain followers.
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The article discusses Tesla's self-driving software and concerns about safety, especially around texting while driving. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has suggested that their software may allow texting while driving, raising alarm among safety experts. Regulators are investigating Tesla's software due to several safety concerns.
Key Facts
Tesla is testing self-driving software that can handle lane changes and parking.
The software upgrade costs an extra $8,000.
Elon Musk indicated that Tesla's software may allow drivers to text, depending on traffic conditions.
Safety experts are worried about the risks of texting while driving.
Tesla's self-driving software requires driver supervision, despite its automated features.
US and UK laws generally ban texting while driving.
Tesla faces competition from companies like Waymo, which also develops autonomous driving technology.
US regulators are investigating Tesla's software for various safety issues.
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Smartphone users are adopting a trend called "tech minimalism" by simplifying their devices. They disable nonessential features and reduce distractions to focus more on essential functions like maps and messaging. This trend helps reduce screen time and its potential negative impacts on mental health.
Key Facts
Many people are making their smartphones simpler by turning off extra features and social media.
The goal is to make phones like older models, focusing on necessary functions without losing key features.
The trend is popular with Gen Z, who want to avoid distractions from things like social media.
Dr. Jennifer Rolnick highlighted the negative effects of long screen time on the nervous system.
Apps like Dumb Phone and LessPhone help users create a simpler phone experience.
Apple's iOS features, like Assistive Access, also allow users to simplify their phone experience.
Techniques like setting custom focus modes and using app blockers can aid in minimizing distraction.
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