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Technology News
Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology
CBS is ending "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" in May, closing a long-running TV program. The decision is described by CBS as financially driven, not linked to Colbert's show performance or content. Colbert has been a known critic of former President Trump, and his show won several awards and nominations.
Key Facts
CBS will cancel "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" next May.
Stephen Colbert criticized a settlement involving Trump and CBS's parent company, Paramount.
CBS states the cancellation is purely for financial reasons amid challenges in late-night TV.
Colbert has hosted "The Late Show" since 2015, succeeding David Letterman.
The show has received a Primetime Emmy nomination and won a Peabody Award.
Colbert’s show still holds strong viewership and is leading its broadcast time slot.
Stephen Colbert is known for his political content and has frequently criticized Donald Trump.
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Netflix used artificial intelligence (AI) for visual effects in its Argentine show, The Eternaut, to create a building collapse scene. The use of AI helped complete the scene faster and for less money. This comes amid wider debates in the entertainment industry about AI replacing human jobs.
Key Facts
Netflix used AI for visual effects for the first time in its show, The Eternaut.
AI was used to make a building collapse scene in the show.
The technology helped finish that scene 10 times faster than traditional methods.
Netflix's revenue grew to $11 billion in the three months ending in June, partly due to the hit show Squid Game.
The entertainment industry is concerned about AI replacing human jobs.
In 2023, actors' unions called for stricter AI regulations during a Hollywood strike.
Some industry figures, like Tyler Perry, halted projects over AI's job impact concerns.
Generative AI allows smaller studios to create high-quality visual effects.
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Serious pollution incidents caused by water companies in England increased by 60% last year, according to government data. These incidents have severe impacts on the environment and pose risks to human health. A report from the Public Accounts Committee criticizes the government and regulators for not effectively managing these issues.
Key Facts
Serious pollution incidents by water companies rose by 60% last year in England.
These incidents harm aquatic life and can affect human health.
Three companies—Thames Water, Southern Water, and Yorkshire Water—were responsible for most of these serious events.
In 2024, 2,801 pollution events were recorded, the highest number on record.
Around 75 events were the most severe, impacting fisheries and drinking water.
England's sewage system handles both rain and waste, and increased rainfall may have stressed the system.
Despite varying rainfall, serious pollution breaches legal permits the water companies hold.
Nearly a quarter of inspected sites by the Environment Agency were not following permit rules.
The Public Accounts Committee criticizes regulators and suggests they need more power and resources to hold companies accountable.
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Myanmar's military government has announced that it regained control of a town called Nawnghkio in Shan State from the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) after a year-long battle. The area had been strategically important and captured by the TNLA, a rebel group, in July 2024. The military claims to have succeeded through coordinated ground and air tactics.
Key Facts
Myanmar's military government claims it recaptured the town of Nawnghkio from the TNLA.
Nawnghkio is located in Shan State, on a key highway connecting central Myanmar to China.
The military said it engaged in 566 armed conflicts over 11 months to retake the town.
Nawnghkio is near Myanmar's main military training academy and close to the city of Mandalay.
The TNLA, part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, did not acknowledge the military's claim but reported difficulty in continuing administrative work due to military pressure.
Myanmar's military overthrew the elected government in a coup in 2021, leading to ongoing civil conflict.
The Three Brotherhood Alliance includes the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Arakan Army, who seek more autonomy from the central government.
The People’s Defence Force, a pro-democracy group, is loosely allied with the Three Brotherhood Alliance against the military regime.
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Tesla has launched its Model Y electric car in India, priced around $70,000. This move follows years of challenges and makes India the latest market for Tesla's global expansion. The Model Y will face high import tariffs and competition from other luxury electric vehicles in India.
Key Facts
Tesla launched the Model Y in India, which is the world's third-largest car market.
Tesla's Model Y is priced higher in India compared to other countries, at about $70,000.
India has high import tariffs on fully built cars, affecting Tesla's prices.
The Model Y comes in two versions in India: rear-wheel drive and long-range rear-wheel drive.
Tesla’s Model Y range is 500 kilometers (310 miles) for RWD and 622 kilometers (386 miles) for the long-range version.
Competing electric vehicles in India include models from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, and Kia.
Tesla offers a four-year warranty for the Model Y’s battery and drive unit in India.
Standard features on the Model Y include safety systems like emergency braking and collision alerts.
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Two park rangers shared their experience of being the first to clean the presidential faces on Mt. Rushmore. They were part of a specially trained team that took on this challenging task.
Key Facts
Two park rangers were involved in cleaning the faces of the presidents on Mt. Rushmore.
This task was the first of its kind; no one had cleaned the monument before.
The park rangers were part of a team that received special training for this job.
They had to work at great heights to reach the facial carvings on the mountain.
The cleaning was done under a program called StoryCorps, which records personal stories.
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Residents in the Toledo region of Spain were evacuated by the Spanish Civil Guard due to wildfires threatening homes in the towns of Méntrida and Calypo Fado. The fires have affected around 2,500 hectares of land, with strong winds spreading smoke towards Madrid.
Key Facts
Wildfires are burning in the Toledo region of Spain.
The Spanish Civil Guard is leading evacuation efforts.
Dozens of people in Méntrida and Calypo Fado were told to leave their homes.
About 2,500 hectares (25 square kilometers) of land have been affected by the fire.
Strong winds are pushing smoke towards the capital city, Madrid.
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Heavy rains in South Korea have caused four deaths and forced over 1,300 people to evacuate. The government has raised its disaster alert to the highest level due to the severe flooding, which has affected many areas including homes and roads.
Key Facts
Four people died because of heavy rains in South Korea.
More than 1,300 people have been evacuated from their homes.
The government increased the disaster alert to the highest level possible.
In Seosan, more than 400 millimeters of rain fell in just half a day.
The rain has been described as a "once-in-a-century" event by the weather agency.
Pictures and videos show cars and homes submerged under water.
Authorities have warned about high risks of landslides and flash floods.
Injuries reported include hypothermia and leg injuries from the flooding.
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The movie-related episode of NPR's The Indicator from Planet Money discusses Christopher Nolan's film, The Odyssey, which is allowing seat reservations a year before its release. It also explores how movie ticket prices might indicate broader economic issues such as tariffs and inflation, and examines efforts in Los Angeles to simplify the filmmaking process.
Key Facts
Christopher Nolan's movie, The Odyssey, is offering ticket reservations a year ahead of its premiere.
Movie ticket prices can provide insights into wider economic trends, like tariffs and inflation.
Los Angeles is trying to make it easier for filmmakers by reducing complex regulations.
The episode is part of a series discussing various aspects of the movie industry.
The Indicator from Planet Money can be accessed through various platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Netflix used generative AI to create visual effects in an Argentine TV show called "The Eternauts." This marked the first time Netflix used AI to make scenes for one of its original series.
Key Facts
Netflix used generative AI to create a scene of a building collapsing for the TV show "The Eternauts."
Generative AI makes images and videos based on prompts given by users.
The use of AI helped complete the scene 10 times faster than traditional methods.
Netflix's co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, said AI allows smaller budget productions to use advanced effects.
Netflix reported $11.08 billion in revenue for April to June 2023, a 16% increase from last year.
The increase in revenue was partly due to the success of the South Korean series "Squid Game."
The entertainment industry has concerns about AI replacing human jobs.
AI was a major issue during a Hollywood strike in 2023, leading to calls for more regulation.
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Congress voted to roll back $9 billion in funding, which includes cutting $1.1 billion for public broadcasting and $7 billion for foreign aid. The cuts mean that federal support for public broadcasters like NPR and PBS will end, affecting their operations. The decision now waits for the President's signature.
Key Facts
Congress approved a plan to cut $9 billion in spending.
The cuts include $1.1 billion that would have supported public broadcasting.
Public broadcasting includes services like NPR and PBS, which provide news and educational programs.
The House vote was 216 in favor and 213 against the cuts.
Two Republicans joined Democrats who opposed the funding rollbacks.
The plan also cuts around $7 billion in foreign aid programs.
Public broadcasting outlets, especially those in rural areas, might struggle due to these cuts.
An amendment to protect U.S. AIDS relief programs passed in the Senate, but most other changes were blocked.
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An attempt to collect food aid in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, ended in tragedy when a crowd rushed a distribution point, causing a deadly stampede. Eighteen-year-old Hani Hammad was hospitalized after being trampled, and 21 people lost their lives in the chaos. The incident happened near a gate managed by a U.S.-backed organization, with reports of pepper spray and gas bombs being used by guards.
Key Facts
Hani Hammad, an 18-year-old, was involved and injured in a stampede at a food distribution point in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip.
The stampede began when a large crowd rushed a narrow corridor to collect food aid.
The incident occurred early Wednesday, and resulted in 21 Palestinian deaths, with 15 dying from suffocation.
The food aid site was managed by the GHF, an organization supported by the United States.
Reports indicated the use of pepper spray and gas bombs by American guards during the chaos.
Hani is the oldest among his siblings and feels pressured to provide due to their parents being in Jordan for medical treatment.
Mohammed Abedin, a 24-year-old, was also injured in the stampede and described the dangerous crowd conditions.
The food aid distribution site had been closed for two days before the incident and was reopened with restricted entry points.
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Togo held municipal elections with low voter turnout following recent protests against constitutional reforms. The protests were sparked by dissatisfaction with leader Faure Gnassingbe's extended rule and the arrest of a popular rapper calling for demonstrations.
Key Facts
Togo held municipal elections with low turnout.
Recent protests criticized constitutional reforms and Gnassingbe’s long rule.
Seven protesters died during these protests.
Heavy police and military presence was seen in Lome during elections.
Faure Gnassingbe has ruled Togo since 2005.
The constitutional reforms change the presidential system to a parliamentary one.
Critics of the reforms labeled them a "constitutional coup."
Public demonstrations in Togo have been banned since protests in 2017-2018.
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A former trader named Mark Johnson, who used to work for HSBC, had his fraud conviction overturned by a US court after a fight that lasted nine years. He was originally convicted in 2017 for allegedly manipulating currency exchange rates to benefit HSBC. The conviction was overturned because a law used against him was revoked.
Key Facts
Mark Johnson is a former trader from HSBC who was originally found guilty of fraud in 2017.
He was accused of manipulating currency exchange rates to help HSBC make a profit.
He served time in US and UK prisons before being released in 2022.
In 2023, the US court overturned the law used in his prosecution, leading to his acquittal.
Johnson was alleged to have increased the price of British pounds before a large trade.
This practice was called "front-running," but some argued it was normal in the industry.
Johnson's arrest in 2016 happened in the US, avoiding extradition procedures.
His co-accused, Stuart Scott, successfully fought extradition and had charges dropped.
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A settlement was reached in a lawsuit against Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other leaders over the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal. Investors had claimed Meta leaders did not properly inform users about how their information would be used. Details of the settlement were not disclosed in court.
Key Facts
A class action lawsuit alleged that Meta did not tell Facebook users about data misuse by Cambridge Analytica.
Cambridge Analytica was a firm that worked with Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
The lawsuit sought billions in refunds for fines and legal expenses.
A settlement was announced in a Delaware court, but details were not given.
Facebook previously agreed to pay a $5.1 billion fine to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Investors wanted company leaders to reimburse an estimated $8 billion for the FTC fine and legal costs.
Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg were expected to testify.
Former board member Jeffrey Zients testified on the first day of the trial.
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Heavy monsoon rains have caused flash floods and killed at least 54 people in eastern Pakistan in just one day. This has increased the total number of rain-related deaths in the country to 178 over the past three weeks, with significant rainfall and flooding continuing to affect many areas.
Key Facts
At least 54 people died recently due to heavy rains in eastern Pakistan.
The total number of rain-related deaths in the past three weeks is 178.
Pakistan has experienced 82% more rainfall this July compared to the same period last year.
The province of Punjab received 124% more rainfall than the same time last year.
Flash floods have affected areas like Rawalpindi and Lahore, causing street flooding.
Authorities used boats to rescue people in Jhelum district due to flash flooding.
The National Disaster Management Authority has issued flood alerts and advised caution.
More rain is expected, and there is a concern for possible repeat of severe weather like the 2022 floods.
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Congress is thinking about taking back one billion dollars it had set aside for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This group helps fund TV and radio stations that are not for profit. Ken Burns, a well-known filmmaker, talked about what this might mean for PBS, a public TV network.
Key Facts
Congress is considering canceling one billion dollars in funding.
This money was originally approved for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting supports public media like TV and radio stations.
Ken Burns, a famous filmmaker, discussed the issue and its effects on PBS.
Ken Burns is known for making documentaries about topics like the Civil War and Vietnam.
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The Trump administration is sharing personal data with immigration authorities as part of its enforcement efforts. This includes Medicaid data and potentially sensitive taxpayer information from the IRS.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is providing personal data to immigration authorities.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is receiving Medicaid data.
ProPublica discovered that the IRS is creating a program to share sensitive taxpayer information with immigration agents.
This information could include details like home addresses.
William Brangham discussed the issue with Christopher Bing from ProPublica.
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A data breach exposed the identities of over 100 UK officials, including special forces and intelligence agents, as well as data on nearly 19,000 Afghans who worked with the UK during the Afghanistan war. This breach led to a resettlement scheme that allowed 4,500 Afghans to move to the UK, with another 2,400 expected to relocate.
Key Facts
More than 100 UK spies and special forces members were identified in a data breach.
Nearly 19,000 Afghans who assisted the UK during the Afghanistan war had their data leaked.
The breach became public after a legal order preventing disclosure was partially lifted by a judge.
The data was accidentally emailed by someone at UK Special Forces HQ to an unintended recipient.
A resettlement plan called the Afghanistan Response Route was created, helping 4,500 Afghans move to the UK.
The resettlement program is expected to cost about £850 million.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) acknowledged the breach as a serious error.
The Taliban has not confirmed any actions against Afghans named in the breach, but their families are worried.
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Rapper Snoop Dogg has become a part-owner of Swansea City, a football team in the Championship league, by investing in the club. His involvement aims to increase the club's profile to bring in more money and help strengthen the team.
Key Facts
Snoop Dogg has taken a minority ownership stake in Swansea City.
Swansea City is a football team in the Championship, which is the second-highest division in English football.
Snoop Dogg is known to have a great interest in football and wants to help the club.
The club announced that Snoop Dogg's connection came through a mutual link with its American owners, Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen.
Swansea City aims to raise its profile and revenue through Snoop Dogg's global fanbase.
A mural of Snoop Dogg has been placed in the Swansea.com Stadium to celebrate his involvement.
Luka Modric also became a part-owner of the club after the takeover by Cravatt and Cohen.
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