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Technology News

Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

Brother to Bruh: How Gen Alpha slang has its origins in the 16th century

Brother to Bruh: How Gen Alpha slang has its origins in the 16th century

Summary

The term "bruh" is now widely used by Gen Alpha (younger kids) for different expressions, from addressing parents to conveying emotions. This word has evolved from "brother" through words like "bro" and "brer," with its current popularity boosted by social media platforms like TikTok.

Key Facts

  • "Bruh" is commonly used by the younger generation, Gen Alpha, to express various emotions.
  • The word "bruh" comes from shortened forms of "brother" like "bro" and "bra."
  • The first use of "bruh" was recorded as "brer" in stories like "Br'er Rabbit" in the 1890s.
  • Social media, especially TikTok, has increased the use and popularity of "bruh."
  • Jamie Cohen and Amanda Brennan explain its social media-driven spread.
  • "Bro" was popular before "bruh" and became linked with "frat boy" culture.

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I paid £15,000 for arranging IVF – then the service went bust

I paid £15,000 for arranging IVF – then the service went bust

Summary

Some people paid large amounts of money to a company for IVF services, but the company went out of business, leaving these clients without treatment or refunds. This situation has raised concerns about unregulated "concierge clinics" that arrange IVF treatments but are not directly regulated. The fertility authority in the UK is calling for stronger laws to protect patients using these kinds of services.

Key Facts

  • Syreeta Sandhu paid £15,000 to a concierge clinic for IVF services, but the clinic closed down without giving her a refund or treatment.
  • Concierge clinics act as middlemen, connecting patients with egg donors and doctors but do not provide direct treatment.
  • These clinics are not regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), leading to calls for legal changes.
  • 52 patients are owed £119,000 in total by the closed company, Apricity.
  • Beth Rodgers, another patient, lost money and time when Apricity went out of business and had to restart her IVF treatment elsewhere.
  • The HFEA is urging for updates to laws to better oversee the evolving range of fertility services.
  • Clients of concierge clinics often do not have direct access to important information, such as medical files or donor details.
  • These clinics do not have physical locations or store reproductive materials like eggs or sperm.

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Brazilian tourist found dead after falling from an Indonesian volcano

Brazilian tourist found dead after falling from an Indonesian volcano

Summary

A Brazilian tourist named Juliana Marins died after falling from Mount Rinjani, a volcano in Indonesia. She was missing for four days before rescuers found her body. Her fall and the search efforts captivated people in Brazil.

Key Facts

  • Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old Brazilian tourist, fell from Mount Rinjani in Indonesia.
  • She fell approximately 1,968 feet while hiking with a guide and five other tourists.
  • Indonesian rescuers found her body after a four-day search using a thermal drone.
  • The difficult terrain and poor weather conditions made the search challenging.
  • Brazil's Foreign Ministry collaborated with Indonesian authorities in the rescue efforts.
  • There was controversy over claims that the Indonesian government misinformed Marins' family about her rescue status.
  • Mount Rinjani is popular with hikers and is located on the island of Lombok in Indonesia.

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Australian journalist wins unfair dismissal case over Gaza post

Australian journalist wins unfair dismissal case over Gaza post

Summary

An Australian journalist, Antoinette Lattouf, won a court case against the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) after being dismissed from her radio presenter position following a social media post about the Gaza conflict. The court ruled she was unfairly dismissed and awarded her damages.

Key Facts

  • Antoinette Lattouf was dismissed from her role at the ABC over a social media post.
  • The social media post was critical of Israel and shared by Lattouf from Human Rights Watch.
  • The court found the ABC dismissed her unfairly but did not dismiss her because of her race.
  • Lattouf was awarded A$70,000 in damages.
  • The ABC argued they did not fire her since her contract was paid in full.
  • Lattouf's dismissal led to public concern about ABC's independence and treatment of diverse staff.
  • There was alleged pressure from higher-ups at ABC to dismiss her before she shared the post.
  • Lattouf is known for her work on issues such as racism and media discrimination.

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Boeing failed to provide training to prevent MAX 9 midair emergency: NTSB

Boeing failed to provide training to prevent MAX 9 midair emergency: NTSB

Summary

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that Boeing did not provide enough training and oversight to prevent a cabin panel from blowing out during a flight of a 737 MAX 9 in January 2024. The NTSB criticized Boeing for missing key safety measures and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for inadequate oversight, leading to a criminal investigation and changes in Boeing's management.

Key Facts

  • A cabin panel blowout happened on a Boeing 737 MAX 9 in January 2024.
  • The NTSB criticized Boeing for lacking safety practices and missing key bolts in the airplane's production.
  • The FAA received criticism for not thoroughly overseeing Boeing's operations.
  • The incident led to a U.S. Department of Justice criminal investigation.
  • Boeing is working on design changes to prevent similar incidents.
  • Boeing's CEO Dave Calhoun plans to step down following the incident.
  • The FAA imposed a production cap on the 737 MAX 9, limiting it to 38 planes per month.
  • Boeing faced additional scrutiny due to an unrelated Air India plane crash involving a different aircraft model.

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Heatwave poses risks to US power grid

Heatwave poses risks to US power grid

Summary

The heatwave covering much of the United States is causing problems with the power system, leading to outages and calls for energy conservation. Con Edison reduced electricity in parts of New York City to manage the load, while other states like Virginia and New Jersey also faced power issues. Factors like increased demand from technology and potential cyberthreats add to the challenges of maintaining the power grid.

Key Facts

  • A heatwave is affecting two-thirds of the United States with high temperatures.
  • Con Edison asked New York City residents to save electricity due to the power strain.
  • Con Edison reduced power voltage in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens for repairs.
  • Power outages occurred across the East Coast and Midwest, including Virginia and New Jersey.
  • Amtrak reported train delays due to heat-related speed limits on routes between Washington, Philadelphia, and New York.
  • The heatwave highlights concerns about US power grid vulnerabilities.
  • A report showed a 60% increase in heat-related power outages from 2014 to 2023.
  • The power grid faces rising demands, partly due to growing AI data centers.
  • Cybersecurity threats to the power grid from Iranian-backed groups are being monitored.

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US judge allows company to train AI using copyrighted literary materials

US judge allows company to train AI using copyrighted literary materials

Summary

A U.S. federal judge decided that the company Anthropic could use books to train its AI tools because it was considered "fair use." However, the judge also stated that Anthropic's storing of pirated books in a central library violated copyright laws, so the company must face a trial in December.

Key Facts

  • A judge ruled that Anthropic’s use of some books to train AI tools is "fair use."
  • "Fair use" allows limited use of copyrighted material for creative or educational purposes.
  • A group of authors claimed Anthropic used their work without permission to train the AI tool Claude.
  • The judge said the AI created by Anthropic was highly transformative and therefore allowed under fair use.
  • However, Anthropic was found to have violated copyright laws by storing pirated books.
  • Anthropic will go to trial in December over the allegation of using pirated books.
  • The ruling comes amid ongoing discussions about the impact of AI and its regulation.

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Post Office payout progress insufficient, MPs say

Post Office payout progress insufficient, MPs say

Summary

The UK government's response to compensating sub-postmasters affected by the Post Office scandal has been criticized by a group of Members of Parliament (MPs). Many eligible individuals have not yet received compensation, and the government lacks a plan to follow up with those who might be entitled to it. Although over £1 billion has been paid out, many victims still await resolution.

Key Facts

  • MPs say the government's efforts to ensure sub-postmasters get compensation are not enough.
  • More than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly accused due to issues with the Horizon IT system between 1999 and 2015.
  • Out of all the letters sent to sub-postmasters about compensation, only one in five received a response.
  • The government has paid over £1 billion in compensation so far.
  • There are four main compensation schemes that sub-postmasters can apply for.
  • By March, the Post Office had contacted 18,500 people, but many had not applied for compensation.
  • 339 individuals chose a flat payout option of £600,000, while no one submitted a full claim assessment.
  • Some people affected by the scandal still have not received any compensation.

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Tech Life

Tech Life

Summary

This article discusses the concept of "digital twin cities," where a digital copy of a real city or island is created. It explores the benefits of having this digital mirror, such as improved urban planning and better management of city resources.

Key Facts

  • A digital twin is a digital copy of a real-world location, like a city or island.
  • Digital twins help with planning and managing how a city grows and changes.
  • They can improve how city resources are used, such as energy and water.
  • These digital copies can help test out city changes without affecting the real environment.
  • The concept can be used to enhance services like transportation and emergency response.
  • Digital twins are part of new technologies used to make cities smarter.
  • This initiative is available for discussion and study for over a year.

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News Wrap: 160 million enduring brutal conditions in U.S. heatwave

News Wrap: 160 million enduring brutal conditions in U.S. heatwave

Summary

A heatwave is affecting over 160 million people in parts of the Northeast. RFK Jr. informed lawmakers about rehiring nearly 1,000 staff previously laid off from the CDC and the NIH. The NTSB reported that errors at multiple levels caused a panel to detach during an Alaska Airlines flight.

Key Facts

  • More than 160 million people are experiencing a heatwave in the Northeast.
  • RFK Jr. said he rehired around 1,000 workers at the CDC and NIH.
  • The CDC stands for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • NIH stands for the National Institutes of Health.
  • The NTSB stands for National Transportation Safety Board.
  • The NTSB found that multiple mistakes led to a panel coming off an Alaska Airlines plane during a flight.
  • This incident was related to a door plug panel on the aircraft.

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Watch: Lorry driver trapped in cabin after China bridge collapse

Watch: Lorry driver trapped in cabin after China bridge collapse

Summary

The news article describes several recent events, including Emma Raducanu's emotional win, the closing of Moorlands School, and funding for repairs at a crown court. It also mentions athletic achievements and changes in sports management.

Key Facts

  • Emma Raducanu advanced to the second round in Eastbourne after an emotional win, citing she had received "some really bad news."
  • Moorlands School in Leeds will shut down on December 31 after 127 years of operation.
  • Three Lancashire batters each scored a century, leading to a record score of 639-9 against Kent in Blackpool.
  • Phil Spencer was the highest-ranked British competitor, finishing fourth at the 2025 World Downhill Skateboarding Championship.
  • Marti Cifuentes has left his position as head coach of Queens Park Rangers, a football club.
  • Dundee University will get an additional £40 million, with certain conditions attached to the funding.
  • The Ministry of Justice will allocate £14 million for repairs to a crown court as part of a larger maintenance program.

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How proposed cuts to Medicaid could affect rural hospitals

How proposed cuts to Medicaid could affect rural hospitals

Summary

Proposed Medicaid cuts in a new spending bill could seriously impact rural hospitals that are already having a tough time financially. Geoff Bennett discussed the issue with Tim Wolters from Citizens Memorial Hospital in Missouri.

Key Facts

  • The proposed domestic spending bill includes cuts to Medicaid.
  • Medicaid is a government program that helps pay for healthcare for people with low income.
  • Rural hospitals often depend heavily on Medicaid funding to operate.
  • Many rural hospitals are already struggling financially.
  • The cuts could lead to difficulties for these hospitals to continue providing services.
  • Geoff Bennett interviewed Tim Wolters, a hospital reimbursement director, to explore these concerns.
  • Citizens Memorial Hospital is located in southwestern Missouri.

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Sean Combs' defense team doesn't call any witnesses, rests in under 30 minutes

Sean Combs' defense team doesn't call any witnesses, rests in under 30 minutes

Summary

Sean Combs' defense team quickly finished presenting their case, taking less than 30 minutes and choosing not to call any witnesses. Combs decided not to testify in his own defense against charges of sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy, for which he has pleaded not guilty.

Key Facts

  • Sean Combs is facing five charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
  • His defense team did not call any witnesses and completed their case in under 30 minutes.
  • Combs has been accused by prosecutors of running a criminal enterprise linked to abuse.
  • Combs pleaded not guilty to all charges.
  • During the trial, Combs did not testify and remained mostly silent.
  • Defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro argued that the prosecution did not provide sufficient proof.
  • The defense highlighted alleged consensual relationships, not coercion.
  • Some text messages from Cassie Ventura expressing affection for Combs were presented as evidence.

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Powell says US Fed to wait to reduce rates even as Trump demands cuts

Powell says US Fed to wait to reduce rates even as Trump demands cuts

Summary

The U.S. Federal Reserve, led by Chair Jerome Powell, plans to wait before making changes to its interest rates, despite President Trump’s calls for immediate cuts. Powell explained that the Fed aims to watch how tariffs and the economy affect inflation before deciding on rate adjustments.

Key Facts

  • The Federal Reserve is waiting to see how the economy and inflation change before altering interest rates.
  • President Trump has asked for immediate interest rate cuts, but the Fed disagrees.
  • The Fed’s main job is to control inflation, not to comment on trade policies like tariffs.
  • Many economists predict inflation will rise this year, partly due to tariffs.
  • The Fed expects more information about the effects of tariffs on inflation in the coming months.
  • Recent Fed decisions showed no immediate plans to cut interest rates, but potential future cuts are considered.
  • Federal Reserve officials expect two small interest rate cuts by the end of the year.
  • Trump, who appointed Powell, has publicly criticized him and seeks significant rate cuts.

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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs confirms he won’t testify and praises the trial judge for an ‘excellent job’

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs confirms he won’t testify and praises the trial judge for an ‘excellent job’

Summary

Sean "Diddy" Combs confirmed in court that he will not testify in his sex trafficking trial. The trial involves charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy, with prosecutors presenting evidence over six weeks. Combs, who denies the charges, remains jailed without bail.

Key Facts

  • Sean "Diddy" Combs is involved in a sex trafficking trial with charges that include racketeering conspiracy.
  • Combs has decided not to testify in his defense at the trial.
  • The trial has lasted more than six weeks, with prosecutors presenting their evidence.
  • Prosecutors called 34 witnesses, including two of Combs' ex-girlfriends, to support their case.
  • Combs' legal team argued the charges were not proven and asked for them to be dismissed.
  • The judge will make a decision on these legal arguments at a later time.
  • Combs pleaded not guilty and has been in a Brooklyn federal jail without bail since his arrest.
  • During the trial, Combs’ ex-girlfriends testified about feeling coerced into sexual activities called "freak-offs" or "hotel nights."

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British man charged over 'wedding' with child, 9, at Disneyland Paris

British man charged over 'wedding' with child, 9, at Disneyland Paris

Summary

A British man was charged for organizing a fake wedding with a 9-year-old Ukrainian girl at Disneyland Paris. The man, a known sexual offender in the UK, was arrested after someone involved reported the situation to the authorities. The child was reportedly not harmed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Key Facts

  • A British man organized a fake wedding with a 9-year-old girl at Disneyland Paris.
  • The man is a convicted sexual offender and is wanted in the UK.
  • Police arrested him after someone hired for the event called the authorities.
  • The girl and others involved arrived in France two days before the event.
  • The child reportedly did not experience any physical or sexual harm.
  • Disneyland Paris was rented for the private fake wedding ceremony.
  • Over 100 people took part in the event, including extras.
  • Four people, including the man, were arrested, but only he remains in custody.
  • The man is charged with fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, and identity theft.

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Brazilian tourist who fell off Indonesian volcano found dead

Brazilian tourist who fell off Indonesian volcano found dead

Summary

A Brazilian tourist named Juliana Marins, who fell while hiking near the crater of Mount Rinjani in Indonesia, has been found dead. Rescue teams faced challenges reaching her due to difficult terrain and fog but retrieved her body after a complex operation.

Key Facts

  • Juliana Marins, a Brazilian tourist, fell while hiking on Mount Rinjani in Indonesia.
  • She was hiking with five friends and a guide when she fell from a steep trail by the crater.
  • Initial attempts to rescue her were hampered by foggy weather and rough terrain.
  • Marins was alive after the fall, and rescuers heard her calls for help.
  • Drone footage showed her moving on Saturday, but she could not be located by rescuers shortly after.
  • Thick fog and bad weather delayed rescue efforts.
  • Her body was eventually found after a team descended 600 meters into a ravine.
  • Efforts to retrieve her body are set to continue due to ongoing bad weather conditions.

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Venice protesters claim victory as Bezos changes wedding venue

Venice protesters claim victory as Bezos changes wedding venue

Summary

Protesters in Venice had a victory when Jeff Bezos moved his wedding celebration from the city center to another location. This change comes after activists voiced concerns about issues like over-tourism and climate change. The wedding, with many famous guests, will now take place at the Arsenale away from central Venice.

Key Facts

  • Jeff Bezos moved his wedding event from the Scuola Grande della Misericordia to the Arsenale in Venice.
  • The move followed protests from local and environmental activist groups.
  • Protesters are concerned about over-tourism and the effects of climate change on Venice.
  • The wedding is expected to have famous guests like Kim Kardashian, Mick Jagger, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
  • Activists planned protests to highlight the impact of wealthy visitors on the city.
  • Local officials criticized the protesters, stating such events bring important economic benefits.
  • Venice has a five-euro daily tourist tax, which activists feel is not effective in controlling visitor numbers.
  • There were plans for a "wet protest" involving inflatable alligators, but it was called off.

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'A slap in the face' - Asos bans shoppers for making too many returns

'A slap in the face' - Asos bans shoppers for making too many returns

Summary

Asos has shut down some customers' accounts for returning too many items, citing a breach of its fair use policy. The company charges a fee for frequent returns and aims to maintain free returns for all customers. Some shoppers are upset about the bans and have struggled to appeal the decisions.

Key Facts

  • Asos has banned customers for making too many returns, saying it violates their fair use policy.
  • The company charges a £3.95 fee for frequent returns if less than £40 worth of items is kept per order.
  • Asos stated that account closures help maintain free returns for all customers.
  • The fair use policy allows Asos to close accounts with "unusual patterns of returns activity."
  • Asos warned customers in 2019 about possible account deactivations for suspicious return patterns.
  • Customers have reported being unable to appeal the bans successfully.
  • Asos ships millions of orders worldwide and sells various fashion and skincare products.
  • The company's approach has upset some long-time customers who feel alienated by the bans.

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What to know about 'Alligator Alcatraz,' Florida migrant detention center in progress

What to know about 'Alligator Alcatraz,' Florida migrant detention center in progress

Summary

Florida is converting an airfield in the Everglades into a migrant detention center, called "Alligator Alcatraz." The site is near Miami and was once meant to be a major airport. The plan has raised environmental and community concerns.

Key Facts

  • Florida is building a migrant detention center at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport.
  • The site is called "Alligator Alcatraz" because it is surrounded by Everglades wildlife.
  • The detention center will initially have 5,000 beds, half of its total capacity.
  • The location was initially planned to be a large airport but was stopped in the 1970s due to environmental concerns.
  • The project is expected to start in the first week of July.
  • Environmental groups and community members oppose the plan, worried about its impact on nature and local residents.
  • Miami-Dade's mayor has asked for more information about potential environmental effects.
  • The federal government approved the proposal, which Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced.

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