The article discusses the involvement of tech billionaires in politics, focusing on Elon Musk's influence and political alignment. It highlights a new book, "Gilded Rage," which examines the shift of Silicon Valley leaders towards right-wing politics and their interactions with former President Donald Trump. The book also explores the potential reasons behind this political shift and Musk's ongoing involvement in politics.
Key Facts
Silicon Valley is a major center for technology innovation and wealth.
Some tech billionaires, like Elon Musk, have become involved in politics.
Elon Musk was involved with the Department of Government Efficiency during Trump’s second term.
A new book, "Gilded Rage," looks into why tech billionaires might be aligning with right-wing politics.
The book is written by Jacob Silverman and publishes on October 7.
Some tech leaders believe the political environment around them has changed.
Musk’s political stance is mentioned as being more moderate at first.
Despite political involvement, Musk continues to focus on his role in Tesla, highlighted by a proposed large pay package.
Scientists have used DNA from human skin cells to create "functional" eggs that can produce early human embryos, but more research is needed before these eggs can be used practically. The study represents early-stage research and highlights the potential for helping with infertility issues. The researchers note several limitations, including that the eggs currently develop abnormally and are not yet viable for creating pregnancies.
Key Facts
Scientists turned DNA from skin cells into eggs that can make early human embryos.
The study suggests this could help with infertility and enable same-sex couples to have genetically related children.
The eggs had chromosomal issues, and only a small percentage developed properly.
Researchers used a technique similar to what was used in cloning Dolly the sheep.
The process involves combining cloning and fertilization by placing skin cell DNA into an egg.
Experts say this work could change how we understand and treat infertility and miscarriages.
More research is needed, with expectations of at least ten more years before potential clinical trials.
The study was published in Nature Communications and emphasizes safety and efficacy concerns before practical use.
Hollywood stars and the actors' union SAG-AFTRA are upset about Tilly Norwood, a new "AI actor" created by Dutch comedian Eline Van der Velden. The AI can mimic a human actress and is being promoted online, but there's a concern it could take jobs from real actors. Hollywood, especially after past strikes over AI, is worried about AI's impact on the industry.
Key Facts
Tilly Norwood is an AI creation described as an "actor" by its Dutch creators.
Emily Blunt, Natasha Lyonne, and Whoopi Goldberg are among the stars speaking against it.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) stated the AI is not a true actor.
SAG-AFTRA warns using AI like Tilly Norwood could conflict with new protections from the 2023 strikes.
The AI's creator, Eline Van der Velden, claims Tilly is a piece of art, not a human replacement.
AI's role in entertainment was a major issue during the 2023 Hollywood labor strikes.
Natasha Lyonne suggested boycotting talent agencies using the AI actor.
Emily Blunt expressed fear about AI's ability to replace human actors.
The article shares an interview with Bill Ready, the head of Pinterest, where he discusses online safety concerns related to the social media platform. It aims to highlight the steps Pinterest is taking to improve user safety.
Key Facts
Bill Ready is the head of the social media platform Pinterest.
The interview focuses on online safety issues on Pinterest.
The content is accessible through BBC Sounds.
The interview was released on September 30, 2025.
The episode is available for more than a year after its release.
HBO Max, now known as "Max," is adding many new movies and shows in October 2025, with a focus on horror films to match the Halloween season. Notable additions include classic horror titles along with a new series titled "IT: Welcome to Derry" releasing on October 26.
Key Facts
HBO Max has rebranded to "Max."
Many horror films are being added to the Max library starting October 1, 2025.
Classic titles like "A Nightmare on Elm Street," "Beetlejuice," and "The Sixth Sense" are included.
A new series, "IT: Welcome to Derry," will premiere on October 26.
Additional non-horror films and series across various genres will also be added.
Max lets subscribers access a wide range of new and classic content.
Former President Donald Trump proposed that U.S. companies pay a $100,000 fee for each foreign worker they hire under the H-1B visa program, used mainly by the tech industry. These visas allow foreign workers with specialized skills to work in the U.S. temporarily. Some worry this change could hurt innovation and economic growth.
Key Facts
Trump proposed a fee of $100,000 per foreign employee hired under the H-1B visa program.
The H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields such as technology, healthcare, and education.
About 65% of H-1B visas in 2023 were issued to workers in computer-related jobs.
H-1B visas have a cap of 65,000 per year for for-profit companies, with an extra 20,000 visas for workers with advanced degrees.
Some say the program lets companies pay foreign workers less than American workers.
The visas are now distributed by a lottery system due to high demand.
Since 2020, Amazon has been the biggest U.S. employer of H-1B visa holders.
Trump temporarily stopped the H-1B program during his term, but President Biden later resumed it.
Peacock, a streaming service, is adding new movies and shows in October 2025. Some of the titles include popular films like "Ghostbusters" and "How to Train Your Dragon" as well as TV premieres from NBC, Bravo, and Telemundo.
Key Facts
Peacock is adding new content for October 2025.
New movies include "Ghostbusters," "Scream," and "Friday the 13th."
Family-friendly films like "How to Train Your Dragon" will also be available.
NBC premieres include "Chicago Fire," "Chicago Med," and "Chicago PD."
Reality TV shows like "The Real Housewives" will release reunion episodes.
Other TV shows include Telemundo series and NBC wildlife programs.
The service features a mix of movies, TV series, and original content.
Scientists in the United States have created early-stage human embryos using DNA from skin cells, which were then fertilized. This technique aims to address infertility issues, but it requires further refinement and is not yet ready for clinical use.
Key Facts
US scientists created early-stage embryos by using DNA from skin cells and fertilizing it.
The technique could help people with infertility due to age or disease and could allow same-sex couples to have children genetically related to both partners.
The process involves taking the nucleus from a skin cell and placing it into an egg that has been emptied of its own genetic material.
Researchers need to refine the technique, as it currently has a low success rate and issues with chromosome management.
This method is part of in vitro gametogenesis, which creates sperm and eggs outside the body.
The study's results were published in the journal Nature Communications.
The technology is still at a research level and not yet available for fertility clinics.
Spotify founder Daniel Ek will step down as CEO at the end of the year. He will remain as executive chairman and focus on long-term strategy. His role as CEO will be taken over by his two deputies, Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström.
Key Facts
Daniel Ek is the founder of Spotify and has been the CEO for nearly 20 years.
Ek will step down as CEO but continue with Spotify as executive chairman.
Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström will become co-CEOs.
Spotify started in 2006 in Sweden to address music piracy.
The company now has over 700 million monthly users worldwide.
Ek's investments include a venture capital firm, and one of its backed companies, Helsing, is involved with AI weapons systems.
Some artists have protested against Spotify's practices, especially Ek's investment in Helsing.
Spotify's stock fell by over 4% after the announcement of Ek's decision.
In October 2025, Apple TV+ is releasing a variety of new movies and shows. Key highlights include a documentary series about director Martin Scorsese, and new episodes of the drama "Slow Horses." The streaming service will update its content throughout the month.
Key Facts
A new documentary series called "Mr Scorsese" is about director Martin Scorsese and features interviews with famous personalities.
"Mr Scorsese" premieres on October 17, 2025.
"Slow Horses," Apple TV+'s highly-rated drama, releases Season 5, Episode 2 on October 1, with weekly episodes thereafter.
Other shows getting new episodes include "The Morning Show," "Platonic," and "Invasion."
October’s lineup includes several season premieres and finales.
Apple TV+ will update its content regularly throughout October 2025.
In October 2025, Paramount+ will introduce several new films, TV series, and documentaries. Key releases include "Red Alert," a drama about events in Israel in 2023, and "Ozzy: No Escape From Now," a documentary about rock star Ozzy Osbourne. The platform also premieres the fourth season of "Mayor of Kingstown."
Key Facts
"Red Alert," a drama about real events in Israel, starts streaming on October 7, 2025.
"Ozzy: No Escape From Now," a documentary about Ozzy Osbourne, also releases on October 7, 2025.
The fourth season of "Mayor of Kingstown" premieres on October 26, 2025.
Paramount+ will feature over 60 films, including classics like "Fight Club" and "Good Will Hunting."
New TV series and documentaries include "Vicious," "Matlock," and a Grammy tribute to Cyndi Lauper.
Some content is exclusively available to Premium subscribers.
"Jurassic World Evolution 3," a new dinosaur management simulation game, will launch across all platforms this month. The game introduces several new features, including juvenile dinosaurs and new rides. The game allows players to build custom structures and shape landscapes more creatively.
Key Facts
"Jurassic World Evolution 3" is set to release this month on all gaming platforms.
The game features juvenile dinosaurs for the first time, adding new behaviors and management challenges.
Players can breed dinosaurs naturally, focusing on habitat conditions like comfort and food.
New rides, such as a hot air balloon and kayak tours, are part of the game.
Modular building tools allow players to create custom structures instead of just using pre-made ones.
An advanced terrain editor enables players to shape the game's landscape creatively.
The game's story is set before the events of "Jurassic World Rebirth," with no crossover with the film.
Imgur, an image-hosting site, has blocked access to users in the UK. This decision follows a warning from the UK's data watchdog about potential fines related to the platform's handling of age verification and children's data. Imgur described the move as a commercial decision.
Key Facts
Imgur is an image-hosting platform used widely for sharing images online.
UK users are now blocked from accessing Imgur, starting from September 30, 2025.
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) warned Imgur’s parent company about potential fines for not complying with data protection laws.
The ICO's investigation into Imgur started in March and focuses on the site's age verification and data collection from children.
The ICO mentioned Imgur did not require users to declare their age when setting up an account.
Imgur's decision to block UK access is described as a "commercial decision" rather than a direct response to regulatory requirements.
Other services by Imgur’s parent company, like Kik messenger, remain accessible in the UK with age verification measures in place.
Misinformation spreads quickly online due to bots, artificial intelligence, and distorted content. Experts discuss if and how people can identify real information and protect themselves from false information online.
Key Facts
Misinformation is shared online through bots and artificial intelligence.
Some AI-generated information is not always true.
Certain online pages change images and facts, contributing to misinformation.
There is a challenge in identifying real information in the digital world.
Experts include an editor, a psychology lecturer, and a media analytics professor.
The discussion focuses on building immunity to misinformation.
Daniel Ek, co-founder of Spotify, announced he will step down as CEO on January 1, 2026, but will stay with the company as executive chairman. Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström will become co-CEOs. Spotify has faced recent criticism from artists, partly due to Ek's investment in a military tech company.
Key Facts
Daniel Ek will stop being Spotify's CEO on January 1, 2026.
Ek will take on a new role as executive chairman.
Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström will be co-CEOs.
Spotify became a global music streaming service since its launch in Sweden in 2006.
Artists have criticized Spotify over its payments to musicians.
Some artists are leaving Spotify because of Ek's investment in a tech defense company.
Ek's venture capital firm invested in Helsing, a military tech startup.
Helsing stated their technology is used for defense in Europe, specifically focusing on Ukraine.
Scientists have created human eggs from skin cells for the first time. They successfully fertilized these eggs in a lab, which could lead to new infertility treatments. However, most embryos did not develop properly, and the technology needs much more research before it can be safely used.
Key Facts
Scientists reprogrammed adult skin cells into fertilizable egg cells.
The process, called "mitomeiosis," involves reducing a skin cell's chromosomes from 46 to 23.
The study produced 82 eggs, and about 9% developed into early embryo stages.
Most embryos showed abnormalities and did not develop normally.
This research is a proof of concept, meaning it's an early test to see if the idea works.
Current infertility treatments like IVF can't help everyone, such as those with no functioning ovaries.
Experts call for more research and public discussions on the implications and safety of this technology.
A dachshund was seen acting unusually in a video, causing internet users to speculate about possible explanations. Experts suggest that dogs might react to things humans can't perceive, like high-pitched sounds or subtle environmental cues. The dachshund’s behavior could also relate to the breed's history of hunting small animals.
Key Facts
A dachshund was recorded barking at the ceiling and pacing, with no clear cause visible.
The dog's owner posted the video on Reddit, suggesting the dog might be hallucinating.
Experts say dogs might display odd behaviors due to things like high-pitched sounds humans can't hear.
Some internet comments suggested the dog might be reacting to rodents in the ceiling.
Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to hunt small animals like badgers.
Dogs can sometimes exhibit behaviors that might seem odd to humans, possibly due to their enhanced senses.
Scientists have created human eggs in a laboratory using DNA from skin cells. This research could help women who are unable to have children using their own eggs and could also allow gay couples to have genetically related children. The process is still in its early stages, with embryos showing genetic abnormalities.
Key Facts
Scientists created human eggs with genes from adult skin cells.
The research aims to help infertile women and gay couples have children with their own genes.
The technique used is similar to the one used for cloning Dolly the sheep.
Scientists replaced DNA in a donor egg with DNA from a woman's skin cell.
They produced 82 eggs and fertilized them to develop embryos.
Nine percent of embryos reached a stage suitable for potential womb transfer.
Embryos showed genetic abnormalities, making them unsuitable for implantation.
The development is part of a field called in vitro gametogenesis (IVG).
YouTube agreed to pay $24.5 million to resolve a lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump after his account was suspended following the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. The settlement includes contributing funds to the National Mall and the construction of a White House ballroom, among other allocations.
Key Facts
YouTube will pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit from Donald Trump.
The lawsuit followed YouTube suspending Trump's account after the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.
$22 million of the settlement is designated for Trump's contributions to the Trust for the National Mall and a White House ballroom.
The remaining $2.5 million will go to other parties involved, like writer Naomi Wolf and the American Conservative Union.
Alphabet, Google's parent company, is one of three major tech firms Trump sued after his presidency ended, the others being Meta and Twitter (now X).
Trump accused these platforms of unfairly silencing him after he left office.
As therapy becomes harder to access, some people are turning to AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, for mental health support. While these bots offer some help, experts warn about the risks of using them without human oversight, especially as they are not bound by strict ethical or regulatory standards.
Key Facts
Kristen Johansson lost access to her therapist due to increased costs and now uses ChatGPT for mental health support.
ChatGPT is a chatbot developed by OpenAI with millions of users, but it's unclear how many specifically use it for mental health.
AI chatbots are marketed as “mental health companions” and are popular among those who can't afford traditional therapy.
Experts believe AI chatbots can help with structured therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) when used with human guidance.
AI cannot replace human therapists, especially for therapies needing emotional connection or dependence.
Dr. Jodi Halpern warns against AI chatbots mimicking emotional connections, as they lack professional training.
There is a shortage of licensed therapists in the U.S., which increases the appeal of AI tools.
There have been limited trials for AI therapy bots, and there is concern over their design focusing on user engagement rather than mental health.
