OpenAI’s new app, Sora, faced criticism after launching with an opt-out policy for copyright holders. The company initially required media companies to explicitly state they didn’t want their characters or likenesses used in the app. However, after receiving backlash over “deepfakes” of Nazi SpongeBob and other unacceptable content, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced a reversal … Read more
A new app called Sora 2, which uses artificial intelligence to generate videos and audio content, has encountered problems. The app, which is similar to TikTok, allowed users to create videos of popular characters like SpongeBob SquarePants or Stephen Hawking in unpleasant situations. However, this raised copyright concerns. As a result, the app’s popularity quickly … Read more
US President Donald Trump is close to brokering a major diplomatic accomplishment in the Middle East – a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. This deal could be a test of his presidency as a peacemaker and may bring him closer to winning the Nobel Peace Prize. However, critics warn that success will depend on how … Read more
The US Mint plans to issue a commemorative $1 coin with President Donald Trump’s image on both sides, despite the fact that living presidents are usually not featured on currency. The 2020 Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act authorizes redesigns of quarters, half dollars, and $1 coins, including a series commemorating the US’ 250th anniversary in … Read more
Federal authorities arrested 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht, charged with arson. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a minimum 5-year sentence. The blaze destroyed thousands of homes and killed 12 people. Source: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/palisades-fire-california-arrest-johnathan-rinderknecht-31e2dbe7
US President Donald Trump has made a statement on his social media platform Truth Social, calling for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to be imprisoned. He didn’t specify which laws they allegedly broke. The Illinois leaders strongly condemned the president’s increased immigration raids and the deployment of National Guard troops in … Read more
Israel and Hamas reached an agreement for the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, in a breakthrough in negotiations to end the devastating war in Gaza. The deal would involve a pullback of Israeli troops, entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the release of Israeli hostages as early as this weekend. The agreement … Read more
Microsoft has released the latest update for Windows 11, version 25H2, despite knowing about four known issues with the operating system. Users may encounter problems playing protected video files, sharing files via SMB v1, and installing updates on certain devices. The Media Creation Tool is also incompatible with Arm-based computers. It’s recommended to wait before … Read more
Japanese tech giant SoftBank has agreed to invest $5.4 billion in ABB’s industrial-robotics business, combining AI and robots. This is the largest investment in robotics by SoftBank, with CEO Masayoshi Son backing both technologies for over a decade. Source: https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/softbank-to-buy-abbs-robotics-unit-in-5-38-billion-deal-f95024c8
The IRS has started sending mass furlough notices to employees, shuttering most operations due to a government shutdown that has extended beyond its initial contingency plan. However, employees who are not exempt or excepted from the furlough will receive back pay once the shutdown ends. In an updated contingency plan, the agency plans to keep … Read more