Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Felix Baumgartner, Daredevil Who Broke the Sound Barrier in Freefall, Dies at 56

2025-07-19

Felix Baumgartner, the renowned extreme athlete famous for his record-breaking 2012 Red Bull Stratos jump from the edge of space, died at 56 in a paragliding accident in Italy. Baumgartner, often called "Fearless Felix," plummeted to Earth at supersonic speeds, achieving a feat he described as leaving a 'footprint' on the planet. Hours before his death, he posted on Instagram, "Too much wind." Red Bull released a statement expressing their shock and sadness, highlighting Baumgartner's meticulous preparation and generous spirit. His death marks the passing of a legendary figure in extreme sports, a man who inspired many with his daring feats and unwavering determination.

(abcnews.go.com)

Misc Red Bull Stratos

Funk Legend Sly Stone Passes Away at 82

2025-06-09

Sly Stone, the pioneering leader of the funk band Sly and the Family Stone, has died at age 82. His family announced his passing after a long battle with COPD and other health issues. Known for his groundbreaking blend of musical styles, Sly and the Family Stone were the first major racially integrated American rock band, producing iconic hits like "Dance to the Music" and "Everyday People." While his later career was marked by struggles with addiction and internal band conflicts, his influence on music remains undeniable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations. A film based on his life is currently in the works.

(abcnews.go.com)

Game Funk Music Music Legend

Temporary Tariff Relief: Tech Faces New Semiconductor Tariffs

2025-04-14

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that Friday night's exemption of electronics from recent tariffs is temporary. These items will face new "semiconductor tariffs" in a month or two, aimed at reshoring semiconductor and chip production and reducing reliance on Southeast Asia. Lutnick stressed this isn't a permanent exemption but a national security measure to ensure key technologies are made in America. He expressed optimism about trade negotiations with China and addressed VP Vance's controversial remarks about the Chinese people. He believes the tariffs will ultimately boost US manufacturing and not lead to higher prices.

(abcnews.go.com)

Tech

JFK Assassination: Thousands of Declassified Documents Released

2025-03-20

The National Archives released tens of thousands of declassified documents related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Key revelations include a previously heavily redacted 1961 memo detailing CIA activities and tensions with President Kennedy, detailed records of CIA wiretapping of Soviet and Cuban diplomatic facilities in Mexico City, and surveillance related to Lee Harvey Oswald. The release fuels further investigation into the assassination and sparks debate about the CIA's role and government transparency.

(abcnews.go.com)

Tech JFK Assassination Declassified Documents

Harvard Makes Tuition Free for Families Earning $200K or Less

2025-03-17

Harvard University announced that tuition will be free for students from families with annual incomes of $200,000 or less, starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This expansion of financial aid will cover approximately 86% of US families, ensuring access for a broader range of students. Students from families earning $100,000 or less will also receive free room, board, and other student services. This initiative builds on Harvard's long-standing commitment to affordability, having invested over $3.6 billion in undergraduate financial aid since 2004. The move aims to create a more diverse student body, enriching the learning environment for all.

(abcnews.go.com)

Startup Harvard Tuition Financial Aid

NASA: 2024 Sea Level Rise Exceeds Expectations, Climate Change a Major Culprit

2025-03-16

NASA's latest analysis reveals that 2024 saw a far greater-than-expected sea level rise of 0.23 inches, surpassing the predicted 0.17 inches. This is primarily attributed to thermal expansion of ocean water due to global warming. Melting land-based ice also contributed. Interestingly, in 2024, thermal expansion accounted for two-thirds of the rise, while ice melt contributed one-third, a reversal of previous trends. The rate of annual sea level rise has more than doubled since 1993, with sea levels rising at least 4 inches since then. Since 1880, sea levels have risen between 8 and 9 inches. Human-induced climate change is the primary driver of current sea level rise.

(abcnews.go.com)

Tech

Musk Calls for ISS Deorbiting: A Debate on Science, Diplomacy, and Future Space Exploration

2025-02-23

Elon Musk recently called for the deorbiting of the International Space Station (ISS) as soon as possible. This move sparked controversy, as the station is crucial for scientific research, technology development, STEM education, and international diplomacy. Experts point out that the ISS's microgravity environment allows experiments impossible to replicate on Earth, such as studying the long-term effects of microgravity on the human body and developing new drugs and materials. Furthermore, the ISS fosters international collaboration, symbolizing post-Cold War cooperation in space. While Musk argues the ISS's utility is diminishing, premature deorbiting would halt important research and innovation, negatively impacting future lunar and Martian missions.

(abcnews.go.com)

Tech

Over 1 Million Children Possibly Affected by Long COVID, Study Suggests

2025-02-07

New federal data suggests over 1 million children may have experienced long COVID by 2023. A study analyzing the 2023 National Health Interview Survey found that children aged 12-17 were most likely affected, with higher prevalence among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white children compared to other groups. Lower income and lower parental education were also associated with higher rates. Among those currently experiencing long COVID, 80% reported activity limitations. Underreporting in younger children due to difficulty verbalizing symptoms is a potential concern.

(abcnews.go.com)

Tech Long COVID Child Health

Trump Admin Orders Federal Employees to Remove Pronouns from Email Signatures

2025-01-31

Multiple federal agencies ordered employees to remove pronouns from their email signatures by Friday afternoon, according to internal memos obtained by ABC News. The directive stems from two executive orders signed by President Trump on his first day in office, aiming to curb diversity and equity programs. Agencies including the Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, and CDC received similar instructions. One CDC employee expressed frustration, stating this had never happened in their decade of service. The Office of Personnel Management also issued a memo directing agencies to review email systems and disable pronoun prompts. This action is the latest in the Trump administration's push to dismantle diversity and equity initiatives within the federal government.

(abcnews.go.com)

Misc Federal Government Diversity

Solar Farms Find Unlikely Allies: Thousands of Sheep

2025-01-19

The booming US solar industry has discovered an unexpected partner: sheep. Large-scale solar farms, like SB Energy's massive Texas project, are utilizing thousands of sheep to maintain the land, replacing gas-powered mowers and offering a sustainable alternative. This 'solar grazing' or 'agrivoltaics' trend is expanding, creating opportunities for struggling sheep farmers and fostering positive community reception to solar farms. While long-term environmental impacts require further study, the success stories, like Texas Solar Sheep's rapid growth, highlight the potential benefits of this innovative approach.

(abcnews.go.com)

Tech

TikTok Ban Fuels Mass Migration to Xiaohongshu

2025-01-19

Facing a potential TikTok ban in the US, a wave of American users are migrating to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, creating an unusual surge in US-China online interaction. These self-proclaimed "TikTok refugees" are sharing their lives and engaging with Chinese users, fostering a unique cross-cultural exchange. Xiaohongshu's welcoming atmosphere and openness have provided fertile ground for this unexpected migration, creating new opportunities for understanding and communication between users from both countries.

(abcnews.go.com)

Tech US-China cultural exchange

First Case of Severe Bird Flu Confirmed in US

2024-12-18

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first case of severe bird flu in the United States. A Louisiana resident over 65 with underlying health conditions is hospitalized with severe respiratory illness due to avian influenza. The patient had contact with backyard birds, and genomic data shows the virus strain matches one recently spreading in US wild birds and poultry. While 61 human cases have been reported in the US since April, most were mild and recovered with antiviral treatment. The CDC stresses the risk of human-to-human transmission is low, but advises precautions for those working with or around poultry.

(abcnews.go.com)

Tech avian influenza viral infection