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The 1300-Year-Old Mystery: Ise Grand Shrine's Cyclical Rebirth

2025-09-23

The 1300-Year-Old Mystery: Ise Grand Shrine's Cyclical Rebirth

For 1300 years, Japan's most revered Shinto shrine, Ise Grand Shrine, has been completely rebuilt every two decades. This isn't mere renovation; it's a $390 million, nine-year project involving the nation's finest artisans. Ancient rituals, generations of inherited skills, and reverence for the deity intertwine in this cyclical process. From prayerful tree-felling to the final consecration, each step is imbued with solemnity and mystery, reflecting a unique Japanese understanding of the cycle of life and harmony with nature.

(apnews.com)

Misc Ise Grand Shrine Shinto Shrine Reconstruction

Disney Faces Lawsuit Over Steamboat Willie Copyright

2025-09-21

Disney Faces Lawsuit Over Steamboat Willie Copyright

Morgan & Morgan, a major US law firm, is suing Disney for the right to use images from Steamboat Willie in its commercials. They argue the copyright has expired, but fear a trademark infringement lawsuit from Disney, prompting them to seek a court ruling. Their proposed ad depicts Mickey's boat crashing into Minnie's car, leading her to contact the firm. Disney has yet to respond.

(apnews.com)

Misc trademark infringement

Cyberattack Disrupts European Airports, Causing Flight Delays

2025-09-20

Cyberattack Disrupts European Airports, Causing Flight Delays

A cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems at several major European airports on Saturday caused widespread disruptions and delays. While the impact on travelers seemed limited, experts warned of vulnerabilities exposed in the security systems. The attack focused on Collins Aerospace's MUSE software, affecting multiple airports and forcing manual check-in and boarding. While some flights were cancelled or delayed, many airports reported minimal operational impact. The incident highlights the aviation industry's reliance on shared digital systems and the inherent security risks.

(apnews.com)

Tech aviation security

Taliban Bans Fiber Optic Internet in Afghan Province to 'Prevent Immorality'

2025-09-17

Taliban Bans Fiber Optic Internet in Afghan Province to 'Prevent Immorality'

The Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Balkh province has banned fiber optic internet access, citing concerns about "immorality." The ban affects government offices, businesses, and homes, leaving them without Wi-Fi internet access, although mobile internet remains functional. A Balkh resident expressed worries about the impact on his business and others reliant on internet connectivity. The ban marks the first of its kind since the Taliban's takeover in 2021, raising concerns among residents about the implications and potential expansion to other provinces.

(apnews.com)

Tech Taliban Afghanistan Internet Ban

Equatorial Guinea Cuts Internet to Annobón Island After Protest Over Dynamite Blasting

2025-09-14

Equatorial Guinea Cuts Internet to Annobón Island After Protest Over Dynamite Blasting

Following a protest by residents of Annobón Island, Equatorial Guinea, against dynamite explosions by a Moroccan construction company, Somagec, the government responded by cutting off internet access to the island. Dozens of protesters were imprisoned for nearly a year. The internet shutdown has crippled banking and emergency medical services, leaving residents reliant on expensive phone calls. The government and Somagec deny involvement in the shutdown, but the action is seen as another instance of government repression. Despite the island's mineral wealth, residents live in poverty and have sought independence for years, with this internet outage exacerbating tensions.

(apnews.com)

Tech government repression Equatorial Guinea

US High Schoolers' Scores Plummet to Historic Lows Amidst Decade-Long Decline

2025-09-10

US High Schoolers' Scores Plummet to Historic Lows Amidst Decade-Long Decline

The Nation's Report Card reveals a decade-long slide in US high schoolers' reading and math performance, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 12th-grade scores hit a more than 20-year low, while 8th-grade science scores also significantly dropped. Experts attribute this not only to pandemic-related school closures and absenteeism but also to longer-term factors such as increased screen time, shorter attention spans, and a decline in reading longer texts. The achievement gap widened, particularly affecting girls in STEM subjects. This alarming trend sparks concerns about the US education system and fuels debate over federal education funding.

(apnews.com)

Misc US Education Student Performance

Ocean's Keystone Species Threatened by Climate Change

2025-09-09

Ocean's Keystone Species Threatened by Climate Change

New research reveals that Prochlorococcus, the smallest and most abundant phytoplankton on Earth, is significantly threatened by climate change. As ocean temperatures rise, this microscopic bacterium—crucial to the marine food web and climate regulation—could decline by as much as half in tropical oceans within the next 75 years. The study, based on a decade of data collected across extensive ocean voyages, highlights the worrying trend. The reduction in Prochlorococcus will have profound impacts on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and even human food supplies. Researchers urge a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate this threat.

(apnews.com)

Tech ocean ecology Prochlorococcus

Google Hit with $425M Verdict for Privacy Violations

2025-09-06

Google Hit with $425M Verdict for Privacy Violations

A federal jury has ordered Google to pay $425.7 million for illegally tracking users' smartphones over nearly a decade. The class-action lawsuit covered approximately 98 million devices in the US, resulting in roughly $4 per device in damages. Google denies wrongdoing and plans to appeal. Plaintiffs argued Google used the collected data for targeted advertising, generating billions in profit. While significantly less than the $30 billion+ sought, the plaintiffs celebrated the verdict as a win for privacy.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Massive Offshore Aquifer Discovered in the North Atlantic: A Potential Game Changer for Global Water Security?

2025-09-06

Massive Offshore Aquifer Discovered in the North Atlantic: A Potential Game Changer for Global Water Security?

Expedition 501, a multinational research project, has unearthed a massive freshwater aquifer under the North Atlantic seabed, potentially holding enough water to supply New York City for 800 years. Building on a serendipitous discovery in 1976, the expedition extracted tens of thousands of liters of water samples for analysis of their origin and usability. This discovery offers a potential solution to the growing global water crisis, but also raises challenges concerning ownership, sustainable extraction, and the impact on marine ecosystems. Further research will determine the water's age and suitability for consumption.

(apnews.com)

Tech freshwater resources

Nepal Blocks Facebook, X, and YouTube Over Registration Failure

2025-09-05

Nepal Blocks Facebook, X, and YouTube Over Registration Failure

Nepal's government has blocked major social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, for failing to comply with registration regulations. The government claims repeated notices were ignored. While some platforms like TikTok and Viber, having registered, remain operational, the move has sparked concerns over freedom of speech and accusations that the accompanying bill is a tool for censorship and suppressing dissent.

(apnews.com)

Tech Nepal

8,500-Year-Old Sunken Village Unearthed: A Silent Warning from Climate Change

2025-09-02

8,500-Year-Old Sunken Village Unearthed: A Silent Warning from Climate Change

Archaeologists in Denmark have discovered an 8,500-year-old Stone Age settlement submerged 8 meters below the surface of Aarhus Bay. The discovery, part of a EU-funded project exploring sunken Northern European landscapes, has yielded well-preserved artifacts including animal bones, stone tools, and arrowheads thanks to the oxygen-free environment. The research offers insights into how Stone Age societies adapted to rising sea levels and serves as a valuable historical parallel to today's climate change challenges.

(apnews.com)

Tech Prehistoric Archaeology Sea Level Rise

AI Music: The Silent Revolution Sweeping the Charts

2025-09-01

AI Music: The Silent Revolution Sweeping the Charts

Forget guitars and keyboards; a new wave of music creation is here, driven by AI. Oliver McCann, using the stage name imoliver, proves that musical talent isn't a prerequisite for chart success. His AI-generated tracks have garnered millions of streams, leading to a record deal—a first for an AI musician. This rise of AI music tools, however, has sparked a flurry of copyright lawsuits from major record labels. Simultaneously, AI's democratizing effect is empowering hobbyists, who are using it to create music at an unprecedented scale. Despite controversies over quality and ownership, the potential of AI music to reshape the industry is undeniable.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Russia Tightens Internet Grip: WhatsApp and Telegram Calls Partially Restricted

2025-08-14

Russia Tightens Internet Grip: WhatsApp and Telegram Calls Partially Restricted

Russia has partially restricted calls on messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp, citing the need to combat crime. The government regulator claims these platforms are used for fraud, extortion, and terrorist activities, accusing the companies of ignoring requests to take countermeasures. This is the latest move in Russia's long-standing effort to control the internet, involving restrictive laws, website bans, and online traffic manipulation. While VPNs can circumvent restrictions, they are also routinely blocked. The move raises concerns about freedom of communication and government surveillance, as Russia promotes its domestically developed messaging app, MAX, as a replacement for international platforms.

(apnews.com)

Tech russia communication security

Nvidia, AMD to Share 15% of China Chip Sales Revenue with US Government

2025-08-12

Nvidia, AMD to Share 15% of China Chip Sales Revenue with US Government

Nvidia and AMD have agreed to share 15% of their revenue from chip sales to China with the U.S. government to secure export licenses. This follows a previous halt on advanced chip sales to China due to national security concerns. The deal is controversial, with critics questioning its legality and arguing it sets a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining US national security and competitiveness in the AI race.

(apnews.com)

Tech US-China tech rivalry

Big Tech's Data Centers: Who's Paying the Price?

2025-08-10

Big Tech's Data Centers: Who's Paying the Price?

Soaring electricity bills are prompting states to grapple with the costs of powering Big Tech's energy-hungry data centers. While the precise impact is debated, growing evidence suggests that residential and commercial ratepayers are subsidizing these massive energy demands, particularly as the AI boom fuels data center expansion. States are exploring various solutions, from pressuring grid operators to developing specialized rates for data centers, but challenges remain in ensuring fair cost allocation and transparency, especially given the influence of tech giants. The question remains: will states have the political will to make Big Tech pay its fair share, or will ordinary citizens continue to bear the burden?

(apnews.com)

Tech electricity costs

Roblox Gardening Game 'Grow a Garden' Breaks Concurrent Player Records

2025-08-09

Roblox Gardening Game 'Grow a Garden' Breaks Concurrent Player Records

Grow a Garden, a viral Roblox game about gardening, has unexpectedly become a summer hit, shattering records for concurrent players and surpassing even major titles developed over years with millions of dollars. Created by a 16-year-old in just days, this low-stress, relaxing game features simple gameplay, a Minecraft-esque aesthetic, and soothing classical music. Its success has cemented Roblox's place in popular culture and sparked a debate about the definition of 'gamer', challenging traditional industry norms. The game's popularity even coincided with the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6, leading to speculation about the desires of the gaming audience.

(apnews.com)

Game

AI Surveillance in Schools: A 13-Year-Old's Joke Leads to Arrest, Sparking Debate

2025-08-07

AI Surveillance in Schools: A 13-Year-Old's Joke Leads to Arrest, Sparking Debate

A 13-year-old girl's arrest for an online joke highlights the controversial use of AI-powered surveillance software in schools. The software, designed to detect threats, flagged an innocuous comment as a violent threat, leading to interrogation, a strip search, and jail time. While educators claim the technology saves lives, critics argue it criminalizes careless words and disproportionately impacts teenagers. High false alarm rates and numerous lawsuits underscore the ethical dilemmas of using AI in schools, raising questions about balancing safety with student rights and well-being.

(apnews.com)

Tech teen rights

Tech Layoffs: AI Scapegoat or Efficiency Play?

2025-08-04

Tech Layoffs: AI Scapegoat or Efficiency Play?

The 2023 tech layoff wave has seen many companies blame AI. However, the reality is more nuanced. An Indeed report reveals a decline in tech job postings, but this isn't solely due to AI; the end of pandemic-era hiring binges also played a significant role. Some companies frame layoffs as strategic shifts towards AI and efficiency, aiming to appease Wall Street. Yet, AI's impact isn't entirely negative; it may displace some jobs but also create new ones. Currently, entry-level positions are most affected, while experienced AI specialists remain in high demand. The long-term effects of AI on the job market require further observation.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Australian Rocket Crashes After 14 Seconds, Still Deemed a Success

2025-07-30

Australian Rocket Crashes After 14 Seconds, Still Deemed a Success

Australia's first attempt at an orbital launch from its own soil ended in a crash after just 14 seconds. The Eris rocket, developed by Gilmour Space Technologies, failed to reach orbit, but the company considers the launch a success due to the successful ignition and partial flight. This marks Australia's first orbital launch attempt in over 50 years and represents a significant step for the nation's burgeoning commercial space industry. Government funding has supported the project, aiming to boost Australia's space sector.

(apnews.com)

Tech Australian space program

AI Adoption in the US: Younger Generations Embrace AI, But Limitations Remain

2025-07-30

AI Adoption in the US: Younger Generations Embrace AI, But Limitations Remain

A recent poll reveals that most US adults utilize AI for information searches, yet its application in work tasks, email drafting, and shopping remains limited. Younger adults are significantly more likely to integrate AI into their lives, employing it for brainstorming and work-related activities. The survey highlights that 60% of Americans (74% of those under 30) use AI for information retrieval at least occasionally. However, only about 40% employ AI for work tasks or idea generation, suggesting that the tech industry's promises of highly productive AI assistants haven't yet materialized for most. Younger Americans demonstrate a notably higher AI adoption rate, especially for brainstorming, with those under 30 twice as likely to use it compared to those aged 60 and older. Individuals like 34-year-old Courtney Thayer selectively utilize AI, such as using ChatGPT for meal planning and nutritional calculations, but avoid it for crucial information, particularly medical advice, due to concerns about AI inaccuracies. In summary, while information search is the most prevalent AI application, its adoption in work, email, and shopping lags, with the younger generation's greater acceptance potentially signaling a future shift in broader AI usage.

(apnews.com)

AI Generational divide

Trump Admin Seeks to Revoke Key Climate Change Finding

2025-07-30

Trump Admin Seeks to Revoke Key Climate Change Finding

The Trump administration proposed revoking the 2009 endangerment finding, which established that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare, thus underpinning numerous climate regulations. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin claims this is the largest deregulation in US history, but environmental groups fiercely oppose it, arguing it ignores worsening climate disasters. The move could eliminate tailpipe emission limits and hamper future climate action, leading to likely legal challenges.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Wyoming to Host Massive AI Data Center, Outpacing State's Total Household Energy Consumption

2025-07-30

Wyoming to Host Massive AI Data Center, Outpacing State's Total Household Energy Consumption

Cheyenne, Wyoming will soon be home to a massive artificial intelligence data center. Initially consuming more electricity than all Wyoming households combined, the facility has the potential to expand fivefold. This joint venture between Tallgrass and Crusoe will start with 1.8 gigawatts of power, scalable to 10 gigawatts – enough to power a million homes. Wyoming, a major energy exporter, will supply the data center with power generated from natural gas and renewables. While data centers are energy intensive, using renewable sources mitigates climate impact. Though unconfirmed, the project is speculated to be related to OpenAI's 'Stargate' initiative, following the recent launch of a similarly massive OpenAI data center in Texas and plans for further expansion. The project's scale raises questions about potential increases in electricity bills for residents.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Lawyers Sanctioned for Using ChatGPT's 'Hallucinations' in Court Filings

2025-07-26

Lawyers Sanctioned for Using ChatGPT's 'Hallucinations' in Court Filings

Three lawyers from Butler Snow, a high-priced firm defending Alabama's prison system, were sanctioned by a federal judge for using ChatGPT to generate court filings containing fabricated case citations. The judge called the AI-generated citations 'completely made up' and 'recklessness in the extreme'. The lawyers, who have received over $40 million in state payments since 2020, were removed from the case and the matter referred to the Alabama State Bar for potential disciplinary action. This incident highlights the risks of using AI without proper verification in legal proceedings.

(apnews.com)

Misc Legal Malpractice

Robinhood's Tokenization Gamble: Revolution or Regulatory Risk?

2025-07-21

Robinhood's Tokenization Gamble: Revolution or Regulatory Risk?

Companies like Robinhood are aggressively pushing the tokenization of real-world assets, aiming to break down barriers favoring the wealthy and increase investment transparency and accessibility. This trend leverages blockchain technology to transform assets like stocks and real estate into tradable digital tokens. While proponents see it as the next leap forward in crypto, critics worry it could undermine existing securities laws and investor protections. The tokenization of private company shares is particularly concerning, raising regulatory and potential fraud risks; OpenAI publicly disavowed Robinhood's issuance of its tokens. This has sparked a broad debate about the future of tokenization and how regulators will address this emerging trend, with a potential impact projected to reach $2 trillion by 2030.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Record-Breaking Auction: Martian Meteorite and Dino Skeleton Fetch Millions

2025-07-19

Record-Breaking Auction: Martian Meteorite and Dino Skeleton Fetch Millions

A Sotheby's auction in New York saw a 54-pound Martian meteorite, NWA 16788, sell for over $5.3 million, setting a record for the most expensive meteorite ever sold. However, the real star was a rare juvenile Ceratosaurus nasicornis skeleton, which fetched a staggering $30.5 million after a fierce bidding war. This is only one of four known complete skeletons of this species, and the only known juvenile. The meteorite, discovered in the Sahara Desert, journeyed millions of miles through space before landing on Earth.

(apnews.com)

Tech meteorite auction dinosaur skeleton Sotheby's

Louisiana Cancels $3 Billion Coastal Restoration Project

2025-07-18

Louisiana Cancels $3 Billion Coastal Restoration Project

Louisiana has canceled a $3 billion project to repair its eroding Gulf Coast, funded by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement. Governor Jeff Landry deemed the project a threat to the state's way of life, while conservationists viewed it as a crucial response to climate change. The cancellation could result in Louisiana losing over $1.5 billion in unspent funds and potentially repaying the $618 million already invested. The project, aimed at rebuilding wetlands by diverting sediment-laden Mississippi River water, was halted due to escalating costs and concerns about its impact on local fisheries. The state plans a smaller, cheaper alternative, but environmental groups strongly oppose this, arguing it's insufficient to address coastal erosion.

(apnews.com)

Tech coastal restoration

Microsoft Outlook Restored After Widespread Outage

2025-07-13

Microsoft Outlook Restored After Widespread Outage

Following widespread issues accessing email accounts late Wednesday and into Thursday, Microsoft announced that affected Outlook systems are back online. The outage peaked just before noon ET Thursday, with over 2,700 users globally reporting problems such as inbox loading and sign-in failures to Downdetector. Microsoft initially encountered problems with its fix, leading to delays. By late afternoon, reports had significantly dropped, and Microsoft confirmed a configuration change resolved the impact for all users. The cause of the hours-long outage remains undisclosed.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Scottish Tidal Turbine Achieves 6.5-Year Uninterrupted Operation

2025-07-11

Scottish Tidal Turbine Achieves 6.5-Year Uninterrupted Operation

A tidal turbine submerged 40 meters off the Scottish coast has achieved a remarkable 6.5 years of continuous operation, showcasing the technology's commercial viability. This record, set by one turbine at the MeyGen project, significantly boosts investor confidence and paves the way for larger-scale tidal energy farms. The four 1.5-megawatt turbines at MeyGen currently power up to 7,000 homes annually. While still in its early stages, the project demonstrates the immense potential of tidal energy as a clean and sustainable resource. Overcoming challenges like regulatory hurdles and environmental concerns remains crucial for wider adoption, but this milestone addresses key durability questions that previously hindered investment and development.

(apnews.com)

Tech tidal energy Scotland

Peter Jackson Funds De-Extinction Project: Bringing Back the Giant Moa

2025-07-09

Peter Jackson Funds De-Extinction Project: Bringing Back the Giant Moa

Filmmaker Peter Jackson and Colossal Biosciences have partnered on a $15 million project to genetically engineer a bird resembling the extinct giant moa. Using genetic material from existing birds and advanced gene editing techniques, they aim to create a creature similar to this 12-foot-tall flightless bird. The project, while met with some scientific skepticism regarding the feasibility of fully recreating an extinct species, has garnered support from Māori scholars, highlighting the intersection of science, conservation, and cultural heritage.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Trump Tax Bill Signed Amidst Republican Celebration

2025-07-04

Trump Tax Bill Signed Amidst Republican Celebration

Amidst joyous celebrations, Republicans signed their signature tax and spending bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson, overcome with emotion, expressed his belief in America and praised the bill as an audacious plan. Republican leadership lauded President Donald Trump, crediting his agenda and the White House's influence as crucial to the bill's passage. The signing ceremony was filled with selfies, Trump-esque poses, and even featured lawmakers mimicking Trump's signature dance moves.

(apnews.com)

Misc Tax Bill Republicans

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