Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

LeCun: LLMs Will Be Obsolete in Five Years

2025-04-05

Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist, predicts that large language models (LLMs) will be largely obsolete within five years. He argues that current LLMs lack understanding of the physical world, operating as specialized tools in a simple, discrete space (language). LeCun and his team are developing an alternative approach called JEPA, which aims to create representations of the physical world from visual input, enabling true reasoning and planning capabilities surpassing LLMs. He envisions AI transforming society by augmenting human intelligence, not replacing it, and refutes claims of AI posing an existential risk.

(www.newsweek.com)

AI

California Ballot Initiative Inspired by Murder Seeks to Reform Healthcare Insurance

2025-03-31

A proposed California ballot initiative, informally named after the alleged assassin of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, aims to prevent insurers from delaying or denying doctor-recommended treatments. The initiative, filed by a retired attorney, is fueled by public anger over the healthcare insurance industry following the CEO's murder. The proposal would make it a felony for non-physicians to review physician-recommended treatments and requires physician review for any denial. The initiative is currently under review and requires significant public support to appear on the ballot.

(www.newsweek.com)

Tech california ballot initiative insurance regulation

DoorDash Partners with Klarna for Buy Now, Pay Later Food Delivery – Controversy Ensues

2025-03-24

Food delivery service DoorDash has partnered with buy now, pay later giant Klarna to offer a four-installment, interest-free payment option in the US. While DoorDash promotes this as enhancing user convenience and affordability, the move has sparked controversy. Critics argue that it encourages overspending and financial hardship for those who can't afford upfront payment, while proponents highlight the flexibility it offers. This collaboration reflects the growing trend of 'buy now, pay later' services expanding beyond retail into daily expenses like food delivery. The partnership will roll out nationwide in the coming weeks, potentially setting a precedent for similar integrations in the on-demand economy.

(www.newsweek.com)

Startup Buy Now Pay Later

Bald Eagle's Triumphant Return: A Conservation Success Story

2025-02-25

The American bald eagle, once on the brink of extinction, has staged a remarkable comeback. Its resurgence is a testament to successful conservation efforts, including the ban on DDT, habitat preservation, and innovative techniques like artificial incubation. From a single nesting pair in New Jersey in the 1980s, the population has soared to nearly 300 active nests in the state alone. While threats like habitat loss, pollution, and avian flu remain, the bald eagle's recovery serves as an inspiring example of environmental conservation.

(www.newsweek.com)

Tech bald eagle environmental success

SAVE Act: Protecting Voter Eligibility or Creating Barriers?

2025-02-13

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, reintroduced by Texas Republican Representative Chip Roy, aims to strengthen voter eligibility verification by requiring in-person documentation of citizenship. However, critics argue it inadvertently creates significant hurdles for millions of married women whose names don't match their birth certificates. While proponents claim it combats non-citizen voting, opponents highlight the unnecessary barriers and potential disproportionate impact on minority voters. The act's passage would profoundly affect the US electoral system, sparking debate on balancing voting rights with voter verification.

(www.newsweek.com)

Misc voting rights voter eligibility SAVE Act

Tech Giants Flee Delaware: Texas Emerges as a New Favorite

2025-02-01

Meta and Dropbox are reportedly planning to move their incorporation from Delaware, a state long known for its business-friendly environment, signaling a further exodus of tech companies from the state. Elon Musk's prior criticism of Delaware's business climate and his relocation of SpaceX and Tesla's incorporation to Texas paved the way. Meta and Dropbox's moves are seen as a pursuit of Texas's more favorable business environment and a response to Delaware court rulings. Experts suggest Texas is actively trying to attract companies by cultivating a friendlier judicial environment for businesses.

(www.newsweek.com)

Tech Tech company relocation Delaware

Corpses Move for Over a Year After Death, Study Finds

2025-01-28

An Australian researcher's 17-month time-lapse study of a decomposing body at a human body farm revealed significant post-mortem movement. The body's limbs shifted considerably due to the decomposition process, specifically the drying of ligaments. This discovery has implications for forensic investigations, potentially improving estimations of time of death and aiding crime scene reconstruction. While not yet peer-reviewed, the findings have already sparked interest within the forensic science community.

(www.newsweek.com)

Tech forensic science decomposition time of death

Costco Rejects Shareholder Demand to Scrap DEI Initiatives

2024-12-28

Costco's board rejected a shareholder proposal urging a reevaluation of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, arguing it poses legal and financial risks. The board countered that its commitment to DEI is crucial for fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace, boosting employee morale, and driving innovation. They maintained the program's legality and emphasized ongoing evaluations of its effectiveness. The decision highlights the ongoing debate surrounding DEI initiatives in American corporations.

(www.newsweek.com)

Startup Shareholder Proposal