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85+ Scientists Rebut DOE Climate Report: Errors and Misrepresentation

2025-09-03

85+ Scientists Rebut DOE Climate Report: Errors and Misrepresentation

Over 85 scientists have issued a joint rebuttal to a recent U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) report on climate change, arguing it's filled with errors and misrepresents climate science. The report, spearheaded by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, is accused of being secretly compiled by five hand-picked climate change skeptics, violating the law by presenting only one point of view. Critics highlight cherry-picked data and misrepresentations, such as downplaying the negative impacts of rising CO2 on US agriculture and denying climate change's role in worsening droughts. This report is being used by the Trump administration to weaken climate pollution regulations, sparking intense backlash from the scientific community.

(www.npr.org)

Tech

Over 300 Million Americans' Social Security Numbers at Risk After Data Copy

2025-08-27

Over 300 Million Americans' Social Security Numbers at Risk After Data Copy

A whistleblower alleges that a former senior official at the Social Security Administration (SSA) copied the Social Security numbers, names, and birthdays of over 300 million Americans to a private section of the agency's cloud. This private cloud, accessible to other former DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) employees, lacks adequate security, potentially exposing massive amounts of sensitive data to identity theft. The whistleblower claims this action violates laws and regulations, constitutes gross mismanagement, and poses a significant threat to public safety. While the SSA claims the data remains secure, internal documents reveal cybersecurity officials assessed the move as "very high risk," even considering reissuing Social Security numbers. This incident raises further concerns about data security and privacy practices during the Trump administration.

(www.npr.org)

Tech

Trump Admin Halts Nearly Complete Offshore Wind Farm, Citing National Security

2025-08-24

Trump Admin Halts Nearly Complete Offshore Wind Farm, Citing National Security

The Trump administration has halted construction of the nearly finished Revolution Wind offshore wind farm off the coast of Rhode Island, citing concerns about national security. This action, the latest in a series of moves targeting renewable energy, has drawn sharp criticism from industry groups who warn of economic damage and investor uncertainty. The halt could significantly increase energy prices and underscores concerns about the reliability of the US as a destination for long-term energy investment.

(www.npr.org)

Tech Offshore Wind

Otter.ai Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Unauthorized Recordings

2025-08-18

Otter.ai Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Unauthorized Recordings

Otter.ai, a Mountain View-based AI transcription company, is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging it secretly records private conversations without permission to train its AI. The lawsuit claims Otter.ai's Otter Notebook service, used for transcribing Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams meetings, defaults to recording without consent, violating privacy and wiretap laws. Plaintiff Justin Brewer alleges severe privacy invasion. Otter.ai defends its practices by stating it de-identifies data, but the lawsuit questions the effectiveness of this process, citing a lack of transparency. This raises serious concerns about privacy in AI-powered transcription services, particularly regarding data used for AI training.

(www.npr.org)

Tech

Soaring Electricity Bills Leave Florida Residents Struggling

2025-08-17

Soaring Electricity Bills Leave Florida Residents Struggling

Florida residents Ken Thomas and Al Salvi are grappling with soaring electricity bills, reaching $400 and $500 a month respectively, due to the intense summer heat and rising prices. Florida Power & Light's application for a rate increase sparked public outrage. Nationally, electricity prices have doubled the rate of inflation, fueled by the surge in energy demand from AI data centers and increased natural gas exports. Experts point to clean energy as a solution, but insufficient subsidies leave low-income households vulnerable to power shutoffs.

(www.npr.org)

Misc rising electricity prices low-income families

Trump Admin Seeks to Destroy Vital NASA Climate Satellites

2025-08-06

Trump Admin Seeks to Destroy Vital NASA Climate Satellites

The Trump administration reportedly asked NASA to develop plans to end at least two major satellite missions, one of which involves intentionally deorbiting a satellite to burn up in the atmosphere. These missions, the Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCO), collect data widely used by scientists, energy companies, and farmers to monitor atmospheric carbon dioxide and plant growth. They are uniquely designed to monitor planet-warming greenhouse gases. Despite internal NASA assessments highlighting the high quality of the data and recommending continued operation, termination plans are reportedly advancing. This move has sparked strong opposition from the scientific community and Congress, who argue it would cause significant scientific loss and threaten national security and food security.

(www.npr.org)

Tech

Vermont Engineer Brings Free Payphones Back to Life

2025-08-05

Vermont Engineer Brings Free Payphones Back to Life

Patrick Schlott, a 31-year-old electrical engineer in Vermont's Orange County, is tackling poor cell service head-on. Frustrated by dead zones, he's repurposed old payphones into free internet-connected calling stations in three towns. Using secondhand phones and his home workshop, Schlott provides free calls across the US and Canada, covering all costs himself. The phones have become a lifeline, particularly helpful for stranded drivers and students. With Vermont banning cell phones in schools in 2026, the need for alternative communication is growing, and Schlott's project is gaining traction, even though he's currently self-funding its operation and exploring sustainable funding models while maintaining the free service.

(www.npr.org)

Tech community service internet telephony

Brazil Fights Dengue Fever with Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

2025-08-01

Brazil Fights Dengue Fever with Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

Brazil is employing genetically modified mosquitoes to combat the widespread dengue fever epidemic. These mosquitoes carry Wolbachia bacteria, which prevents dengue virus replication, thereby reducing transmission. In Niterói, this method has reduced dengue cases by 90%. The Brazilian government is now aggressively expanding this technology, aiming to protect 140 million Brazilians from dengue over the next decade, demonstrating the immense potential of technological innovation in public health.

(www.npr.org)

Tech dengue fever genetically modified mosquitoes Wolbachia

Breakthrough: Artificial Blood Could Save Countless Lives

2025-07-25

Breakthrough: Artificial Blood Could Save Countless Lives

Tens of thousands die annually in the US from lack of timely blood transfusions, due to the perishability of regular blood. Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have developed a novel artificial blood, stored as a powder and reconstituted with water on-site. This synthetic blood utilizes hemoglobin extracted from expired blood, encased in a protective fat bubble to mitigate toxicity. Animal trials show successful resuscitation, and human trials are hoped for within two years. This could revolutionize emergency medicine and battlefield care.

(www.npr.org)

Tech emergency medicine

Ancient Books Under Siege: A Millennium-Old Library Fights Back Against Beetles

2025-07-20

Ancient Books Under Siege: A Millennium-Old Library Fights Back Against Beetles

The 1000-year-old Pannonhalma Archabbey library in Hungary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is battling a devastating beetle infestation threatening its 400,000-volume collection. Around 100,000 books, many centuries old, are being painstakingly removed and placed in oxygen-free environments to kill the drugstore beetles that have burrowed into their pages. This herculean effort underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and highlights the growing threat posed by climate change, as warmer temperatures accelerate insect lifecycles.

(www.npr.org)

Misc pest infestation

Air India Boeing 787 Crash: Preliminary Report Points to Fuel Switches

2025-07-12

Air India Boeing 787 Crash: Preliminary Report Points to Fuel Switches

A preliminary report into the crash of Air India Flight 171 reveals that fuel switches controlling engine fuel supply were inexplicably turned to the 'cutoff' position three seconds after takeoff. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 260 people. The report states that flight recorder data shows the two fuel control switches were switched from 'run' to 'cutoff' shortly after takeoff. Although the switches were subsequently restored, the plane had already begun losing thrust and altitude, ultimately leading to the crash. Investigators have ruled out mechanical failure and bird strike, and are now focusing on the pilots' actions.

(www.npr.org)

Tech Boeing 787

Spice of Life, Lead in Death: Unmasking a Global Lead Poisoning Crisis

2025-07-12

Spice of Life, Lead in Death: Unmasking a Global Lead Poisoning Crisis

A decades-long public health crisis of lead poisoning affecting millions of children worldwide has finally begun to see significant progress. A New York City detective specializing in toxic element exposure and a California PhD student, through painstaking investigation across continents, uncovered the source of a high rate of lead poisoning in Bangladeshi children: lead chromate added to turmeric to enhance its color. Their findings prompted swift action by the Bangladeshi government, drastically reducing lead levels. This success story, however, highlights the broader global problem, demanding continued international cooperation to tackle the pervasive presence of lead in various consumer products.

(www.npr.org)

Tech lead poisoning Bangladesh

Vienna's Green Social Housing: A Model for Tackling the Housing Crisis and Climate Change?

2025-06-15

Vienna's Green Social Housing: A Model for Tackling the Housing Crisis and Climate Change?

Vienna offers a compelling model for addressing both the housing crisis and climate change simultaneously. The city leverages its extensive social housing program— encompassing roughly 420,000 units— to implement ambitious climate action. This includes large-scale energy retrofits, renewable energy adoption, and incentivizing climate-friendly designs through competitive bidding processes for developers. The result is affordable, sustainable housing that significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions, providing a valuable lesson for other cities struggling with similar challenges.

(www.npr.org)

Tech green housing social housing

Las Vegas Fights Heat with Trees

2025-06-10

Las Vegas Fights Heat with Trees

Following a record-breaking summer with over 500 heat-related deaths, Las Vegas is aggressively tackling climate change. The city, county, and local advocates are planting thousands of trees, particularly in the hottest neighborhoods, to mitigate the urban heat island effect. Studies show trees can significantly lower surrounding temperatures, by at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The effort focuses not only on the number of trees planted but also on strategic species selection and placement to maximize cooling impact while conserving water in the desert environment. Schools are also participating, educating the next generation about environmental responsibility.

(www.npr.org)

Tech urban heat island tree planting

Ukraine's Drone Strike Cripples Russian Air Force

2025-06-01

Ukraine's Drone Strike Cripples Russian Air Force

A Ukrainian drone attack deep inside Russia destroyed over 40 Russian aircraft, a Ukrainian security official revealed. The operation, overseen by President Zelenskyy and spanning over a year and a half, involved transporting drones deep into Russian territory to target airfields, including Belaya air base in Irkutsk. This occurred amidst a massive Russian missile and drone barrage on Ukraine, resulting in Ukrainian military casualties. Despite this, Ukraine affirmed its commitment to continuing peace talks with Russia in Istanbul.

(www.npr.org)

Tech Drone Strike

Vibe Coding with AI: Is This the End for Programmers?

2025-06-01

Vibe Coding with AI: Is This the End for Programmers?

Using AI chatbots for 'vibe coding' is rapidly changing software development. BOND, a startup, launched a new online productivity tool in under a day using AI to generate code. While this speed is impressive, it raises concerns about the future of programmers. Some believe AI will replace coders entirely, while others foresee a shift towards AI-assisted development, focusing on complex tasks and creative problem-solving. Although AI lowers the barrier to entry, human expertise remains vital for code refinement and complex projects.

(www.npr.org)

Development

Turkish Doctoral Student Released After Arrest for Criticizing Israel

2025-05-11

Turkish Doctoral Student Released After Arrest for Criticizing Israel

Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, was released from ICE custody after being detained for over six weeks. Her arrest stemmed from an op-ed she wrote criticizing her university's response to the Israel-Hamas war. A judge ruled her arrest was retaliatory and a violation of her free speech, ordering her immediate release. While released, she still faces potential deportation, sparking debate on the government's power to arrest and deport non-citizens deemed threats to US foreign policy.

(www.npr.org)

Misc political persecution

David Souter: The Conservative Justice Who Became a Liberal

2025-05-09

David Souter: The Conservative Justice Who Became a Liberal

Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, passed away at 85. Initially seen as a conservative, he surprisingly aligned himself with the court's liberal wing. A Harvard graduate and former New Hampshire Supreme Court justice, his conservative credentials were vouched for by then-White House Chief of Staff John Sununu. However, in Washington, Souter unexpectedly joined the court's more moderate justices, eventually becoming a staunch member of the liberal caucus. Known for his simple lifestyle and love for rural New Hampshire, he maintained his preference for a quiet life, even while serving on the Supreme Court, famously eschewing cell phones and email, and writing his opinions in longhand with a fountain pen.

(www.npr.org)

Misc Justice Souter

Most Americans Rely on Federal Science Weekly, Poll Finds

2025-05-06

Most Americans Rely on Federal Science Weekly, Poll Finds

A new nationwide poll reveals that most Americans rely on federal science information weekly, including weather forecasts, job market reports, and food safety warnings, without realizing it. Despite this dependence, only 10% of respondents are concerned about potential impacts from cuts to federal science funding. While political polarization around trust in science exists, the poll highlights a bipartisan agreement on the importance of federal investment in STEM education for future economic prosperity.

(www.npr.org)

Tech Federal Science National Poll

US Consumer Confidence Plummets Amidst Trade War

2025-04-27

US Consumer Confidence Plummets Amidst Trade War

Major US consumer goods companies like P&G, Kimberly-Clark, and PepsiCo are slashing their annual forecasts due to declining consumer confidence and rising costs from the trade war. Tariffs are driving up company costs, forcing price increases and causing consumers to cut back on spending, particularly on dining out and non-essential items. Consumer confidence indices have fallen sharply, with people expressing concerns about the future economic outlook. While March retail sales saw a surge, this was due to consumers preemptively buying goods to avoid tariff-related price hikes; the long-term impact of the trade war on the US consumer market remains a significant concern.

(www.npr.org)

Tech consumer confidence

JWST K2-18b Biosignature Claim Faces Scrutiny: Another False Alarm?

2025-04-26

JWST K2-18b Biosignature Claim Faces Scrutiny: Another False Alarm?

The James Webb Space Telescope's (JWST) detection of potential biosignature gases in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b has sparked excitement about extraterrestrial life. However, a reanalysis by a University of Oxford scientist suggests the data is too noisy to draw firm conclusions. While the original research team defends their methodology, some experts argue the evidence is insufficient to support claims of extraterrestrial life, fearing that such premature announcements might erode public trust in science. Further analysis by other scientists is expected, and the final conclusion remains pending.

(www.npr.org)

Tech

America's Air Pollution: Progress and Peril

2025-04-25

America's Air Pollution: Progress and Peril

Despite decades of progress, nearly half of Americans still breathe unhealthy air, a new report reveals. Air pollution is linked to increased mortality, reduced life expectancy, and higher asthma rates. California cities and the Los Angeles area suffer the worst pollution, disproportionately impacting minorities. The Trump administration's consideration of rolling back air quality regulations has sparked concern among health experts, who warn of widespread public health consequences. While the Clean Air Act has been a major success, climate change-fueled wildfires and government budget cuts threaten further improvements in air quality.

(www.npr.org)

Tech

Trading Places: A 30-Year-Old Con Explained

2025-04-24

Trading Places: A 30-Year-Old Con Explained

Thirty years after its release, the financial shenanigans in *Trading Places* are finally explained. The film's protagonists manipulated the frozen concentrated orange juice futures market using a fake crop report to trick their rivals into buying high. After the real report revealed a bountiful crop, they bought low, profiting immensely while their opponents went bankrupt. This scheme led to discussions about insider trading laws and the eventual creation of the 'Eddie Murphy Rule,' banning the use of government inside information for commodity trading.

(www.npr.org)

Misc futures trading

Trump White House Launches Controversial 'Lab Leak' Website

2025-04-19

Trump White House Launches Controversial 'Lab Leak' Website

The Trump White House has replaced the previous covid.gov and covidtests.gov websites with a new page titled "Lab Leak: The True Origins of COVID-19." This site promotes the theory that the COVID-19 pandemic originated from a lab leak in Wuhan, China, criticizing the Biden administration's response and its handling of Dr. Anthony Fauci. This move has sparked controversy within the scientific community, with some scientists claiming factual inaccuracies and misleading information, lacking scientific basis, and portraying it as political propaganda. Supporters, however, believe the site reveals the truth and applaud the administration's transparency.

(www.npr.org)

Tech COVID-19 origins lab leak political controversy

Whistleblower Alleges DOGE Team Exfiltrated Sensitive Labor Data

2025-04-15

Whistleblower Alleges DOGE Team Exfiltrated Sensitive Labor Data

A whistleblower has revealed details of how the DOGE team may have accessed and exfiltrated sensitive labor data from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The whistleblower alleges that after gaining access to NLRB systems, the DOGE team obtained substantial data, including union information, ongoing legal cases, and corporate secrets. They allegedly attempted to cover their tracks by disabling monitoring tools and manually deleting access records. Evidence presented includes a large data exfiltration event, suspicious login attempts from a Russian IP address, and a project named "NxGenBdoorExtract," potentially designed to extract data from the NLRB's internal system. This incident raises serious concerns about data security and privacy, with experts warning of potential harm to unions, employees, and businesses.

(www.npr.org)

Tech government data breach

All-Female Crew Makes History with Blue Origin's Star-Studded Spaceflight

2025-04-14

All-Female Crew Makes History with Blue Origin's Star-Studded Spaceflight

Blue Origin's NS-31 mission made headlines with its all-female crew, including celebrities Katy Perry and Gayle King, marking the first all-women spaceflight since 1963. The ten-minute, twenty-one-second suborbital journey aboard the New Shepard rocket saw the passengers experience zero gravity and breathtaking views of Earth. The flight highlights not only advancements in space tourism but also celebrates a significant milestone for women in STEM and the broader pursuit of space exploration. The mission's success underscores Blue Origin's continued commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering inclusivity in the realm of space travel.

(www.npr.org)

Tech space tourism women in STEM

Maine Wins Restraining Order Against Trump Admin Over Withheld USDA Funds

2025-04-13

Maine Wins Restraining Order Against Trump Admin Over Withheld USDA Funds

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze federal funds withheld from Maine after President Trump clashed with Gov. Janet Mills over transgender athletes in girls' sports. The USDA, among other agencies, threatened to cut funding following Trump's executive order banning transgender athletes. Mills refused to apologize, leading to a legal battle. Maine argued the USDA didn't follow proper procedures before cutting funds, which were used for school programs, including feeding schoolchildren. The court sided with Maine, highlighting the ongoing conflict between federal and state authority on this issue.

(www.npr.org)

Politics Maine Transgender Rights

US Attorney Detained at Border, Phone Search Raises Political Reprisal Concerns

2025-04-10

US Attorney Detained at Border, Phone Search Raises Political Reprisal Concerns

Michigan-based attorney Amir Makled was detained by federal immigration agents upon returning from a family vacation. Agents demanded access to his phone, a request he refused. After a 90-minute ordeal, he was released without explanation. Makled believes his detainment is linked to his representation of a student charged in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest, potentially stemming from the Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestine visa holders. He sees the phone search as intimidation, aiming to discourage lawyers from taking on similar cases. However, the incident has garnered significant support and sparked widespread debate over government overreach.

(www.npr.org)

Misc political reprisal lawyer rights

AI Therapy Bot Shows Promise in Addressing Mental Health Crisis

2025-04-09

AI Therapy Bot Shows Promise in Addressing Mental Health Crisis

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that an AI therapy bot, developed by Dartmouth researchers, demonstrated comparable or even superior efficacy to human clinicians in a randomized clinical trial. Designed to tackle the severe shortage of mental health providers in the U.S., the bot underwent over five years of rigorous training in clinical best practices. The results showed not only improved mental health outcomes for patients but also the surprising development of strong therapeutic bonds and trust. While the American Psychological Association has voiced concerns about unregulated AI therapy, they praise this study's rigorous approach. Researchers emphasize that the technology is far from market-ready, requiring further trials, but it offers a potential solution to the widespread mental health care access crisis.

(www.npr.org)

AI robotic therapy

IMLS Staff Placed on Administrative Leave: Funding for Libraries and Museums in Jeopardy?

2025-04-01

IMLS Staff Placed on Administrative Leave: Funding for Libraries and Museums in Jeopardy?

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding for libraries and museums in the US, has placed its entire staff on paid administrative leave for 90 days. This follows President Trump's executive order shrinking several federal agencies, including IMLS. The move has raised concerns about the future of grant funding and the potential disruption of vital programs, particularly impacting smaller and rural libraries. The union representing IMLS workers highlights the uncertainty surrounding existing grants and the likelihood of their termination without staff to administer them.

(www.npr.org)

Tech

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