β platform
news
- 1OpenAI Staff Called Book-Pirating 'Sketchy AF' in Internal MessagesββSketchy AFβ: What to Know About How OpenAI Staff Discussed Book-Pirating
The Wall Street Journal reports on internal OpenAI messages in which staff discussed the use of pirated books, with one employee describing the practice as 'sketchy AF'. The disclosure lands as OpenAI faces lawsuits from authors and publishers alleging its AI models were trained on copyrighted works without permission, intensifying scrutiny of the company's data practices.
- 2Favourite music still reaches the brain in dementiaβThe brain still responds to favorite music in dementia
New reporting highlights that the brains of people with dementia continue to respond to their favourite music, even as memory and other functions decline. The finding reinforces a growing body of research suggesting familiar songs can activate preserved emotional and memory networks, supporting music's use in dementia care and quality of life.
- 3East Coast storm travel disruptions may last into next weekβTRAVEL ALERT: Officials warn disruptions could continue into next week as the storm impacts airports across the East Coast.
Officials have issued a travel alert warning that storm-related disruptions could continue into next week as severe weather affects airports across the US East Coast. Travellers are being advised to expect delays and cancellations and to check with airlines before heading to the airport as conditions persist.
- 4Blizzard Video Game Workers Win First Union ContractsβVideo Game Workers at Blizzard Won First Union Contracts
Workers at video game maker Blizzard Entertainment have won their first union contracts, a milestone for labor organizing in the gaming industry. The agreements mark a step forward for game developers seeking better pay, job security, and working conditions through collective bargaining, and are being widely reported as a significant moment for unions in tech and entertainment.
- 5
Commentary from The Athletic argues that the verdict in Manchester City's Premier League case leaves lasting damage, suggesting that an entire era of the club's dominance and the league's recent history is now overshadowed and considered tainted. The piece frames the ruling's consequences as extending well beyond the immediate outcome for the club itself.
- 6Major women's clothing chain to close 120 storesβMajor womenβs clothing chain known for affordable fashion closing 120 stores
A major women's clothing chain known for affordable fashion is closing 120 stores. The announcement has drawn attention because of its scale and what it suggests about pressure on low-cost fashion retailers, with shoppers and retail watchers discussing which locations will be affected and what it means for the brand's future.
- 7German Olympic Committee picks Munich as bid cityβGerman Olympic Committee names Munich as bid city choice
The German Olympic Committee has selected Munich as the city it will put forward for a future Olympic Games, according to DW. Munich previously hosted the 1972 Summer Olympics and the decision positions the Bavarian capital as Germany's candidate in the race to host the Games. Further details about which edition of the Games Munich will bid for and the committee's formal plans have not yet been made clear.
- 8More than 110 teams pull United 737 at O'Hare for Special OlympicsβChicago O'Hare Plane Pull: More than 110 teams pull United Airlines 737, raise more than $230,000 for Special Olympics Illinois
More than 110 teams gathered at Chicago O'Hare International Airport to pull a United Airlines 737 jet, raising over $230,000 for Special Olympics Illinois. The plane pull event brought together participants competing to haul the massive aircraft, with proceeds supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state.
- 9White House blocks CNN from Trump's Air Force One travelβWhite House blocks CNN from traveling with Trump on Air Force One
The White House has barred CNN from joining the press pool travelling with President Trump aboard Air Force One, according to Politico. The move escalates tensions between the administration and the network, and is drawing criticism as an unprecedented step against press access, with debate growing over whether the administration can restrict which news organisations cover the president's travel.
- 10Bamber and Woakes seal slow-burn title for WarwickshireβNice guys finish first as Bamber and Woakes help Warwickshire seal slow-burn title | Ali Martin
Warwickshire have won the County Championship title, with Chris Woakes and Michael Bamber playing key roles in a campaign built on patience rather than fireworks. Writing in the Guardian, Ali Martin credits the club's 'nice guys' for grinding out a slow-burn triumph, framing the victory as a reward for consistency and team spirit over star power.
- 11Pennsylvania measles outbreak grows with 55 new casesβPennsylvania measles outbreak spreads, with 55 new cases reported since Wednesday
A measles outbreak in Pennsylvania is worsening, with health officials reporting 55 new cases since Wednesday. The rapid rise in infections is drawing attention to vaccination coverage and public health response efforts in the affected communities as officials work to contain the spread of the highly contagious virus.
- 12
NPR is asking whether the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is coming under control. The report raises the question amid ongoing response efforts in the affected region, and observers are watching whether case numbers are finally declining after months of outbreak management.
- 13RFK Jr. says cyclosporiasis outbreak 'under control' despite 1,600 casesβRFK Jr. says cyclosporiasis outbreak is 'under control' amid at least 1,600 cases in 5 states
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said a cyclosporiasis outbreak is 'under control' even as at least 1,600 cases have been reported across five US states. The intestinal illness, typically linked to contaminated food or water, has prompted concern among public health observers questioning the assessment given the growing case count.
- 14Social media platforms refuse paid ads for Musk documentaryβΌSocial media platforms refuse to run paid ads for 'Musk' documentary
Major social media platforms are declining to run paid advertisements promoting a documentary about Elon Musk, according to a Mashable report. The refusal means the film's distributors cannot buy promotional placements to reach audiences ahead of its release. The story is drawing attention because of the irony that platforms are rejecting ads for a film about one of the tech industry's most prominent and polarising figures.
- 15Winners and losers from the Azerbaijan Grand PrixβWinners and losers from F1's Azerbaijan Grand Prix street brawl
Formula 1's Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku delivered another dramatic chapter on the challenging street circuit, and analysis is already breaking down which drivers and teams came out ahead. The race's unpredictable nature, with its tight walls and high stakes, once again produced a mix of strong performances and costly mistakes that shaped the championship picture.
- 16Taylor Swift Releases Animated Music Video Ahead of Toy Story 5 Streaming DebutβTaylor Swift drops animated music video as 'Toy Story 5' set for streaming
Taylor Swift has released a new animated music video, timed around news that 'Toy Story 5' is preparing for its streaming release. The pairing of a major pop release with the Pixar franchise's latest installment has drawn attention from entertainment fans, who are discussing both the new visuals from Swift and the upcoming arrival of the animated sequel on streaming platforms.
- 17White House bars CNN from Air Force One travelβΌWhite House bars CNN from travelling with Trump on Air Force One
The White House has excluded CNN from the press pool travelling with President Trump aboard Air Force One, according to a BBC report. The move marks an escalation in tensions between the administration and the network, and it has drawn criticism from press freedom advocates who argue access to presidential travel should not depend on a news outlet's coverage.
- 18East Coast storm forces sports events to move or be cancelledβComing East Coast storm forces sports world to move, cancel events throughout region - The Athletic
An approaching East Coast storm has forced sports leagues and organisers across the region to postpone, relocate or cancel scheduled events. The Athletic reports the disruption is affecting competitions throughout the area as teams and venues adjust to severe weather expected to hit the coast.
- 19
Storm activity across the Pacific basin has intensified, with multiple hurricanes active at the same time and forecasters tracking their paths toward populated coastlines. The clustering of systems has drawn attention to unusually warm ocean waters and what it may signal for the rest of the season. Coastal communities are monitoring advisories closely.
- 20
SpaceX launched a classified mission for the US Space Force from California, with details of the payload kept secret. The launch drew attention for its military nature and lack of public information about what was carried into orbit, with images and video of the liftoff circulating online.
- 21Matthew Rhys makes Emmy history with lead wins for two showsβMatthew Rhys makes Emmy Awards history with lead acting wins for 2 shows
Welsh actor Matthew Rhys has become the first performer to win Emmy Awards for lead acting on two different shows, according to ABC7 Chicago. Rhys, known for 'The Americans' and later leading roles, has now earned historic recognition at the ceremony. The achievement is being widely noted as a rare milestone in television awards history.
- 22White House drops CNN from Air Force One press pool travelβPress pool dispute escalates as White House cuts CNN from Air Force One travel
The White House has removed CNN from the press pool traveling on Air Force One, escalating an ongoing dispute between the administration and the press corps over access to the president. The move, reported by NPR, marks a significant step in the growing conflict over which news organizations get to cover presidential travel, raising concerns among journalism groups about press freedom and equal access.
- 23Hundreds of flights canceled at Boston Logan as nor'easter hitsβΌHundreds of flights canceled at Boston Logan Airport as norβeaster disrupts travel
A powerful nor'easter is disrupting travel across the Boston area, with hundreds of flights canceled at Logan International Airport. Airlines are warning passengers of delays and rebooking options as the storm brings heavy weather to the region. Travelers are being advised to check flight status before heading to the airport as cancellations could continue through the storm's duration.
- 24Norris calls for one-race bans after Baku collisionβLando Norris: Drivers should have 'one-race ban' after collision with Franco Colapinto at Azerbaijan GP
McLaren driver Lando Norris says Formula 1 should introduce a one-race ban for drivers who cause collisions, after contact with Alpine's Franco Colapinto during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend in Baku. Norris argued that tougher sporting penalties, rather than grid drops or fines, would make drivers think twice before risky moves and improve racing standards.
- 25Minnesota project pairs farming with solar powerβMinnesota agrivoltaics project shows promise of mixing farming, solar power
A Minnesota agrivoltaics project is showing that crops and solar panels can share the same land. By mounting panels high enough for farm equipment and crops to fit beneath, the project aims to generate renewable energy while keeping farmland in production, offering a possible model for reducing land-use conflicts over the expanding solar industry.
- 26Tropical Storm Gonzalo forms as Fay weakensβFay continues to fizzle but Gonzalo is our newest Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm Gonzalo has formed in the Atlantic, becoming the newest named storm of the season, while Tropical Storm Fay continues to weaken. Fay is losing organization and is expected to fizzle out, forecasters say, while attention now turns to Gonzalo's track and intensity. The simultaneous storms underscore an active stretch of the Atlantic hurricane season.
- 27
A Washington Examiner piece argues that the growing energy and cooling demands of AI data centers could eventually push this infrastructure into orbit. The idea is that space-based data centers could draw on continuous solar power and easier heat dissipation. It adds to a live debate over whether terrestrial power grids can keep up with AI's expansion, and follows growing interest among tech firms in orbital computing concepts.
- 28Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buy The Turf pubβCheers! Wrexhamβs celebrity owners buy βThe Turfβ pub thatβs adjacent to the clubβs stadium
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Hollywood actors who own Wrexham AFC, have bought The Turf, the historic pub directly next to the club's Racecourse Ground stadium in Wrexham, Wales. The venue, a favourite with fans and featured in the pair's documentary about the club, will now be under the same ownership as the team itself.
- 29
Germany will bid to host the Olympic Games, with Munich named as its candidate city. The announcement puts Munich forward as Germany's choice to stage the Games, reviving the city's Olympic ambitions more than half a century after it hosted the 1972 Summer Olympics. Further details on which edition of the Games Germany is targeting and the next steps in the bid process were not immediately given.
- 30Trump's home county pauses data centers over environment and power costsβTrump's home county hits pause on data centers over environment and electric bill concerns
The county where Donald Trump maintains his residence has imposed a temporary halt on new data center projects, citing environmental impact and rising electricity bills for residents. Local officials are weighing whether the facilities' energy demands outweigh their economic benefits, a debate playing out in communities across the country as data center construction accelerates.
- 31Pope Leo confronts church scandals during visit to LourdesβΌAt sacred Lourdes, Pope Leo confronts a new reminder of the churchβs sins
Pope Leo visited Lourdes, the famed French Catholic pilgrimage site, where he faced a fresh reminder of the church's history of abuse and wrongdoing. The Washington Post reports on how the pontiff's stop at one of Catholicism's most sacred shrines became an occasion to reckon with the institution's sins, drawing attention as the new pope navigates the church's ongoing credibility crisis.
- 32
Manchester City's Premier League case has produced a verdict that commentators say will permanently tarnish the competition. Writing for ESPN, one columnist argues the outcome leaves a 'stain and stench' over an entire era of English top-flight football, whatever the ruling decided. The claim reflects wider frustration that years of allegations over the club's finances have ended with answers many fans and rivals find unsatisfying, casting doubt on the legitimacy of titles won during the period under scrutiny.
- 33MLB set for first losing-record playoff team in a full seasonβAL West ineptitude: MLB to have first playoff team with non-winning record after full season - The Athletic
An AL West team is on course to reach the MLB playoffs without a winning record, something that has never happened in a full season. The Athletic reports the division's overall weakness makes it possible for a sub-.500 club to still claim a postseason berth, sparking debate about the format.
- 34Nor'easter disrupts travel for millions across the US NortheastβΌVideo Nor'easter impacts travel for millions
A Nor'easter storm is impacting travel for millions of people, with flight delays, cancellations and hazardous road conditions expected across the northeastern United States. The storm is bringing heavy snow, strong winds and coastal flooding, prompting officials to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel as cleanup and recovery efforts get underway.
- 35Thai metal teen Nene Royal wins America's Got TalentβΌNene Royal, a Metal-Loving Teen from Thailand, Won 'America's Got Talent.' A Rock Album Is Next
Nene Royal, a teenager from Thailand known for her metal performances, has won the latest season of America's Got Talent. The singer reportedly plans to follow her victory with a rock album, signaling she intends to pursue heavy music rather than soften her style. Her win marks a rare mainstream US television breakthrough for a young metal vocalist from Southeast Asia.
- 36George Russell wins eventful Azerbaijan Grand Prix ahead of VerstappenβGeorge Russell holds off Max Verstappen to win eventful F1 Azerbaijan GP
George Russell won the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, holding off Max Verstappen in a race filled with incidents. The result marks a significant boost for Mercedes against Red Bull, with Verstappen forced to settle for second after a tense battle through the street circuit's late stages.
- 37
Virat Kohli has announced that he will retire from Indian cricket after the 2027 World Cup, per Al Jazeera. The star batsman, one of India's most successful and followed cricketers, intends the tournament to be his international farewell. The announcement is drawing attention from fans and commentators worldwide debating his legacy and India's future without him.
- 38Thousands gather in Jackson for Mississippi Book FestivalβMississippi Book Festival draws thousands to Jackson to celebrate the written word
The Mississippi Book Festival has drawn thousands of visitors to Jackson to celebrate books and reading. Attendees filled the state capitol area for author panels, signings and discussions about the written word. The event has become a major fixture on the state's cultural calendar, bringing together writers, readers and publishers from across Mississippi and beyond.
- 39Premier League demands FIFA reform in joint statement against InfantinoβPremier League demand FIFA reform in joint statement against Infantino
The Premier League has issued a joint statement calling for reform at FIFA, openly criticising president Gianni Infantino. The statement demands structural changes to how world football's governing body operates and makes decisions. The public challenge from one of the world's richest leagues adds pressure on Infantino and is drawing widespread attention across the football world.
- 40Amazon's Ring aims to replace local WhatsApp groupsβAmazonβs Ring wants to replace local WhatsApp groups. Itβs a recipe for curtain-twitching disaster
Amazon's Ring is pushing its neighbourhood app as a replacement for local WhatsApp community groups. Writing in The Guardian, a columnist argues the move would encourage surveillance culture and petty suspicion among neighbours, calling it a recipe for 'curtain-twitching disaster'. Critics have long raised concerns about Ring's links to policing and its role in normalising neighbourhood monitoring, and the plan has reignited that debate.
- 41Demi Vollering wins road world championship titleβWorld Champs: Vollering secures her white whale in spectacular fashion
Demi Vollering has captured the women's road race world championship, landing the title that had long eluded her. Coverage describes a spectacular ride as the Dutch rider finally converted her dominance in stage racing into the rainbow jersey, closing the biggest gap left in her career. Cycling fans are hailing it as a defining moment for one of the sport's top riders.
- 42
Germany has selected Munich as its candidate city to host a future Summer Olympic Games. The decision puts the Bavarian capital forward as Germany's bid for the Games, reviving the city's Olympic connections decades after it hosted the 1972 Summer Olympics. The announcement is drawing attention across international sports media as the Olympic bidding process unfolds.
- 43Munich chosen as Germany's Summer Olympics bid cityβMunich picked for Germany's bid to host the Summer Olympics in 2036, 2040 or 2044
Germany has selected Munich as its candidate city to host the Summer Olympics, targeting the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Games. The decision sets up Munich, which hosted the 1972 Olympics, to compete with other international bidders once the International Olympic Committee opens the selection process. Attention now turns to funding, infrastructure plans and whether German public support will back a bid, with the 2036 date carrying historical sensitivity as it coincides with the Nazi-era Berlin Games anniversary.
- 44MLB playoff picture: bracket and tiebreaker scenarios explainedβBracket, tiebreakers and more: Here is the current playoff picture
The current Major League Baseball playoff picture has been laid out, covering the postseason bracket as it stands and the tiebreaker procedures that would decide races still unresolved. With the regular season reaching its final stretch, fans are tracking which teams hold wild-card positions and how ties would be settled if standings finish level.
- 45Museum returns Nazi-seized painting to Jewish owner's heirsβArt museum returning painting to heirs of Jewish owner after it was seized by Nazis
An art museum is returning a painting to the heirs of its Jewish owner, decades after the work was seized by the Nazis. The restitution is part of ongoing efforts by museums to address artworks looted during the Nazi era and restore them to the families from whom they were taken. Further details about the museum, the painting and the original owner were not immediately available.
- 46NL Wild Card race could end in two three-way tiesβA pair of 3-way ties are in play in the NL Wild Card race. Here's how they would shake out
With the MLB regular season winding down, the National League Wild Card race is so tight that two separate three-way ties are mathematically in play for the final postseason spots. League officials and analysts have laid out the tiebreaker procedures that would decide which teams advance if the standings finish level, with resolution coming down to head-to-head records and potential tiebreaker games.
- 47Raw milk cheese recalled amid E. coli outbreak, FDA saysβΌRaw milk cheese recalled over E. coli outbreak, FDA says
US regulators have recalled raw milk cheese after an E. coli outbreak, according to the FDA. The recall covers cheese made from unpasteurized milk, which health officials have long flagged as a higher-risk product because raw milk can carry dangerous bacteria. The announcement is drawing renewed attention to the safety of raw dairy products and how widely they are sold.
- 48The Last of Us Season 3 Adds John Goodman and Game StarsββThe Last of Usβ Season 3 Casts John Goodman, Video Game Stars Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander
The third season of HBO's 'The Last of Us' has added John Goodman to its cast, alongside Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander, both of whom appeared in the original video games. Bailey voiced and motion-captured Abby in the games, while Alexander played Lev. The casting is being read as a sign the show will draw more heavily on the second game's storylines in its next chapter.
- 49
A US jury has ruled that Apple must pay a record $5.7 billion in damages in a patent dispute over haptic technology, the vibration and touch-feedback features used in its devices. The award is being described as one of the largest of its kind in a US patent case, and the verdict puts Apple's use of the technology under scrutiny.
- 50Businessman and philanthropist Richard Manoogian dies at 90βΌRichard Manoogian, renowned businessman, philanthropist, art collector dies at 90
Richard Manoogian, the businessman, philanthropist and noted art collector, has died at the age of 90, according to The Detroit News. He was long associated with Detroit's business and cultural circles, and tributes are expected from the art world and philanthropic community in the coming days. Details of his death and funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.