7 mins read

Gates Foundation warns AI could widen inequality as foundation pledges $1B to expand access

NEW YORK | Bill Gates is warning technology companies and world leaders that they must act now to ensure artificial intelligence combats social inequities rather than deepening disparities — and his foundation is pledging $1 billion to improve access. The Microsoft co-founder made the appeal in the Gates Foundation’s annual Goalkeepers report, which tracks progress […]

8 mins read

Microsoft commits to sweeping AI privacy rules for students. Will other tech giants follow?

Millions of students every day turn to AI chatbots for help with schoolwork, emotional support and personal advice — often unaware of where their conversations and other personal information end up. How that data is used — and schools’ role in protecting it — is a growing concern for educators, parents and kids as artificial […]

8 mins read

The secret ballot has been an article of faith in US elections. That’s being tested in Georgia

ATLANTA | Security researchers say rapid advances in artificial intelligence are making it more critical to address a flaw in Georgia’s voting equipment that can allow voters to be matched to their ballots after they have been cast. The system’s vulnerability has been drawing increased attention, with election security advocates criticizing state election officials for […]

8 mins read

The push to remove lead pipes is on. Thousands of water systems still don’t know where theirs are

Kathryn Pilgrim knew the century-old Victorian she bought in Dunkirk, New York, came with old plumbing. She replaced pipes she suspected of containing lead and later installed a kitchen filter designed to remove heavy metals. But six years after buying the house, she still can’t be sure that her tap water is lead-free because she […]

3 mins read

These bulbs have evolved to avoid being eaten. You can take advantage of that

There’s little worse in a gardener’s mind than watching their careful planning and hard work go up in a cloud of teeth, thanks to every four-legged freeloader within chewing distance. So if you’re planting bulbs this fall, select the rights to avoid planting dinner. Although no plant is 100% animal-proof, some spring-blooming bulbs have toxic […]

2 mins read

Complete list of winners at the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards

LOS ANGELES | “The Pitt” keeps its Emmy streak for best drama going, and Jean Smart of “Hacks” keeps stacking the wins. The hospital drama starring Noah Wyle won the top prize in its genre for the second consecutive year. Wyle took the best actor in a drama trophy at Monday night’s Emmy Awards. Smart […]

1 min read

Cliff Booth’s next act: Quentin Tarantino’s new novel arrives as David Fincher directs the sequel

NEW YORK | Quentin Tarantino has stepped back from directing in recent years, but he continues to build upon his career as an author. The upcoming spinoff from his “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” will be accompanied by Tarantino’s novelization of the new film. The Oscar-winning filmmaker’s second novelization, “The Adventures of Cliff […]

5 mins read

An Israeli documentary on the war in Gaza sets off a firestorm at home after Venice award

JERUSALEM | An Israeli documentary about the civilian death toll in the war in Gaza has sparked fierce backlash at home after being awarded the special jury prize last week at the Venice Film Festival, drawing anger from top officials and even calls to strip the filmmakers of Israeli citizenship. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu […]

3 mins read

Costco raises price for Kirkland motor oil, sets purchase limit

Costco has raised the price of motor oil sold under its exclusive private-label brand as well as limited how much of it customers can buy weekly as oil prices climb yet again. Americans looking to try to save some money by purchasing motor oil to do their own oil changes may consider this yet another […]

5 mins read

Ex-CIA Director John Brennan issued subpoena in Trump “grand conspiracy” investigation, lawyer says

WASHINGTON | Former CIA Director John Brennan has been subpoenaed to testify before a Florida grand jury in a Justice Department investigation into whether former law enforcement and intelligence officials conspired against President Donald Trump, and is the target of a separate inquiry into whether he made false statements before Congress, one of his lawyers […]