A federal judge delayed approval of Anthropic’s $1.5 billion copyright settlement because some authors and class members objected. They argue that lawyers are asking for much more money than the authors will receive and want the court to lower lawyer fees and increase payments to authors.
Key Facts
Anthropic agreed to a $1.5 billion settlement over unauthorized use of books to train AI.
US District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin postponed final approval to review objections from some class members.
Objectors claim lawyers want over $320 million in fees while authors might only get about $3,000 each.
One author estimated lawyers’ pay could be $10,000–$12,000 per hour, which objectors see as excessive.
Objectors argue lawyers’ fees should be based on the number of authors compensated, not the full settlement amount.
Lawyers say claims cover over 92% of the 480,000 works involved in the settlement.
Objectors want fairer lawyer fees to increase author payouts, suggesting a $70 million fee as an example.
A group of 25 class members who opted out of the settlement filed a new lawsuit against Anthropic.
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Several empty Waymo self-driving cars got stuck while driving around a dead-end street in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Waymo, which uses artificial intelligence to operate its cars without drivers, said they have fixed the problem after hearing from the community.
Key Facts
Waymo cars can drive themselves using artificial intelligence for route planning and safety.
The incident happened in a cul-de-sac, a street with no exit, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Multiple empty Waymo cars were seen driving around this dead-end early in the morning.
Waymo has already fixed the routing error that caused the cars to get trapped.
Waymo’s self-driving vehicles are already operating in more than 10 U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami.
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U.S. officials told CNN that hackers connected to Iran may have broken into automatic tank gauge (ATG) systems at gas stations across the United States. These systems track fuel supplies, and while no physical damage or fuel theft was reported, the hacking could make it harder to detect potential gas leaks.
Key Facts
Hackers believed to be linked to Iran accessed ATG systems that monitor fuel tanks at U.S. gas stations.
The ATG systems were online but often lacked password protection, making them easier to hack.
The hackers altered some display readings, but did not physically damage equipment or change fuel levels.
Vulnerabilities in ATG systems have been found before, including critical flaws reported in September 2024.
Iran has a history of cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure such as energy, banking, and water systems.
Groups connected to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) often use cyberattacks for disruption and spying.
Past attacks by Iran included denial-of-service attacks on banks and breaches of dam control systems.
Increased Iranian cyber activity followed discovery of the Stuxnet virus in 2010, which targeted Iran’s nuclear sites.
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A new study finds that pollution from coal burning and other sources reduces the amount of electricity generated by solar panels worldwide. Aerosols, tiny particles in the air from burning coal and other fuels, scatter sunlight and lower solar power output by hundreds of terawatt-hours a year.
Key Facts
Coal burning releases sulfur dioxide aerosols and other particles that pollute the air.
Aerosols in the atmosphere reduce sunlight reaching solar panels, lowering their electricity production.
In 2023, over 25% of possible solar power was lost due to clouds and aerosols, with aerosols causing around 6% of losses.
This loss equals more than 500 terawatt-hours, roughly the annual output of 84 large coal power plants.
Coal pollution produces nearly half of the aerosols that affect solar power worldwide.
In China, aerosols reduce solar power by about 7.7%, offsetting up to half of its yearly solar growth.
The U.S. experiences smaller losses from aerosols (about 3%) because coal plants are located away from solar-rich regions.
China is improving the situation by replacing older coal plants with cleaner technology to reduce pollution.
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London’s traditional black taxi drivers are facing new competition from driverless taxis that use artificial intelligence (AI). The city’s taxi drivers are hesitant to accept the change and want to keep driving themselves.
Key Facts
London has famous black cabs that are driven by human drivers called cabbies.
New taxis powered by AI technology can drive themselves without a human driver.
These autonomous taxis will soon operate in London.
Taxi drivers in London are not ready to stop driving and give up their jobs.
The story was reported by Anderson Cooper on the TV program 60 Minutes.
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AcuRite, a company that makes weather-monitoring devices, is ending support for its old app, My AcuRite, and requires users to switch to a new app, AcuRite Now, by May 30, 2026. Some customers are unhappy with the new app, citing fewer features and usability problems, while AcuRite plans to offer new features and a paid subscription for extra services.
Key Facts
AcuRite sells weather devices like weather stations, indoor thermometers, and rain gauges.
The old app, My AcuRite, launched in 2016, will no longer work after May 30, 2026.
The new app, AcuRite Now, was introduced in June 2025 and will be the only way to control AcuRite devices.
AcuRite Now supports many smart home products in the Tuya SmartLife system, such as fans and lights.
Some users complain the new app has fewer features, like no ability to rename multiple sensors or show detailed data easily.
AcuRite plans to add missing features and a desktop app soon.
Sharing data with Weather Underground now requires a subscription costing $2 per month, which also adds more data storage.
AcuRite Now has low customer ratings on app stores, partly due to user dissatisfaction compared to the old app.
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Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley has invited the CEOs of four big tech companies to a hearing next month about online safety for children. This comes after recent important court rulings against two of these companies.
Key Facts
Chuck Grassley is the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
He has invited CEOs from four major tech companies to testify.
The hearing will focus on children's safety online.
The invitation follows two major court decisions against two of the tech firms.
CEOs invited include Mark Zuckerberg (Meta) and Sundar Pichai (Alphabet).
The meeting is scheduled for next month.
The hearing aims to address concerns about how technology affects kids.
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The arXiv preprint server, used by scientists to share early research papers, will ban authors who submit AI-generated content that breaks their rules for one year. After the ban, any new papers from these authors must go through formal peer review before being posted on arXiv.
Key Facts
arXiv is a preprint server for fields like physics and astronomy, where scientists share early research papers.
AI-generated content sometimes contains errors, fake citations, or misleading information.
arXiv now has a policy to punish authors who submit problematic AI-generated content.
If a submission breaks the rules, all listed authors get a one-year ban from submitting papers.
After the ban, new submissions from those authors will only be accepted if already peer-reviewed by a journal.
Authors are responsible for all content on their papers, even if AI tools were used.
The policy aims to keep research shared on arXiv clear, accurate, and properly prepared.
arXiv has an appeals process if authors want to challenge a punishment.
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OpenAI is unhappy with how Apple integrated ChatGPT into its products and is considering legal action. OpenAI feels Apple did not promote the integration well, made it hard for users to access ChatGPT features, and may have hurt the ChatGPT brand.
Key Facts
Apple linked ChatGPT to Siri, but users must say "ChatGPT" explicitly to use its features.
OpenAI expected the deal to bring billions in subscriptions but says Apple failed to promote the integration.
Apple’s design uses small windows for ChatGPT replies, making them easy to overlook.
OpenAI says Apple did not fully explain the integration details before the deal.
Efforts to renegotiate the deal have stalled, causing OpenAI to pause other Apple AI partnerships.
OpenAI is working with lawyers on possible legal steps, including a breach of contract claim.
OpenAI hopes to settle issues without going to court but is prepared to act.
Elon Musk has a lawsuit against OpenAI and Apple, alleging anti-competitive behavior; this legal battle may affect timing and outcome.
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Volkswagen has revealed its first electric version of the GTI, called the ID. Polo GTI. This new electric car has a smaller size than the current Golf and uses a 52 kWh battery with an estimated driving range of about 236 miles under European testing methods. Volkswagen will sell it in Germany for just under €39,000, but it will not be sold in the United States due to price and lower range compared to similar American electric cars.
Key Facts
Volkswagen introduced the ID. Polo GTI, an electric car inspired by the original 1976 Golf GTI.
It is front-wheel drive and has an electric motor producing 222 horsepower.
The car includes a 52 kWh battery with a WLTP range estimate of 236 miles (424 km).
It supports DC fast charging up to 105 kW, reaching 10 to 80 percent charge in 24 minutes.
The car accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds and weighs 3,395 lbs (1,540 kg).
The interior features sporty seats and design elements that recall the classic GTI, including tartan seat trim.
The price in Germany will be just under €39,000 (around $45,000), including VAT.
Volkswagen will not sell this model in the U.S. because its range and price are less competitive compared to American electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt.
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A jury is about to decide a case where Elon Musk is suing OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman and his deputy. Musk claims they broke a promise to keep OpenAI as a nonprofit company.
Key Facts
Elon Musk was one of the first investors in OpenAI.
He has filed a lawsuit against Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, and Altman's top deputy.
Musk accuses them of betraying plans for OpenAI to remain a nonprofit.
The court case is considered important or landmark in the technology field.
The decision depends on the jury’s deliberation.
OpenAI is an artificial intelligence company.
The article was published on May 15, 2026.
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Cement production causes about 8% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, mainly because turning limestone into lime releases CO2. Scientists are exploring making cement from basalt rock instead of limestone, which could reduce emissions by avoiding CO2 release during the process and use cleaner energy.
Key Facts
Cement production currently produces about 8% of the world's CO2 emissions.
Traditional cement uses limestone, which releases CO2 when heated.
Researchers have made Portland cement from basalt, a rock without carbon.
The basalt method involves using acid and chemical steps to extract calcium for cement.
This new process releases water vapor instead of CO2.
Making cement from basalt uses more energy now but could become more efficient with better technology.
Using clean electricity could nearly eliminate emissions from cement production using basalt.
Other minerals from basalt can be recovered and used, potentially making the process cheaper.
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Mercedes-Benz updated its S-Class, GLE, and GLS models with major technology improvements rather than full redesigns. The company introduced a new software system and advanced computer components to improve vehicle performance and driver assistance, aiming to keep sales strong amid changing market demands.
Key Facts
Mercedes-Benz refreshed the S-Class, GLE, and GLS without redesigning the whole models.
The company focused on technology upgrades over looks or platform changes.
Sales of the GLE and GLS SUVs have grown steadily in the U.S. despite economic challenges.
The vehicles now use a new operating system called MB OS, designed to centralize tech functions.
Advanced driver assistance features rely on a supercomputer from NVIDIA.
The smart cockpit uses a Qualcomm supercomputer.
The software system includes AI (artificial intelligence) to improve vehicle functions.
Mercedes plans to offer advanced tech regardless of whether vehicles use electric or traditional engines.
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A bill called the Protect Our Games Act is progressing through California’s legislature. The law would require game publishers to either refund players or provide a playable version of online games if support is stopped, aiming to keep games accessible long-term.
Key Facts
The bill passed the California Assembly’s appropriations committee with an 11-2 vote.
It requires publishers to notify players 60 days before ending online game services needed to play.
Publishers must offer a refund or a way to play the game without the company’s servers if they stop support.
The law would start applying to games sold in California from January 1, 2027, except free games and subscription-only games.
The bill was influenced by the Stop Killing Games group, formed after Ubisoft shut down the game The Crew in 2024.
The Entertainment Software Association opposes the bill, saying it misunderstands game licenses and could create hard legal and technical challenges.
The bill also passed two other California Assembly committees before reaching this stage.
The bill must still pass the full California Assembly, the Senate, and be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom to become law.
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Joe Rogan expressed concern about fellow podcaster Theo Von’s use of antidepressant drugs called SSRIs and encouraged him to stop taking them. Rogan questioned the idea that depression is caused by chemical imbalances and shared his worries about possible side effects like suicidal thoughts.
Key Facts
Joe Rogan said he is worried about Theo Von’s use of SSRIs, a common type of antidepressant.
Rogan told Von to consider stopping his medication.
Von has openly talked about his depression and use of these drugs.
SSRIs are widely prescribed for depression and have been shown in studies to work better than placebo.
There are risks with SSRIs, including increased chances of suicidal thoughts in young people.
Rogan doubts the common medical explanation that depression is caused by chemical imbalances.
Health experts warn that discouraging use of antidepressants without medical advice can be harmful.
Rogan linked Von’s strange comments and mood changes to his medication, though medical sources do not list some symptoms he mentioned as common side effects.
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Some people are using advanced deepfake technology to help catch online sexual predators. These digital tools use artificial intelligence (AI) to trick predators and expose harmful behavior on the internet.
Key Facts
Deepfakes are videos or images created using AI to make realistic but fake content.
Digital vigilantes use deepfakes to pretend to be children or other targets to catch predators.
This technology helps reveal the ways predators try to groom or harm people online.
The use of AI makes the fake videos very convincing.
The goal is to protect vulnerable internet users by exposing illegal activity.
This method is becoming a new tool in the fight against online abuse.
It highlights both the dangers and potential benefits of AI technology.
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The CBS News Sunday Morning show on May 17 features stories about design in housing, architecture, fashion, and décor. It highlights practical uses of small homes in backyards to ease housing shortages, explores ancient adobe building methods combined with modern 3-D printing, and showcases the colorful Finnish design firm Marimekko.
Key Facts
CBS News Sunday Morning airs Sundays at 9:00 a.m. ET on CBS and streams at 11:00 a.m. ET on the CBS News app.
Oregon contractor Jacob Fry built two small rental units in his backyard to help with housing shortages caused by wildfires.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small homes on the same property as a main house, used as extra homes for rent or family.
Adobe is an ancient building material made from mud bricks, now gaining popularity again and being combined with 3-D printing technology.
The Finnish company Marimekko is known worldwide for its bold fabric, fashion, and home design patterns.
The show tours Ardrossan Mansion, a large historic Georgian-style estate in Philadelphia.
Chandeliers, decorative hanging lights, are explained for their design and glamour.
A Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich, with thinly sliced meat, is featured as a local cultural icon.
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A company named Casimir Inc. announced it has raised money to develop a device that aims to produce free, continuous energy using a physical effect called the Casimir force. This force comes from tiny particles that pop in and out of existence in empty space, causing pressure between closely spaced metal plates. The company hopes to convert this force into usable energy through a special design involving fixed plates and quantum tunneling of electrons.
Key Facts
Casimir Inc. recently revealed itself and secured funding from investors interested in free energy.
The company previously worked on a technology called the WTF thruster EM-drive, which aimed to convert electricity directly into thrust.
The Casimir force arises from virtual particles in a vacuum creating pressure between two metal plates placed very close to each other.
Normally, the plates move together due to this force, releasing some energy, but moving them apart costs the same amount, so no net energy is gained.
Casimir Inc.’s idea uses fixed plates with tiny pillars in between, connected to an electrical load, to continuously harvest energy.
Their design depends on quantum tunneling, where electrons move across barriers in a way that might favor one direction, potentially producing energy.
The company proposes that the energy states involved are similar to those found in a hydrogen atom, which could cause electrons to move from higher to lower energy states.
Detailed technical explanations and independent verification of the concept have not yet been provided.
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This article explains how artificial intelligence (AI) changes the way companies improve their software products. Instead of just releasing updates based on plans or customer requests, companies now learn and improve their products continuously by watching how real customers use them in everyday work.
Key Facts
AI software improves through ongoing use, not just planned updates or feedback.
Product teams learn from where users get stuck or stop using a feature.
Customer success and implementation teams help spot problems and suggest changes.
AI tools can behave differently in real work situations compared to testing.
Observing actual customer actions, not just their words, is important for product decisions.
Companies that quickly learn from real-world data have an advantage over those with long planning roadmaps.
Post-launch learning becomes a regular part of product development, not just customer support.
Speed in releasing products is important, but ongoing improvement based on user behavior is crucial.
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The Rolling Stones released a new music video for their song "In the Stars" that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create younger-looking digital versions of band members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood. The video shows them as they appeared many years ago.
Key Facts
The Rolling Stones have a new music video for the song "In the Stars."
The video features digitally created younger versions of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology was used to make these de-aged digital versions.
The digital images resemble how the band members looked decades ago.
This is an example of a famous band using AI in music and visual media.
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