Transcript

Hello and welcome to ‘Just a Moment News.’ I’m Erika, and today, on July 16, 2024, we’re diving into some intriguing news stories from around the globe.

First up, the FBI has recently accessed the password-protected phone of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the deceased suspect in an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. Details on how the FBI managed to bypass the phone’s security are not disclosed, but this development marks a significant progression in sourcing evidence from locked devices, a contrast to the challenges faced nearly a decade ago with the San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone. The phone initially resisted access in Pennsylvania and was later sent to Quantico, Virginia, for successful analysis.

Moving on, in South Africa, Starlink users have been facing intermittent issues accessing streaming services like DStv, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video due to the absence of a local ground station. To counter this, IcasaSePush, a major Starlink importer, has introduced the Deeper Connect Mini SE, a device offering decentralized private network connectivity. Priced at four thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine Rand, this device allows users to access geo-blocked content from various locations simultaneously, though it’s important to note that circumventing geo-blocking can violate terms of service of these platforms.

Next, we celebrate the achievements of Mossel Bay’s young talents at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Rylan Lemmetuis, from Mossel Bay, has earned multiple medals across acting and music categories, including two golds and a scholarship from The New York Film Academy. Maja Snyman also impressed, winning gold in nearly all her categories. Their success has indeed put Mossel Bay on the global map.

In the tech world, Microsoft has unveiled “SpreadsheetLLM,” an AI model designed to work with spreadsheet data. This AI tool aims to transform enterprise data analysis by making spreadsheet data more accessible and understandable through natural language processing. Despite concerns about job displacement, the potential benefits for business efficiency and innovation are substantial.

From the natural world, a rare spade-toothed whale washed ashore near Taieri Mouth, New Zealand. This specimen, only the seventh documented since the 1800s, offers a unique opportunity for scientific study. The Department of Conservation and The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa are collaborating with local Māori iwi to ensure cultural protocols are respected during the examination process.

And from the cosmos, scientists have discovered an underground cave on the Moon in the Sea of Tranquility. This cave, accessible through a collapsed lava tube pit, could potentially serve as a natural shelter for future lunar habitats, offering protection from cosmic radiation and extreme temperatures.

Lastly, Apple TV+ has renewed the drama series “Presumed Innocent” for a second season, starring Jake Gyllenhaal. This series, based on Scott Turow’s novel, has reportedly become the most-viewed drama on the platform, with the new season set to focus on an entirely new case.

That’s all from ‘Just a Moment News’ for today. Thank you for tuning in. I’m Erika, and we’ll see you next time with more updates and insights. Stay informed and curious!

Keywords - moment, daily, news