Transcript

Hello, everyone! Welcome to ‘Just a Moment News.’ I’m your host, Erika, and today is July 20th, 2024. We’ve got a mix of interesting headlines to discuss today, so let’s dive right in.

First up, we’re talking about a major IT outage that has affected banks, airlines, and businesses worldwide. This disruption was caused by a faulty update from the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, impacting millions of Microsoft Windows devices. Major airlines like Delta, United, and American Airlines had to ground flights, and numerous financial institutions faced significant operational challenges. The CEO of CrowdStrike, George Kurtz, stated that this was not a security incident and assured that a fix had been deployed, though it might be challenging to implement on a large scale. Additionally, this outage extended to emergency services in the U.S., with many 911 and non-emergency call centers experiencing malfunctions. International travel was also severely impacted, with reports of delays and cancellations in Europe and Australia. The financial markets felt the ripple effects too, with CrowdStrike shares dropping nearly fourteen percent and Microsoft’s falling by 2.4 percent.

Moving on, let’s talk about how South Africa’s airports are handling the situation. The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has assured passengers that despite the global tech issues, flights at all six of the airports it manages in the country will not be affected. ACSA does not use CrowdStrike services and relies on advanced cyber protection capabilities to ensure security and continuity of operations. The spokesperson, Ntokozo Mazibuko, emphasized that their airport network remains unaffected and operations are running as normal.

Next, we have some green energy news from South Africa. Digital Realty’s Teraco, the largest data center operator in the country, is planning to transition entirely to renewable energy within the next decade. Currently operating seven data centers, Teraco aims to power fifty percent of its sites with renewable energy by 2027 and achieve one hundred percent by 2035. They are investing three billion Rand in a two hundred megawatt solar program over the next five years, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

In sports, Shane Lowry has taken a two-shot lead at the Open Championship, despite a challenging round that included a clash with a cameraman. Lowry, aiming to replicate his 2019 triumph, managed to recover from a double bogey and regain his lead. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods struggled, both missing the cut, which means the weekend will proceed without several top players.

In real estate news related to sports, a house with front-row seats to the British Open at Scotland’s Royal Troon Golf Club is on the market for $1.95 million. Blackrock House offers unparalleled views of the tournament, making it a prime location for golf enthusiasts.

Lastly, Bruce Springsteen, often hailed as the voice of the working class, has achieved billionaire status, according to Forbes. Despite his immense wealth, Springsteen continues to stay grounded, maintaining a strong connection to his roots in New Jersey. His financial leap includes a $500 million sale of his music catalog to Sony and a successful world tour.

And in entertainment, Natalie Portman’s TV debut in “Lady in the Lake” has received high praise for its storytelling and performances. The series, set in 1960s Baltimore, explores themes of racial prejudice and sexual oppression through the lives of its main characters, Maddie Schwartz and Cleo.

That wraps up our discussion for today. Remember, we’re just providing the details without drawing any conclusions. Thanks for tuning in to ‘Just a Moment News.’ I’m Erika, and I’ll be back with more stories and updates soon. Stay informed and take care!

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