Stories from San Francisco · United States

San Francisco police used a geofence warrant to obtain cell phone location data from Google to identify a suspect in a robbery. This method involves using location data to identify potential suspects, raising legal protection concerns. They are swept up in the geofence. Google's 2019 geofencing practices tracked 500 million users. Virginia police use cell location data to identify a bank robber. Google cooperates with ICE data requests. Google's location data, covering an area three times the size of a football field around the bank, was accessed. This data allowed police to identify individuals present in the geofenced area during the time of the heist and the hours before and after. Google initially identified 19 potential suspects but did not provide names.

A lane on the westbound Bay Bridge was blocked mid-span due to flashing lights. The cause was unclear, with possibilities including debris or a broken-down vehicle. Traffic delays were not. The cause of the obstruction and the specific bridge location were not immediately clear. A pipe has been placed in the left lane on Interstate 580 westbound, just before North Flynn Road. This obstruction is contributing to traffic backups extending to Interstate 205.

Two neutron stars rapidly spiraled together and merged in a cosmic event.

A number of demonstrators were present outside the Correspondents Dinner on Saturday night. This level of protest has been observed in previous years as well. Michelle Martin reported on the event. The demonstrations involve individuals associated with major AI developments. Jury selection for the case is expected to occur in the coming days. The proceedings are estimated to last approximately one month. Expected witnesses and participants include Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The case involves high-profile figures in the technology sector.

A pending Supreme Court case, Louisiana versus Calais, could impact key portions of the Voting Rights Act. The case questions the legality of Louisiana's creation of two majority-black congressional districts in 2024. Voting rights advocates fear the ruling may weaken protections. Advocates fear this ruling may impact the creation of new court-ordered maps for congressional districts.

Alex Mayase, co-author of 'Planet Money: A Guide to the Economic Forces That Shape Your Life,' views each book as a 'tiny miracle.' He highlights the extensive work, resources, and strategic efforts involved in bringing a book to market, from paper and ink to distribution and marketing. The book explores the economic forces shaping daily life.

Elon Musk's payments-and-banking-focused 'everything app' is reportedly moving closer to a public launch. The platform aims to integrate financial services into the existing X ecosystem.

Witnesses are expected to testify regarding claims that OpenAI has betrayed its original 2015 philanthropic mission. The company was founded as a non-profit to develop artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity.

Investors are increasingly utilizing catastrophe bonds to provide insurance coverage in high-risk climate zones. Recent bonds have offered investors interest rates between 8 and 13 percent. Financial outcomes for these investors are directly tied to the occurrence of natural disasters such as hurricanes in Florida. The mechanism allows private capital to play a role in societal risk management. If a pandemic occurs within the next few years, the funds are designated to be released to support affected nations. These instruments are designed to provide financial protection against the risks of natural disasters and COVID-19 relief efforts. The funds target support for the poorest countries globally. Jamaica worked with the world in 2021 to utilize financial tools to protect against inevitable hurricanes.

Insurance companies are increasingly utilizing catastrophe bonds to manage financial risks associated with climate change. Intensifying hurricanes and more frequent wildfires are driving insurers to pull out of high-risk regions such as California and Florida. This trend leaves hundreds of thousands of residents, including teachers in Arkansas and public employees in Virginia, facing limited coverage options.