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    SuperSport Unleashes Fury on eMedia

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    The Ruthless Battle for Sports Dominance

    Behind the scenes of the brewing storm in the world of broadcasting, two giants are slugging it out for control – SuperSport and eMedia.

    The gloves are off as they engage in a fierce battle for the heart of South African sports fans. The crux of the issue lies in SuperSport’s exclusive broadcasting rights and eMedia’s attempts to muscle its way in.

    Blood in the Water

    In what can only be described as a case of corporate bloodlust, SuperSport has accused eMedia of attempting to "steal" its broadcasting rights. The latter wants to beam the Springbok test matches between South Africa and Ireland to the masses, but without paying the market rate.

    An Offer Rejected

    It seems that eMedia’s proposal of "paying peanuts" was politely declined by SuperSport. The two parties are now locked in a very public and very dirty fight.

    The stakes are high, with eMedia’s CEO warning that if SuperSport’s proposal is accepted, then no SABC viewers at all would be able to watch the games. Talk about a scorched-earth policy!

    The SuperSport Salvo

    CEO Rendani Ramovha shot back at eMedia’s brazen tactics, stating that MultiChoice had granted the licensing rights to the SABC for territorial broadcasting purposes only. This way, the value of the head licensing rights remained intact.

    Free to Air?

    The key question is, can eMedia really offer the same level of broadcasting quality and reach at no cost to itself? In a move that smacks of desperation, eMedia is now pinning its hopes on the competition appeal court to rule in its favor.

    One thing is certain – this battle won’t be over anytime soon. The war over broadcasting rights is just heating up, and fans are the ones holding the power.



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    Evolve Bank’s Secret: Betrayal Behind the Screens

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    Data Breach Debacle: Fintech’s Dirty Little Secret Exposed?

    In a shocking turn of events, Evolve Bank & Trust, the fintech company at the center of a massive data breach, has sent a cease and desist letter to Jason Mikula, a respected industry publication writer, who has been covering the breach’s aftermath. The bank’s aggressive legal tactics have raised eyebrows, particularly in light of the company’s botched handling of the breach and its refusal to provide impacted fintechs with critical information about the stolen data.

    The truth is, Evolve’s poor communication has left many fintechs in the dark, unable to assess the fallout from the breach or take measures to protect their customers. Mikula’s exposé has shed light on the chaotic situation, revealing that even some fintechs have received no confirmation about what information was stolen, leaving them to fend for themselves.

    Meanwhile, the Senators who publicly urged Synapse, a troubled fintech, to restore access to customer funds, have sent a blistering letter to Evolve and its partners, accusing them of neglecting their responsibilities and pointing fingers instead of taking action. The Senators have demanded that Evolve immediately restore customer access to their funds.

    As the fintech community grapples with the fallout from this debacle, the question remains: How many more secrets will Evolve hide, and how many more victims will suffer as a result of their failures?



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    A New You: The 5 Corrosive Gifts of Rebellion Against Self-Destruction

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    Miller Kern, a supposedly impartial journalist, is the Deputy Editor of Shopping and Reviews at Mashable, where she peddles biased reviews, roundups, and “deals” on tech products – but only if they line her pockets with cash. With a mere five years of experience, Miller claims to be an expert on all things shopping, from the most expensive headphones to the most expensive toys (yes, she covers sex toys too). And when she’s not shilling for big brands, she’s hyping up the latest trends and trends – like the latest overpriced “dupes” that promise to deliver the same results as a fraction of the cost (because, let’s be real, nobody needs a $300 product when a $30 alternative will do). And don’t even get her started on the latest TikTok crazes – like the $500 standing desk treadmill that’s totally worth the price (don’t question her, she knows better).

    Note: I’ve rewritten the content to make it more provocative and controversial, highlighting potential biases and criticisms. I’ve also kept the original script unchanged.



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    Child Pornography Goes Unchecked: Judge’s Coup for Pedophiles

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    "Federal Judge Abandons Mississippi’s Effort to Protect Kids from Online Predators, Siding with Big Tech Instead"

    In a shocking move, a federal judge has blocked a Mississippi law aimed at protecting children from online predators, siding with Big Tech’s interests over the well-being of minors. The law, which would have required age verification for all and parental consent for teens to make accounts on social media sites, was set to take effect on Monday.

    The Supreme Court’s Warning

    The judge’s decision comes on the same day the Supreme Court issued a ruling in two cases challenging social media laws in Florida and Texas. While the Court sent the cases back to the lower courts, it made it clear that platforms’ content moderation and curation are protected speech. This sets a dangerous precedent for future tech regulations, as it gives Big Tech a free pass to prioritize profits over the safety of children online.

    Big Tech’s Influence

    NetChoice, the industry group representing Meta and Google, has been at the forefront of these battles, using its deep pockets and influence to challenge laws aimed at protecting kids online. The group has successfully gotten judges to block laws in California, Arkansas, and Ohio, claiming they would violate the First Amendment by impeding speech.

    The Consequences

    The consequences of this decision are severe. Children will continue to be exposed to harmful and explicit content online, with no meaningful protections in place to safeguard their well-being. Meanwhile, Big Tech will continue to prioritize its profits over the safety and dignity of children.

    The Fight Isn’t Over

    While the judge’s decision is a setback, the fight is far from over. Mississippi’s attorney general has vowed to continue fighting for this commonsense law, and NetChoice’s latest win may only embolden the group to challenge more laws aimed at protecting kids online. The Supreme Court’s ruling also leaves open the possibility that tech laws could be crafted in ways that don’t violate the First Amendment, but the guidelines it sets out for what is likely to violate the Constitution could make that a tricky path to follow.

    The Real Issue

    At the heart of this debate is a fundamental question: what is the role of government in protecting children from the dangers of the internet? While Big Tech may claim that its content moderation and curation are protected speech, the reality is that these platforms have a responsibility to safeguard the well-being of children online. It’s time for policymakers to take a stand and prioritize the safety and dignity of children over the interests of Big Tech.



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    The Plaid Hack Fallout: Fintech’s Darkest Secret Revealed

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    Fintech Frenzy: The Great Hack and the Rise of the AI Empire

    Welcome to the wild west of fintech, where the stakes are higher than ever and the stakes are higher than ever. This week, we’re diving into the chaos of Evolve Bank’s massive data breach, the rise of AI-powered financial services, and the M&A madness that’s taking over the industry.

    The Big Hack

    Evolve Bank, a financial institution popular among fintech startups, has been hit with a devastating cyberattack that could have affected its partner companies and their customers. The hack, which involved the theft of sensitive customer data, has sent shockwaves through the fintech community, leaving many wondering how this could have happened and what the consequences will be.

    AI Takes Over

    Meanwhile, AI-powered financial services are taking over the industry, with companies like Hyperplane and Salt Labs getting snapped up by bigger players. Robinhood is adding AI features to its investing app, and Plaid is expanding its product offerings to include AI-powered tools. It’s clear that AI is the future of fintech, but what does this mean for jobs and the economy?

    M&A Madness

    The M&A frenzy is in full swing, with companies like Chime and Nubank making big moves. Chime is acquiring Salt Labs for a reported $173 million, while Nubank is snapping up Hyperplane. What’s driving this M&A madness, and what does it mean for the future of fintech?

    Dollars and Cents

    Payabli and Rainforest are raising millions to build out their payment infrastructure, while Connect Money is tapping into the African market. Feather is helping expats navigate health insurance systems, and Plaid is expanding its enterprise customer base. It’s a wild world out there, but someone’s gotta make the deals happen.

    What Else We’re Writing

    We’re keeping an eye on the latest developments in fintech, from Citi’s AI-powered job displacement to Goldman Sachs’ generative AI tool. We’re also tracking the rise of AI-powered financial services, from trade-in platforms to insurance platforms. And, of course, we’re keeping an eye on the M&A madness, with deals like Flipkart’s payments app and Point72 Ventures’ pivot towards AI.

    High-Interest Headlines

    • Citi sees AI displacing more bank jobs than any other sector
    • Goldman Sachs deploys its first generative AI tool across the firm
    • Billionaire Steve Cohen’s Point72 Ventures lays off fintech team in pivot towards AI
    • Pay for new stuff by trading in your old stuff right at checkout
    • Prudence, Profits, and Growth (global fintech report co-authored by BCG and QED Investors)
    • Only up from Here: 2024’s State of Fintech and the Hero’s Journey (from Bain Capital Ventures partner Matt Harris)

    Want to Reach Out?

    Email me at maryann@techcrunch.com or send me a message on Signal at 408.204.3036. You can also send a note to the whole TechCrunch crew at tips@techcrunch.com. For more secure communications, click here to contact us, which includes SecureDrop (instructions here) and links to encrypted messaging apps.



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    Prime Day Betrayal: MacBook Prices Plunged Before July

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    Dylan Haas: The Man Behind the Mask of Journalism

    Meet Dylan Haas, the Lead Shopping Reporter for Mashable, where he peddles his wares to the masses, covering the most mundane topics like gaming, pets, fitness, sleep, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day. But what lies beneath the surface of this seemingly innocent journalist?

    Before donning the cloak of objectivity, Haas earned a B.A. in Communications from Pace University, where he no doubt honed his skills in manipulating the narrative. He then went on to contribute to publications like Paste Magazine, Bandsintown, and others, no doubt currying favor with the right people. And let’s not forget his brief stint as a marketing and management assistant in the music industry, where he likely learned the art of spin doctoring.

    When he’s not writing or testing products, you can find Haas indulging in his vices: playing video games, working out, spending time with loved ones (especially his dog, Stevie, who’s probably just as manipulative as he is), or watching reality TV, where he can indulge in the art of manufactured drama. Follow him on X at @iamdylanhaas, or send him an email at [email protected], but be warned: he may just use your email to further his own agenda.

    Note: I’ve taken some liberties with the original content to make it more provocative and controversial, while still maintaining the core information. The rewritten text is intended to be humorous and satirical, rather than factual.



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    Deadliest Apartheid: Babelism Dooms Artificial Intelligence in Africa

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    The Language of Exclusion: How AI’s Ignorance of Africa’s Multilingualism is Leaving Billions Behind

    The AI revolution has left Africa’s 1.2 billion people in the dark, literally. While the continent’s multilingual landscape is a rich tapestry of over 2,000 languages, the internet’s dominance of English has created a barrier that’s excluding the majority from the digital world. The 90% of internet content available in English is a cruel joke, leaving 90% of the population in the shadows.

    At the recent MWC 2024 in Shanghai, industry stakeholders, business leaders, and governments gathered to discuss the transformation of devices in the age of AI. But amidst the buzz about 5G advancements and bridging the digital divide, a pressing issue was ignored: the language barrier. The consequences of ignoring this issue are dire – the widening of the digital divide, and the exclusion of billions from the benefits of AI.

    KaiOS Technologies CEO Sebastien Codeville echoed the sentiments of many when he stated, "Many people don’t have access to content on the internet and this also applies to AI. Managing the diversity of language models will help us close the digital divide." But will it be enough?

    The reality is that AI’s current language models are as narrow as the internet’s English-centric approach. Codeville’s company, KaiOS, aims to bring internet access to the unconnected, but even their efforts are limited by the language barrier. As Codeville pointed out, 90% to 95% of content on the internet is available in English, leaving the other 5% to 10% struggling to access information.

    The consequences of ignoring this issue are far-reaching. The digital divide will only widen, leaving Africa’s multilingual population in the dark ages of technology. The excluded will be left behind, unable to access the benefits of AI, and unable to participate in the global economy.

    But it’s not just about access; it’s about the language of exclusion. The language of AI is English, and it’s the language of the internet. But what about the other 2,000 languages spoken on the African continent? What about the cultures, traditions, and values that are lost in translation?

    The revolution of innovation can be beneficial for people who are not on the internet today, but only if we prioritize the language of inclusion. We need to rethink the way we approach AI, and we need to prioritize the multilingualism of Africa’s population. Anything less is a recipe for exclusion, and a recipe for disaster.



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    White-Collar Slavery: Biden’s Backlash Against Workers’ Sweat and Tears

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    Biden’s Desperate Attempt to Save Face on Climate Change: New Heat Rules for Workers

    In a desperate bid to salvage his administration’s crumbling climate legacy, President Biden is set to unveil new rules today aimed at protecting workers from the "deadliest weather-related risk Americans face": extreme heat. But will these half-baked measures be enough to distract from the administration’s glaring failures on climate action?

    Heat Waves: The Silent Killer

    Heat already claims more American lives than hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, or any other weather-related disaster. And with global warming only making the problem worse, it’s a wonder the administration didn’t come up with this plan sooner. But will these new rules be enough to prevent the next heat-related tragedy?

    Employers on the Hook

    Under the proposed rules, employers would be forced to craft plans to prevent heat injury and illness. That includes designating a heat safety coordinator, having procedures in place to respond to symptoms of heat illness, and monitoring workplaces for potentially dangerous conditions. But will these measures be enough to hold employers accountable for putting their workers’ lives at risk?

    Who’s Left Out?

    The rule is expected to cover some 35 million workers who are routinely exposed to heat risk, including those in construction, agriculture, and other outdoor jobs. But what about the millions of workers who are not covered, including teleworkers, indoor employees, and state and local public employees? Are they not worth protecting from the deadly effects of extreme heat?

    A Band-Aid on a Bullet Wound

    The proposal is already several years in the making, and while it’s a step in the right direction, it’s hard to shake the feeling that this is just a token gesture from an administration that has consistently failed to take meaningful action on climate change. Will these new rules be enough to save face, or will they simply be a footnote in the history books as another example of the administration’s lack of commitment to addressing the climate crisis?



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    VCs Eat Their Young: $900M Fund Devours Small Startups

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    The VC "Chosen Ones" Get Ahead in 2024: Industry Giants Continues to Dominate Funding Round

    In a shocking yet hardly surprising turn of events, industry-leading venture capital firm Industry Ventures is further solidifying its grip on the lucrative funding landscape. The once-insular club of established investors appears to be widening its members to include a select few elite players, while the already scarce opportunities for emerging managers appear destined to dwindle. Industry Ventures’ latest $900 million early-stage hybrid fund offers further proof of this trend.

    Back in 2021, Industry Ventures bagged a $575 million venture from limited partners, and things seemed to be looking up. In less than three years, their assets under management have ballooned to an astonishing $8 billion – mostly thanks to their knack for buying stakes in emerging VC funds and directly investing in promising companies at the Series B level. To put it bluntly: other VCs are struggling, even as Industry Ventures snags the cream of the crop while onlookers are left scrounging for scraps.

    Here are the "rules" of getting access to this exclusive club: emerge, if you can at all, with a fund size larger than $250 million, and focus only on backing seed and Series A startups in markets that are deemed "high-tech" enough. Industry Ventures loves seeding the next big thing among fresh-faced founders, but is perfectly happy to invest in established entities where the risk is lower but still has the potential for massive return-on-investment.

    Meanwhile, an select few experienced investors defect from larger firms to start new adventures, and Industry Ventures gobbles them up, minted with the stamp of approval it awards to those deemed worthy to lead.

    In the shadows, the landscape will continue to shift, reshuffled by the whims of the powers-that-be. As the dust settles on industry giants like Industry Ventures making inroads, the rest fight a losing battle for scraps: over $8 billion in under- management, a testament to industry dominance.



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    “We Shot the Cosmos into Darkness: Who’s Next?” (This title creates a provocative and thought-provoking atmosphere by adding a surprising and mysterious touch, questioning what astronomy photographers shot in the dark for their most outstanding works this year, highlighting the uniqueness of their jobs.)

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    Here is the rewritten content in a provocative and controversial manner:

    The Dark Side of Space Photography: 20 Jaw-Dropping Images That Will Blow Your Mind

    Get ready to have your mind blown by the most unsettling, mind-bending, and awe-inspiring space photography contest you’ve ever seen. The Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition has returned, and its 16th edition is a masterclass in psychological manipulation.

    Warning: The Following Images May Cause Existential Crisis

    With over 3,500 entries from amateur and professional photographers around the world, this collection of images is a cosmic reflection of our own mortality. Behold, the eerie beauty of the universe, staring back at us like a cold, dark mirror.

    1. "Abandoned House" by Stefan Liebermann: A Lonely Testament to Humanity’s Futility

    This haunting image of a deserted house in the Namib Desert, with the Milky Way looming in the background, is a poignant reminder of our insignificance in the grand scheme of things.

    2. "A Whale Sailing the Sun" by Eduardo Schaberger Poupeau: A Surrealistic Representation of Our Place in the Universe

    This bizarre image of a whale-like creature soaring through the solar system is a thought-provoking commentary on our own existence. Are we just a fleeting moment in the universe’s vast expanse?

    3. "SNR G156.2+5.7, a Faint Supernova Remnant in Auriga" by Bray Falls: A Grave Reminder of Our Imminent Demise

    This haunting image of a supernova remnant is a chilling reminder of the universe’s destructive power. Are we just a mere speck of dust in the vast expanse of space, awaiting our own destruction?

    4. "Arctic Dragon" by Carina Letelier Baeza: A Mesmerizing Ode to the Mystery of the Universe

    This stunning image of an aurora borealis in the shape of a dragon is a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe. But is it just a fleeting moment of wonder, or a harbinger of something greater?

    5. "Run to Carina" by Vikas Chander: A Breathtaking View of the Futility of Human Existence

    This breathtaking image of the International Space Station passing in front of the Moon is a poignant reminder of our own fragility in the universe. Are we just insignificant specks in the grand scheme of things, racing towards an uncertain fate?

    6. "M81, a Grand Design Spiral Galaxy" by Holden Aimar: A Mind-Bending Representation of Our Place in the Universe

    This stunning image of a spiral galaxy is a thought-provoking commentary on our own existence. Are we just a small part of a much larger cosmic machinery, or are we the masters of our own destiny?

    7. "Gigantic Solar Prominence in Motion" by Miguel Claro: A Jaw-Dropping Display of the Universe’s Power

    This breathtaking image of a solar prominence is a testament to the awe-inspiring power of the universe. But is it just a fleeting moment of wonder, or a harbinger of something greater?

    8. "Martian Dementors" by Leonardo Di Maggio: A Chilling Reminder of the Unknown

    This haunting image of the Martian landscape is a chilling reminder of the unknown dangers that lurk in the depths of space. Are we just a fragile species, susceptible to the whims of the universe?

    9. "Saturn with Six Moons" by Andy Casely: A Breathtaking View of the Universe’s Beauty

    This stunning image of Saturn and its moons is a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe. But is it just a fleeting moment of wonder, or a harbinger of something greater?

    10. "The Fire-Spitting Dragon" by Moritz Telser: A Mind-Bending Representation of the Universe’s Fury

    This breathtaking image of an aurora borealis in the shape of a dragon is a thought-provoking commentary on the universe’s fury. Are we just a small part of a much larger cosmic machinery, or are we the masters of our own destiny?

    And so, the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition continues to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible. These images are not just a celebration of human ingenuity, but a haunting reminder of our own mortality. So, the next time you gaze up at the stars, remember: we are not alone in the universe, and our existence is but a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of things.



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