The Daily Factum
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Google's AI Assistant Gemini Scans Private PDFs: User Control and Privacy Concerns
Broke On: Monday, 15 July 2024Google denies scanning private PDFs in users' Google Drive accounts without permission after Kevin Bankston, a senior advisor at the Center for Democracy and Technology, discovered Gemini summarizing his tax return without consent. Google maintains that content is only used in real-time to generate responses when Gemini is enabled but isn't saved without permission. The incident highlights concerns about user privacy and the need for more granular control over what AI technologies access. 
New in iOS 18: The 'Recovered' Album in Photos Helps Users Recover Lost or Damaged Content
Broke On: Monday, 15 July 2024Apple's iOS 18 update introduces a 'Recovered' album in the Photos app, which displays lost or damaged photos and videos for easy recovery or deletion. 
Amazon Prime Day 2024: Facts, Tips to Avoid Scams and Protect Yourself
Broke On: Tuesday, 16 July 2024Amazon Prime Day 2024, a two-day shopping event for Prime members on July 16-17, offers significant discounts across various categories. Stay safe from scams by researching sellers, saving contact info, and avoiding suspicious texts or lookalike websites. 
Bank of America Beats Estimates with Strong Investment Banking and Asset Management Performance in Q2 2024
Broke On: Tuesday, 16 July 2024Bank of America's Q2 financial results reveal earnings and revenue surpassing estimates, with investment banking fees up 29% and asset management fees up 14%. Despite a decline in net interest income due to higher interest rates, the strong performance in investment banking and asset management helped offset this. Analysts will closely watch upcoming reports from other major banks for further insights into the financial sector. 
Paul Kagame Wins Landslide Victory in Rwanda's 2024 Elections Amidst Allegations of Intimidation and Disqualified Opponents
Broke On: Tuesday, 16 July 2024Paul Kagame secured another term as Rwanda's president with over 99% of votes in the 2024 elections, despite opposition figures reporting threats and arbitrary detention. Critics accuse him of governing in a climate of fear and holding back freedoms, but supporters praise his economic growth efforts and role in ending ethnic divisions. Kagame's opponents were disqualified from running, including vocal critic Diane Rwigara. The elections for special seats will take place on Tuesday. 
At Least 41 Killed, Over 150 Injured: Israeli Strikes on Five Schools in Gaza Since October 2023
Broke On: Monday, 15 July 2024At least 41 people have been killed and over 150 injured in Israeli strikes on five schools in Gaza since October 2023, according to Palestinian officials and medics. The latest attack on July 15 targeted the UN-run Abu Oreiban school, killing at least 22 people, mostly women and children. Israel alleges Hamas uses civilian buildings for military purposes but has yet to provide evidence. Since the conflict began, over 88 percent of all educational facilities in Gaza have been destroyed. The UN condemns these attacks on schools as violations of international law. 
Teamsters Union President Sean O'Brien Defies Tradition, Criticizes Corporate Greed at Republican National Convention
Broke On: Friday, 12 July 2024Teamsters Union President Sean O'Brien defied party lines and spoke at the Republican National Convention, praising Donald Trump for inviting him and criticizing corporate greed while advocating for long-term investment in American workers. Midwest Tornadoes: Two Killed, Over 460,000 Left Without Power After Severe Storms Sweep Through Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana
Broke On: Tuesday, 16 July 2024Severe storms hit the Midwest on July 15, 2024, leaving a trail of destruction in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. Two tornadoes touched down in Des Moines, causing significant damage and power outages for over 460,000 customers. A tornado also hit Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Heavy rain led to flash flood warnings and numerous road closures. 
Tragic Loss: Hikers Perish on Syncline Trail in Canyonlands National Park During Heatwave
Broke On: Tuesday, 16 July 2024Two hikers, Albino Herrera Espinoza (52) and Beatriz Herrera (23), tragically lost their lives on the Syncline Trail in Canyonlands National Park due to heat and dehydration on June 6, 2021. Known for its steep elevation change and few trail markers, the Syncline Trail is the most challenging hike in Island in the Sky district with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, excessive-heat warnings were issued across the US, leading to numerous heat-related fatalities. 
New Discovery: Old Climate Models Overestimate Ice Reflectivity by 5%, Underestimating Impact of Microphysical Properties
Broke On: Monday, 15 July 2024Scientists from the University of California, Irvine and the University of Michigan discovered a significant flaw in climate models that overestimated ice reflectivity due to a lack of consideration for microphysical properties like algae and dust. This led to an increase in Greenland Ice Sheet melting by about six gigatons more than older model versions. Accurate climate models are crucial for understanding the future implications of human-driven climate change.