#cnn

Exclusive: Four Women Describe Sexual Misconduct by Rep. Eric Swalwell, Including a Former Staffer Who Says He Raped Her A former staffer of Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading Democratic candidate for California governor, alleges that the congressman raped her while she was heavily intoxicated, leaving her bruised and bleeding. The incident, which the woman claims occurred in 2024 after she had left Swalwell’s office, is one of several allegations against the congressman, which he has categorically denied. The woman described the encounter as a second instance of nonconsensual sexual contact with Swalwell, following a 2019 incident in which she awoke naked in a hotel room after a night of heavy drinking, with no memory of what happened but physical evidence of sexual contact. Another woman, who connected with Swalwell online through her interest in Democratic politics, recounted being left extremely drunk in his hotel room after a night out with him. She described being kissed and touched without consent during the evening, with little recollection of the events afterward. A third woman, social media creator Ally Sammarco, said she initially reached out to Swalwell on Twitter to discuss politics, expecting no response. She was surprised when he replied, though she later alleged he sent her unsolicited nude messages. Swalwell’s campaign and legal team have dismissed the allegations as false, with his attorney sending cease-and-desist letters to two of the women interviewed by CNN. The letters accused the women of fabricating their accounts and warned of legal consequences if they continued speaking out. The attorney also denied that Swalwell had ever engaged in nonconsensual sexual activity with any woman or staff member. CNN’s investigation found corroboration for key elements of each woman’s claims.#cnn #rep_erik_swalwell #ally_sammarco #cheyenne_hunt #california_governor

Kara Swisher's CNN Series Explores Science, Tech, and Business of Longevity Kara Swisher, a veteran journalist known for her coverage of Silicon Valley, launches a six-part CNN docuseries titled “Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever,” delving into the science, technology, and business of extending human life. The series opens with Swisher visiting a cemetery, the final resting place of her father, who died in 1968 at age 34. His sudden death, when Swisher was just 5, left a lasting impact on her perspective of mortality. “My father’s death has created an awareness of death that is very profound,” she says. “I’m very aware of my death and I don’t mean I’m going to die tomorrow. I just know the time is limited.” The series examines the intersection of health, technology, and longevity, featuring topics ranging from wellness influencers like Gwyneth Paltrow to AI-powered robotic companions for the elderly. Swisher, who has spent decades reporting on the tech industry, approaches the subject with a critical yet open mind. “I come to it pretty neutral and willing to listen to some stuff and willing to blow up other stuff,” she explains. She highlights the lack of a “magic bullet” in health trends, dismissing fads like collagen supplements and vibration plates as unproven. Instead, she critiques the wellness industry for exploiting gaps in the U.S. healthcare system, which often intervenes only after illnesses become severe and costly. “We live in a sick care society, not a health care society,” she tells the AP. “What we should be investing in is to make all of us healthier for a longer period of time rather than participate in what is a sick care industry here in this country.” Swisher’s exploration includes firsthand experiences with experimental treatments.#stanford_university #cnn #kara_swisher #bryan_johnson #gwyneth_paltrow

Kara Swisher's CNN Series Explores Wellness, Longevity, and Skepticism Toward Tech Bro Obsessions The wellness economy in the United States has grown to an estimated $2.1 trillion, according to the Global Wellness Institute, as people invest in products and practices aimed at extending life and improving health. Yet, veteran tech journalist Kara Swisher, in her new CNN series Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever, questions whether these efforts are effective or even meaningful. Premiering April 11, the show combines personal experimentation with interviews, as Swisher tests wellness trends like ketamine, hyperbaric chambers, and red light therapy while engaging with figures like Bryan Johnson, Sam Altman, and Jennifer Doudna. Swisher’s interest in longevity stems from personal experiences: her father died of a brain aneurysm in his 30s, and she herself suffered a stroke 15 years ago. These events, she says, fuel her desire to understand how to live longer and healthier. However, her series challenges the notion that expensive wellness products or tech-driven "anti-aging" strategies are the key to longevity. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of skepticism, urging viewers to distinguish between hype and scientific validity. In one episode, Swisher visits Bryan Johnson’s home, where the tech bro spends $2 million annually on a personalized longevity regimen. Johnson’s routine includes dozens of daily supplements, an at-home hyperbaric chamber, and constant health monitoring. While Swisher acknowledges his dedication, she remains wary of his approach. She criticizes his reliance on "supplements as advice," noting that his data-driven methods often serve his own interests rather than broader societal benefits.#cnn #kara_swisher #sam_altman #bryan_johnson #jennifer_doudna

Google TV or Roku: Which Free Streaming Service is Actually Worth Your Time? The Roku Channel and Google TV Freeplay both offer free TV streaming, but one service clearly outperforms the other in terms of content variety and accessibility. While both platforms provide hundreds of live channels across a wide range of categories, the differences in their offerings and user experience make one a more compelling choice for viewers looking to cut the cord without paying for subscriptions. The Roku Channel provides over 500 live TV channels, including more than 100 free local channels. This extensive selection includes major national news networks such as CNN, ABC News, NBC News, Fox News, CBS News, Scripps News, and BBC News. Roku’s geolocation feature ensures users see local stations relevant to their area. Beyond news, the platform offers a vast array of niche channels, such as those dedicated to classic TV shows like Gunsmoke, Little House on the Prairie, and Law & Order, as well as modern series like Judge Judy and Duck Dynasty. Additionally, Roku includes channels for cooking, home content, reality TV, game shows (including Family Feud and The Price Is Right), documentaries, true crime (such as Dateline and Oxygen True Crime), and comedy. Google TV Freeplay, on the other hand, offers over 250 live channels, though its selection is more limited in certain categories. While it includes major sports channels like NBC Sports and a few dedicated to combat, wrestling, soccer, and motorsports, it lacks a major league sports channel like the NFL. The platform also features channels for popular TV shows such as Saved by the Bell, Real Housewives, and Keeping Up with the Kardashians, with a stronger focus on modern content. However, the classic TV section is smaller compared to Roku, and the local news selection is less extensive.#cnn #abc_news #nbc_news #roku_channel #google_tv_freeplay

CNN develops agent infrastructure for AI media trading CNN is advancing plans to integrate artificial intelligence into its media trading operations by developing an internal agent infrastructure designed to streamline digital advertising transactions. The initiative, which aims to launch AI-driven media trading by early 2027, involves creating systems that automate the exchange of information, pricing negotiations, and task management between buyers and sellers within the advertising ecosystem. The company has outlined a phased approach, with protocol scoping set to conclude by the end of the second quarter of 2026, followed by testing phases later in the year. The testing phase will focus on evaluating how media properties are interpreted by large language models (LLMs) and how buyers allocate budgets to agent-based systems. CNN executives emphasized that the timeline may shift as technological advancements and market conditions evolve. The project combines in-house development with partnerships with external technology providers, ensuring alignment with industry frameworks to maintain compatibility across platforms. Additionally, CNN is collaborating with standards bodies to establish protocols that guarantee accurate and reliable outcomes for buyers through agent communication. Agentic protocols, a core component of the initiative, enable systems to autonomously exchange data, negotiate pricing, and manage tasks without direct human intervention. CNN is prioritizing consistent communication between systems to enhance the efficiency and reliability of transactions. Early-stage efforts are centered on learning and experimentation, even though the project does not yet generate revenue.#artificial_intelligence #cnn #digital_advertising #agent_infrastructure #media_trading

CNN builds in-house agent infrastructure as it prepares for AI-driven media trading CNN is advancing its plans to develop an agentic infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to transition into AI-driven media trading by the first quarter of 2027. The news network, which operates under Warner Bros. Discovery, aims to finalize the scoping of agentic protocols by the end of the second quarter of 2026, according to Faisal Karmali, vice president of digital business operations at CNN International Commercial. The timeline includes testing one or two properties in the third quarter to evaluate how large language models (LLMs) interpret agentic systems, followed by an analysis of buyer behavior and budget allocation for agent-to-agent trading experiments in the fourth quarter. Karmali emphasized that the goal is to have a fully operational trading model and a new revenue stream by early 2027, with the fourth quarter focused on preparing for budget testing to ensure the system is “tried and tested” before full-scale implementation. The timeline remains flexible, as Karmali noted that agentic protocols and the broader industry landscape are still evolving. CNN’s approach combines in-house development of agentic infrastructure with partnerships involving third-party technology and trading vendors, including demand-side platforms (DSPs). While specific partner names were not disclosed, Karmali highlighted that the U.S.-based team is leading the infrastructure development, which could be adapted internationally with relative ease. The company is also collaborating with the IAB Tech Lab and its agentic roadmap framework to ensure its protocols align with industry standards and deliver consistent outcomes for buyers. CNN has been evaluating all available protocols, including AdCP, to build a robust agentic system.#cnn #warner_bros_discovery #faisal_karmali #iab_tech_lab #adcp

CNN readies AI agents to buy and sell ads CNN is developing an in-house system that will allow AI agents to autonomously buy and sell advertisements, according to a report by Digiday. The initiative, set to begin testing later this year, aims to launch full-scale operations by early 2027. The project involves integrating CNN’s internal agentic infrastructure with third-party technologies and trading vendors, including demand-side platforms. The rollout will proceed in stages, starting with defining how these AI agents communicate, followed by testing how CNN’s ad inventory is interpreted by large language models (LLMs), and concluding with early-stage experiments involving advertisers. The move aligns with a broader industry trend toward agentic buying processes, as companies like Google and The Trade Desk have introduced similar tools. These systems aim to streamline ad purchasing by reducing transaction fees and accelerating deal-making through automation. CNN’s decision may also be influenced by the need to demonstrate growth in its ad business ahead of its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, being acquired by Paramount. As CNN will soon operate alongside rival CBS within the same media conglomerate, the network may seek to strengthen its monetization strategy and compete for ad revenue in a consolidated news media environment. The potential success of agent-to-agent ad buying could significantly reshape the media buying landscape. By automating campaign execution, the process could lower costs and improve efficiency, while also shifting the industry toward a more data-driven approach. This transition may require marketers to rethink their strategies, emphasizing first-party data, robust measurement frameworks, and creative differentiation to remain competitive in an increasingly automated market.#paramount #cnn #the_trade_desk #warner_bros_discovery #digiday

Iran-linked Hackers Breach FBI Director's Personal Emails FBI Director Kash Patel’s personal emails were accessed by hackers linked to Iran, according to a report by CNN. The stolen files, which span from 2011 to 2022, include personal, business, and travel communications Patel had with various contacts, as revealed by a preliminary review conducted with the help of an independent cybersecurity researcher. The researcher described the breach as akin to “someone’s personal junk drawer,” emphasizing that it does not indicate a compromise of the FBI itself. Reuters first reported the breach on Friday, highlighting concerns about potential retaliation from Iranian-backed cyber operatives. U.S. intelligence officials have warned repeatedly about the risk of Tehran-linked hackers responding to the recent U.S.-Israeli bombing of Iran, which began last month. This incident marks the latest in a series of attacks targeting Patel’s private information. In late 2024, Patel was informed by officials that he had been targeted by an Iranian hacking group, with some of his personal communications accessed before he was appointed as FBI director. The 2024 breach was part of a broader campaign by foreign hackers, including those from China and Iran, to infiltrate accounts of incoming Trump administration officials. This included individuals such as Todd Blanche, the current Deputy Attorney General, and Lindsey Halligan, the former interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. The same Iranian-linked hacking group responsible for the recent breach also carried out a cyberattack earlier this month that disrupted operations at a major U.S. medical device manufacturer.#iran #pentagon #cnn #fbi_director_kash_patel #iranian_hacking_group

CNN cameras captured what appeared to be a cluster munition in the skies over central Israel. CNN's Jeremy Diamond reported from Tel Aviv, describing the scene as tense and chaotic following a deadly Iranian missile strike that targeted the city. The strike, which occurred amid heightened regional tensions, marked a significant escalation in the conflict, with reports of widespread damage and casualties. The footage from CNN's live coverage showed debris falling from the sky, with the cluster munition appearing to explode in mid-air, scattering shrapnel across the area. Diamond, who was on the ground in Tel Aviv, described the immediate aftermath as a "scene of devastation," with emergency services working to rescue victims and assess the extent of the damage. Witnesses reported hearing explosions and seeing flames rising from multiple locations in the city center. The Iranian missile strike was part of a broader pattern of attacks targeting Israeli infrastructure and civilian areas, which has intensified in recent weeks. Analysts noted that the timing of the strike coincided with a critical moment in the ongoing conflict, potentially aimed at disrupting Israeli military operations or sending a strong message to regional adversaries. The attack also raised concerns about the potential for further escalation, with both sides accused of escalating hostilities in a cycle of retaliation. In response to the strike, Israeli officials confirmed that they had launched countermeasures, though details were not immediately released. The incident has drawn international attention, with global leaders and analysts warning of the risks of further violence in the region.#iran #israel #tel_aviv #cnn #jeremy_diamond

Pete Hegseth’s Worrisome Press Briefing The U.S. defense secretary’s recent press briefing has drawn criticism for its dismissive tone and apparent lack of clarity regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran. Hegseth, who has taken to calling himself the “secretary of war,” faced scrutiny after CNN reported that the administration had mistakenly assumed Iran would maintain the Strait of Hormuz open. The strait, a critical maritime route for global oil shipments, has been blocked by Iranian actions, including mining operations and attacks on commercial vessels, leading to soaring energy prices and disrupted trade. Hegseth’s response to the report was met with skepticism. He downplayed the significance of the situation, stating, “They are exercising sheer desperation in the straits of Hormuz. Something we’re dealing with. We have been dealing with it and don’t need to worry about it.” This remark, while intended to reassure, inadvertently validated the CNN report by acknowledging Iran’s aggressive tactics. He further dismissed the media outlet’s findings as “patently ridiculous” and “fake news,” yet his subsequent comments suggested he was aware of the validity of the report. Hegseth’s briefing highlighted a broader issue: the administration’s apparent lack of preparedness for Iran’s actions. He admitted that Iran has long threatened to close the strait, stating, “This is always what they do—hold the strait hostage.” This admission implies that the administration may have underestimated the likelihood of Iran following through on its threats, raising questions about the strategic planning behind the conflict. The press conference also revealed a pattern in Hegseth’s communication style. He frequently uses a dismissive tone while subtly conceding points that critics have raised.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #pete_hegseth #cnn #david_ellison

U.S. military tested device that may be tied to Havana Syndrome on rats, sheep, confidential sources say Since at least 2016, U.S. diplomats, spies and military officers have reported suffering from severe brain injuries. They described being hit by an overwhelming force that damaged their vision, hearing, sense of balance and cognition. However, the government has doubted their stories, calling them delusional. Now, 60 Minutes has learned that a weapon capable of causing these injuries was obtained overseas and secretly tested on animals at a U.S. military base. The investigation into this mystery has spanned nine years, with this being the fourth story in a series called "Targeting Americans." Despite official government skepticism, the reporting has continued due to the disturbing accounts from victims. Chris, a retired lieutenant colonel who worked on highly classified spy satellites, described experiencing an unseen force striking him five times in five months. The attacks occurred in his home in Northern Virginia, with his wife Heidi present for the last two incidents. Heidi reported severe joint pain and osteolysis, a condition where bones dissolve, requiring surgery. Chris now relies on neurological drugs to manage his symptoms, which include damage to multiple organ systems. Other victims, including an FBI agent, a Commerce Department official in China, and the wife of a Justice Department official stationed in Europe, described similar experiences. They reported intense ear pain, pressure in the head, and disorientation. Many have undergone multiple surgeries and suffer from lifelong disabilities. What is striking about these accounts is the consistency in how different individuals describe their experiences. Despite never meeting, they all report similar symptoms.#stanford_university #havana_syndrome #us_military #cnn #fbi

European stock markets rally after report of ‘secret outreach’ by Iran to try to end war European stock markets surged on Wednesday following a report that Iran is engaging in a "secret outreach" to end the war in the Middle East, reversing earlier losses. The UK’s FTSE 100 climbed over 50 points, while the pan-European Stoxx 600 index rose 1.2%, with Germany’s DAX gaining 1.3%, France’s CAC 40 up 0.8%, and Italy’s FTSE MIB increasing 1.7%. The report, published by the New York Times, claimed that Iranian operatives from the Ministry of Intelligence contacted the CIA days after the conflict began, offering to discuss terms for a ceasefire. However, officials remain skeptical about the feasibility of such talks in the short term, citing doubts over Iran’s readiness and the impact of Israeli strikes that have eliminated many senior Iranian officials. The market rebound followed a sharp decline in global indices earlier in the week, driven by fears of prolonged conflict. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones fell 0.1%, while the Nasdaq rose 0.5% and the S&P 500 edged up 0.15%. The US dollar weakened by 0.2% as investors shifted away from safe-haven assets, and oil prices retreated, with Brent crude dropping to around $81.20 after a previous 3% gain. European natural gas futures also reversed earlier gains, falling 9.5% after a 60% surge over two days. Rabobank’s energy strategist Florence Schmit noted that while the report suggests Iranian openness to dialogue, a return to pre-March price levels would depend on a cessation of attacks. The Middle East conflict has severely disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, with shipping through the waterway nearly halted. The world’s largest liquefied natural gas plant in Qatar remains closed, exacerbating concerns about a potential supply crisis.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #new_york_times #cnn #us_navy