Here is a collection of miscellaneous news articles, blog posts, and other web content I’m reading (or planning to) today, Saturday, January 24, 2026:
“Social Security Administration admits it underreported DOGE dirty dealings”
The Social Security Administration admitted it previously downplayed how much access a special government team called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had to its internal systems. Court documents now show DOGE kept access longer than allowed, moved some data outside the agency, and even used an unapproved web app to share information internally. Officials say they still don’t fully know what data was copied or where it went, which is concerning because Social Security holds highly sensitive personal information about millions of Americans.
The story, reported by The Register, matters because it raises serious questions about government transparency, data privacy, and whether Americans’ personal information was handled responsibly.
“Kids learn computer theory with wood, cardboard, and hot glue”
Students at an Arizona school built a full-size, 500-square-foot replica of the ENIAC – the first general-purpose programmable electronic computer – out of cardboard, wood, and hot glue to mark the 80th anniversary of the original. The project used archival materials to place accurate panels and simulated components where they belonged, giving students hands-on insight into how massive and intricate early computers were, even though the replica isn’t functional.
“Sony no longer home of the Bravia as it plans TV biz spin-out to China’s TCL”
“Sony’s TV business is being taken over by TCL”
Sony has announced it will effectively exit standalone television manufacturing by signing a memorandum of understanding with Chinese electronics maker TCL to spin out its TV and home audio business into a new joint venture in which TCL will hold a 51% controlling stake and Sony will retain 49%. The new company will handle product development, manufacturing, sales, logistics, and customer service, and will continue to use Sony’s Bravia brand while combining Sony’s picture and audio technology with TCL’s manufacturing scale and cost advantages. Sony hasn’t publicly explained the move, but industry observers point to its shrinking market share in a slow-growing global TV market as a likely factor.
This marks a major strategic shift for Sony, ending decades of direct control over its iconic Bravia TV business and signaling how competitive pressures and economics are reshaping the global consumer electronics industry. The deal could reshape the TV market by blending Sony’s premium branding and tech with TCL’s manufacturing strength, affecting product pricing, availability, and competition with rivals like Samsung and LG.