Technology

New effort to clean up space junk prepares to launch
Known as ELSA-d, the mission will demonstrate technology that could help capture space junk, the millions of pieces of orbital debris that float above Earth.
Why is it taking so long to get high-speed internet to all of greater Minnesota? 
MPR News host Angela Davis talks to Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove and the president and CEO of the Blandin Foundation about how the pandemic underscored the need for better broadband. 
Netflix tests out a possible password-sharing crackdown
Netflix is testing a way to crack down on password sharing. The streaming service has been asking some users of the popular streaming site to verify that they live with the holder of the account.
Slick Tom Cruise deepfakes signal that near flawless forgeries may be here
When they're not lighthearted movie star cameos, the digital doppelgängers have scary disinformation potential. A deepfakes researcher hopes our wariness keeps up with the tech's quickening advances.
Don't swat this bug. It might be a robot on a rescue mission
Scientists are trying to build a tiny drone with the agility of a mosquito. These light but strong flying robots could be used in critical situations, such as finding people in a collapsed building.
Block Party aims to be a 'spam folder' for social media harassment
In part because of her own experience being targeted with online harassment and threats, Tracy Chou launched Block Party, a startup that aims to help people feel safer on social media.
Spacecraft named for 'Hidden Figures' mathematician launches from Virginia
The supply ship is named for Katherine Johnson, a Black NASA mathematician portrayed in the 2016 film. It's bringing some 8,000 pounds of supplies and hardware to the International Space Station.
After weeks of being offline, Parler finds a new web host
The conservative social network is relaunching under new leadership and on new technology, a month after being de-platformed. It says it will not rely on Big Tech for its operations.