Net News Today — September 25, 2026

The intersection of technology and sustainability is taking center stage in today's news. The UK is exploring innovative ways to reduce energy waste, proposing that more homes be heated using waste heat from datacenters. This development highlights the growing importance of finding creative solutions to minimize the environmental impact of our increasingly digital lives. Meanwhile, astronomers are monitoring the effects of satellite mega-constellations, like Starlink, on our planet's atmosphere, using their descent as a "planetary barometer" to better understand the long-term consequences of space technology.

As technology continues to evolve, we're seeing its applications expand across various industries and domains. In the world of computing, FreeBSD is making strides on the Amazonian cloud desktop, with 2026 emerging as a pivotal year for its adoption. On the consumer front, Google is bringing its virtual closet feature to Android and iOS users, inspired by the iconic movie "Clueless." Additionally, the tech industry is abuzz with news of conferences, regulatory developments, and innovative platforms. New York's efforts to shut down Polymarket gambling, and TechCrunch's offer for discounted Disrupt 2026 passes, reflect the dynamic and sometimes contentious landscape of tech, where innovation and oversight are constantly interacting.

Today's signal:
• UK wants more homes heated by waste heat from datacenters (theregister.com)
• Astronomer watches Starlink satellites sinking to build a ‘planetary barometer’ (theregister.com)
• 2026 just became the year of FreeBSD on the (Amazonian cloud) desktop (theregister.com)
• Bring your co-founder, partner, or colleague and get 50% off a second TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 pass (techcrunch.com)
• New York defies Trump admin, asks court to shut down Polymarket gambling (arstechnica.com)
• Google Photos ‘Clueless’-inspired virtual closet is now available on Android and iOS (techcrunch.com)