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Dec 8, 2025 • 8min

‘ONE RULE’: Trump says he’ll sign an EO blocking state AI laws despite bipartisan pushback; also, Paramount's hostile bid for WBD

Trump plans a sweeping executive order to prevent states from enacting their own AI regulations, stirring up bipartisan dissent. Meanwhile, Paramount has launched a staggering $108.4 billion hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, just days after the latter's agreement to be acquired by Netflix. This bold move raises questions about financing and potential antitrust issues. As tech leaders voice concerns about federal intervention, state advocates push back, highlighting the complexity of AI regulation and corporate mergers.
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Dec 8, 2025 • 6min

How would the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal reshape Hollywood?

The $82.7 billion deal for Warner Bros. is sending shockwaves through Hollywood. Many are calling it a potential death blow to theatrical filmmaking. The Writers Guild is urging regulators to block the merger, stirring further controversy. Competing bids from Paramount and Comcast add to the drama, as do concerns about Netflix's intentions. Senator Elizabeth Warren voices her anti-monopoly critiques, while Netflix execs try to reassure about preserving HBO's legacy. The future of theatrical releases hangs in the balance.
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Dec 5, 2025 • 9min

The New York Times is suing Perplexity for copyright infringement; while Meta signs commercial AI data agreements with publishers to offer real-time news on Meta AI

The New York Times has launched a copyright lawsuit against Perplexity, arguing that its content was used without permission. This marks a trend among publishers using legal action to negotiate licensing deals with AI companies. Meanwhile, Meta has formed partnerships with several major news outlets to deliver real-time news via its AI platform. This move signals Meta's shift back to compensating publishers after previous controversies over news content.
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Dec 5, 2025 • 7min

Musk says new Tesla software allows texting and driving, which is illegal in most states; plus, Feds ask Waymo about robotaxis repeatedly passing school buses in Austin

Elon Musk claims Tesla's latest software could allow for texting while driving, sparking safety concerns. However, the system still requires driver attention and isn't fully autonomous. Meanwhile, the NHTSA is investigating Waymo after reports of robotaxis repeatedly passing stopped school buses in Austin. Despite Waymo's assurances of improvements, the Austin School District is demanding operational limits during school hours to ensure safety.
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Dec 4, 2025 • 6min

California’s ban on self-driving trucks could soon be over; also, Amazon may drop USPS and build a competing service

California is poised to lift its ban on self-driving trucks, allowing them to test on public highways. New rules will enable police to ticket driverless vehicles, addressing safety concerns. Meanwhile, Amazon might sever ties with USPS to establish its own delivery service, leveraging its extensive shipping infrastructure, including drones and autonomous vans. The enthusiasm for autonomous vehicle testing contrasts with opposition from labor groups advocating for human oversight in freight transport.
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Dec 4, 2025 • 5min

Andy Jassy says Amazon’s Nvidia competitor chip is already a multi-billion-dollar business

Can any company challenge NVIDIA's AI chip supremacy? Amazon is banking on its Tranium 2, boasting a multi-billion-dollar revenue stream. CEO Andy Jassy highlights its price-performance ratio, attracting AWS customers. With Anthropic using over 500,000 Tranium-2 chips in their Project Rainier, the stakes are high. Plus, there's buzz about the upcoming Tranium 4, designed to work alongside NVIDIA GPUs. Will Amazon carve out a significant slice of the AI chip market, or will NVIDIA remain unchallenged?
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Dec 3, 2025 • 7min

Another bid to block state AI regulation has failed…for now; plus, Autolane is building ‘air traffic control’ for AVs

A new attempt to prohibit states from regulating AI has been thwarted, facing solid opposition from both sides of the aisle. The tech industry continues to clash over whether to place power in the hands of big tech or state authorities. Meanwhile, Autolane is making waves with a fresh $7.4 million in funding, aiming to establish an 'air traffic control' system for autonomous vehicles. Their collaboration with Simon Property Group will facilitate safe AV pickups and drop-offs at shopping malls, showcasing innovative solutions in urban mobility.
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Dec 3, 2025 • 8min

A data breach at analytics giant Mixpanel leaves a lot of open questions

A major data breach at Mixpanel has raised significant concerns. A terse announcement before Thanksgiving left many questions unanswered. Insights emerge about the types of user data compromised, including names and locations. OpenAI confirms their customer data was among the stolen information. The analytics industry's data collection practices come under scrutiny, highlighting risks of pseudonymization and tracking. Mixpanel's session replays may capture sensitive information, adding to the uncertainty of this incident's ramifications.
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Dec 2, 2025 • 11min

Amazon releases an impressive new AI chip and teases a Nvidia-friendly roadmap; also, India plans to verify and record every smartphone in circulation

Amazon has unveiled a powerful AI training chip, Trainium 3, boasting impressive speed and energy efficiency. It's positioned to cut costs for early adopters like Anthropic and is set to support NVIDIA's GPU architecture in its upcoming iteration. Meanwhile, India is expanding its cybersecurity initiative to verify and record all smartphones, sparking privacy debates as the government tackles device theft and fraud. Critics are voicing concerns over potential data governance issues linked to this broad tracking initiative.
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Dec 2, 2025 • 6min

Construction workers are cashing in on the AI boom; also, Data center energy demand forecasted to soar nearly 300% through 2035

Construction workers are cashing in as data-center jobs offer 25-30% pay increases. Tech giants like Amazon and Google are racing to build new facilities, but a skilled-worker shortage of 439,000 looms large. Meanwhile, data center energy demand is set to soar, projected to triple by 2035. Amid rising electricity prices, larger facilities are moving to rural areas while AI's stake in data center computing grows. With a global investment surge, the future of energy and construction is buzzing with opportunity and challenges.

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