Briefs
Verizon Teams With AST SpaceMobile on Space-Based Cellular Service
Verizon has signed a deal with AST SpaceMobile to provide cellular service from space beginning next year.
Associated Press
The Associated Press is a not-for-profit news agency based in New York City. Established in 1846, it is one of the world’s leading news agencies. It has earned more than 50 Pulitzer Prizes.
Free Speech
CBS Buys The Free Press Website, Installs Founder Bari Weiss as CBS News Editor-in-chief
Some at CBS News worry the move signals a shift toward coverage more friendly to President Donald Trump.
Energy
Fears of Massive Battery Fires Spark Local Opposition to Energy Storage Projects
Despite assurances of safety from proponents, some places in New York are enacting moratoriums on these systems.
AI
California Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Landmark Bill Creating AI Safety Measures
The law requires AI companies to disclose safety protocols for their most advanced models and report safety incidents to the state within 15 days.
Data Center
Private Equity Sees Profits in Power Utilities as Big Tech Seeks More Energy
Private investment firms that are helping finance America’s AI race and the huge buildout of energy-hungry data centers are getting interested in the utilities that deliver electricity.
FTC
Amazon to Pay $2.5 billion to Settle FTC Allegations it Duped Customers
Amazon settled with the FTC after being accused of tricking customers into Prime memberships and making them hard to cancel.
Social Media
Chair of House China Committee Demands Urgent White House Briefing on TikTok Deal
The request by John Moolenaar, Chairman of Select Committee on the Chinese Community Party, comes after Trump signed an executive order supporting the arrangement.
Social Media
Framework Deal on TikTok Reached Between U.S. and China: Sec. Bessent
Bessent says the objective of the deal would be to switch to U.S. ownership; Trump and Xi to speak Friday, possibly to finalize the deal.
Social Media
FTC Launches Inquiry Into AI Chatbots Acting as Companions and Their Effects on Children
The FTC said Thursday it sent letters to tech companies to understand what steps companies have taken to evaluate the safety of their chatbots when acting as companions.
Mid East
Commercial Shipping Likely Cut Red Sea Cables That Disrupted Internet Access, Experts Say
10 nations, including India and the UAE, affected by the need to re-route internet traffic after an undersea cable cut.
Supreme Court
Chief Justice Lets Trump Remove Members of Federal Trade Commission For Now
Chief Justice John Roberts let President Trump remove an FTC commissioner, hinting at fewer limits on presidential power.
AI
AI Shakes up the Call Center Industry, But Some Tasks Are Still Better Left to Humans
While AI can handle routine tasks, it struggles with more intricate issues. Relying solely on AI can save money, but hurt customer satisfaction.
Mid East
Undersea Cables Cut in the Red Sea, Disrupting Internet Access in Asia and the Mideast
Microsoft said the Middle East may face increased latency. NetBlocks reported degraded connectivity in countries like India and Pakistan.
Antitrust
Google Avoids Breakup in Search Monopoly Case
But U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ordered other changes in landmark ruling Tuesday.
China
China's Xi Seeks Expanded Role for Shanghai Cooperation Organization at Tianjin Summit
Xi proposed opening China’s BeiDou satellite system, an alternative to the GPS system controlled by the U.S., to 27 member and partner states.
AI
The Success of AI Music Creators Sparks Debate on the Future of the Music Industry
Some artists oppose AI, while others, such as will.i.am, Timbaland, and Imogen Heap have embraced the technology.
