Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, donated $1 million to Public First, a political group that supports candidates favoring stricter rules on artificial intelligence (AI). Several other Anthropic employees also contributed a total of $2.15 million during the last three months.
Key Facts
Dario Amodei is the CEO of Anthropic, an AI company.
He gave $1 million to Public First, a super PAC.
Public First supports candidates who want stronger AI regulations.
Other Anthropic employees donated $2.15 million together.
The donations were reported in a campaign finance filing on Wednesday.
A Google DeepMind engineer also made a contribution, according to the article.
The donations were made during the last quarter (three months).
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The European Commission has enforced new rules under the Digital Markets Act that require Google to share search data with competitors and allow other AI services equal access on Android devices. These rules aim to increase competition and user choice in the EU but Google warns the changes might affect privacy and security.
Key Facts
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a new European law targeting big tech companies like Google, Apple, and Meta to promote competition.
Google must now let other AI assistants access Android features equally, not just its own Gemini AI assistant.
Google currently preloads Gemini AI on Android phones and gives it special permissions like responding to "Hey Google."
The European Commission wants users to install and use any AI assistant on Android without losing functionality.
Google has to share search data with other search companies for a reasonable fee to help competitors grow.
The Commission calls this data sharing necessary because previous Google offers did not meet competition requirements.
Google argues these measures could reduce privacy and security protections for users.
The EU says it designed the rules to protect user privacy while boosting competition and is willing to tweak them if needed.
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xAI has filed a lawsuit against a user, Terry Wayne Harwood, who allegedly used xAI’s chatbot Grok to create illegal sexual images involving minors. xAI claims it helped law enforcement arrest Harwood after discovering he used multiple accounts to generate such content, while earlier accusations said xAI failed to properly report or prevent this misuse.
Key Facts
xAI sued Terry Wayne Harwood after accusing him of using Grok to produce illegal sexual images of minors.
Harwood was arrested in South Carolina for possession and spreading child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).
Harwood reportedly used at least two accounts with complex usernames to create these images between December and February.
Grok sometimes blocked harmful requests but did not fully prevent the creation of illegal images.
A separate class action lawsuit claims xAI ignored many harmful prompts and failed to help police identify users.
A 2026 report said 90% of xAI’s CSAM reports lacked user information helpful for law enforcement.
Elon Musk had previously claimed he had not seen Grok produce CSAM but warned users against illegal use.
Harwood’s case is still ongoing, with charges related to distributing and possessing CSAM.
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Toyota's 2026 RAV4 plug-in hybrid SUV includes a large 22.7 kWh battery that allows most daily driving to be done using electric power alone. It features a new powertrain with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine, two electric motors, and advanced electronics to improve efficiency and performance.
Key Facts
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid has a 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery located under the cabin.
The SUV uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine operating on the Atkinson cycle, producing 186 horsepower.
There are two main electric motors: one driving the front wheels (203 hp) and one on the rear axle (55 hp).
The combined power output of the engine and electric motors is 324 horsepower.
The transmission is an electronically controlled variable ratio transmission (eCVT) using planetary gears, not typical belts or cones.
The RAV4 can switch between series hybrid mode, mostly using electric power, and parallel hybrid mode at high speeds.
Trim levels like SE and XSE offer up to 52 miles of all-electric range and about 40 miles per gallon combined fuel efficiency.
The Woodland trim adds off-road features but lowers fuel efficiency compared to other trims.
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Linus Torvalds, creator and leader of the Linux kernel project, supports using AI coding tools to improve Linux. He says people who oppose AI use in the project can either create their own version or leave the project.
Key Facts
Linus Torvalds firmly supports integrating AI coding tools in the Linux kernel development.
Torvalds told critics to "fork it" (make their own version) or walk away from Linux if they oppose AI code.
The discussion focused on using Sashiko, an AI system that finds over half of the bugs fixed by human coders but produces some false positive bug reports.
Torvalds rejects demands that open source projects ban AI-generated code or edits.
He calls AI a practical and useful tool, comparable to other coding tools.
Studies show mixed results on AI coding tools improving developer productivity, but recent data suggests faster coding with AI by early 2026.
Torvalds has personally used AI tools for hobby programming projects.
Some developers in the open source community remain cautious or against AI coding tools.
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Scientists used powerful radio telescopes to search for artificial signals from K2-18b, a planet outside our solar system thought to be a good candidate for alien life. They found no clear signals but developed new methods to improve future searches for signs of extraterrestrial technology.
Key Facts
The study was published in The Astronomical Journal.
Researchers used the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array and MeerKAT radio telescopes.
They searched for technosignatures, which are signs of alien technology.
Advanced software filtered out radio noise from Earth to avoid false detections.
No confirmed artificial radio signals were detected from K2-18b.
The study showed how radio searches can complement investigations of planetary atmospheres.
Current telescopes can only detect very strong or intentional signals from alien civilizations.
The research helps improve future searches by refining techniques and understanding limitations.
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New York state has temporarily stopped building new data centers to study how they affect the environment and local communities. Experts are looking at the wider effects of these centers, which use a lot of energy to run artificial intelligence systems.
Key Facts
New York is the first state to pause new data center construction.
The pause is temporary while lawmakers review environmental and social impacts.
Data centers are facilities that house computers for processing data.
AI data centers require significant energy to operate.
Experts are concerned about the environmental footprint of data centers.
The goal is to balance technology growth with environmental protection.
State officials plan to create rules based on the study results.
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Residents in Southaven, Mississippi, are complaining about loud noise from a data center plant that supports Elon Musk’s xAI data centers. The continuous noise is causing discomfort for the local homeowners.
Key Facts
The data center plant is located in Southaven, Mississippi.
It provides power and support for Elon Musk’s xAI data centers.
Homeowners say the noise from the plant is very loud and constant.
Residents describe the noise as unbearable and stressful.
Local people have spoken out publicly about their discomfort.
The complaints focus on how the noise affects daily life and peace at home.
The article highlights community concerns about the impact of this technology facility.
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Current and former OpenAI employees donated nearly $250,000 to a political action committee (PAC) called Guardrails Alliance. This PAC works to promote AI safety and is pushing back against another committee partly funded by OpenAI’s president, Greg Brockman.
Key Facts
OpenAI employees gave over $245,000 to Guardrails Alliance, an AI safety-focused super PAC.
Guardrails Alliance has received eight donations totaling $248,000.
The PAC aims to counter Leading the Future (LTF), a committee supported in part by Greg Brockman.
Greg Brockman is the president and co-founder of OpenAI.
The donations come from both current and former OpenAI employees.
The conflict centers on different approaches to AI safety and policy.
Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited money to influence political decisions but cannot directly coordinate with candidates.
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Researchers from the University of Cambridge studied 39 common sweeteners and how they affect gut bacteria. They found that many sweeteners, especially when combined with medications like the antidepressant duloxetine, can change how gut bacteria grow and reduce the variety of bacteria important for digestion.
Key Facts
The study tested 25 types of gut bacteria with 39 different sweeteners, including artificial and natural ones.
The sweetener isosteviol, from stevia, combined with duloxetine strongly reduced two healthy gut bacteria.
Reduced diversity of gut bacteria could harm digestive health.
About 75% of sweeteners changed the growth of at least one type of gut bacteria.
Over 100 interactions were found where sweeteners acted differently when mixed with other compounds like caffeine or medications.
Some combinations made sweeteners' effects stronger, while others made them weaker.
The research was done in lab conditions and does not give direct dietary advice.
Scientists say sweeteners should be seen as biologically active, not inert substances.
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OnePlus announced it will stop releasing new phones in North America and Europe, focusing only on India and China for future launches. Existing OnePlus phones in these regions will still get software updates, but will switch from OxygenOS to Oppo’s ColorOS with the next Android update.
Key Facts
OnePlus will no longer launch new phones in the US and Europe after the OnePlus 15 model in late 2025.
The company will continue selling current phones and support their software in these regions.
OnePlus devices will switch from OxygenOS to Oppo’s ColorOS starting with Android 17.
Future OnePlus phone releases will focus only on India and China.
Oppo, OnePlus’ parent company, is integrating OnePlus devices closer with its own brand and software.
Chinese brands like Oppo and OnePlus face challenges entering the US market due to carrier partnerships and regulations.
The smartphone market in the US will continue to be dominated by Apple and Samsung.
Rising costs for phone parts like RAM and flash storage are making phone production more expensive, influencing companies to adjust their strategies.
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Scientists from Hiroshima University have developed a new way to detect hidden changes in collagen, a protein that supports skin, before visible signs of aging like wrinkles appear. Their research shows that collagen’s internal structure can weaken early on, even when the skin looks healthy by normal methods.
Key Facts
Collagen is a protein that keeps skin strong and structured.
The study showed collagen can lose its internal order before it breaks down visibly.
Traditional imaging methods detect late-stage collagen damage but miss early changes.
Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to see both collagen amount and organization.
Skin tissue may look healthy while microscopic changes affecting collagen structure are already happening.
Detecting these early changes could lead to better prevention and personalized skin treatments.
The findings may also help in wound healing and medical material development.
The research was published in the journal ACS Nano on July 16.
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Elon Musk’s AI company xAI has filed a lawsuit against a man in South Carolina for allegedly using its AI system, Grok, to create illegal sexual images involving children. The company says this user broke its rules and caused harm by making fake sexual content without consent.
Key Facts
xAI sued Terry Harwood in federal court in Texas.
Harwood was arrested earlier this year on charges related to exploiting minors.
The lawsuit claims he used Grok to create child sexual abuse material and non-consensual sexual images of adults.
xAI says it usually punishes rule-breakers by suspending or terminating accounts and reports illegal content to authorities.
Harwood allegedly uploaded real photos to Grok and tried to make fake sexual images from them.
xAI seeks financial compensation and wants the court to stop Harwood from using Grok forever.
This case is among the first where an AI company is suing a user for making illegal sexual content with AI tools.
The company states such misuse leads to harm for victims and damages xAI’s reputation.
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A man paralysed from the chest down has regained the ability to move his arms and feel touch through a brain implant that bypasses his spinal cord injury. The implant connects his brain to his arms and sends touch sensations back to his brain, helping him feed himself and feel objects.
Key Facts
Keith Thomas became paralysed after a swimming accident in 2020.
Researchers implanted electrodes in his brain to detect movement signals.
The system sends signals from the brain to his arms and hands to move them.
Sensors on his fingers and hand send touch signals back to his brain.
After training, Thomas regained partial arm strength and touch sensation.
He can now feed himself, scratch his nose, and feel his sister’s hand and his dog’s fur.
The technology partly rewires the nervous system to keep some function even when turned off.
More trials are needed to test the system with other patients and spinal injuries.
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that a Tesla driver in Texas pressed the accelerator pedal fully while Full Self Driving (FSD) was active, leading to a fatal crash. The driver, Michael Butler, had claimed the autopilot was on, but data showed he manually overrode the system just before the accident.
Key Facts
The crash occurred in Texas and killed a 76-year-old woman named Martha Avila.
Michael Butler, 44, was driving a Tesla with FSD engaged at the time of the crash.
NTSB data showed Butler pressed the accelerator to 100% just before the crash.
Butler said he “passed out” and did not remember his actions leading to the crash.
Tesla’s Vice President of AI software confirmed the driver overrode the autopilot.
Butler was working as a DoorDash delivery driver when the crash happened.
The crash involved the Tesla going straight at high speed, hitting a family home.
Butler faces manslaughter charges and a lawsuit alleging negligence by him and Tesla.
Investigations continue into possible mechanical faults, including a Tesla defect called “Sudden Unintended Acceleration.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also opened a special inquiry into the crash.
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Elon Musk’s AI company xAI has filed a lawsuit against a man in South Carolina. The company says he used its chatbot called Grok to make and share illegal child abuse content.
Key Facts
xAI is an artificial intelligence company founded by Elon Musk.
The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Texas.
The accused person is Terry Wayne Harwood from South Carolina.
Harwood allegedly created at least two Grok accounts using fake names.
He is accused of using these accounts to produce and distribute illegal explicit material involving children.
Grok is a generative chatbot, meaning it can create text based on prompts given by users.
The case involves serious criminal content related to child sexual abuse material.
xAI is taking legal action to address the misuse of its chatbot.
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The article argues that export controls on artificial intelligence (AI) should require the government to clearly explain and prove its reasons publicly. It suggests there should be a fair review process to avoid unpredictable or unfair decisions.
Key Facts
Export controls refer to government limits on sharing technology with other countries.
These controls are seen as a way to stop or limit AI development abroad.
The article calls for transparency in how these controls are applied.
It recommends a process to review government actions to ensure fairness.
The goal is to prevent random or unjust decisions that could harm innovation.
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Denshattack! is a new video game where players perform skateboard tricks on trains in a dystopian future Japan. The game mixes fast-paced tricks and racing with a unique story about gangs battling in a ruined rail system.
Key Facts
The game is set in a future Japan after climate disasters, where people live in corporate domes.
Players control Emi, a character aiming to become the best at performing tricks on trains.
The gameplay combines skateboarding moves like grinding and flipping with racing challenges.
The game features colorful, fast visuals and a mix of silly and serious themes.
Levels include races, score challenges, and boss fights with creative scenarios.
The design incorporates many elements of Japanese culture, past and present.
Developed by Undercoders, a team based in Barcelona.
The game appeals especially to fans of classic skating and platform games.
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XPENG has developed a new humanoid robot called IRON, which is designed to move and interact like a human. The robot has advanced features such as electronic skin, a flexible spine, and hands with high dexterity, allowing it to perform tasks in workplaces like production lines and offices.
Key Facts
IRON is 5 feet, 8 inches tall and has a white body.
Its face is a 3D curved screen that shows emotional expressions and non-verbal signals.
The robot has 82 degrees of freedom, meaning it can move its joints in many ways, more than similar robots.
It has a spine inspired by biology to improve flexibility and posture.
Its hands have 22 degrees of movement, allowing it to handle objects like humans.
IRON can adapt its body shape and appearance for different tasks or preferences.
First-generation IRON robots are already working in factories, receptions, and stores.
The second-generation model is planned to serve in commercial service roles.
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The article discusses using artificial intelligence (AI) to help manage personal finances. It explains that while AI can assist with creating budgets and managing money, experts warn there are some risks involved.
Key Facts
AI can help people plan and track their budgets.
Experts say AI tools may improve how you manage your money.
There are risks to letting AI handle financial decisions.
The article is based on analysis from a CBS News business expert.
It suggests users should be careful when trusting AI with their finances.
The discussion focuses on everyday money management, not complex investing.
The article was shared through the CBS News app and other platforms.
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