News/Policy
OpenAI and Oracle expand Stargate to 5 gigawatts in $30B deal
OpenAI and Oracle have announced a partnership to develop an additional 4.5 gigawatts of data center capacity for OpenAI's Stargate AI infrastructure platform in Texas, bringing the total planned capacity to over 5 gigawatts. This massive expansion, reportedly part of a $30 billion annual deal, represents one of the largest AI infrastructure projects ever undertaken and signals OpenAI's commitment to scaling beyond its initial $500 billion investment pledge. What you should know: The new data center facility is taking shape in Abilene, Texas, a city of 127,000 people located 150 miles west of Fort Worth. The location offers existing tech...
read Jul 23, 2025US and EU reject delays on AI regulations despite industry pushback
Major AI regulations on both sides of the Atlantic cleared significant hurdles in July, with the US defeating a proposed moratorium on state-level AI rules while the EU rejected calls to delay enforcement of its AI Act. These developments signal a decisive shift toward responsible AI innovation with stronger guardrails, fundamentally reshaping compliance strategies for companies operating in global markets. What you should know: The US federal mega bill became law on July 1 without a controversial 10-year moratorium that would have banned enforcement of state-level AI regulations. The moratorium was originally included due to AI tech companies' frustrations with...
read Jul 23, 2025NSF unveils 4 major AI initiatives to boost U.S. research leadership
The National Science Foundation has announced a series of major AI initiatives that align with the White House's AI Action Plan, signaling a coordinated federal push to maintain U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence. The initiatives span foundational AI research, infrastructure development, and real-world testing capabilities, positioning NSF as a key player in America's AI competitiveness strategy. What you should know: NSF Chief of Staff Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF Director, outlined four major initiatives the foundation will unveil in the coming weeks. New NSF AI Research Institutes will accelerate breakthroughs in foundational AI and applications across health,...
read Jul 23, 2025Trump suspends environmental reviews to speed AI data center construction
Environmental advocates warned Wednesday that AI data centers are driving up electricity costs for consumers and increasing pollution, as the Trump administration unveiled executive orders to accelerate data center construction by suspending environmental reviews. The concerns highlight a growing tension between AI infrastructure demands and environmental protection, with communities in states like Virginia, Tennessee, and Indiana already experiencing higher utility rates and air quality issues from the power-hungry facilities. What you should know: Data centers require massive amounts of electricity, forcing utilities to build new power plants and transmission lines whose costs are shared by all customers. In Virginia, which...
read Jul 23, 2025Trump unveils 28-page “try-first” AI plan to slash regulations and boost federal adoption
President Donald Trump has unveiled a comprehensive "AI Action Plan" that aims to accelerate American AI development while removing regulatory barriers and promoting "objective truth" in AI systems. The 28-page document, released Wednesday ahead of Trump's appearance at a Washington DC tech event, establishes three core pillars: accelerating AI innovation, building American AI infrastructure, and leading international AI diplomacy and security. What you should know: The plan seeks to fundamentally reshape how the US approaches AI regulation and development through aggressive deregulation and federal adoption. Trump is expected to sign related executive orders this week to implement the plan's key...
read Jul 23, 2025Trump unveils AI strategy targeting China while promoting open-source models
The White House has unveiled a new artificial intelligence policy plan aimed at achieving "global dominance" in the AI sector, with President Donald Trump calling for open-source AI models to be freely available worldwide. The plan also directs the Commerce Department to investigate Chinese AI models for potential alignment with Communist Party messaging and restricts federal AI funding to states with burdensome regulations. Key policy priorities: The administration's strategy centers on promoting open AI development while scrutinizing foreign competitors. Open-source and open-weight AI models should be made freely available by developers for global download and modification. The Commerce Department will...
read Jul 22, 2025AI voice cloning in public and private life defeats security as Altman warns of fraud crisis
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned that the world faces an impending "fraud crisis" driven by AI's ability to enable sophisticated impersonation scams, particularly through voice and video cloning technologies. His comments, delivered during a Federal Reserve interview on Tuesday, highlight growing concerns about AI-powered fraud as authentication systems struggle to keep pace with rapidly advancing synthetic media capabilities. What you should know: Current authentication methods are already being defeated by AI technologies, creating immediate security vulnerabilities.• "AI has fully defeated most of the ways that people authenticate currently, other than passwords," Altman said, specifically criticizing financial institutions that still rely...
read Jul 22, 2025AI’s energy demand drives $29B in US utility rate hikes, elicits complaint from UN
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on major tech companies to transition to 100% sustainable energy to power their AI operations, warning that current energy demands could strain global capacity. The appeal comes as US utilities requested a record $29 billion in rate increases during the first half of 2025—double last year's level—largely driven by surging data center energy needs that are being passed on to customers. The big picture: AI's explosive growth is creating an energy crisis that's forcing difficult choices between technological advancement and environmental sustainability. Data center energy consumption is expected to double by 2030 to 945 terawatt-hours,...
read Jul 22, 2025Trump’s $500B AI bet trades safety oversight for China competition
The Trump administration's approach to artificial intelligence regulation has fundamentally shifted America's AI policy landscape, prioritizing innovation and competitiveness over safety oversight. Since taking office in January, President Trump has systematically dismantled predecessor policies while positioning the United States for what his administration frames as a critical technological race with China. This transformation culminated Wednesday with the release of the AI Action Plan, a 20-page policy document that emphasizes "promoting innovation, reducing regulatory burdens and overhauling permitting" while notably avoiding contentious issues like copyright protections for AI training data. The plan emerged alongside Trump's speech at a summit featuring leaders...
read Jul 22, 2025AI may eliminate 50% of jobs by 2045—but the real crisis is psychological
Psychology Today psychologist Michael Mannino argues that widespread AI automation may eliminate jobs but create an existential crisis, as work provides identity, purpose, and community beyond just income. His analysis warns that while universal basic income might address economic needs, it cannot resolve the deeper psychological void left when humans lose their primary source of meaning and social connection. The core argument: Work serves three essential human functions that go far beyond earning money—developing personal capabilities, fostering collaboration, and contributing to society's needs. Drawing from economist E.F. Schumacher's "Buddhist Economics," Mannino argues that viewing work merely as a burden to...
read Jul 22, 2025OpenAI and Oracle expand Stargate AI project to 5+ gigawatts
OpenAI and Oracle announced they will develop an additional 4.5 gigawatts of data center capacity, expanding their Stargate initiative that aims to maintain U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The expansion brings the total Stargate project to over 5 gigawatts of capacity, running on more than 2 million chips, though OpenAI has not disclosed specific locations or funding details for the new facilities. What you should know: The Stargate initiative represents one of the largest AI infrastructure investments in U.S. history, originally announced as an up to $500 billion, 10-gigawatt project. The partnership includes SoftBank Group, a Japanese technology investor,...
read Jul 22, 2025UK government partners with OpenAI to deploy AI across public services
OpenAI has signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK government to deploy artificial intelligence across public services, including education, defense, security, and the justice system. The deal could give OpenAI access to government data while positioning AI as a cornerstone of the Labour government's strategy to revive the UK's stagnant economy, which grew just 0.1% to 0.2% in the second quarter. What you should know: The agreement establishes a framework for AI integration across critical government functions while promising safeguards for public protection. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that "AI will be fundamental in driving change" in the UK...
read Jul 21, 2025Reading, writing, AI-rithmetic: Louisiana opens first K-5 school designed around AI education
Preston Castille, a Louisiana education leader, has opened the Helix AI and Medical Academy in Opelousas, marking the first new school built in the parish in decades. The 40,000-square-foot facility will teach K-5 students how to utilize artificial intelligence and prepare for AI-driven job markets, with classes beginning in August 2025. The big picture: This represents one of the first elementary schools in the United States specifically designed around AI education, reflecting how educational institutions are adapting to integrate emerging technologies into core curriculum from an early age. Key details: The school can accommodate up to 600 students and focuses...
read Jul 21, 2025Act now, Nvidia warns Chinese customers, as H20 AI chip supplies are limited
Nvidia has warned Chinese customers that supplies of its H20 artificial intelligence chip are severely limited, creating uncertainty for China's major technology companies that depend on these processors for their AI development programs. The warning comes as the U.S. government delays issuing new export licenses that would allow the American chipmaker to resume sales to Chinese clients. The H20 represents Nvidia's most advanced AI processor currently approved for sale in China—a specially designed version of the company's flagship chips that complies with U.S. export restrictions while still providing substantial computing power for machine learning applications. These processors serve as the...
read Jul 21, 2025Trump targets AI “bias” with executive order threatening $200M in contracts
The Trump administration is planning an executive order that would require AI companies receiving federal contracts to ensure their chatbots are "politically neutral and unbiased," targeting what officials perceive as "liberal bias" in AI models. This move could jeopardize up to $200 million in Defense Department contracts recently awarded to major AI firms including Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and xAI. What you should know: The executive order specifically targets AI systems deemed "woke" by the administration and comes amid broader efforts to boost US competitiveness against China in artificial intelligence. The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO), the Pentagon's AI...
read Jul 18, 2025Trump to unveil AI executive orders targeting China competition
President Donald Trump is set to unveil several executive orders next week aimed at securing America's artificial intelligence advantage over China. The anticipated measures include streamlining data center permitting, promoting US tech exports, and other initiatives designed to accelerate the nation's AI capabilities, with Trump expected to deliver a major speech outlining his administration's AI vision. What you should know: The executive orders represent Trump's most comprehensive AI policy framework since taking office, targeting key infrastructure and trade barriers that could slow US AI development. The orders will focus on expediting permitting processes for data center construction, addressing a critical...
read Jul 18, 2025Microsoft splits with Meta on EU’s voluntary AI compliance framework by agreeing to it
Microsoft will likely sign the European Union's voluntary AI code of practice to help companies comply with the bloc's landmark artificial intelligence rules, while Meta Platforms has rejected the guidelines. The code, developed by 13 independent experts, aims to provide legal certainty for AI companies by requiring them to publish summaries of training content and establish copyright compliance policies. What you should know: The code of practice is part of the EU's AI Act, which came into force in June 2024 and will apply to major tech companies including Google, Meta, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Mistral. Companies that sign the voluntary...
read Jul 18, 2025Meta rejects EU AI code, calls it innovation-stifling overreach
Meta Platforms has declined to sign the European Union's artificial intelligence code of practice, with global affairs chief Joel Kaplan calling it an overreach that will "stunt" companies. The rejection comes as the EU's AI compliance framework prepares to take effect next month, highlighting growing tensions between Big Tech and European regulators over AI governance. What you should know: Meta joins a growing list of companies pushing back against Europe's new AI rulebook, which aims to improve transparency and safety around AI technology. The European Commission, the executive body of the EU, published the final iteration of its code for...
read Jul 18, 2025San Jose cuts bus commute times 20% with AI traffic lights, hopes to become AI capital
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is positioning the Silicon Valley city as a leading AI capital by implementing artificial intelligence solutions in city operations and working to retain local tech talent. The initiative comes as San Jose already serves as a burgeoning AI hub, with the mayor now focusing on scaling successful pilot programs and integrating AI more deeply into government services. What you should know: San Jose has successfully deployed AI-powered traffic optimization systems that have significantly improved public transportation efficiency. Nearly 150 stoplights across the city are equipped with AI tools designed to optimize bus routes and reduce...
read Jul 17, 2025NSF invests $20M in AI supercomputer despite 57% budget cut
The US National Science Foundation is financing a $20-million supercomputer at Georgia Institute of Technology despite facing a proposed 57% budget cut under the Trump administration. The supercomputer, called Nexus, will use AI to advance scientific research across multiple disciplines and represents one of the NSF's most significant funding commitments since the administration proposed slashing its budget from $6.8 billion to $3.9 billion. What you should know: Nexus will be one of the most powerful supercomputers dedicated to AI-driven scientific research, capable of calculating more than 400 quadrillion operations per second. The supercomputer is designed to find new cures for...
read Jul 17, 2025Ohio requires all K-12 schools to create AI policies by 2026 but is down on phones in class
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 96 into law this week, requiring all K-12 school districts to create artificial intelligence usage policies by July 1, 2026, and implement cellphone restrictions starting in January. The legislation also establishes a $100,000 grant program for community colleges to integrate AI into their programs, marking a comprehensive effort to modernize education while addressing digital distractions in classrooms. What you should know: The new law creates a two-step process for AI policy development in Ohio schools. By December 31, 2025, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce must release a model AI policy addressing...
read Jul 16, 2025California Senate Bill 243 targets AI chatbots after teen’s suicide
California lawmakers are advancing legislation to regulate AI companion chatbots like Replika, Kindroid, and Character.AI amid growing concerns about their impact on teenagers. Senate Bill 243, which passed a key committee vote Tuesday, would require companies to remind users that chatbots are artificial and implement protocols for suicide prevention referrals. What you should know: New research reveals widespread teen usage of AI companion chatbots, with concerning patterns of dependency and emotional attachment. A Common Sense Media survey of 1,060 teens aged 13-17 found that 72% have used AI companions, with 52% using them at least monthly and 21% using them...
read Jul 16, 2025Trump promotes fossil fuels for AI future at $92B Pittsburgh summit
President Donald Trump joined energy executives and tech leaders at a Pittsburgh summit to promote fossil fuels as the primary power source for AI expansion, with companies announcing $92 billion in energy and AI investments. The event strategically positioned natural gas as essential for meeting AI's projected energy demands, potentially revitalizing a struggling industry facing supply gluts and market headwinds. What you should know: The Energy and Innovation Summit brought together an unlikely coalition of Trump administration officials, Big Tech executives, and fossil fuel leaders to advance a pro-natural gas agenda for AI infrastructure. Trump acknowledged that AI is "not...
read Jul 16, 202545 top European CEOs call for delay on EU AI regulations
The European Union's new Code of Conduct for AI use has faced widespread criticism from industry leaders, NGOs, and trade associations just two weeks before its enforcement deadline of August 2, 2025. The guidelines, designed to supplement the EU AI Act with practical compliance frameworks for general-purpose AI models, have been condemned as overly complex, bureaucratic, and potentially harmful to European competitiveness in the global AI race. What you should know: The General Purpose AI Code of Practice covers three key areas that AI providers must address to comply with EU regulations. The Transparency chapter provides templates for documenting AI...
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