Alphabet's silence on its AI partnership with Apple during its Q4 earnings call has sparked investor concern about the deal's impact on Google's core AI-driven business model. While the existing search partnership provides clear advertising revenue, the benefits of powering AI for Siri are less immediately apparent, raising questions about the long-term value and monetization strategies for AI-powered search. The Apple AI deal is rumored to cost Apple roughly 1 billion per year.

Alphabet's silence on its AI partnership with Apple during its Q4 earnings call has sparked investor concern about the deal's impact on Google's core AI-driven business model. While the existing search partnership provides clear advertising revenue, the benefits of powering AI for Siri are less immediately apparent, raising questions about the long-term value and monetization strategies for AI-powered search. The Apple AI deal is rumored to cost Apple roughly 1 billion per year.

A recent study challenges claims of TikTok censorship following its U.S. operations takeover, attributing perceived content suppression to a data outage affecting all video categories, not just political ones. This research highlights the complexities of content moderation and the importance of data-driven analysis in evaluating accusations of algorithmic bias on social media platforms, a crucial area of study as AI increasingly shapes online discourse.

A recent study challenges claims of TikTok censorship following its U.S. operations takeover, attributing perceived content suppression to a data outage affecting all video categories, not just political ones. This research highlights the complexities of content moderation and the importance of data-driven analysis in evaluating accusations of algorithmic bias on social media platforms, a crucial area of study as AI increasingly shapes online discourse.

Google's AI chatbot Gemini has experienced explosive growth, exceeding 750 million monthly active users, driven by the recent launch of its advanced Gemini 3 model and a new, affordable "AI Plus" subscription. This rapid adoption positions Gemini as a major competitor in the AI landscape, though it still trails behind ChatGPT in overall user base. The company plans to maintain momentum through continued investment and a focus on both free and subscription-based access.

Google's AI chatbot Gemini has experienced explosive growth, exceeding 750 million monthly active users, driven by the recent launch of its advanced Gemini 3 model and a new, affordable "AI Plus" subscription. This rapid adoption positions Gemini as a major competitor in the AI landscape, though it still trails behind ChatGPT in overall user base. The company plans to maintain momentum through continued investment and a focus on both free and subscription-based access.

Multiple news sources report that a measles outbreak in South Carolina, which began in October and has surged to 876 cases, is causing serious complications like encephalitis in some children, a condition that can lead to death or permanent neurological damage. This outbreak, fueled by declining vaccination rates, contributes to a potential surge in measles cases nationwide, reminiscent of the high numbers seen in 2025, and has also resulted in hospitalizations, including pregnant women and cases of pneumonia.

Multiple news sources report that a measles outbreak in South Carolina, which began in October and has surged to 876 cases, is causing serious complications like encephalitis in some children, a condition that can lead to death or permanent neurological damage. This outbreak, fueled by declining vaccination rates, contributes to a potential surge in measles cases nationwide, reminiscent of the high numbers seen in 2025, and has also resulted in hospitalizations, including pregnant women and cases of pneumonia.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the global landscape is marked by the devastating conflict in Ukraine, impacting civilians and energy infrastructure, alongside preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics and cultural events like the International Film Festival Rotterdam and SXSW. Other key developments include rising precious metal prices, tech industry scrutiny, Blizzard's Overwatch 2 reverting to "Overwatch" with updates, China's EV safety regulations, NIH research grant cuts under the Trump administration, and Speaker Johnson's defense of border security using biblical scripture, while Fallout's Season 2 finale leaves everything in shambles.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the global landscape is marked by the devastating conflict in Ukraine, impacting civilians and energy infrastructure, alongside preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics and cultural events like the International Film Festival Rotterdam and SXSW. Other key developments include rising precious metal prices, tech industry scrutiny, Blizzard's Overwatch 2 reverting to "Overwatch" with updates, China's EV safety regulations, NIH research grant cuts under the Trump administration, and Speaker Johnson's defense of border security using biblical scripture, while Fallout's Season 2 finale leaves everything in shambles.

Multiple news sources report that Donald Trump criticized the NFL's choice of Bad Bunny and Green Day for Super Bowl entertainment, citing their political views and perceived divisiveness. The NFL's decision to feature these artists, particularly Bad Bunny, is seen as a strategic move to expand its market into Latin America, despite potential controversy and backlash from conservative audiences.

Multiple news sources report that Donald Trump criticized the NFL's choice of Bad Bunny and Green Day for Super Bowl entertainment, citing their political views and perceived divisiveness. The NFL's decision to feature these artists, particularly Bad Bunny, is seen as a strategic move to expand its market into Latin America, despite potential controversy and backlash from conservative audiences.

Synthesizing information from multiple news sources, China has banned hidden car door handles on electric vehicles due to safety concerns, particularly after fatal incidents involving Xiaomi EVs where power failures may have prevented door operation. The new regulations, effective January 1, 2027, mandate mechanical releases and specific recessed spaces for handles, potentially impacting the global car industry as US and European regulators also scrutinize Tesla's door handle designs.

Synthesizing information from multiple news sources, China has banned hidden car door handles on electric vehicles due to safety concerns, particularly after fatal incidents involving Xiaomi EVs where power failures may have prevented door operation. The new regulations, effective January 1, 2027, mandate mechanical releases and specific recessed spaces for handles, potentially impacting the global car industry as US and European regulators also scrutinize Tesla's door handle designs.

Multiple news sources report on a complex global landscape, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its devastating impact on civilians, preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and cultural events like the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Other developments include rising precious metal prices, tech industry scrutiny, Blizzard's Overwatch 2 reverting to "Overwatch" with substantial updates, China banning hidden car door handles on EVs due to safety concerns, and renewed Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy sector leaving thousands without power.

Multiple news sources report on a complex global landscape, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its devastating impact on civilians, preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and cultural events like the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Other developments include rising precious metal prices, tech industry scrutiny, Blizzard's Overwatch 2 reverting to "Overwatch" with substantial updates, China banning hidden car door handles on EVs due to safety concerns, and renewed Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy sector leaving thousands without power.

Multiple news sources report that Donald Trump has not intervened in the SEC lawsuit against Elon Musk, which alleges Musk failed to properly disclose his acquisition of a 9% stake in Twitter, allowing him to purchase shares at a lower price and causing economic harm to investors. Musk has defended himself by claiming the SEC is targeting him politically and infringing on his free speech rights, arguing the disgorgement amount sought is disproportionately high and that the Trump administration was expected to intervene but has not.

Multiple news sources report that Donald Trump has not intervened in the SEC lawsuit against Elon Musk, which alleges Musk failed to properly disclose his acquisition of a 9% stake in Twitter, allowing him to purchase shares at a lower price and causing economic harm to investors. Musk has defended himself by claiming the SEC is targeting him politically and infringing on his free speech rights, arguing the disgorgement amount sought is disproportionately high and that the Trump administration was expected to intervene but has not.

Multiple news sources report that Sheffield-based law firm PM Law, which includes several other firms, has abruptly closed due to regulatory issues, leaving hundreds of staff and clients in uncertainty. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has intervened, taking control of the firm's assets and documents, while employees express devastation over the lack of communication and sudden job loss.

Multiple news sources report that Sheffield-based law firm PM Law, which includes several other firms, has abruptly closed due to regulatory issues, leaving hundreds of staff and clients in uncertainty. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has intervened, taking control of the firm's assets and documents, while employees express devastation over the lack of communication and sudden job loss.

Multiple news sources report that newly released legal documents allege Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein pressured an exotic dancer into performing sex acts at Epstein's Florida home in 2006, offering her money for a threesome after she danced for them. The letter, dating back to 2011, claims the woman was underpaid for her services and witnessed other young, possibly underage, women at the party, with Prince Andrew having consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Multiple news sources report that newly released legal documents allege Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein pressured an exotic dancer into performing sex acts at Epstein's Florida home in 2006, offering her money for a threesome after she danced for them. The letter, dating back to 2011, claims the woman was underpaid for her services and witnessed other young, possibly underage, women at the party, with Prince Andrew having consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Multiple news sources report that Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has raised $15 billion, allocating $1.7 billion to its infrastructure team for AI investments like OpenAI and ElevenLabs, while Waymo and Tesla executives testified before the US Senate, urging lawmakers to pass legislation regulating autonomous vehicles to compete with China. The a16z infrastructure team, led by Jennifer Li, will focus on addressing the AI talent crunch and exploring search infrastructure, while senators remain divided on autonomous vehicle regulation.

Multiple news sources report that Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has raised $15 billion, allocating $1.7 billion to its infrastructure team for AI investments like OpenAI and ElevenLabs, while Waymo and Tesla executives testified before the US Senate, urging lawmakers to pass legislation regulating autonomous vehicles to compete with China. The a16z infrastructure team, led by Jennifer Li, will focus on addressing the AI talent crunch and exploring search infrastructure, while senators remain divided on autonomous vehicle regulation.