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In late 2025, President Donald Trump began demolishing the historic East Wing of the White House to build a $300 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom funded by corporate donors. The project has sparked bipartisan criticism over the destruction of a century-old building, displacement of the First Lady's office, and concerns about donor influence amid a government shutdown.
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North Korea has condemned US sanctions targeting cybercrime networks linked to its regime, asserting that these measures will not alter its strategic stance. Meanwhile, the US and allies have imposed new sanctions on North Korean hackers and financial entities accused of laundering over $3 billion to fund nuclear programs, amid ongoing diplomatic stalemates.
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Recent reports detail a rise in cybercrime, including North Korean hacking schemes, phishing kits sold by Chinese groups, and UK fraud prevention efforts. Authorities are deploying AI, call tracing, and international cooperation to combat these threats, which impact millions globally and target individuals, businesses, and governments.
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Cursor and Gamma exemplify new hiring strategies in AI, focusing on unconventional recruitment and lean operations. Cursor employs aggressive, global recruiting and practical assessments, while Gamma raises significant funding with a small team. ElevenLabs emphasizes European talent and remote work, challenging traditional hiring norms.
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As of December 2025, major tech firms including HP, Amazon, Meta, and IBM are accelerating AI adoption, leading to thousands of job cuts and workforce shifts. HP plans to cut up to 6,000 jobs by 2028, citing AI-driven productivity gains. Meanwhile, AI-assisted "vibe coding" has been named Collins Dictionary's 2025 word of the year, reflecting a transformative shift in software development and workplace culture.
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Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, is reportedly valued at $230 billion following a new funding round, nearly doubling its previous valuation. The company is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, including supercomputers, amid ongoing debates over environmental impact, AI safety, and social influence. Musk's broader business ventures remain intertwined with xAI's growth.
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Recent articles highlight contrasting approaches to economic growth and governance. US debates focus on taxing the wealthy and attracting business, while UK local leaders emphasize practical solutions like public transport and affordable housing. Both stories reflect broader tensions between economic policies and community needs, with implications for future policy directions. Today's date: Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:20:12 +0000.
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U.S. data centers are expanding rapidly, raising concerns over energy demands and rising utility bills. Lawmakers question the accuracy of utility forecasts and the risk of taxpayers footing the bill for unnecessary infrastructure. The story highlights regional debates and regulatory efforts to address these issues.
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The European Commission is moving to delay and relax key digital regulations, including AI and data privacy laws, citing the need to boost competitiveness. Critics warn this marks a retreat from Europe's leadership in digital rights, amid US and Chinese competition. The changes aim to simplify rules for businesses, especially startups, but raise concerns over privacy and innovation.
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Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist and a pioneer in neural networks, is departing to establish a startup focused on advanced AI that understands the physical world. Meta will partner with the new venture amid ongoing internal restructuring and shifting AI priorities.
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Meta has announced it will restrict access for Australian users aged 13-15 starting December 4, ahead of a new law requiring social media platforms to exclude under-16s. The law, effective December 10, aims to protect minors but raises concerns over privacy and effectiveness.
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Australia will enforce a law from December 10 that bans social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch from allowing users under 16. The law aims to protect minors from online harm, with penalties up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. Twitch plans to deactivate underage accounts from January 9.
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Australia plans to enforce a ban on social media accounts for users under 16 starting December 10, aiming to protect children from online harms. The government is reviewing mechanisms used in other countries, including Malaysia, to implement age restrictions and ensure platform compliance.
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Children in Gaza are suffering severe psychological and developmental impacts due to ongoing conflict and infrastructure destruction. Thousands with autism face regressions, while many children require urgent mental health support amid restricted aid and continued violence. UN and local efforts aim to address these crises.
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On December 10, 2025, Australia enforced a pioneering law banning users under 16 from major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Platforms must block new and existing underage accounts or face fines up to A$49.5 million. The law aims to protect youth mental health amid concerns over cyberbullying and addictive design, though it faces legal challenges and practical enforcement issues.
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The European Parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 16, with stricter limits for those under 13. The move aims to address concerns over mental health and addictive design features, amid ongoing debates and Australia's upcoming social media ban for under-16s.
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The US has endorsed the AUKUS security pact after a Pentagon review, confirming its long-term viability. Australia will acquire US nuclear submarines in the early 2030s, with efforts to improve supply chains and build submarine capacity. Meanwhile, Australia’s domestic violence response receives a $674 million boost.
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UBS's latest report shows a record increase in billionaires worldwide, reaching 2,919 with collective wealth of $15.8 trillion. Women are outpacing men in wealth growth for four consecutive years, and inheritance continues to drive the rise, especially in the US and Europe. The billionaire class is diversifying and expanding rapidly.
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Yandex founder Arkady Volozh, sanctioned in 2022 over Russia-Ukraine conflict support, has successfully transitioned to leading Nebius, a Dutch tech company. Nebius secured major AI deals with Microsoft and Meta, marking a significant turnaround in his career and international business presence. This story highlights resilience amid sanctions.
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The UK announced new policies to phase out fossil fuels, including banning new oil and gas licenses, while Canada signed a pipeline deal supporting increased fossil fuel production. The contrasting approaches highlight differing national responses amid global climate urgency.
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Australia has ordered major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to block around one million users under 16, citing concerns over youth safety. Content creators report significant drops in followers and engagement, impacting their income and connection with young audiences. The ban affects approximately 200,000 TikTok accounts so far.
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Reddit has filed a legal challenge in the High Court against Australia's new law requiring social media platforms to restrict users under 16. The company argues the law infringes on free political communication and is improperly applied, despite plans to comply. The case follows similar challenges from other platforms and government enforcement efforts.