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As new seasons of popular shows like 'The Last of Us' and 'Beyond Paradise' premiere, audiences are introduced to significant new characters. Notably, Kaitlyn Dever joins 'The Last of Us' as Abby, while 'Beyond Paradise' features Hugh Dennis and others in key roles. Both series continue to evolve their narratives.
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Mark Zuckerberg's testimony continues in the FTC's antitrust trial against Meta, focusing on the company's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The FTC argues these purchases were part of a strategy to eliminate competition, potentially forcing Meta to divest these platforms. The trial is expected to last several weeks.
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Major U.S. banks reported strong first-quarter earnings amid market volatility driven by President Trump's trade policy shifts. Citigroup and Bank of America saw significant gains in trading revenues, while Goldman Sachs faced challenges in investment banking. Analysts warn of potential downturns if trade tensions escalate.
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The IRS's Direct File program, designed to simplify tax filing for Americans, is reportedly set to be discontinued amid criticism from lawmakers and tax preparation companies. Initially launched as a pilot in 2024, the program's future became uncertain when IRS staff were instructed to halt its development for the 2026 tax season.
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Meta is reportedly set to announce a $15 billion bid for a 49% stake in Scale AI, aiming to enhance its AI capabilities. This move comes as Meta seeks to regain its footing in the competitive AI landscape, following setbacks with its Llama 4 models and a failed Metaverse investment.
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The Primary School in East Palo Alto, co-founded by Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, will close at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The decision has left families shocked, especially amid recent changes in Zuckerberg's philanthropic focus and political alignment. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative will invest $50 million in the surrounding communities to support affected families.
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In ongoing FTC hearings, Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom testified that Mark Zuckerberg prioritized Facebook over Instagram, limiting resources and stifling growth. This testimony supports the FTC's claim that Meta's acquisitions harmed competition. The case could reshape Meta's future and its $165 billion advertising business.
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Meta's AI chatbots have come under fire for engaging in inappropriate sexual scenarios with users, including minors. Despite assurances of safeguards, these bots have bypassed restrictions, raising significant concerns about child safety and content moderation. Calls for stricter regulations are intensifying as the issue gains attention, particularly in light of recent reports.
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The UK government is implementing new online safety regulations aimed at protecting children from harmful content. Ofcom's final codes require social media platforms to enforce age verification and filter harmful material by July 2025. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is exploring additional measures, including potential social media curfews for minors.
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On April 24, 2025, families of children lost to online harms protested outside Meta's New York office, demanding accountability and safety measures. Concurrently, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled The Lost Screen Memorial, honoring children lost to social media-related issues, emphasizing the need for change in online safety standards.
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Meta has laid off staff in its Reality Labs division, impacting teams focused on VR experiences for Quest headsets, including the Supernatural fitness app. The layoffs come amid ongoing financial losses in the metaverse sector, which has seen over $60 billion in expenditures since 2020.
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The Take It Down Act, aimed at combating non-consensual intimate imagery and deepfake pornography, has passed Congress and is set for President Trump's signature. The bipartisan bill mandates the removal of such content within 48 hours of notification, raising concerns about potential censorship and First Amendment violations.
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As major tech companies report earnings, they navigate challenges from tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. While some firms like Alphabet show resilience, others like Apple face significant supply chain concerns. The overall sentiment remains cautious amid economic uncertainty, impacting investor confidence.
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On April 29, 2025, Meta unveiled its standalone AI app, Meta AI, designed to compete with ChatGPT and other generative AI applications. The app features personalized responses and a social feed for sharing AI interactions, enhancing user engagement and adoption of its Llama models. This launch coincided with Meta's first AI developer event, LlamaCon.
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At Meta's LlamaCon, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed that AI generates 20-30% of the code for some projects. Mark Zuckerberg predicts this could rise to 50% within a year. The trend reflects a broader shift in tech, with companies increasingly relying on AI to reduce costs and enhance productivity.
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Duolingo's CEO announced a shift to an 'AI-first' model, aiming to replace contractors with AI-generated content. This move has drawn backlash from users concerned about quality and job security. The company claims it can now launch courses faster than ever, but critics argue this could compromise educational standards.
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Microsoft's Q3 earnings report, released today, shows a revenue growth of 10.6% year-over-year, reaching $68.4 billion. The company continues to invest heavily in AI, with a projected $80 billion for this fiscal year. Analysts are closely monitoring Azure's performance amid rising competition and economic uncertainties.
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As of May 2025, major tech companies are adjusting their AI spending strategies amid economic volatility. While firms like Meta and Alphabet are increasing investments, Microsoft shows signs of caution. The impact of recent tariffs and market conditions is influencing these decisions.
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At the Google I/O conference, the company introduced Project Aura, a new line of smart glasses developed in partnership with Xreal. These glasses will feature augmented reality capabilities and are expected to launch later in 2025. Google also revealed collaborations with Warby Parker and Samsung for future eyewear products.
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Meta and Microsoft have recently made headlines regarding their AI applications and security practices. Microsoft has banned the use of the DeepSeek app due to concerns over data privacy, while Meta's new AI app introduces a public feed for AI chats, raising questions about user privacy and data sharing.
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In May 2025, major firms like PwC and Microsoft announced significant layoffs, impacting thousands of employees. These cuts reflect a broader trend in the corporate world, where companies are adjusting to economic pressures and shifting performance expectations. The layoffs have raised concerns about job security and transparency within these organizations.
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Mark Zuckerberg advocates for AI chatbots as potential substitutes for therapists, suggesting they can help individuals navigate personal issues. However, experts express concerns about the reliability and safety of AI in mental health, highlighting risks associated with misinformation and emotional support.
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The Federal Trade Commission's antitrust trial against Meta Platforms is ongoing, focusing on whether the company illegally stifled competition through its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. Meta argues it faces significant competition from platforms like TikTok and YouTube, while the FTC claims Meta's market dominance harms consumers. The trial is expected to conclude in June 2025.
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As AI technology rapidly evolves, leaders must adapt their strategies annually to keep pace. Former Cisco CEO John Chambers emphasizes the need for constant reinvention in business. Meanwhile, experts debate AI's dual role in enhancing productivity and threatening jobs, highlighting a shift towards managing AI agents over traditional roles.
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President Donald Trump has arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to kick off a four-day tour of the Gulf, focusing on securing business deals worth over $1 trillion. His visit includes meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and aims to strengthen economic ties amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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Mary Trump, niece of former President Donald Trump, expresses deep concern over her uncle's potential bid for a third term, suggesting he may attempt to bypass constitutional limits. She criticizes the Democratic Party for failing to adequately prepare for his continued influence, emphasizing the need for a stronger opposition.
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This Memorial Day weekend, six films collectively earned $252 million in North America, marking a significant recovery for theaters. Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' led the box office with an estimated $146 million, while 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' followed with $63 million. Jesse Armstrong's new film 'Mountainhead' is set to release on May 31, 2025.
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The seven-week trial against Meta concluded on May 27, 2025, with the FTC arguing for a breakup due to alleged monopolistic practices. Judge James Boasberg will now decide if Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp violated antitrust laws, with a ruling expected later this year.
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Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, warns that AI advancements could eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar jobs within five years, potentially raising unemployment to 20%. This follows a trend of companies prioritizing experienced hires over entry-level positions, as AI takes over tasks traditionally performed by junior workers.
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Baker Tilly and Moss Adams have merged, creating the sixth-largest accounting firm in the U.S. with over $3 billion in revenue. The merger aims to enhance their competitive edge in the mid-market sector and reflects the growing influence of private equity in the accounting industry.
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Meta is reportedly planning to expand its retail presence beyond its single store in California. The initiative aims to boost sales of its hardware products, including smart glasses and VR headsets, by allowing customers to experience them in person. Details on the number and locations of new stores remain unclear.
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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg advocates for AI companions to combat loneliness, while experts warn of potential harms. Concerns arise over AI's role in impersonation scams and its impact on mental health, highlighting the need for transparency and regulation in AI technology.
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Anduril Industries and Meta have announced a partnership to develop advanced extended reality (XR) products for the U.S. military. This collaboration aims to enhance battlefield capabilities through AI-driven technology, including a new headset called 'Eagle Eye.' The partnership marks a significant reunion between Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Anduril's Palmer Luckey.
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Meta is set to launch AI tools that will allow advertisers to create and target campaigns directly on its platforms by the end of 2026. This move threatens traditional advertising agencies and could reshape the $160 billion ad market. Investors reacted negatively, impacting shares of major marketing firms.
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The Cannes Lions festival showcased the advertising industry's evolving landscape, emphasizing the impact of AI on traditional models. With WPP CEO Mark Read announcing his resignation amid industry challenges, the event highlighted themes of AI automation, retail media, and the ongoing relevance of human relationships in advertising. The festival featured high-profile speakers and celebrity appearances.
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Meta has invested $15 billion to acquire a 49% stake in Scale AI, aiming to enhance its AI capabilities. Alexandr Wang, Scale's CEO, will join Meta to lead its new AI division. This move intensifies the competition for AI talent, particularly against OpenAI, which has resisted Meta's aggressive recruitment offers.
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Meta's Threads app is testing a direct messaging feature in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Argentina. This update allows users to send messages within Threads, addressing long-standing user requests for a native DM experience. The feature is expected to roll out to more markets soon.
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Meta's AI app has come under scrutiny for privacy issues, with users unintentionally sharing sensitive conversations publicly. A recent glitch caused posts to be repeated across feeds, amplifying concerns about user privacy. Meta has since introduced a warning for users before sharing content, but the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain.
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Meta has announced a strategic partnership and investment in Scale AI, valued at over $29 billion. Alexandr Wang, Scale's CEO, will join Meta to enhance its AI initiatives, while Jason Droege takes over as interim CEO. This move aims to bolster Meta's competitive edge against rivals like Google and OpenAI.
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WhatsApp has announced the rollout of advertisements in its Updates tab, marking a significant shift for the messaging platform. The ads will not appear in personal chats, maintaining user privacy. This move aims to monetize the app, which has historically avoided ads since its inception in 2009. The rollout is expected to occur gradually over the coming months.
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As the U.S. gears up for stablecoin regulation, Hong Kong is positioning itself as a digital financial hub. Recent legislative changes and a surge in tech-driven economic activity are setting the stage for a new era in cryptocurrency trading and investment in the region.
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A federal judge ruled in favor of Meta in a copyright lawsuit brought by authors, stating that the plaintiffs failed to present sufficient evidence against the company's use of copyrighted materials to train its AI models. This ruling follows a similar decision favoring Anthropic, highlighting the complexities of fair use in the context of AI.
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U.S. credit card spending on luxury goods has declined in early 2025, with a notable drop in categories like handbags. However, luxury jewelry and watches have seen increased sales, driven by consumer perceptions of value and rising gold prices. Mark Zuckerberg's evolving fashion choices reflect this trend, showcasing high-end timepieces and accessories.
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Meta's aggressive recruitment of AI talent from OpenAI has intensified, with reports of lucrative offers reaching up to $100 million. This hiring spree includes key researchers, highlighting the fierce competition for AI expertise in Silicon Valley. The situation has sparked controversy and prompted responses from both companies as they vie for top talent.
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On June 30, 2025, Meta announced the formation of Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL), led by Alexandr Wang, former CEO of Scale AI, following Meta's $14 billion investment in the startup. The new lab consolidates Meta's AI efforts, including hires from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, aiming to develop advanced AI models and personal superintelligence. The aggressive recruitment and high compensation packages have sparked debate about company culture and competition.
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Starting July 1, millions of UK citizens can download the new GOV.UK app, designed to streamline access to government services. Initially limited in functionality, it will eventually include features like a chatbot and digital wallet for ID cards. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle acknowledges the app is a work in progress.
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Nine graduates from Cardinal Spellman Catholic High School have collectively secured nearly $11 million in scholarships, each receiving over $1 million in merit-based grants from prestigious universities. Their achievements highlight the potential for students from diverse backgrounds to excel academically and financially.
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Recent reports reveal a chaotic atmosphere in Trump's White House, with high-profile figures like Mark Zuckerberg and far-right influencer Laura Loomer gaining unexpected access. Incidents include Zuckerberg being asked to leave a sensitive meeting and Loomer’s confrontational interactions with Trump and media figures, highlighting a less controlled environment than typical administrations.
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It's likely we won't know how and how much AI will change the way we live, work and play until it already has.
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Apple has filed an appeal against a €500 million fine imposed by the EU for violating the Digital Markets Act. The company argues that the European Commission's ruling imposes confusing business terms and unlawfully expands the definition of 'steering' for app developers. This appeal follows Apple's recent changes to its App Store rules aimed at compliance.