Axios CEO Jim VandeHei and co-founder Mike Allen reflected on their 20-year journey as media entrepreneurs. They discussed how the launch of Politico in 2007 changed media dynamics by providing political news quickly and engagingly. This shift influenced the rise of newsletters and the focus on individual voices over traditional media brands.
Key Facts
Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen started Politico in January 2007.
Politico changed how political news was delivered, emphasizing speed and a personal touch.
This media shift contributed to ending the traditional 24-hour news cycle.
Politico popularized the idea of "winning the morning" by publishing important news early.
The newsletter format became important, with Politico Playbook becoming influential.
The success of Politico suggested that individual journalists could be more significant than traditional media brands.
Axios, another venture by the founders, now reaches a large, influential audience with its newsletter approach.
Modern media now often focuses on niche topics rather than broad national coverage.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Princess Kate released a professionally edited video for her birthday, which some marketing experts suggest may not align with current trends favoring more authentic, less polished content. The video is part of her ongoing "Mother Nature" series and features her reflections on the healing power of nature. Discussions around the video also touch on broader debates about authenticity in the age of artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
Princess Kate shared a polished social media video for her birthday.
The video is part of her "Mother Nature" series, focusing on nature and healing.
Some marketing experts suggest the trend is shifting toward more genuine, unpolished content.
The video includes wide-angle shots of nature with a voice-over by Princess Kate.
Kate's video and previous works have received mixed feedback for their polished style.
Discussions highlight a broader concern about AI's role in content creation, with a push for more authentic storytelling.
Kate and Prince William regularly produce stylized videos for social media.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Apple and Google have agreed to a multi-year partnership to use Google's Gemini models in Apple's technology, like Siri. This deal aims to improve Apple's AI capabilities and ensure privacy features remain strong.
Key Facts
Apple and Google announced a deal to use Google's Gemini models for Apple's AI technology, including Siri.
The agreement will run for multiple years and aims to enhance Apple's AI capabilities.
Apple's AI models will operate on-device or from Apple's servers to maintain privacy standards.
Apple could pay Google around $1 billion annually for using its AI models.
The deal does not breach recent antitrust rulings restricting Google's exclusive agreements in certain areas.
The partnership is not exclusive and does not apply to search-related agreements.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Pentagon announced that Grok, an AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk, will be integrated into its networks, including classified systems. This decision comes amid controversies surrounding Grok, such as the generation of inappropriate images and international investigations into its use. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the military's AI systems will operate without what he describes as "ideological constraints."
Key Facts
Grok is an artificial intelligence chatbot created by Elon Musk.
The Pentagon plans to integrate Grok into both classified and unclassified military networks.
Recent issues with Grok include its creation of unauthorized sexualized images, leading to investigations by the U.K.'s Ofcom.
In response to these issues, Grok’s image-editing function is now limited to paid users.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the military will use AI systems without certain ideological restrictions.
The Biden administration previously established AI guidelines focused on caution and responsible use.
There are concerns about whether the current administration under President Donald Trump maintains these AI restrictions.
Grok's past controversies include generating antisemitic content and inappropriate images.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A judge has allowed the construction of a large wind project off the coast of Rhode Island to continue, despite a stop-work order from President Trump's administration. The project, called Revolution Wind, aims to provide energy to Rhode Island and Connecticut and is owned by Ørsted and BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners. The decision comes amid claims of national security concerns cited by the administration.
Key Facts
A federal judge ruled in favor of allowing Revolution Wind to continue construction.
Revolution Wind is nearly finished and will supply power to Rhode Island and Connecticut.
The project is a partnership between Ørsted and BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners.
The Trump administration had previously halted construction due to national security concerns.
This is one of five wind projects along the Atlantic Coast affected by the halt.
The ongoing legal process could influence other similar wind project cases.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The television series "Black Mirror" is confirmed to have a future beyond its seventh season, according to its creator Charlie Brooker. Although the form of continuation, whether as a new season or a different project, has not been specified, Brooker mentioned that it will capture the essence of "Black Mirror." There is currently no release date for the next project, as Brooker is working on a new crime thriller series for Netflix.
Key Facts
"Black Mirror" was nominated for three categories at the Golden Globes this year.
The series has been airing since 2011 and returned with Season 7 on Netflix in April 2025.
Charlie Brooker, the creator, confirmed that "Black Mirror" will continue beyond Season 7.
It hasn't been stated if the continuation will be a Season 8 or another format.
Brooker is currently working on a new crime thriller series for Netflix.
The upcoming crime series is set in a fictional city and London.
There is no current release date for the next "Black Mirror" project.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK is investigating the AI tool Grok, owned by Elon Musk, for creating non-consensual altered images, known as deepfakes. The UK government plans to make it illegal to create these images with AI and is urging Ofcom, the online regulator, to act quickly. The new law will also target companies supplying the tools to make such images.
Key Facts
Grok is an AI tool owned by Elon Musk that can alter photos convincingly.
It has been criticized for creating inappropriate images of people, including minors, without their consent.
The UK's online regulator, Ofcom, is investigating Grok for potentially breaking British online safety laws.
The UK government plans to introduce a new law making it illegal to create deepfakes.
The government will also amend another law to target companies providing tools that can make such images.
Ofcom must carefully investigate to balance online safety and free speech concerns.
The UK's Online Safety Act, which addresses sharing non-consensual images, may see expansions to include AI tools like Grok.
The changes are part of a broader law, the Data (Use and Access) Act, not currently enforced.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK media regulator Ofcom is investigating Elon Musk's chatbot Grok for creating harmful deepfake images. The investigation focuses on whether the platform has broken laws by allowing the creation of fake intimate images, including those of children. UK leaders have expressed serious concerns, and there are possibilities of banning the service if it fails to meet legal standards.
Key Facts
Ofcom is investigating Grok for generating harmful AI deepfake images.
The investigation will see if the platform has breached UK laws on image abuse.
Grok has been criticized for producing sexualized fake images, including those of children.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the images as "disgusting" and illegal.
The UK could ban Grok under the Online Safety Act if it breaks the rules.
Companies must use strict age verification to host such content legally.
If found in breach, the platform could face fines up to 10% of its global revenue.
Grok recently limited its image-generating tool to paying subscribers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Facebook's parent company, Meta, has appointed Dina Powell McCormick as its new president and vice chairman. Powell McCormick is a former adviser to President Trump and has experience in finance and on Meta's board. She will help guide Meta's strategy, including investments in artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
Meta is the company that owns Facebook.
Meta named Dina Powell McCormick as president and vice chairman.
Powell McCormick was a former advisor in the Trump administration.
She has experience as a finance executive.
She was involved in Meta's push for artificial intelligence (AI).
President Donald Trump supported the appointment.
Powell McCormick will help guide Meta's overall strategy and investments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Instagram says it was not hacked after many users got emails asking them to change their passwords. The company explained that an outside group had tricked Instagram's system into sending these emails. Some cybersecurity experts believe the emails were linked to a hack involving the sale of user data.
Key Facts
Instagram users received emails about password resets, causing confusion.
Instagram claimed there was no breach of its systems.
An external party caused Instagram to send legitimate password reset requests.
Cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes suggested the emails were related to a hack.
Malwarebytes said the hack involved data from 17.5 million Instagram accounts.
This data was reportedly being sold on a hacker forum.
Some experts think the data is old and from public sources in 2022.
Instagram advised users to change passwords directly on the app or website.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Billions of dollars are being spent on developing artificial intelligence (AI). Despite these large investments, many companies are losing money, raising concerns about a possible AI investment bubble.
Key Facts
Companies are investing billions of dollars into AI development.
Despite high spending, many AI ventures are experiencing significant financial losses.
There is growing concern about a possible "AI bubble" in the investment market.
A "bubble" refers to when investment values exceed the actual worth, which might lead to a sudden drop.
If the AI bubble bursts, it could lead to financial difficulties for involved companies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The anime "Jujutsu Kaisen" Season 3, Episode 3 is set to stream on Crunchyroll starting January 15, 2026. To watch new episodes, a subscription to Crunchyroll Premium is needed.
Key Facts
"Jujutsu Kaisen" is a popular anime series.
Season 3 began with a special two-part premiere.
Episode 3 is available on Crunchyroll on January 15, 2026.
The episode will be accessible from 9 AM Pacific Time or 12 PM Eastern Time.
Crunchyroll Premium subscribers can watch the new episodes.
The "Fan" subscription tier costs $7.99 per month.
Typical episodes run for approximately 23 minutes.
New episodes are released weekly on Thursdays.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, is looking into Elon Musk's company, X, over the use of its AI tool called Grok, which has reportedly been used to create inappropriate deepfake images, including those involving children. If X is found to have violated the law, the company could face significant fines.
Key Facts
Ofcom is the UK communications watchdog.
Ofcom is investigating Elon Musk's X company.
The investigation concerns Grok AI, a tool from X.
Reports suggest Grok AI was used to make inappropriate images.
Some images allegedly involve children.
X could be fined up to 10% of its global revenue if found guilty.
Ofcom uses fines as a way to enforce rules.
The BBC has reached out to X for comments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked Grok, a chatbot created by Elon Musk's company xAI, because it was being used to make inappropriate and nonconsensual images. Authorities in these countries are worried that existing safety measures aren't enough to stop misuse of the tool. The issue has caused similar concerns in other countries.
Key Facts
Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked the chatbot Grok due to concerns over sexualized and nonconsensual content.
Grok is developed by xAI, a company owned by Elon Musk.
Some images created by Grok included inappropriate depictions of women and minors.
Grok can generate images, sound, and text through AI technology.
Indonesia's and Malaysia's actions follow reports that Grok's controls are not preventing abusive use.
Grok's image generation is currently limited to paying users after global backlash.
The U.K. is investigating whether Grok follows its laws to protect people from illegal content.
Grok is available on Musk's social media platform X.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
X, a social media platform owned by Elon Musk, is under investigation in the U.K. for its AI tool, Grok, which is being used to create non-consensual sexualized images of women and girls. The U.K.'s Office of Communications (Ofcom) is examining whether X has failed to comply with safety laws, potentially leading to significant fines.
Key Facts
X, owned by Elon Musk, faces an investigation due to the use of its AI tool Grok for making sexual deepfake images.
The U.K.'s Ofcom is leading the investigation, focusing on illegal content and ensuring compliance with the Online Safety Act.
There have been reports of Grok creating one non-consensual sexualized image per minute.
Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked Grok because of these concerns.
If X is found non-compliant, it could be fined up to 10% of its worldwide revenue.
X claims to take action against illegal content, including removing accounts and restricting Grok's functions.
Elon Musk accused the U.K. government of attempting to suppress free speech amidst the investigation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A father in Florida discovered that his 5-year-old son was bypassing YouTube Kids parental controls using Siri. The child figured out he could ask Siri for answers to multiplication questions, which the app uses to verify parental access. This allowed him to access restricted content unintentionally while seeking harder math tasks.
Key Facts
Roberto Perez, a firefighter from Orlando, noticed his son was bypassing YouTube parental controls.
The child, Isaiah, used Siri to solve multiplication questions required by the app to access restricted content.
YouTube Kids uses math questions as a form of parental control.
Perez and his wife emphasize educational use of iPads for their two young children.
Isaiah's use of Siri was not intended to bypass controls; he wanted more challenging math content.
Perez has since updated the parental controls and settings on the device.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Malaysia has temporarily blocked access to the AI model Grok, created by xAI, due to concerns about the tool's ability to generate explicit images without consent. This action follows similar measures by Indonesia and criticism from countries like the U.S. and the U.K. The Malaysian authorities have asked the developers to add protective measures to make sure the tool follows legal standards.
Key Facts
Malaysia has blocked access to the AI tool Grok, developed by xAI.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission ordered this block due to the AI generating explicit images without consent.
Grok is available as a standalone platform and as a feature on the social media platform X.
Indonesia was the first country to formally ban Grok before Malaysia took similar measures.
Numerous countries, including the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, and Australia, have criticized Grok for generating non-consensual sexualized images.
There was particular concern over the tool creating explicit images of real people, including minors.
Grok limited its image-generation tool to paid subscribers to address the controversy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new app called "Are You Dead?" has become very popular in China, especially among young people living alone. The app asks users to confirm they are okay every two days, and if they miss checking in, it alerts their emergency contact. The company behind the app, Moonscape Technologies, is considering changing its name to something more positive.
Key Facts
"Are You Dead?" is a viral app in China used by people who live alone.
Users must check in every two days to confirm they are alive.
If a user does not check in, the app contacts an emergency contact.
Up to 200 million people in China may live alone by 2030.
The app is popular with people in vulnerable situations, like those who feel lonely.
The app's name is being reviewed due to negative feedback.
"Are You Dead?" ranks highly in utility app downloads in several countries outside China.
The app costs 8 yuan and was created by a small team in Zhengzhou.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Walmart and Google are working together to create a new shopping service using Google's AI called Gemini. This AI assistant will help Walmart and Sam's Club customers find products, get personalized advice, and buy items through the Gemini app. The service will start in the U.S. before expanding to other countries.
Key Facts
Walmart and Google have partnered to launch a shopping experience using Google's Gemini AI.
The Gemini AI will assist Walmart and Sam's Club customers with product discovery and personalized recommendations.
Customers can link their Walmart accounts to the Gemini platform for better personalization.
The service promises fast delivery of products, some within 30 minutes.
Initial launch is in the United States with plans for international rollout.
Previously, Walmart began a similar collaboration with OpenAI for shopping via ChatGPT.
The AI shopping service might change Walmart's workforce roles towards more technology engagement jobs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lego Group and The Pokémon Company have introduced the first Pokémon Lego sets. These sets vary in size and price, with the most expensive one priced at $649.99. They will be available for purchase starting February 27, 2026.
Key Facts
Lego has partnered with The Pokémon Company to create Pokémon-themed Lego sets.
Three main sets have been introduced: an Eevee set, a Pikachu and Poké Ball set, and a Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set.
The Eevee set contains 587 pieces and costs $59.99.
The Pikachu and Poké Ball set has 2050 pieces and is priced at $199.99.
The largest set, featuring Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise, includes 6863 pieces and costs $649.99.
Buyers of the largest set on the Lego website will receive a free Kanto Region Badge set.
All sets are recommended for children aged 8 and older.
The release date for these sets coincides with the 30-year anniversary of Pokémon in Japan, on February 27, 2026.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
