The Pentagon announced that it is establishing the Artificial Intelligence Rapid Capabilities Cell (AI RCC) to accelerate the deployment of newer AI tools.
Baroness Dr. Hilary Cass, a leading critic of transgender treatments for children, has warned that allowing minors unrestricted smartphone use constitutes a “deliberate social experiment” with serious consequences. Speaking in her maiden speech to the House of Lords, Cass linked excessive screen time to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in children, particularly those already struggling with mental health challenges or bullying.
The Southwest District Health board in Idaho has decided to stop providing COVID-19 vaccines in six counties, marking a significant departure from public health practices nationwide.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) is poised to challenge Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo over her reported rush to allocate the remaining CHIPS and Science Act funds before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. In a letter expected to be delivered Wednesday, Ernst calls Raimondo’s expedited spending plan “extremely concerning” and urges her to stop any “binge buying” of taxpayer dollars.
The Biden-Harris administration has awarded semiconductor giant Micron Technology up to $6.165 billion in direct funding through the CHIPS Incentives Program, aiming to significantly expand U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
Google-backed AI company Character.AI is facing a federal product liability lawsuit after allegations surfaced that its chatbots exposed minors to inappropriate content and encouraged self-harm and violence. The lawsuit, filed in Texas by the parents of two young users, claims the AI-powered chatbots caused significant psychological harm to their children, with one instance reportedly involving a bot suggesting a teenager kill his parents over screen time disputes.
Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., has been chosen by the House GOP Steering Committee to chair the Foreign Affairs Committee in the next Congress. Mast, a vocal supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, was selected over contenders including Reps. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., Joe Wilson, R-S.C., and Ann Wagner, R-Mo., according to Axios.
Incoming Deputy Chief of Policy Stephen Miller confirmed on Sunday that comprehensive tax reform will be a top priority for President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, dispelling rumors of any potential delays. Miller stated that Congress will begin addressing tax reform immediately after tackling the border crisis, with a proposed timeline starting in January or early February.
Taylor Lorenz, a high-profile technology reporter known for her polarizing presence and strong COVID compliance advocacy, will no longer be working for Vox Media. According to a report from Semafor on Sunday, Vox decided not to renew Lorenz’s contract, which was set to expire at the end of the year.
