Former White House teleprompter operator ordered to turn over profits, pay fine over insider trading
WASHINGTON (AP) — A former White House teleprompter operator accused of using inside knowledge to make bets on the prediction market Kalshi has been ordered to turn over more than $100,000 in profits and pay a $65,000 penalty as part of a federal settlement. The Friday settlement with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission also imposes a three-year trading ban on Gabriel Perez. Perez was placed on unpaid leave from his job at the White House after reports emerged that he used his position to make bets on what President Donald Trump would say in speeches. The commission found that Perez made $107,500 on prediction markets with information from his position.
Influencer pleads guilty to criminal impersonation for viral pranks at Arizona businesses
PHOENIX (AP) — An influencer known for posting viral prank videos has pleaded guilty to criminal impersonation in Arizona for posing as an employee of businesses in a Phoenix suburb and orchestrating brief but chaotic takeover attempts. Heston James Cobb was arrested in July 2025. Police in Tempe say he and others went into businesses posing as workers, entered employee-only areas and refused to leave when asked to do so. He entered his plea Friday. Cobb’s attorney declined to comment. Observers say they hope the case serves as a warning to influencers who create prank or satirical content that online conduct can have real-world ramifications.
Some US cities have begun rewarding careful drivers with fewer red lights
Two cities have found a relatively novel way to reduce high-speed crashes by rewarding law-abiding drivers rather than just punishing the lead-footed ones. Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Portland, Oregon, are using a strategy where traffic signals default to red until a vehicle approaches. If drivers stay at or below the speed limit, they get an earlier green light. Officials credit this approach with a dramatic drop in crashes and injuries. While some experts express concerns about driver behavior and potential frustrations, the strategy seems effective. Despite its apparent success, few other U.S. cities have embraced the approach thus far.
Time limits and a midnight cutoff: Meta’s new rules for kids go further, but critics say not enough
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Kids under 18 will soon see a host of changes to their Instagram and Facebook experiences thanks to a historic $18 billion settlement Meta Platforms reached Wednesday with 48 U.S. states. Besides the money, which will be paid out over a decade, Meta has agreed to strengthen its age estimates to keep kids under 13 off its platforms and teens in age-appropriate accounts, enact a hard limit of two hours a day for users under 18, block kids from the apps from midnight to 6 a.m. and hide like counts, among other changes. But critics and children’s advocates cautioned it will not solve its myriad problems overnight.
One Tech Tip: How to keep your child’s tablets, laptops from becoming distractions from schoolwork
Tablets and computers have become essential for students, but they can also be distracting. Schools often provide these devices, and parents can struggle to keep kids focused at home. Built-in tools like Do Not Disturb on Apple and Android can help by muting notifications. Parents can also use screen-time controls to limit app usage. Experts suggest teaching time management and encouraging offline activities like reading and sports. It's important for kids to take breaks and avoid multitasking to improve focus. Parents should guide children to monotask and create a quiet study environment.
Judge says Pentagon's measures against Anthropic were 'illegal and baseless'
A federal judge has ruled in favor of artificial intelligence company Anthropic in its legal battle against the Pentagon. The government labeled the company a supply chain risk earlier this year. U.S. District Judge Rita Lin issued a written order Thursday night stating the Pentagon acted illegally by punishing Anthropic for criticizing the Department of Defense’s views on AI use. The dispute began in February when President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accused Anthropic of endangering national security. The government is expected to fight the ruling. Anthropic says it welcomes the decision and remains focused on working with the government.
Need spiritual guidance? Gurus join chatbot trend as people turn to AI for answers
CHENNAI, India (AP) — An increasing number of spiritual seekers are finding that artificial intelligence is giving them non-judgmental access to spiritual insights. This trend is growing, notably in Hinduism, where gurus are considered essential for spiritual growth. Apps like GitaGPT provide guidance based on sacred texts. Critics argue AI lacks the wisdom and accountability of human gurus. However, some real-life gurus are embracing AI to reach more followers. While AI offers convenience, experts say it can't replace the human soul's connection.
A look at major lawsuits against Meta and other social media companies over harms to kids
A settlement announced Wednesday between Meta and dozens of states resolves one of its biggest legal fights, but the social media giant is still facing litigation elsewhere over its products’ effects on young people’s mental health. The deal cut short a landmark trial in federal court in Oakland, California, where the Instagram and Facebook parent company was fighting claims that it deliberately designed features that get children addicted. It is one of many courtrooms around the country where Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube have been defending themselves against allegations their platforms have negatively impacted children’s mental health or otherwise hurt them.
Juul gets OK to sell updated vaping device with age-gating technology
WASHINGTON (AP) — E-cigarette maker Juul Labs has received U.S. permission to sell an updated version of its vaping device. The new product was announced by federal regulators on Friday. It includes an electronic age-verification system to prevent underage use. The decision from the Food and Drug Administration means Juul can sell a new version of its vaping device for the first time since it launched in 2015. The company was briefly the top-selling e-cigarette in the country. But it faced a swift legal backlash over underage use of its nicotine-emitting products.
In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers
MURDOCK, Neb. (AP) — In the small Nebraska village of Murdock, now-paused plans for two potential data centers have sparked the kinds of debates that have raged in cities and towns across the country. And those debates often cut across ideological lines. Some see job opportunities that can help the U.S. compete with China in technology. Others worry about losing farmland and the high amounts of electricity and water needed to power these centers. The debate has united left-leaning environmentalists and conservative farmers. Data centers have become a growing concern as November's midterm elections loom, but are one of the rare major issues that don't divide along party lines.
