Ohio suspends data center tax break as tech firms face pressure to pay the cost to power AI
Ohio is suspending a tax break that has been critical to its competition with other states to attract the massive new facilities that power and train artificial intelligence chatbots. The move by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine comes as the industry is under pressure to pay the full costs of the vast network of its computing warehouses needed to power AI. The size of Ohio’s tax break skyrocketed, dwarfing previous projections, as opposition to data centers is sweeping through cities, suburbs and towns there. It's prompted lawmakers to form a committee to study the impact. DeWine’s office cited the rising utilization of the tax break and the state Legislature’s new research undertaking to declare a “pause.”
California sues 23andMe, alleging it failed to protect user data in 2023 breach
LOS ANGELES (AP) — California’s attorney general is suing the genetic testing company formerly known as 23andMe, alleging it failed to protect sensitive user data in a 2023 breach that affected nearly 7 million people across the country. Attorney General Rob Bonta filed the lawsuit Thursday against Chrome Holding Co., which 23andMe rebranded under after filing for bankruptcy last March. The company has acknowledged that it suffered a major security breach in 2023. Bonta's office said the company failed to implement common security measures and investigate red flags that showed months before the breach that malicious actors were trying to access their systems.
One Tech Tip: Your next job interview could be with an AI bot
Applying for a new job? You might be interviewed by artificial intelligence. Recruiters, overwhelmed by AI-generated job applications, are using chatbots, mainly for initial screenings. This trend is growing as technology advances. Many find AI interviews unsettling, but they’re becoming common. If you're faced with an AI job interview, experts advise preparation and practicing answers out loud. AI interviews often focus on behavioral questions, requiring specific examples and metrics. Candidates should avoid using AI to craft responses, as it can be easily detected.
Humanoids dance and thread needles as Japanese robotics developers look to outdo Chinese
TOKYO (AP) — The Humanoids Summit Tokyo showcases advanced robotics, highlighting China's growing influence. Companies like Booster Robotics and LimX Dynamics are refining technology initially developed in Japan and the U.S., often for cheaper mass production. It mirrors past trends in industries like electronics and vehicles. Experts note Japan's initial lead in humanoids but point to China's rapid advancements. The event features robots like the Mini Pi Plus from High Torque of China, which is affordable but limited in function. Japan's cultural acceptance of robotics remains strong, with experts emphasizing its potential as an ideal place for integrating robots into society.
Anthropic vaults to a $965 billion valuation with new funding as Claude demand surges
Artificial intelligence company Anthropic said Thursday it raised $65 billion in private funding that will push its valuation to $965 billion, a whopping number that makes the 5-year-old research laboratory behind the Claude chatbot one of the world’s most valuable startups as it careens toward a likely Wall Street debut. The announcement pushes Anthropic ahead of its chief rival, ChatGPT maker OpenAI, both in market value and in reported revenue. Anthropic said it’s now making annualized sales of $47 billion. Anthropic said the new round of funding was led by investment firms Altimeter Capital, Dragoneer, Greenoaks and Sequoia Capital.
Median pay for CEOs rose nearly 6% in 2025, but some compensation packages were eye-popping
NEW YORK (AP) — The typical CEO compensation package rose nearly 6% in 2025 to $17.7 million, as company boards rewarded their top executives for bigger profits and higher stock prices, and gave them incentives to stick around and make even more money for shareholders in the years ahead. The median employee at these companies earned $89,744, reflecting a 4.7% increase year over year. While that gain outpaced inflation in 2025, many workers were still feeling pinched by the accumulation of higher prices over the past few years. Tesla CEO Elon Musk topped the survey with a pay package valued at $132 billion.
Introducing Argus, a robot with 20 legs and eyes built to move and see in any direction instantly
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Robots that look like dogs or people try to replicate symmetrical shapes found in nature. But engineers at Duke University are taking a different approach. They're focusing on uniformity in action or what they call “dynamic symmetry.” The result is Argus. The roly-poly robot has depth-sensing cameras attached to 20 telescoping legs radiating from a central core. With no front, back, top or bottom, it can see and move in any direction instantly. Argus can navigate sandy beaches and rough terrain. It can even climb between parallel brick walls. Researchers hope the design principles behind Argus can be used to develop other types of robots.
Google employee charged with using confidential search data to make $1.2 million on Polymarket
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. prosecutors slapped insider trading charges against a Google employee this week, alleging the software engineer used confidential company information to pocket more than $1.2 million on prediction market platform Polymarket. Authorities say 36-year-old Michele Spagnuolo used Google's "Year in Search" data to place bets on search trends before the data was published. Google confirmed the employee has been placed on leave and is cooperating with law enforcement. Polymarket also stated it is working closely with authorities. The case underlines the latest concerns about insider trading in the growing world of speculative, 24/7 transactions now filling the internet.
Chinese online retailer Temu hit with $232 million fine over unsafe toys and electronics
LONDON (AP) — European Union regulators have fined Chinese online retailer Temu for failing to protect consumers from illegal products. The 27-nation bloc's investigation found that Temu exposed consumers to high-risk items like baby toys and small electronics that didn't comply with EU safety rules. The penalty was issued under the Digital Services Act, which requires online platforms to keep users safe from harmful content or goods. Temu, owned by PDD Holdings, has 92 million users in the EU. The European Commission criticized Temu's inadequate risk assessments and urged compliance with the law. Temu has until the end of August to submit an action plan.
Carney says Canada will buy European surveillance planes over two American options
TORONTO (AP) — Canada plans to buy early warning radar planes from Sweden’s Saab and Canada’s Bombardier, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday. The decision moves away from two American options. Carney said the Saab planes, built on Bombardier’s Global 6500 aircraft, will support domestic production and contain 20% U.S. content. Canada is in the market for six radar aircraft. Carney emphasized diversifying military spending away from the U.S. The Saab planes provide situational awareness for hundreds of miles and can direct fighter jets. NATO is also considering the Saab option. The Canadian government is reviewing the planned purchase of U.S. F-35 fighter jets.
