US military reaches deals with 7 tech companies to use their AI on classified systems
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says it has reached deals with seven tech companies to use their artificial intelligence in its classified computer networks This will allow the military to tap into AI-powered capabilities to help it fight wars. The Pentagon said Friday that Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Nvidia, OpenAI, Reflection and SpaceX will provide their resources to help “augment warfighter decision-making in complex operational environments.” Notably absent from the list is Anthropic, after its legal fight with the Trump administration over the ethics of AI usage in war. The Defense Department has been rapidly accelerating its use of AI. But AI has already raised concerns that its use could invade Americans’ privacy or allow machines to choose targets on the battlefield.
Trump likes the idea of the government owning some US companies but took a pass on Spirit Airlines
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has taken a shine to the government taking stakes in the private sector. But his administration took a pass on bailing out troubled Spirit Airlines. The discount carrier ceased operations Saturday. Trump had said the government was interested in a stake in the carrier “if it's a good deal.” Under Trump, the government earlier invested in Intel and U.S. Steel and had made other deals that go against the traditional Republican position about Washington picking winners and losers. Critics say Trump's deals reflect his transactional nature. Others see some logic in competing against heavily subsidized Chinese manufacturers.
In the PR battle for AI data centers, tech giants got a blue-collar ally
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Building trades unions have long been considered a voice of the American worker. But they now are intertwined with the richest companies in the world as they create America’s artificial intelligence economy. Unionized workers are employed on massive data center projects and scrambling to recruit new apprentices to feed demand. Unions are allies of tech giants and tech-friendly government officials, helping counter fierce opposition in communities and hostile legislation in Congress and legislatures. For their part, tech execs talk of needing to train hundreds of thousands more skilled workers and spend millions on training programs.
Apple beats out earnings estimates with continued iPhone momentum
Apple has posted strong quarterly earnings, beating out Wall Street expectations. The January-March results show continued momentum in iPhone sales. CEO Tim Cook said it was the company's best March quarter ever, with double-digit growth across every geographic segment. Apple earned $29.58 billion, or $2.01 per share, up about 22% from a year earlier. Revenue rose about 17% to $111.18 billion, exceeding analyst expectations. Investors are also focused on the upcoming CEO change and the company's AI strategy. Cook announced earlier this month he will step down, with John Ternus taking over later this year.
Africa’s cellphone towers turn to solar as diesel costs surge
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Cellphone tower operators across Africa are increasingly turning to solar power to reduce reliance on costly diesel fuel and expand connectivity in off-grid areas. Diesel still powers most towers — and there are roughly 500,000 telecommunications towers across the continent — but rising fuel prices, falling solar costs and new financing models are accelerating a shift to hybrid and solar systems. The Iran war has exacerbated those supply issues. The transition could cut emissions, lower operating costs and improve network reliability. However, high up-front investment, battery limitations and operational risks mean adoption is likely to remain gradual in the near term.
Elon Musk spars with OpenAI attorney in trial over company's evolution from a nonprofit
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Elon Musk on Thursday sparred with an attorney for OpenAI during his third day of testimony in the contentious trial over the company’s pivot from nonprofit status to a for-profit venture valued at hundreds of billions of dollars. The trial centers on the 2015 birth of the ChatGPT maker as a nonprofit startup primarily funded by Musk. It pits the world’s richest person against Sam Altman, a fellow OpenAI co-founder he accuses of betraying promises to keep the company as a nonprofit dedicated to humanity’s benefit. On the stand, Musk has taken issue with the cross-examination by opposing attorney William Savitt, accusing him of asking misleading questions.
Meta raises specter of shutting down service to New Mexico in legal clash over child safety
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Meta is raising the prospect of shutting down social media services in New Mexico in response to a push by state prosecutors for fundamental changes to platforms, including Instagram, to protect the mental health and safety of children. The possibility emerged Thursday amid legal gamesmanship in the runup to a bench trial next week on allegations that Meta poses a public nuisance. In a court filing and public statement, Meta said it was unfeasible for the company to meet proposed requirements. Prosecutors are seeking a series of changes to social media platforms for child accounts aimed at reining in compulsive use and preventing child sexual exploitation.
Teens embrace social media and influencers for news but remain skeptical
NEW YORK (AP) — A new survey finds teenagers are more likely to get news from nontraditional sources like social media and influencers than their elders are. Experts say that's likely heralding a generational shift in how people seek out information. The results are from the Media Insight Project. The survey finds 57% of teenagers get daily news from social media, compared with 36% of adults. Similarly, 57% of teens get some news from influencers, compared with 43% of adults. The new poll points to the pervasiveness of social media in teenagers’ lives and shows how more teens are consuming their news from these platforms or independent content creators, rather than directly from national or local news sources.
From grading papers to decoding jargon, here are some ways people are putting AI to work
NEW YORK (AP) — As artificial intelligence permeates workplaces, it's changing the nature of jobs and how people do them. The Associated Press spoke to people from different industries about how they use AI at work. A product manager asks AI to clarify technical terms she didn't understand during meetings. An elementary school teacher uses AI to create lesson plans and grade papers. A product design team employed AI to try out different beard lengths on the Brawny paper towel man. Some daily users of the technology say they are concerned that overuse could erode critical thinking skills. Others stressed that AI-assisted work needs to be checked carefully because the tools can make mistakes.
The AP Interview: Ukraine bets on battlefield AI as the race for weapons autonomy intensifies
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine is accelerating the use of artificial intelligence to retain an edge on the battlefield, as the war with Russia enters a new technological phase. In an interview with The Associated Press, the head of a new AI defense agency, Danylo Tsvok said AI is helping Ukraine hold ground while reducing risks to soldiers. He cautioned that full integration of autonomous systems could take three to five years. Ukraine is testing drone swarm technology and expanding robotic ground platforms and data-sharing partnerships with Western allies. Officials say the goal is faster decision-making and coordinated defense – not creating fully autonomous weapons – as AI becomes central to modern warfare.
