Month: February 2025
The University of Louisville bans AI DeepSeek
DeepSeek took America by storm when it was released in late January. The Chinese startup claimed to have built the powerful model for roughly $6 million a marked step down from the investments American companies have poured into models like ChatGPT.The University of Louisville has prohibited Chinese-startup DeepSeek’s new artificial intelligence model from being used
Intel Partners with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC)
Intel’s stock experienced its best week in 25 years, surging as much as 23.6% (and nearly 32% at its peak) due to rumors of a potential partnership with rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). This dramatic rise, the largest since January 2000, reflects investor optimism for a turnaround after a prolonged period of weak performance.TSMC
Crypto Booming
As cryptocurrencies boom in recent months and push further into the mainstream, a corner of the financial industry remains on guard.Bulls may be quick to point out that crypto speculation has been massively profitable lately. Bitcoin soared by about 114% in 2024, outpaced by even steeper gains among some meme coins.But whereas the gains have
Russia Military withdrawal from Syria
Russia has been evacuating its military assets from Syria since Assad’s overthrow, the ministry said, describing it as a “blow to (Moscow’s) ambitions in the Middle East”. Russia hopes to retain the use of naval and air bases in Syria under the new Islamist leadership that took power after Assad fled to Moscow following 13
Ukraine request for European army help to deter Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Saturday for the creation of a European army, saying the continent could no longer be sure of protection from the United States and would only get respect from Washington with a strong military.In an impassioned speech to the annual Munich Security Conference of global policymakers, Zelenskiy said an address
Mexico to sue United States for renaming Gulf of Mexico
Trump signed an executive order renaming the gulf on his first day in office. The Department of the Interior announced days later that “the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America.” It noted that the U.S. Board on Geographic Names was working to update the name in the U.S.
TikTok Returns to App Store and Google play store
TikTok went dark briefly on the evening of Jan. 18 but was restored after incoming President Trump said he would delay the ban’s implementation. The next day, Trump signed an executive order asking the attorney general not to enforce the ban for 75 days. You can now download TikTok from the Apple App Store and
Africa Absolute monarchy sued by a Jewish chauffeur
Africa’s last remaining absolute monarchy is being sued for race discrimination by a Jewish chauffeur who worked for them at its UK high commission. In a rare case, the Kingdom of Eswatini, known as Swaziland until 2018, is being taken to an employment tribunal by Adam Gale, a former driver for the kingdom.The king, who
OpenAI removes diversity, equity, and inclusion page from its website
OpenAI appears to have removed a page from its website outlining its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and now redirects the URL to a page titled Building dynamic teams. Corporate America, including tech companies, has been rolling back Diversity, Equity and inclusion initiatives. Earlier this month, Google ended its hiring targets tied to diversity.
Pope Francis hospitalized
The Vatican announced in early February that Francis had bronchitis, and that “in order to continue his activities” he would be holding his audiences at the Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican guesthouse where he lives, instead of at the Apostolic Palace. In recent weeks, he has complained of respiratory problems, and Vatican aides have been