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Financial services companies have unique needs when it comes to business AI. They operate in one of the most highly regulated sectors while responding to external events that are updated by the second. As a result, the success of agentic AI in financial services depends less on the sophistication of the system and more on…

In a role reversal, investment dollars in security startups exceeded the value of mergers and acquisitions in 1Q26 by more than $1 billion, a rare occurrence.

When generative AI first moved from research labs into real-world business applications, enterprises made a tacit bargain: “Capability now, control later.” Feed your proprietary data into third-party AI models, and you will get powerful results. But your data passes through systems you do not own, under governance you do not set. The protections you rely…

Iceotope Group, a provider of precision liquidcooling solutions for data centres and edge infrastructure, has raised $26million in a Series B funding round led by Two Seas Capital and Barclays Climate...

Use Codex anywhere with the ChatGPT mobile app. Monitor, steer, and approve coding tasks in real time across devices and remote environments.

Watch fans spent a week falling in love with colorful Royal Oak wristwatches that didn’t exist—then the real thing arrived. Now, fantasy is becoming a manufacturing opportunity.

An ancient disk shows the priestess Enheduanna, third figure from the right, during a ritual. Mefman00/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY I teach writing and rhetoric, but my college students and I often overlook a surprisingly complicated question: What is writing? And can artificial intelligence really do it? Many people think of “writing” as putting words on a page. However, even from very early on, writers have seen their craft as something more. From Enheduanna, the first named author on record, to Plato and Aristotle, writing has been portrayed and defined in ways that suggest AI may not be “writing” at all. If not, what should we call AI text? ChatGPT and I have an idea. Praising and pleading Enheduanna, who lived around 2,300 B.C.E., was a powerful princess, priestess and poet of the Akkadian Empire, in what is now Iraq. She has been celebrated as the earliest known writer, though the authorship of her poems and hymns is debated. One of her poems, “The Exaltation of Inanna,” reveals a sense of what writing is and does – portraying it as a living medium that expresses experience and shapes the future. First, the poem praises the ancient Mesopotamian goddess Inanna, who was associated with fertility and war, among other powers. “My Lady, you are the guardian / Of all greatness,” Enheduanna says, in a translation by Jane Hirschfield. A tablet in the Penn Museum in Philadelphia inscribed with a copy of Enheduanna’s ‘Exaltation of Inanna.’ Masha Stoyanova/Flickr via Wikimedia Commons That praise may be strategic. It is followed by Enheduanna’s plea to overthrow Lugal-Ane, a rebel king who she describes exiling her and taking her post at the temple of Ur. “Now I have been cast out / To the place of lepers,” she writes, describing her suffering. “Day comes, / And the brightness / Is hidden around me.” Grieving, Enheduanna writes a new destiny. In a translation by Sophus Helle, the priestess envisions Inanna coming to her aid and “tear[ing] off this fate, Lugale-Ane.” And her pleading seems to be successful: The end of the poem depicts Enheduanna restored to her post. In Enheduanna’s poetry, writing does not simply communicate information. It interacts with the present and changes the future. The priestess’s pleas please the goddess, move her heart, and she restore Enheduanna to her post – though historians have little evidence of whether an exile and return really happened. But her poetry did have real-world influence, helping to create religious and political unity in the world’s first empire. For example, her writing merged the Sumerian goddess Inanna with the Akkadian goddess Ishtar, describing a single “Queen of Heaven.” AI writing can be used to try to create change, such as by swaying someone’s political opinion. But it lacks the human emotions that make experiences like praise, gratitude and suffering possible – the emotions and motivations that make writing a living medium with real-world effects. Transforming over informing Two thousand years after Enheduanna, Plato and his student Aristotle offered another influential view of writing – one that complements hers. In the “Phaedrus,” which discusses the relationship between love and rhetoric, Plato famously defines writing as a poor copy of speech. Speech’s job is to represent thoughts; thoughts, in turn, represent knowledge and truth. Similarly, Aristotle writes, “Spoken words are the symbols of mental experience and written words are the symbols of spoken words.” A relief of Plato and his student Aristotle by Italian Renaissance sculptor Luca della Robbia. sailko/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA Even that definition marks a sharp contrast with AI, which lacks thoughts and mental experiences. Its output proceeds from data aggregation and text generation. To understand what writing is, we also need to look at what it does. Although Plato elevates speech over writing, he suggests in “Phaedrus” that good writing may lead a learner toward truth and knowledge. Similar to Enheduanna, he employs writing as a tool for change, both inside and outside the text. In Plato’s dialogues, characters often radically change their opinions. And today, almost 2,500 years after his death, the philosopher’s real-world impact is clear. For instance, universities and colleges today are collectively called the “Academy” because that was the name of Plato’s group, the first institution of higher learning in the West. English scholar Alfred North Whitehead famously wrote that all Western philosophy is “a series of footnotes to Plato.” Aristotle’s voluminous works, too, show writing’s purpose transcends communication. In “Rhetoric,” for instance, he details ways to make writing persuasive. Aristotle defines rhetoric as a way of “moving souls,” not just exchanging knowledge. For both of the Greek philosophers, then, writing is more about transformation than information. This second-century papyrus of Plato’s ‘Phaedrus,’ found in modern-day Egypt, was reconstructed from several fragments. Oxyrhynchus Papyri Collection/Oxford's Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library via Wikimedia Commons Today, however, AI tools’ popularity may make writing less dynamic and less moving. Use of AI risks a “blandification” of writing, according to a study led by computer science professor Natasha Jaques. In other words, much AI writing today lacks distinct voices, making it sound the same – which could make people’s thinking more similar, too. ‘Generwriting’ Overall, these three ancient authors agree that writing emerges from thoughts and experiences – a process that strives to create change. Enheduanna, Plato and Aristotle also agree that writing’s essence transcends the simple summaries and information transmission common to AI output today. Although AI can generate creative texts, its writing may not “move souls” the way human writing does. Several studies show a “pro-human attribution bias” or an “AI penalty,” meaning that people prefer human writing even when AI writing is stylistically similar. People want to read what other people write, not what an algorithm pumps out. Perhaps we need a different word for AI’s output. Common terms today include “generative content” and “synthetic text,” but I wondered if I could land on something simpler – and involve AI itself. After prompting and tweaking ChatGPT over and over, I settled on one word: “generwrite.” Though AI is here to stay, new words may help distinguish types of text. And as Enheduanna, Plato and Aristotle remind us, there are elements of writing that may always be unique to embodied, thinking beings striving to move souls. Ryan Leack does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Connor Hart / Wall Street Journal: Klarna reports Q1 revenue up 44% YoY to $1.01B, above est., GMV up 33% to $33.7B, active customers up 20% to 119M, and a $1M profit, up from a $99M loss YoY  —  The buy now, pay later company said first-quarter revenue jumped 44% to $1.01 billion  —  Klarna swung to a profit in the first quarter …

Zac Hall / 9to5Mac: Spotify says it will adopt Apple's HTTP Live Streaming tech later in 2026, helping Spotify creators distribute video podcast shows on Apple Podcasts and Spotify  —  Spotify is making two video podcast announcements today, including one related to Apple's big video podcast enhancement.

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. The shock of seeing your body used in deepfake porn When Jennifer got a research job in 2023, she ran her new professional headshot through a facial recognition program. She wanted…

Improve the quality of Claude Code output. The post How to Write Robust Code with Claude Code appeared first on Towards Data Science.

A Nitrogen ransomware attack on Foxconn's North American facilities is one of 600 hits on manufacturers this year, as gangs increasingly target the sector for its low tolerance for downtime.

Reuters: The UK CMA launches an antitrust investigation into Microsoft's business software dominance, focusing on its bundling of Windows, Word, Teams, and other apps  —  Britain launched an antitrust investigation into Microsoft's (MSFT.O) dominance in business software that could lead to targeted action …

James McMillian, the president of Tone House in New York City, focuses on full-body workouts and follows a simple, high-protein diet. James McMillian James McMillian, the president of Tone House in NYC, has a few habits that keep him in shape. He works out twice a day on weekdays, leaving weekends free to spend time with his family. He also follows a very simple high-protein diet. Between coaching 10 workout classes a week and holding personal training sessions, James McMillian makes the most of his gym time. The president of Tone House, a strength training facility named "the hardest workout in New York City" by Business Insider, McMillian often goes to the gym twice a day at the height of training to prepare for competitions like Hyrox or marathons. He also completely abstains from training on weekends. "The weekend is my time where I spend with my family," McMillian told Business Insider. "But Monday through Friday is when I work out, no matter whether it's for a competition or not." McMillian, who was diagnosed with asthma as a child, said the experience taught him the discipline necessary to be regimented with his routine. "The biggest thing is the mentality," he said. "Nobody wakes up every single day and says, 'I want to work out.'" His advice to stay motivated is to do what you can: Go for a walk outside or ask a friend to join you at the gym. "Try your best," he said. "Progress over perfection." Here are McMillian's habits that help him stay fit. Skip leg day for a full-body workout McMillian prefers full-body workouts to reduce his chances of injury. James McMillian McMillian isn't a fan of separating entire workout days by upper or lower body, preferring to focus on full-body movements. "I believe the body is meant to move as one system, not in isolated parts," he said. If he does upper body one day, there might be some overlap when he does lower body workouts that require core strength, leading to overuse of his muscles. "There are more chances I'll get injured," he explained. Instead, McMillian starts his morning workouts with a quick warmup. During competition training season, it looks like a one-mile run, 50 thrusters, another half-mile run, 50 reverse lunges, one more half-mile run, and 50 weighted drop exercises. Otherwise, his warmup is three unbroken sets of 10 bicep curls, 10 dips, and 20 pull-ups. The main workout alternates upper- and lower-body exercises, such as squats and bench presses. Despite the intensity of his workouts, McMillian has his fitness limits. He doesn't like to work out super early in the morning, opting to start around 10 a.m. "You can be a beast later in the day," he said. Changes up the workout tempo When McMillian returns to the gym in the evenings at 9:30 p.m., he usually opts for a lower-intensity routine. "That's more of a spiritual workout. That's more of my therapy," he said. "I need that workout so I can re-channel my brain to slow down." He normally focuses less on cardio and more on strength training, slowing down his tempo to introduce more control to lifts like bench presses and squats. He'll listen to R&B or audiobooks to tire himself out and make it easier to fall asleep when he gets home. Keep a repeatable, high-protein diet A turkey sandwich is simple and provides a good balance of lean protein and carbs, McMillian said. LauriPatterson/Getty Images Because McMillian's schedule is so demanding, he doesn't overcomplicate his diet. "I prioritize foods that are predictable, digest well, and consistently support performance," he said. In the morning, he always has oatmeal with fruit. In addition to providing protein and fiber, oatmeal is a carbohydrate that digests slowly, helping him maintain steadier energy levels at the gym. The fruit also adds water and micronutrients that support hydration and recovery. McMillian also prefers green tea to coffee, as it's a lower-caffeine source and offers the added benefit of antioxidants. For lunch, he'll have a sandwich. For more cardio-focused days, he has a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich for quick energy. "It gives me a strong mix of carbohydrates and fats, which is ideal when I need something fast," McMillian said. If he's focusing more on strength, a turkey sandwich provides lean protein, which supports muscle maintenance and helps him feel full longer. The carbohydrates also provide energy and can help maintain steadier blood sugar levels, especially if the sandwich is made with whole-grain bread. "It's a more balanced option when I'm in between meetings or not immediately training, but still need to stay fueled," McMillian said. McMillian's dinners are usually centered on steak. "After a long day of output, I focus on meals that help me rebuild, not just feel full," McMillian said. Steak is rich in protein and iron, the latter of which is helpful in maintaining oxygen transport and energy production. The trainer said that keeping to a semi-regimented diet is a core part of his performance at the gym. "When your nutrition is consistent, your energy, recovery, and output become more consistent, too," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider

I tried on a variety of dresses from Old Navy. Chloe Caldwell I went to Old Navy and tried on eight sundresses to see if any could be good summer closet staples. Some of the dresses had straps that were too long for my petite frame. However, there were a few options I would definitely consider buying. With resort vacations, backyard parties, and wedding weekends around the corner, the warmer weather always feels like the perfect excuse to refresh my collection of sundresses. For this year's restock, I turned to one of my go-to retailers: Old Navy. From breezy linen styles to tiered maxis and playful prints, there was no shortage of options to choose from. After trying on eight different sundresses, a few stood out as versatile staples I'd happily wear all summer long. Others, however, missed the mark when it came to fit, fabric, or overall design. I was excited about a flowy pink mini dress I found, but it turned out to be my least-favorite option. Chloe Caldwell When I saw the pink sleeveless drop-waist swing mini dress on the rack, I was immediately drawn to its pretty hue and relaxed silhouette. This style seemed ideal for hot days and casual outings. After putting it on, however, I was disappointed. I tried it on in my usual size, but the dimensions seemed incredibly off for my triangle body type, which means my hips are wider than my shoulders. I didn't think this dress was very flattering on me. Chloe Caldwell The straps, which were not adjustable, were too long for me and would need to be tailored, as the neckline dropped below my décolletage, showing the top of my bra. The material, made from 100% cotton, was lightweight and comfortable, but it was incredibly wrinkly and felt thin. It would definitely need to be steamed before wearing. I also thought the silhouette lacked any real shape and felt unflattering. Since I'm 5-foot-2, I'd be interested to try this in petite sizing, but it wasn't available in-store. Considering it was 100% cotton, it seemed fairly priced at $40. However, I wouldn't consider buying it. This option might work well on other body types, but it wasn't a fit for me. I really liked the peach lace midi dress when I saw it on the rack. Chloe Caldwell Next, I tried on the fit-and-flare lace midi dress. I loved the unexpected combination of such a bold peach color and dainty lace, and was drawn to the asymmetrical hemline and subtle ruffle detail. Overall, I loved the body-hugging fit. The dress was also available in a pistachio shade and white, and the latter seemed like it could be cute for my "bridal era." Unfortunately, though, the fabric was see-through. Chloe Caldwell In the fitting room, I noticed the material (made of 86% nylon and 14% Spandex) was incredibly sheer, and my undergarments were clearly visible through it. The dress might work better with neutral-colored underwear or a nude slip, but I'm still not confident that either is a perfect solution. Given the $50 price point, I want something I can easily throw on without overthinking what I have to wear underneath. Although the style was flattering, I probably wouldn't buy this dress. I was drawn to the purple gingham-patterned mini dress. Chloe Caldwell I'm a big fan of dainty and feminine details, so when I saw the gingham print and lovely lilac color of the strappy mini shift dress, I knew I had to grab it off the rack. After being a little disappointed by the first few options, I was excited to try this one on. This option really won me over. Chloe Caldwell Although I don't typically love the boxy cut of shift dresses, I actually really liked the structured look of this one. It gave off a vintage summer feel. This, combined with the mini length and thoughtful touches (like the bow ties on the back), won me over. Plus, it had adjustable straps, so I could maneuver it to fit my body. Made from 100% polyester, it wasn't as breezy as the other options, but it was still lightweight and comfortable enough for the summer heat. Plus, for $30, I thought it was a steal. Next, I tried on another pink midi dress. Chloe Caldwell The next option I tried on was the fit-and-flare cami mini dress. I loved the pinstripe print combined with the classic empire waistline. I also appreciated the tie detail and the scoop neckline, which added a feminine touch. The style was nice, but I wasn't impressed by the fit. Chloe Caldwell Once I tried this on, I found it lacked shape and felt poorly constructed. The straps kept falling off my shoulders, and the dress billowed at the bust. Again, this issue may have been mitigated with a petite size — which I, unfortunately, could not find in store. I did appreciate that this dress was made from 100% cotton, but like the previous option I tried on, it felt a bit flimsy and wrinkled easily. With this in mind, I didn't think it was worth $40. I really liked this floral linen-blend midi dress. Chloe Caldwell Next, I tried the fit-and-flare sleeveless linen-blend midi dress. When I saw the linen material, beautiful blue hue, and floral print, I thought it looked like the ultimate summer dress option. So, I promptly brought it to the fitting room. The dress was pretty, but the sizing seemed a bit off. I think this dress would work best for those who don't need petite sizing. Chloe Caldwell Unfortunately, the scoop neckline fell below my bra (again), and the straps were too big to stay on my shoulders. Still, I appreciated the durable yet lightweight linen blend (55% linen and 45% viscose rayon), and the full-length seams offered a more structured, elegant fit. If it had fit properly on my body, it likely would have been my top choice of the bunch. For those who don't need petite sizing, I'd recommend trying this on for summer vacations and events. At $50, it seems like a worthy seasonal investment. This yellow maxi caught my eye from across the store. Chloe Caldwell When in doubt, a flowy, lightweight maxi dress is an excellent choice for hot summer days. That's why I tried on the airy smocked maxi dress in a bright-yellow print, which caught my eye from across the store. Although this dress wasn't for me, I think it would make a great maternity option. Chloe Caldwell My first thought when I tried this on was that it would be a good maternity clothing option. It was incredibly roomy and comfortable (made of 100% rayon), but it completely swallowed up my figure. I appreciated the pockets and center pleating, but it made me feel a bit frumpy. I think this option would work nicely on taller or curvier frames. Plus, it's only $40. Although I wouldn't order it myself, this dress would work for an easy, casual ensemble for a variety of occasions. The smocked midi dress fit me beautifully. Chloe Caldwell My second-favorite option of the group — and favorite in terms of fit and shape — was the fit-and-flare smocked-bodice midi dress. The light blue shade with pin stripes reminded me of something people might wear to the Hamptons or on an elevated coastal getaway. I loved how comfortable this one was, too. Chloe Caldwell This was easily the most flattering design on my specific body type, thanks to the ruched bodice, thick straps, and fit-and-flare skirt. Made from 100% cotton, the material was airy, comfortable, and something I could wear on repeat during summer. I definitely think it would be worth the $50 investment. When I saw the beaded straps on the yellow boho maxi dress, I knew I had to try it on. Chloe Caldwell Out of all the options I tried on, the sleeveless boho maxi dress is the one I could genuinely picture myself wearing. I was initially drawn to the simple mustard-yellow shade and the slouchy silhouette, but the beaded details on the straps convinced me to try it on. Of all the dresses I tried, this one was my favorite. Chloe Caldwell This dress had a wide-cut shape, which normally isn't as flattering on my body. But in this case, the bagginess of it seemed aligned with the laidback, bohemian style. The adjustable straps also made it easy to fit the bodice to my size. I also liked the V-neckline paired with the stitching under the chest and an empire waist. Made from 60% cotton and 40% viscose rayon, the fabric felt comfortable and lightweight. Overall, this is a simple, stylish, and flattering sundress that I'd wear all summer long. And for $45, you can't beat the price. Read the original article on Business Insider

Kurt Wagner / Bloomberg: Meta President Dina Powell McCormick is traveling with President Trump on his China trip and met King Charles III, indicating she is Meta's new global emissary  —  The social media company's vice chair is part of the group traveling with Trump to China … Tech Across the Globe

The author often travels with her kids. Over the years, she's found creative ways to work while traveling, whiouot missing out on too much of the trip. Courtesy of Jamie Davis Smith. I travel with my kids often, but because I'm self-employed I rarely take time off. Over the years, I've found creative ways to get my work done without disrupting our travels. Just like I do at home, I rely on getting work done while my kids are sleeping or using devices I try to travel with my kids as often as I can. Because my husband has limited vacation time, I often find myself off on an adventure with my children on my own. I work as a freelance writer and online adjunct professor, with other jobs occasionally thrown into the mix. I love the flexibility of being self-employed, but it means that I don't get any paid time off and never truly get a break from work, even while on vacation. Over the years, I've found ways to keep up with work no matter where in the world I am, even when I'm with my children. Though many of the techniques I use to keep working while solo parenting away from home aren't ideal, they have served me well. I do as much prep work as possible before traveling Although it's impossible to anticipate every work demand that will arise while traveling, I try to do as much prep work as possible before leaving home. For my teaching job, I make sure that I am caught up on grading and address any student concerns or training requirements before going away. I also prepare a few lessons before leaving, knowing I can tweak them as needed, as class develops much faster than developing lessons from scratch. For my writing assignments, I try to outline pending assignments and reach out to sources to share their expertise well in advance, even if I don't anticipate writing until later in my trip. That way, I am ready to start an article right away when I have the time, and especially if an unexpected window to work arises during the trip. The author travels regularly with her kids. Just like many parents do at home, she tries to get her work done while her kids are sleeping or playing. Courtesy of Jamie Davis Smith. I often work before my kids wake up and after they go to sleep Although it's not ideal, while on vacation, I often work before my kids wake up and after they go to sleep. Sure, I would much rather get more sleep or read a book to decompress during this time. However, when I am traveling, I am usually with my kids 24/7, and the only time I have to myself is when they are asleep. I can usually work in our hotel room while my kids sleep, but at times I have had to work from the hallway outside of our hotel door to make sure the clacking of my keyboard didn't disturb them. Sometimes I work while my kids play There are times I need to sit on the sidelines while my kids have fun so I can get work done. This always hurts a little, and I have to remind myself how fortunate I am to have found a tremendous amount of flexibility that allows me to contribute financially to my family and travel as much as I do. Sometimes my kids play Uno, eat breakfast, or build sandcastles while I type away on my computer nearby. Even though my kids often complain that I am working on vacation, they understand that if I didn't work, we wouldn't be able to go on so many of the trips they love. I allow my kids to have screen time when I need to get work done Just like at home, I sometimes break down and give my kids extra screen time while I work. This is never ideal, but it's a solution many parents use when they are desperate for some time to get work done. It works just as well in a hotel as in our living room. I take advantage of kids' clubs and activities if they are available Admittedly, I don't often travel to places with kids' clubs. However, when I do, I take full advantage of the option to have someone else entertain my kids while I work. I have stayed at all-inclusives with included kids' clubs and have also taken a cruise with one. I even took an expedition cruise to Iceland that had kids' activities scheduled each day. When I know I will need a reliable, solid chunk of time to work uninterrupted each day, I always look for an option with some type of kids' activities. Read the original article on Business Insider

Xi meeting may force Trump to pivot on semiconductor tariffs and Taiwan.

The April rankings of busiest startup investors were topped by well-established VCs such as Andreessen Horowitz and Khosla Ventures, tech giants like Google and Amazon, and a few names that don’t commonly show up in the lists.