Mother Ventures is looking at moms as the ‘economic engine’
The VC firm, which focuses on mothers as consumers, raised a $10 million debut fund.
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The VC firm, which focuses on mothers as consumers, raised a $10 million debut fund.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into Avride after identifying more than a dozen crashes and one minor injury.
France threatens criminal charges if Musk doesn't appear for questioning.
Magna says it has expanded its AI use across its automotive supply chain. Milos Vujinovic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Magna, a supplier for global carmakers, uses AI to track product quality, equipment, and energy use. It produces components for carmakers worldwide, including BYD, Toyota, Ford, and Hyundai. Machine learning and mobile-robot deployment are boosting efficiency in its factories. Magna is one of those companies most drivers have never heard of — but have almost certainly interacted with. The 66-year-old Canadian firm is one of the largest automotive parts suppliers in the world, building everything from seats and mirrors to advanced driver-assistance systems for major car companies. It supplies components to at least 59 global automakers, including BYD, Tesla, Hyundai, Ford, Volkswagen, and Xiaopeng. It's even hand-built entire vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. With 330 manufacturing and assembly plants spanning 28 countries and roughly $42 billion in annual sales, Magna sits deep inside the global auto supply chain. Now, the company is embedding artificial intelligence across that footprint. "AI is already embedded across multiple layers of Magna's supply chain and manufacturing operations," Sharath Reddy, the company's SVP of R&D, told Business Insider. "We don't view it as a stand-alone technology." Magna's AI bets Magna is deploying a five-pronged AI strategy throughout its manufacturing plants. Bloomberg/Getty Images Magna's AI investments focus on five areas: product quality, equipment maintenance, factory safety, energy reduction, and output speed. For customers, the most visible example is the AI-powered vision inspection system. Like the camera system Business Insider covered in Ford's plants, Magna uses high-resolution scanners and machine learning to detect parts defects and irregularities in real time. The biggest gains from AI aren't coming from sweeping, end-to-end automation. Instead, Reddy said the clearest payoff comes from applications "closest to the physical operation." There are two key examples. Magna is using AI to keep its factories running more smoothly. Systems that monitor vibration, temperature, and pressure can predict equipment failures before they happen, helping plants avoid costly downtime. The company is also deploying autonomous mobile robots to move heavy materials between workstations. Another layer focuses on efficiency. Magna uses machine learning to track energy use, water consumption, and industrial waste across facilities, flagging anomalies and identifying ways to reduce costs. Ultimately, Magna is also working toward what it calls a "unified factory," where data, software, and automation systems are connected across factory-wide operations. The challenge is that the unified system's value is more diffuse, Reddy said. "It shows up across scheduling, material flow, and decision-making rather than in a single metric," he said. "The value is real, but it's more distributed." AI that helps predict global risk Magna says AI is also helping to adjust to global risks faster. Milos Vujinovic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images The auto industry has been hit by years of disruption — from tariffs and trade tensions to material supply shortages and uneven global EV demand. Automakers have deployed news-monitoring models to help adjust to that unevenness. For example, last year, Business Insider reported that General Motors uses AI to monitor disruptions to its global supply chain. Reddy said Magna has a similar approach. AI doesn't replace "the fundamentals of supply chain management," he said. Instead, it acts as an "amplifier" for potential threats. "The near-term impact will be better visibility and faster decision-making — earlier signals, stronger scenario modeling, and more coordinated response," he said. Rather than a single breakthrough, Magna's factories are becoming more software-defined step by step — with intelligence layered into the parts of the system where it can reliably deliver results. Read the original article on Business Insider
A report by Poland’s top intelligence agency accused Russia of sabotage and hacking activities against the country’s military and civilian infrastructure.
You can stop Chrome from taking up 4GB of storage for local AI, but that shouldn't be your problem.
Bash is one of the most flexible and powerful interfaces exposed to AI agents. In the right system, a model that emits grep, curl, tar, or a shell pipeline is... Bash is one of the most flexible and powerful interfaces exposed to AI agents. In the right system, a model that emits , , , or a shell pipeline is producing an executable action that can read files, mutate a workspace, open network connections, and chain tools together. For the NVIDIA AI Red Team, this makes command generation a useful research target. If smaller language models can be guided… Source
Standard prompt attacks are merely the beginning. A structured framework to map and mitigate the backend attack vectors of agentic workflows. The post The AI Agent Security Surface: What Gets Exposed When You Add Tools and Memory appeared first on Towards Data Science.
Only a handful of users have access to Anthropic's Mythos tool. Mozilla is one, and it says it found hundreds of security bug fixes. Samuel Boivin/NurPhoto via Getty Images Mozilla is one of the companies that has access to Anthropic's powerful new Mythos model. The company said it fixed 423 security bugs in April. That's 398 more than it did in January. Previous AI systems produced "slop," Mozilla wrote. AI is getting scary good at finding software flaws, according to one company that got early access to Anthropic's powerful new Mythos model. On Thursday, Mozilla, the nonprofit behind the Firefox web browser, posted a blog detailing how it used Claude Mythos Preview — an unreleased AI model from Anthropic — to uncover security issues. The software company said the AI model discovered hundreds of issues, including at least one that had survived for 20 years. Mozilla detailed 12 bugs it fixed. One, it said, went "undetected for years by fuzzers," the security-testing tools that try to break software. Overall, Mozilla said the AI-assisted effort contributed to fixes for 423 security bugs shipped in April releases of Firefox, including 271 issues the company specifically tied to Claude Mythos Preview. That's a massive change compared to previous monthly updates. In January this year, Mozilla says it made just 25 bug fixes. Seventy-six were fixed in March, the company said. "The models got a lot more capable," the company wrote in the blog. Earlier generations of AI bug reports often produced "unwanted slop," Mozilla wrote. The AI-proposed solutions sounded plausible, but turned out to be incorrect. The newer system, according to Mozilla, could navigate sprawling browser codebases and identify deeply buried flaws. Mozilla said the new generation models allowed for "much more comprehensive coverage" than previous AI models. Mythos' reported capabilities have kept it shuttered from public use. Anthropic has said the model is so powerful that releasing it to the world could create real national security and online crime risks. So, only a handful of chosen companies have gotten use to the new model. Mozilla is one. The company said it plans to expand the system further by integrating AI analysis directly into Firefox's development pipeline. Mozilla did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider
The University promised “to pursue all rights and claims for necessary relief” if a small Michigan community won’t pump water into a data center.
Wall Street Journal: Sources: Apple and Intel have reached a formal deal in recent months for Intel to manufacture some chips for Apple devices; INTC closes up 13.93% — The iPhone maker and U.S. silicon giant will work together on chips for Apple devices. The Trump administration pushed for the deal.
Former cybersecurity executive Peter Williams stole several surveillance and hacking tools and sold them for $1.3 million to a Russian broker that works with Putin’s government.
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MIT Technology Review Explains: Let our writers untangle the complex, messy world of technology to help you understand what’s coming next. You can read more from the series here. Eight passengers aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship have contracted a type of hantavirus, a rare virus transmitted by rats. Three of them have died. As the ship…
Chili's is defying a casual-dining slowdown with growth driven by viral menu hits, a focus on value, and a back-to-basics strategy. Chili's Grill & Bar; Robert V Schwemmer/Shutterstock Chili's is outperforming casual-dining rivals like Applebee's and Red Lobster in sales and traffic growth. CEO Kevin Hochman credits a simple formula: "Marketing brings them in; ops brings them back." The chain's focus on fundamentals and value is driving its turnaround, he told Business Insider. Chili's has pulled off one of the biggest turnarounds in casual dining, and CEO Kevin Hochman says the strategy behind it isn't complicated. The chain has had steady sales growth over the past four years since Hochman took over as president of parent company Brinker International, which also owns the Italian casual-dining chain Maggiano's. "It's two things," Hochman told Business Insider of the company's growth. "We have a saying here: marketing brings them in, and ops brings them back." In other words, flashy ads and viral menu items like the chain's cheese-pulling mozzarella sticks and Triple Dipper appetizer combo, which accounted for 14% of Chili's total sales in early 2025, are a good way to bring customers through the door. Chili's has leaned into marketing and operations to drive growth. Chili's Grill & Bar Hochman said these kinds of organic trends are a key part of the brand's marketing engine, noting that viral posts from microinfluencers and content creators can often drive new customers to try the items themselves. "The marketing has to be exciting," Hochman said. "And then the operators are in charge of creating that experience." Focusing on the fundamentals Hocham isn't focused on chasing gimmicks like drone delivery, which chains like Dave's Hot Chicken and Chipotle have been experimenting with in recent months, Restaurant Business reported. Instead, Hochman said his focus is on the fundamentals that make the in-restaurant experience attractive to new and returning customers. That includes food quality, speedy service, clean restaurants, and a seamless checkout experience. Hochman said some of those changes included a new seasoning shaker with larger holes to cut down on the time it takes to season fries, simplifying the menu to improve consistency, and using iPads to improve order accuracy and speed up service. "These are the things nobody talks about," he said. "But the everyday stuff, that makes us better and better, that's kind of been our secret sauce." Consistent execution at the operational level means food customers receive in restaurants matches what they see in ads and on social media, he said. "When you see the burger or chicken sandwich for $10.99 on the screen, and the fries are crisp and hot and steaming with seasoning, and then you come in, and it looks exactly like that… you're like, 'Wow, that was a great value. I'm going to come back,'" he said. Defying industry trends Chili's is outperforming casual-dining rivals like Applebee's and Red Lobster. Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images In its most recent earnings report released on April 29, Chili's said comparable restaurant sales rose 4% in Q3, compared to the same quarter in 2025, building on a 31% jump a year earlier and extending its streak to 20 consecutive quarters of growth. That performance stands in contrast to much of the casual-dining sector over the past year, though some chains that previously struggled are now beginning to show signs of a turnaround of their own. For example, Applebee's reported a 0.4% decline in comparable domestic same-store sales for Q4, but sales rose 1.3% for the year. Red Robin also reported a 0.3% year-over-year decrease in comparable restaurant revenue in 2025. However, the chain's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization were up 53% from fiscal year 2024. Many competitors have leaned on heavy discounting, increased menu innovation, or buzzy deals like Red Lobster's Endless Shrimp or Lobsterfest to drive traffic. Some of that strategy is working — Red Lobster's CEO, Damola Adamolekun, reported in February 2026 that sales are up 10% year over year after the chain declared bankruptcy in 2024. Taking on its rivals in the value wars Chili's most recent marketing push asked guests to compare its chicken sandwich with a fast-food rival's. Erin McDowell/Business Insider In its fight to retain loyal customers, Chili's has also encouraged diners to compare its products directly with its competitors. At a pop-up event in April, the chain asked attendees to compare its crispy chicken sandwich — now available in more flavors and as part of its $10.99 3-For-Me meal — with a "fast food rival," identifiable as McDonald's. "If you go to a competitor and the same burger is a dollar less than ours, but it doesn't look like it did in the ad, it doesn't matter whether it was a dollar less," Hochman told Business Insider. "In my mind, that's money I should have spent somewhere else." "If we can have a superior product that tastes great and is a great value, people are going to come," he added. "And then if we can execute it, they're going to come back." Read the original article on Business Insider
When I moved from the United States to Spain, many parts of my daily schedule and social life changed so much. Kiersten Brown I moved to Spain from the US about seven years ago, and it's shifted so many parts of my life. Now, my lunches are later and savored with company. Dinners are also late and very social. I love how Spain prioritizes connection, and how taking a vacation feels like a true priority here. When I moved from California to Spain in 2019, I knew my life would change — but I didn't expect how deeply it would shift the way I moved through the world. During my first few weeks as a language assistant, a Spanish teacher I worked with invited me for a drink in Cartagena's city center on a Thursday afternoon. As we walked through the marble streets, I was surprised to see the plaza filled with people. Beyond restaurants and bars being packed, the streets themselves were buzzing with couples on benches, families walking with no particular destination, and friends lingering at terrace tables. It felt like everyone had gathered for an event in the middle of a workday, but there wasn't one. This was just how people often spent their free time — outside, together, and unhurried. Even years later, there's still so much of this local lifestyle I'm happily learning to embrace. It took me a while to get used to having more slow, meaningful meals In Spain, I've been able to slow down and enjoy good company and food. Kiersten Brown In the US, workday lunches are typically a quick affair. It's common for people to head out for a quick, 30-minute meal or just scarf down something simple, like a sandwich and chips, at their desk. Lunchtime in Spain is far different, and one of the first times I noticed was while I was working at an elementary school. From 11:30 a.m. to noon, during the kids' recess, I'd head to the staff room with my Tupperware of pasta for lunch. One day, a fellow teacher stared at me with the most confused look, then calmly asked if I was planning to eat everything I had brought. I was taken aback, since I wasn't sure what else I could've packed to tide me over until school ended at 2 p.m. What I didn't yet know was that recess is actually a time for teachers to have a light snack, or "aperitivo." For my colleagues, lunch is later, starting after work at 2 p.m., so it's not rushed — sometimes, it stretches until 4. After shifting my eating schedule, I realized again just how different this meal is here when my friend invited me over for lunch. When I arrived, her table was lined with small bowls of olives, bread, and olive oil. After snacking, our main course was served: yellow rice mixed with vegetables, similar to a paella. The food was delicious, but the most memorable part of the meal was how we spent the time together. Our focus wasn't on eating, and there was no sense of urgency to get back to work. Although food was the reason we gathered, the company, the conversations, and the laughter truly completed the meal and made time slow down. This was the most present I had ever felt at a meal. These days, I don't try to rush when I prepare and eat lunch. Kiersten Brown Now, when I have lunch with my Spanish partner, it's an intentional break in the day that lasts about two hours from prep to finish. I'll often put together a salad with seasonal fruits and vegetables that's drizzled with top-notch extra-virgin olive oil. My partner usually cooks something garlic-rich, like pollo al ajillo (garlic chicken). Taking time to prepare the food helps us slow down and use the meal to connect with each other and disconnect from the busyness of the day. Dinner in Spain carries the same intentionality as lunch — slow, social, and designed to foster genuine connections. Whenever I dine out with friends, time becomes irrelevant. Spanish restaurants typically start filling up around 9:30 p.m., and the tradition of "sobremesa" kicks in — people linger at the table long after the meal ends, enjoying drinks, conversation, and connection. Vacations have also become a priority and a typical part of life Taking a vacation doesn't feel like such a big deal here. Kiersten Brown In Spain, vacation time feels like an essential part of the year. Part of it is that, generally, full-time workers here are legally entitled to at least 30 calendar days of paid leave. In the US, by contrast, there's no federally mandated minimum, so PTO varies widely. The average private-sector employee receives about 11 paid vacation days (plus several paid sick days) after one year on the job. While living in the US, extra paid time off was something I had to earn after hours and hours of work. Although I was adamant about taking all of my vacation days, not everyone I worked with did the same. Meanwhile, during late July and August, particularly in the region of Andalucía where I live, it's not uncommon to walk through the city and find several shops and stores closed. Many people are simply on vacation, often for two- or three-week stretches. When the city empties, it reminds me to unplug too. Whether it's spending hours at the beach, taking a trip, or allowing myself a day without plans, Spain's vacation culture has taught me to slow down, cherish downtime, and focus on being present rather than busy. All in all, Spain's slow pace has helped my life feel richer I've shifted my routines while living in Spain. Kiersten Brown Living in Spain has made me appreciate the simple moments in life. Meals are less about calories and more about connection. Vacations aren't a break from life but a vital part of it. Some of my fondest memories aren't of wild nights out. Instead, the moments that end my day with a smile are memories of hiking with friends, dancing in the plaza with strangers, and sitting at a table long after the plates and glasses are empty. The slower rhythm embraced by locals reminds me daily that joy comes from relationships and presence, not hustle. For me, the richness of life in Spain is in its simplicity. Read the original article on Business Insider
DeepL CEO Jarek Kutylowski's layoff memo references tech's favorite buzzwords. Big Event Media/Getty Images for HumanX Conference DeepL laid off 250 employees. CEO Jarek Kutylowski's memo referenced AI, smaller teams, fewer layers, and founder mode. "We are currently living through a massive structural shift," Kutylowski wrote. "That shift is because of AI." Layoff memos are starting to look more similar. The DeepL message is a prime example. What's the new normal for a company whose CEO is all in on AI and cutting jobs as a result? Look no further than DeepL's layoffs memo. The German AI translation startup recently cut about 250 employees, over 21% of staff. In his message posted on LinkedIn, founder Jarek Kutylowski checked all the boxes for the new-age layoff memo: smaller teams, fewer management layers, more AI, and the old reliable "founder mode." Recent layoffs at Block, Atlassian, and more have taken a similar tack. The layoff playbook is here — and DeepL is the latest exemplar. Breaking down DeepL's layoff memo Kutylowski began his note by introducing the layoffs, calling it the "most difficult I've had to make in my career." He thanked the staff members he's laying off for their work before launching into his state of the world. "We are currently living through a massive structural shift in what work exists, who does it, and how many people it takes to do it well, and that shift is because of AI," Kutylowski wrote. Kutylowski framed DeepL as a leader. While most companies have recognized the AI-driven shift, few have acted on it, he wrote. Companies making moves like DeepL will "define the next decade," he wrote. Then Kutylowski riffed on one of the era's biggest buzzwords: "AI-native." He wrote that AI needed to be embedded deep within the organization, similar to Jack Dorsey's reorganization of Block. "This takes the pressure off of the hierarchical structure and team boundaries that have plagued companies for decades, allowing smaller groups - sometimes even an individual - to do work that once required entire teams," Kutylowski wrote. That sounds familiar. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg mentioned that one employee could handle a team's work with AI during Meta's January earnings call. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong also mentioned is experimenting with "one person teams" in a memo announcing a 14% reduction in head count and a maximum of five management layers below its C-suite. Kutylowski also discussed the need for smaller teams and fewer layers of management. Then, he hit on one of the tech industry's long-favorite slogans: founder mode. "To accelerate this transition, I will personally go deeper into founder mode," Kutylowski wrote, assembling "a small taskforce that will further completely rethink how we build products" while putting "AI at the center of it all." Kutylowski is leaning in deep into Silicon Valley culture. He's even opening a San Francisco office, he announced in the memo. Let's play layoff Mad Libs It's not just you; layoff memos are all starting to look the same. Companies like Block, Atlassian, and Snap have all referenced similar trends in their messages to staff. The companies need smaller teams, their executives say, and to work more effectively with AI. Linear cofounder Tuomas Artman poked fun at the format in a post on Friday. "This is not a cost-cutting exercise or a reflection of anyone's performance," Artman wrote on X. "We're simply reimagining every role for the agentic AI era. We're hiring. We're sorry about that." Is AI really the culprit? In February, Sam Altman said that some companies were "AI washing" their layoffs. These companies blamed AI for layoffs that would have happened otherwise, he said. Other execs — like Kutylowski — say AI is radically changing how companies need to run. "What does it take to operate as an enduring global AI company at this pace of change, and are we built for that?" Kutylowski asked in his memo. His team's honest answer: "No." Read the original article on Business Insider
This week, we discuss storage, RSS, and a big reporting project.