How the Smithsonian is using AI to connect artifacts from the American Revolution

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Smithsonian Institution is using artificial intelligence to better understand its collection related to the American Revolution. The project is called Revolution Crossroads, and it aims to help the public and scholars connect objects across institutions such as the Library of Congress. The review was launched in the spring, and the goal is to uncover new stories about people whose lives have faded from history. Smithsonian leaders acknowledge concerns about AI. But they emphasize the importance of human oversight in the research. They believe AI can enhance their work despite its limitations.

Amazon to invest $1B into data center communities amid backlash against data center rollouts

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon is investing more than $1 billion over the next five years into communities where it operates data centers for education, job training, water preservation projects and other local priorities as it reacts to a growing backlash from politicians and consumers to the tech industry’s rollout of its massive centers. According to a blog post on Friday by Amazon’s CEO of Web Services Matt Garman, Amazon has already spent more than $1 billion in communities with a large data center presence over the past three years.

A 21-year-old Fortnite pro gives out computers to young gamers and plans for more through a new fund

NEW YORK (AP) — Cody Conrod wants to help others enter the increasingly expensive world of professional gaming after he dropped out of eighth grade to pursue esports. The 21-year-old competitive Fortnite player is better known as Clix to his more than 8 million Twitch followers. Fortnite is one of the world's most popular video games. But the equipment needed to compete at higher levels for large cash prizes is pricey. Conrod already provides hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of gaming equipment through an annual holiday giveaway. Through Full Box Inc. the holding company he launched Thursday, he is formalizing that effort into the Dr3amin Access Fund.

Wes Moore forms bipartisan governors group on AI, citing federal inaction

BALTIMORE (AP) — Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland is forming a bipartisan group of governors to address concerns about artificial intelligence. He argues that states need to act due to federal inaction on the issue. Moore criticized President Donald Trump's recent meeting with AI executives, calling it a “billionaire boys club.” As chair of the National Governors Association, Moore plans to develop an AI framework with Republican Gov. Mike Braun of Indiana. Governors from both parties are participating. States like Maryland, California, and Texas have already taken steps to create AI standards, while federal action remains slow.

Tokyo court grants legal protection to human voices in AI clone case

TOKYO (AP) — A Tokyo court has awarded legal protection for the human voice in a landmark case involving a popular Japanese anime voice actor. The court ruled Wednesday that Kenjiro Tsuda's voice was used without permission on TikTok. The decision marks Japan's first acknowledgment of voice rights. Tsuda, known for his roles in anime, sued over an AI clone of his voice used in videos. The court found this unauthorized use an infringement of publicity rights. The ruling comes as concerns rise among voice actors about AI cloning. The TikTok account in question has already been closed.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs laws to protect workers from AI risks

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed laws aimed at protecting workers from the risks of artificial intelligence. He also blasted President Donald Trump on Wednesday for not passing comprehensive AI regulations at a time when the industry's leaders are warning about the risks of the technology. He weighed in on other topics, including his deliberations on whether to run for president and a billionaire tax proposal that is on the November ballot. It comes on Newsom's final day to sign or veto bills before he terms out in January.

FTC is investigating OpenAI and Anthropic over possible risks to consumers

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation into OpenAI, Anthropic and other artificial intelligence companies over dangers their technology may pose to consumers, the agency said Wednesday. The AI giants and other tech companies in recent months have disclosed examples of their AI agents going beyond human instructions, finding their way onto the internet and hacking external websites. An FTC spokesperson confirmed the investigation but declined further comment. The investigation was first reported by the New York Post, which said it has been underway for months.

Robot umpires flip 54% of challenged calls in ABS debut as teams learn to time appeals

NEW YORK (AP) — Robot umpires overturned 54% of challenged calls in the first season of the Automated Ball-Strike System. Catchers were more successful than batters. The Cincinnati Reds benefited the most from overturns, with a projected net gain of 16.8 runs, according to Baseball Savant. Houston's Jose Altuve topped batters with 5.6 projected runs gained. Milwaukee’s William Contreras led catchers with 5.2 projected runs prevented. Players have been more aggressive with challenges in late innings, knowing they lose the right to challenge after two incorrect appeals. The success rate for video reviews has dropped slightly compared to previous years.

Iranian national extradited to US by Montenegro over alleged $3.4B cyberattack case

PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — Montenegro has extradited an Iranian-Turkish dual national to the United States over alleged cyberattacks targeting more than 150 U.S. universities and causing an estimated $3.4 billion in damage. Amir Barati was arrested in June by Montenegro’s Interpol office at the request of U.S. authorities. He is wanted in New York on several charges, including conspiracy to commit computer fraud, hacking and identity theft. Police allege that Barati began carrying out large-scale cyberattacks against U.S. infrastructure in 2013 while working with an Iran-based entity.

Data center bill falls short in Senate as lawmakers take final votes before the midterms

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has failed to advance a bill that attempts to address voter worries about data centers and their impact on energy bills. The bill fell victim to an election-year clash on how best to address a growing concern. The measure needed 60 votes to advance, but fell short, 57-43.  The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Jon Husted, a Republican from Ohio, is in a tough reelection battle in a state with a huge data center presence. Democrats said the bill didn't go far enough to help consumers, but Husted said Senate Democrats showed with their opposition that they weren't concerned about the issue of affordability. The measure had passed 417-3 in the House.