Brown University has reached an agreement with the Trump administration to address discrimination complaints and regain federal research funding. The Ivy League institution will pay $50 million to Rhode Island workforce development organizations over a decade and make concessions such as adopting the government’s definitions of “male” and “female” and removing race from the admissions process. (Story URL)
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed plans for “personal superintelligence” in artificial intelligence ahead of the company’s second-quarter earnings report. Meta has invested heavily in hiring top AI researchers and engineers to pursue this goal. While details on the superintelligence concept were vague, Zuckerberg emphasized its role in personal empowerment rather than centralized automation. (Story URL)
Former Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed that she will not be running for California governor in the upcoming election. In a statement, Harris expressed her love for the state and its people but stated that she will not pursue the gubernatorial position. Since her unsuccessful 2024 presidential bid, Harris and her husband have returned to California, where he has resumed his private law practice and teaching. (Story URL)
Danville, Virginia City Councilman Lee Vogler was set on fire in an apparent personal attack at his office by Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, who covered Vogler with a flammable liquid before setting him on fire. Vogler was taken to a hospital with serious burn injuries, and Hayes, 29, has been arrested by the Danville Police Department. The attack is believed to be related to a personal matter between the two. (Story URL)
The Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged, following President Trump’s recent call for a rate cut. Fed Chair Jerome Powell stressed the importance of the central bank’s independence during a press conference in Washington, D.C. Powell highlighted that maintaining political independence allows central bankers to base decisions on data rather than political influences. (Story URL)
