Global affairs chief Chris Lehane wants to tone down the debate over AI’s societal impacts—and get states to pass laws that won’t derail OpenAI’s meteoric rise.
What to Do in LA if You’re Here for Business (2025)
A tech industry guide to where to stay, eat, work, and play while visiting LA.
‘Creepy’ Listening Tool for Targeted Ads Didn’t Actually Work, FTC Says
Three firms will pay nearly $1 million for selling “Active Listening” technology that they claimed tapped people’s phones for advertising. The FTC alleges the “tech” was just pricey email lists.
Meta Is in Crisis, Google Search’s Makeover, and AI Gets Booed by Graduates
In this episode of Uncanny Valley, we unpack the mass layoffs at Meta, big announcements at Google I/O, and the latest backlash against AI.
Best Window Air Conditioners of 2026: Midea, Zafro, GE
These are the AC units we’ve trusted to cool our homes for months, if not years.
Mustard Made Storage Lockers Are on a Rare Sale Through May 31
We love this brand’s stylish storage lockers, and there’s a big sale on eight colors through the end of the month.
Palantir Held Another ‘Hack Week.’ This Time, the Focus Was ICE
The hackathon, held to build user-auditing tools for Palantir customers, comes as the company struggles to address employee concerns over its relationship with ICE.
Why the 2026 Hurricane Season Might Not Be That Bad
The impending arrival of El Niño will help keep the number of storms low. But it only takes one landfall to create a catastrophe.
I Cloned Myself With Gemini’s AI Avatar Tool. The Result Was Unnervingly Me
I used the Gemini app to generate lifelike videos featuring a digital clone of myself. Google sees this as the future of creation. I’m still creeped out.
NYC and LA Are Teaming Up to Fight for EVs
After the Trump administration turned away from electrification, two of the nation’s biggest governments will advocate for more electric vans, police cars, and eventually, snowplows.
11 Best Meal Delivery Services, Tested by an Ex-Restaurant Critic
Here are the best meal kits in 2026, including Martha Stewart’s delivery box, a GLP-1–supportive plan, and a budget-friendly option.
Best Duffel Bags: Eastpak, Patagonia, Baboon to the Moon (2026)
Need to schlep some stuff? These field-tested duffels can handle your baggage.
5 Best Android Tablets in 2026: OnePlus, Lenovo, and Pixel Compared
Whether you need a portable, around-the-house entertainment center or a full-on laptop replacement, these are the best Android tablets.
3 Best Smart Ring Brands: Oura, RingConn, and Samsung (2026)
A svelte smart ring can track important activity, sleep, and health metrics. Plus—unlike most smartwatches—it doesn’t need to be charged every day.
SpaceX Listed Grok’s ‘Spicy’ Mode as a Risk in Its IPO Filing
The rocket company has set aside more than $500 million for potential litigation losses, in part to account for complaints alleging that Grok created sexualized images.
SpaceX Is Spending $2.8 Billion to Buy Gas Turbines for Its AI Data Centers
The investment comes as Elon Musk’s AI unit faces complaints about the carbon-emitting units and looks to become a big player in cloud computing.
Literary Prizewinners Are Facing AI Allegations. It Feels Like the New Normal
Three of five regional winners of the prestigious Commonwealth Short Story Prize are suspected of relying on chatbots. They’re certainly not alone.
California’s Wildfire Season Is Already Overactive
Major fires are threatening homes and ecologically sensitive areas following a hot, dry winter.
Everything Announced at Google I/O 2026: Gemini, Search, Smart Glasses
Google is sprucing up its Gemini models, revamping search, and enabling AI agents in everything. There are also some spiffy new smart glasses coming this fall.
Meta Employees Are Scrambling to Use Up Benefits Ahead of Layoffs
On the eve of about 8,000 jobs being cut, employees are cashing in on headphone stipends and other perks while they still can.