Breaking AI & Tech News Analyzed

President Donald Trump’s recent proclamation that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face a combined "Power Plant Day" and "Bridge Day" has thrust senior U.S. officers into a stark ethical quandary: obey a presidential directive that could breach international law, or risk court‑martial for insubordination. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that failure to comply would result in an unprecedented strike on Iran’s civilian energy infrastructure, a move that legal scholars agree would amount to a war crime against 93 million civilians. Two former judge‑advocate general officers, Margaret Donovan and Rachel VanLandingham, emphasized that such rhetoric, if acted upon, would place service members on a “path of no return,” directly contradicting the extensive legal training that defines permissible orders. Historical precedent underscores the gravity of the situation. During the Vietnam War, officers who participated in the My Lai massacre were ultimately held accountable, with the court rejecting the “just following orders” defence as the orders were deemed “palpably illegal.” Professor Charli Carpenter of the University of Massachusetts Amherst notes that while many troops can identify manifestly unlawful commands in surveys, translating that awareness into real‑time refusal is far more challenging, especially when the military culture heavily emphasizes obedience to the chain of command. Since assuming office, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reshaped the Pentagon’s legal advisory structure, dismissing senior JAG officials and dismantling the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response unit created under the previous administration. Consequently, service members now rely on a “GI rights hotline,” whose usage has reportedly surged under the current leadership. Beyond conventional strikes, Trump’s escalating rhetoric has raised alarms about the potential use of nuclear force. Under U.S. protocol, the president alone can initiate a nuclear launch, with the “nuclear football” – a briefcase containing strike options and authentication codes – handed to a close aide. The only safeguard is for senior commanders to deem such an order illegal, a step that experts fear may never occur. Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, during the previous administration, reportedly instructed senior officers to stay involved in any nuclear decision due to concerns about Trump’s volatility. Nuclear weapons scholar Jeffrey Lewis now warns that confidence in any contemporary intervention is essentially nonexistent, citing Trump’s pattern of purging dissenting military personnel. As the deadline looms, the United States faces a precarious balance between upholding international humanitarian law and navigating a command structure that may be unwilling or unable to challenge the commander‑in‑chief’s most extreme directives.

Wrexham pulled off a stunning comeback to draw 2-2 against West Brom, significantly boosting their chances of securing a Championship playoff spot. The match saw Isaac Price's deflected free-kick and Josh Maja's penalty give West Brom a strong lead heading into halftime.However, Wrexham mounted an impressive second-half recovery. Josh Windass scored a spectacular goal from 20 yards just two minutes after the restart, and Lewis O'Brien and George Dobson were involved in a controversy that led to an own goal, leveling the score for Wrexham.This draw propels Wrexham into sixth place, just a point above Southampton, who have a game in hand. The two teams are set to face each other in north Wales on Tuesday in a crucial matchup.In other matches, Hull drew 1-1 at Oxford, with Mo Belloumi scoring early in his return from injury. Leicester came from behind to draw 2-2 against Preston, with Patson Daka scoring twice after returning from international duty.Blackburn secured a vital 1-0 win over Birmingham thanks to Todd Cantwell's 69th-minute goal, moving six points clear of the relegation zone. Portsmouth boosted their survival hopes with a 1-1 draw at Norwich, while QPR beat Watford 2-1.In a thrilling match, Swansea came from two goals down to draw 3-3 at Sheffield United. Stoke secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over already-relegated Sheffield Wednesday, extending their unbeaten home run to five matches.

The recent visit of Anthropic's CEO Dario Amodei to Canberra has sparked a critical examination of the role of AI in society. Amodei, known for his 'progressive' approach to AI, has been promoting a vision of a future where AI transforms the economy and improves lives. However, the author of the article argues that this vision may not be as progressive as it seems. The risks associated with AI, such as job displacement, cultural homogenization, and potential harm to individuals, cannot be ignored. The article highlights the concerns of experts like Toby Walsh, who notes that AI is both good and bad, and that its impact depends on how it is used and regulated. The author, Peter Lewis, questions his own progressive credentials and argues that the unchecked development of AI threatens to undermine the very notion of progress. He suggests that the government should slow down the development of AI and establish guardrails to prevent its negative consequences. The article cites examples of experts and politicians, such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who are calling for a moratorium on the development of new datacenters. The author argues that this cautious approach is necessary to ensure that AI is developed in a way that benefits society as a whole, rather than just a select few. Ultimately, the article concludes that the future of AI must be shaped by a nuanced and informed discussion about its potential risks and benefits. The author argues that only by slowing down the development of AI and establishing clear regulations can we ensure that its impact is truly progressive.

A federal judge has thrown out the majority of Blake Lively's claims against Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director of the domestic violence film It Ends With Us.In a court ruling on Thursday, Judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 of the 13 claims in Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni, including claims of sexual harassment, conspiracy, and defamation. Only three claims will now be heard at trial: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation.The decision leaves Lively's case with a narrower focus, limited to her claims that Baldoni was behind a retaliatory campaign which shared and boosted negative stories about her online.“This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial,” Sigrid McCawley, an attorney for Lively, said in a statement.The case is set to go to trial in May after mediation failed last month.

England's preparations for the 2026 World Cup are underway, with manager Thomas Tuchel working to finalize his squad. Jordan Pickford remains the undisputed No 1 goalkeeper, while Harry Kane is irreplaceable up front. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson look certain to start in midfield.The team's recent friendlies against Japan and Uruguay have provided some insights into Tuchel's plans. Marc Guéhi wore the captain's armband during the loss to Japan and is emerging as the senior centre-back. However, there are still many questions about the team's composition, particularly in defense and midfield.John Stones and Anthony Gordon face uncertain futures due to injuries and inconsistent form. Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to be overlooked by Tuchel, despite his exceptional talent. The manager has been experimenting with different players and formations, including Cole Palmer and Phil Foden in various roles.The article also mentions several players who are likely to miss out on the World Cup, including Fikayo Tomori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ivan Toney. On the other hand, young players like Max Dowman and Archie Gray could be considered for wild-card picks.Tuchel's squad selection will be crucial in determining England's success in the 2026 World Cup. The team's predicted squad includes:Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford.Defenders: Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Nico O'Reilly, Lewis Hall, Reece James, Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento.Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, James Garner, Morgan Rogers.Forwards: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck.

England suffered a 0-1 defeat to Japan in a friendly match at Wembley, with Kaoru Mitoma scoring the winning goal. The match saw several England players struggle, including Ben White and Kobbie Mainoo, who received low ratings.Jordan Pickford had a mixed game, with no chance to save Mitoma's goal but making a good save from Ritsu Doan. He received a rating of 6. Marc Guéhi was one of the better performers in defense, blocking a shot in the second half and earning a rating of 6.The defeat raises questions about England's form, particularly with Phil Foden and Anthony Gordon struggling to make an impact. The team's World Cup hopes may be affected by this loss.Substitutes Jarrod Bowen, Lewis Hall, Dominic Solanke, and Marcus Rashford all received positive ratings, but it was too little, too late to change the outcome of the match.

Palantir’s senior UK representative has warned ministers against yielding to ideologically motivated campaigners as they explore the possibility of terminating a £330 million NHS contract for the company’s Federated Data Platform (FDP).The FDP, an AI‑enabled system intended to unify patient information across the health service, is part of a broader portfolio that includes contracts with the Ministry of Defence, several police forces and the UK’s financial regulator.Louis Mosley, executive vice‑chair of Palantir UK, told The Times that abandoning the deal would jeopardise patient care and hinder progress on the NHS’s most pressing challenges. He highlighted that the platform is projected to generate £150 million in benefits by the end of the decade, delivering a £5 return for every pound spent.According to the Financial Times, senior officials have begun informal discussions about activating a break clause that would allow the FDP’s operation to be transferred to an alternative provider once the system becomes fully operational next year.Palantir, a US‑based data‑analytics firm with ties to the Israeli and US militaries and former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement contracts, has faced sustained opposition from the British Medical Association, which has long criticised the use of its technology in patient‑care settings.Health officials acknowledge the reputational risk, noting that the controversy now extends beyond traditional Labour‑left and Green Party critics. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson emphasised that the FDP is designed to improve care coordination, accelerate cancer diagnoses and increase treatment capacity, while maintaining strict data‑security safeguards.Health Secretary Wes Streeting, speaking on the Guardian Politics Weekly podcast, recognised public unease about Palantir’s political affiliations, referencing founder Peter Thiel’s right‑wing connections. He reassured listeners that Palantir does not have direct access to patient data, stating, "The platform is operated by us; Palantir never sees the data."Adoption of Palantir’s technology within the NHS has risen from 118 to 151 organisations since June, though it remains short of the government’s target of 240 organisations by year‑end. Labour backbencher Clive Lewis noted that the issue is becoming a visible concern for voters, reflecting broader anxieties about AI and foreign‑owned infrastructure in critical public services.

Bruce Hornsby, the acclaimed pianist and musician, has experienced an unexpected resurgence in his career, releasing four studio albums in just five years. His latest album, Indigo Park, marks a significant shift towards more personal and reflective songwriting.In a recent interview with The Guardian, Hornsby shared insights into his life and music, revealing a dry and zany personality with an innocence that belies his years. He discussed his upbringing in the segregated south, where his aunt was a prominent voice in support of integration, and how these experiences influenced his music, including his hit song The Way It Is.Hornsby's musical journey has been marked by eclectic influences, from jazz and classical to rock and folk. He studied jazz in Miami and later attended the prestigious Berklee College in Boston. His respect for the everyday beauty of American music is evident in his work, which often combines atonality with satisfying resolutions.The artist has had a long and varied career, playing with notable artists such as Sheena Easton and Huey Lewis, and even being an unofficial member of the Grateful Dead. His political activism is also reflected in his music, with songs like The End of the Innocence and The Don of Dons, a satire of Donald Trump.Indigo Park, described as "an old bastard looking back on life," showcases Hornsby's musical genius and emotional depth. The album was inspired by personal experiences and dreams, including one where his late father appeared in his bedroom. Hornsby's creative process involves driving to the center of Williamsburg to play his music for friends and family, seeking their reactions and validation.As Hornsby continues to tour and perform, he remains cautious about his health and selective about his engagements. His music halls and festival tours with his jam band, the Noisemakers, are highly anticipated events.

Kimi Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, dominated the Japanese Grand Prix to become the youngest driver to lead the Formula One world championship at just 19 years, six months, and 28 days old. Antonelli's victory was marked by a confident drive, where he overcame a difficult start to secure a second consecutive win. He started from pole but dropped to sixth at the start, only to regain the lead after a well-timed safety car period gave him a free pit stop. Oscar Piastri of McLaren finished second, 13.722 seconds behind, with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari taking third place. Meanwhile, George Russell, Antonelli's teammate, had a challenging race, finishing fourth but now trails Antonelli by nine points in the championship standings. The race was not without incident; a major crash involving Oliver Bearman resulted in a safety car deployment, which proved pivotal in Antonelli's victory. Bearman, who was lucky to escape uninjured, suffered a 50G impact and was taken to the medical centre with a right knee contusion. Antonelli's performance not only secured his second win of the season but also marked a significant milestone in his career, as he broke Lewis Hamilton's record as the youngest driver to lead the championship since 2007.