5 tips for building foundation models for AI

The FCC has given the green light to Skydance Media's massive $8 billion deal to buy Paramount, clearing a major regulatory hurdle. This means one of Hollywood's biggest mergers in years is now one step closer to finalizing—a move that could reshape the entertainment landscape by combining Paramount's storied film and TV assets with Skydance's tech-savvy production chops.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another corporate deal—it's a potential game-changer for what you watch and how you watch it. Skydance, known for blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, now gets control of Paramount's vast library (think Mission: Impossible and Star Trek), while Paramount gains fresh momentum after years of streaming wars and uncertainty. For viewers, it could mean more high-budget franchises, but also fewer competing studios calling the shots. Keep an eye on how this shakes up the industry.

China is scrambling to close the gap with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, which has nearly 8,000 internet-providing satellites in low-Earth orbit. Beijing sees Starlink as both a strategic rival and a potential military threat, but so far, China only has 124 similar satellites in operation. While China’s space program has seen major wins elsewhere (like lunar missions), it’s playing catch-up in this critical orbital arena.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about internet access—it’s about control. Satellites in low-Earth orbit are key for everything from global communications to military surveillance. If China falls too far behind, it risks ceding dominance in a domain that could define 21st-century power struggles. But with SpaceX’s head start, the race is already tilted.

The Trump administration's new AI policy focuses heavily on retraining workers for an AI-driven economy but stops short of proposing strong protections for those whose jobs might be displaced. The plan also touches on other hot-button issues like limiting state-level AI regulations and addressing concerns about censorship. Essentially, it’s betting on adaptation over safeguards—prioritizing corporate and tech growth while leaving workers to navigate the disruptions.

Editor’s Note: AI is reshaping jobs and industries faster than laws can keep up, and this policy signals how the government might (or might not) step in. By emphasizing upskilling over protections, it leans into a free-market approach—which could fuel innovation but also leave vulnerable workers behind. Whether you see that as pragmatic or risky depends on your trust in the private sector to handle the fallout. Either way, it’s a blueprint with real stakes for the future of work.

If you're stuck on today's NYT Mini Crossword, don’t sweat it—here’s a quick rundown of all the answers for July 25. Whether you're checking your work or just looking for a shortcut, we’ve got you covered.

Editor’s Note: Crosswords are a daily ritual for millions, and the Mini is a favorite for its quick, satisfying solve. This isn’t breaking news, but for puzzle fans, it’s a handy resource—especially if you hit a wall on a tricky clue. No judgment here; sometimes you just need the answers!

LG Energy Solution is shifting gears—literally. With electric vehicle (EV) demand slowing down and tariffs squeezing profits, the company is doubling down on its energy storage division in the U.S. Think big battery systems for renewable energy projects, not just car batteries. It’s a strategic pivot to soften the blow from weaker EV sales while capitalizing on America’s growing appetite for grid-scale storage.

Editor’s Note: EVs might be hitting a speed bump, but the clean energy transition isn’t slowing. LG’s move signals how major players are adapting—when one door (EVs) creaks shut, another (energy storage) swings wide open. For consumers, this could mean more stable renewable energy infrastructure; for investors, it’s a reminder that the green economy isn’t just about cars.