AI News

**Trump Tariffs Overturned: $200B Annual Impact at Stake**
A US court struck down key Trump tariffs, potentially voiding $200B in annual revenue while leaving steel/aluminum duties intact.

**Global Trade in Flux as Court Blocks Trump’s Tariff Powers**
The ruling weakens Trump’s trade leverage, causing EU and allies to pause negotiations amid legal uncertainty.

**WTO Warns Trump Tariffs Could Shrink Global Trade in 2025**
The overturned tariffs targeted fentanyl and imports, but steel/car levies remain—sparking market volatility worldwide.

**Historic Trade Shift: US Tariffs May Drop from 15% to 6.5%**
Analysts say the ruling halts Trump’s 1930s-level protectionism, though appeal plans keep businesses on edge.

**Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn reveals how his leadership style evolved as the company scaled—from micromanaging early employees to becoming a “culture carrier” today.**

**Von Ahn admits he micromanaged too long but now focuses on high-level decisions, delegating tasks like HR and finance—though the product team still feels his influence.**

**The language-learning app’s success—46M daily users and a 205% stock surge—comes as von Ahn embraces “founder mode” differently than peers like Airbnb’s Brian Chesky.**

**Unlike other tech CEOs, von Ahn lets data drive decisions, saying A/B test results often outweigh his opinions—unless they cross ethical lines.**

**Scientists Decode Dolphin Whistles Using AI, Win $100K Prize**

A team studying Florida dolphins has won the $100,000 Coller Dolittle Prize for breakthroughs in interspecies communication. Their research suggests dolphins use distinct whistles like words, including alarm calls and responses to unfamiliar situations. Using AI, scientists aim to decode these patterns from decades of recorded dolphin sounds. This could revolutionize our understanding of animal communication.

**AI Helps Crack Dolphin Language in Groundbreaking Study**

Researchers analyzing dolphin whistles have discovered potential “words” in their communication, earning a prestigious $100,000 prize. The team used hydrophones and AI to study decades of recordings, revealing whistles for alarms and surprises. Experts believe AI could finally unlock the secrets of animal language. The findings may reshape how we understand intelligence in other species.

**$100K Award Goes to Team Deciphering Dolphin Speech with AI**

A groundbreaking study on dolphin communication has won the first-ever Coller Dolittle Challenge prize. Scientists found dolphins use specific whistles as alarms and responses, hinting at a complex language. AI will now analyze decades of recordings to uncover deeper patterns. This research could open doors to understanding how animals truly “speak.”

**AI Uncovers Dolphin “Words” in Major Interspecies Breakthrough**

Dolphins may communicate using whistle “words,” according to new research awarded a $100,000 prize. The team used AI to study decades of recordings, identifying distinct calls for warnings and surprises. Experts say AI could finally decode animal communication. This discovery could transform our relationship with intelligent marine life.

**US and China Reach 90-Day Tariff Truce, Easing Trade Tensions**
The US and China agreed to suspend most tariffs for 90 days following high-stakes negotiations in Geneva, signaling a temporary thaw in trade tensions. Experts predict a surge in cross-Pacific trade as businesses rush to stock up before the truce expires. While stocks rallied sharply on the news, uncertainties remain over long-term resolutions to key disputes like intellectual property and industrial subsidies. Analysts warn that inflation and supply chain pressures could linger despite the short-term relief.

**US-China Trade Set to Spike as Businesses Rush to Beat Tariff Deadline**
With US-China tariffs slashed from record highs, companies are scrambling to move goods before the 90-day pause ends, risking shipping backlogs and rising costs. Export data from China to the US already shows a 15.6% jump in December as firms front-loaded orders. Flexport’s CEO reported a 35% spike in freight bookings overnight, warning of potential cargo shortages. However, smaller businesses may struggle with cash flow as they race to capitalize on the tariff reprieve.

**Stock Markets Soar as US-China Tariff Truce Sparks Investor Optimism**
The Nasdaq and S&P 500 surged nearly 3% after the US and China announced a tariff pause, marking one of Wall Street’s biggest rallies in months. While the deal eases immediate trade friction, Fed officials caution that lingering tariffs could still weigh on inflation and economic growth. Key issues like fentanyl sanctions and tech export controls remain unresolved, leaving markets vulnerable to future volatility. Experts warn the 90-day window may not be enough to settle deep-rooted disputes.

**Can US-China Negotiations Deliver a Lasting Trade Deal?**
Trade analysts say the 90-day tariff truce offers a critical window—but warn major hurdles like IP theft and industrial subsidies could stall progress. China is expected to push back against US export controls, while Washington demands concessions on fentanyl and unfair trade practices. “The agenda is extremely broad, and narrowing it will be tough,” says CSIS expert Scott Kennedy. With both sides under political pressure, the clock is ticking to avoid another escalation.

**Quentin Tarantino to Honor George Sherman at Cannes Classics 2025**

Cannes regular Quentin Tarantino will pay tribute to late low-budget westerns director George Sherman at this year’s Cannes Classics. The *Pulp Fiction* auteur will present screenings of *Red Canyon* and *Comanche Territory*, followed by a conversation with critic Elvis Mitchell.

**Cannes Classics 2025 Celebrates Cinema Legends**

This year’s lineup includes a centenary screening of Chaplin’s *The Gold Rush*, a 25th-anniversary showing of *Amores Perros*, and a 50th-anniversary restoration of *One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest*. Kevin Smith’s *Dogma* and a new 4K *Barry Lyndon* print also headline the prestigious sidebar.

**Shia LaBeouf and Kevin Smith Join Cannes Classics Lineup**

Shia LaBeouf will debut *Slauson Rec*, a documentary about his free acting school, while Kevin Smith returns with *Dogma: Resurrected* for its 25th anniversary. The event closes with Kubrick’s *Barry Lyndon* in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio.

**JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, once Bitcoin’s fiercest critic, now lets clients buy crypto—but he’s not happy about it.** Despite calling Bitcoin a “fraud” and “pet rock,” Dimon bowed to client demand as Wall Street warms to crypto.

**From calling Bitcoin “stupid” to allowing investments, Jamie Dimon’s reversal marks a major win for crypto adoption.** JPMorgan’s move follows Bitcoin ETF approvals and Trump’s pro-crypto policies, forcing traditional finance to adapt.

**Jamie Dimon’s Bitcoin U-turn shows even Wall Street giants can’t ignore crypto’s rising demand.** As rivals like Goldman Sachs dive in, JPMorgan risks losing clients by staying on the sidelines—despite Dimon’s personal skepticism.

**Crypto skeptics lose a key ally as JPMorgan opens Bitcoin trading for clients.** Dimon’s grudging acceptance signals a turning point for institutional crypto adoption, even as he warns of its risks.

**Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn reveals his leadership evolution—from micromanaging 50 employees to becoming a “culture carrier.”**

**Von Ahn admits he overdid micromanagement early on but now delegates tasks he dislikes—like finance and HR—to his execs.**

**Despite scaling to 800+ employees, Duolingo’s CEO still weighs in on key decisions—but lets data drive most choices.**

**His “founder mode” differs from tech peers like Airbnb’s Brian Chesky, who argues against traditional scaling advice.**

**Is now a good time to buy a home? Even experts can’t agree**

Even housing economists like Redfin’s Chen Zhao are torn on whether it’s the right moment to buy a home, thanks to volatile mortgage rates and economic uncertainty. While rising inventory and stabilizing prices offer some relief, affordability remains a major hurdle for buyers. Experts suggest waiting if possible—but for those who must move, strategic negotiation can help.

**High home prices and rising mortgage rates make buying tougher than ever**

With median home prices up 43% since the pandemic and mortgage rates hovering near 7%, many buyers face financial strain just to qualify. Reventure CEO Nick Gerli warns that today’s market is a “raw deal,” with payments consuming nearly 40% of income—levels last seen during the 2006 housing bubble. For some, renting may offer more flexibility and savings in this uncertain economy.

**Buyers can still win—if they play the long game**

Despite challenges, rising inventory and price cuts give buyers leverage in negotiations, especially in Sunbelt markets. Experts advise shopping around for better mortgage rates, lower agent fees, and seller concessions. But with home prices expected to dip, waiting could pay off—unless life demands an immediate move. As Zhao puts it, “We’re operating in a different world right now.”

**Apple uses scare tactics to deter EU users from apps with alternative payments**
Apple is displaying alarming red exclamation marks on EU App Store listings for apps like Instacar, warning users about “unsecure” external payment systems—despite the apps being fully compliant. The tactic appears aimed at discouraging adoption of non-Apple payment options under the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Fewer than 100 apps have implemented external payments due to Apple’s restrictive rules.

**Apple’s EU warning labels spark backlash amid antitrust scrutiny**
The tech giant faces EU criticism for using fear-based messaging to steer users away from apps with alternative payment methods, like Hungary’s popular Instacar. Though Apple proposed toning down the alerts, the EU hasn’t approved the changes. This follows recent rulings against Apple’s anti-steering practices in the US.

**Why Apple’s red warnings on EU App Store listings are controversial**
Apple’s ominous alerts on apps like Instacar imply security risks—despite no actual violations—raising concerns about unfair competition. The move coincides with Epic’s legal win against Apple’s payment restrictions, though the EU battle over “scare sheets” continues. Critics argue Apple is manipulating user trust to maintain control.

**Few EU apps dare to defy Apple’s strict payment rules**
With fewer than 100 EU apps offering external payments, Apple’s aggressive warnings—like those on Instacar’s listing—highlight the chilling effect of its policies. The EU has yet to approve Apple’s proposed softer warning design, leaving developers caught in a battle over fair competition.

**Hungary’s opposition leader Peter Magyar walks 300 km to Romania, rallying ethnic Hungarians against Orban’s rule.**

**Peter Magyar’s 11-day march to Oradea signals a bold challenge to Viktor Orban’s long-standing government.**

**Ethnic Hungarians in Romania cheer Magyar as he vows to end Orban’s “dictatorship” and restore unity.**

**With polls favoring Magyar, his grassroots campaign taps into frustration over corruption and Orban’s divisive politics.**