Reading List

The most recent articles from a list of feeds I subscribe to.

A Microsoft analysis of 37.5M Copilot conversations from January to September 2025 finds health, career, and relationship topics dominated users' questions (Megan Morrone/Axios)

Megan Morrone / Axios:
A Microsoft analysis of 37.5M Copilot conversations from January to September 2025 finds health, career, and relationship topics dominated users' questions  —  People are increasingly turning to Microsoft's Copilot chatbot for advice about their health, careers and relationships, according to data Microsoft first shared with Axios.

Google DeepMind plans to open its "first automated science laboratory" in the UK in 2026, focused on using AI tools to develop new materials for chips and more (Melissa Heikkilä/Financial Times)

Melissa Heikkilä / Financial Times:
Google DeepMind plans to open its “first automated science laboratory” in the UK in 2026, focused on using AI tools to develop new materials for chips and more  —  Big Tech group will work with Sir Keir Starmer's government to enhance AI use across public sector

Trump’s Dogshit White House Signage Typography

Before anyone starts patting the Trump administration on its back for one good typographic decision, take a gander at the hard-to-believe-this-is-real new signage at (and alas, on) the White House. This is the sort of signage that typically spells “Business Center” across from the check-in desk at a Courtyard Marriott. The Biden State Department replacing Times New Roman with Calibri was a typographic misdemeanor. Festooning the White House with signage set in gold-plated Shelley Script ought to land Trump in The Hague.

(The idea that the Oval Office ought to be explicitly labeled “The Oval Office” — whatever the typeface or signage style — brings to mind this classic Far Side cartoon, which I think aptly illustrates the president’s mental faculties.)

Sources: the US is working on a settlement that could see ZTE pay $1B+ over alleged foreign bribery from 2018 and earlier; a deal would require China's approval (Reuters)

Reuters:
Sources: the US is working on a settlement that could see ZTE pay $1B+ over alleged foreign bribery from 2018 and earlier; a deal would require China's approval  —  Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE Corp may pay more than $1 billion to the U.S. government to resolve years-old allegations …

Ben Crump Secures Staggering $779M Wrongful Death Verdict in Landslide Victory for Black Family

A Gadsden County jury awarded the family of Lewis Butler $779.4 million following his death at an internet café in Havana, Florida. The case was led by civil rights attorney Ben Crump.

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