Simply the latest news, updated on the hour.

Mon, Oct 19, 2026, 2:22 AM EDT

Tech

  • Anthropic is establishing a public benefit fund, allocating 5% of its shares, while Replit shifts its default AI model to OpenAI over Anthropic.

  • The tech industry grapples with AI's implications, from rogue agent activity in India to concerns about data scraping and AI training practices, as highlighted by Meta's policy changes.

  • Autonomous vehicle developments continue with Waymo expanding to Canada and cities expressing concerns about the proliferation of robotaxis on their streets.

  • Celebrities like Mark Wahlberg are entering the longevity and AI spaces, with Wahlberg exploring AI for film legacy and affordable fitness concepts.

  • The latest tech hardware includes advancements in portable gaming with Lenovo's handheld and innovative smart home devices, alongside continued interest in high-performance electric vehicles like Porsche's Macan Turbo.

Money

  • Geopolitical tensions escalate with Houthi attacks exposing Saudi military limitations and Iran providing intelligence, while Ukraine targets Russian oil infrastructure.

  • Donald Trump's political maneuvering creates challenges for Republican candidates and influences international relations, including potential summits with Putin and Xi.

  • Major financial institutions reconsider attending the Saudi investment summit due to regional instability, highlighting the impact of conflict on global business.

  • Central banks globally, including the Bank of Japan and the Bank of England, are navigating inflation concerns and considering interest rate policies.

  • The burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence presents both immense opportunities and risks, with discussions around its economic impact and ethical boundaries dominating financial forums.

Power

  • Global energy markets face volatility due to geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict in Ukraine and its ripple effects on oil and gas supplies, leading to increased costs for consumers and industrial sectors like steelmaking.

  • France is grappling with widespread riots and civil unrest, significantly impacting businesses and prompting authorities to implement strict measures and consider international cooperation on law enforcement.

  • The power industry is witnessing advancements and challenges in new technologies, including Tesla's FSD litigation, the integration of humanoid robots into the workforce, and concerns over Chinese EV tariffs potentially impacting UK manufacturers.

  • Environmental concerns are escalating, with revelations linking major automotive battery suppliers to deforestation and flash floods causing destruction in Nepal, while the US EPA faces scrutiny over its environmental claims.

  • Geopolitical maneuvering intensifies as leaders engage in diplomatic efforts and public statements, ranging from Putin's proposals for a Ukraine summit to Trump's endorsements and criticism of international actions, impacting global energy security and trade dynamics.