news and current affairs.
Trump administration halts AI regulation lawsuits
The White House has postponed an executive order that would have created a federal litigation task force to challenge state artificial intelligence regulations through lawsuits. The decision follows strong opposition from both parties after the Senate rejected a similar proposal to ban state AI rules for a decade by a margin of 99 to 1. The suspended order would have allowed federal authorities to threaten withdrawal of broadband funding from states with contested AI laws. Resistance emerged even from Republican lawmakers who view such measures as excessive federal intrusion into state authority. California remains at the center of debate over its SB 53 safety legislation, which has divided Silicon Valley stakeholders. The...
Sony slashes DualSense controller prices for Black Friday
Sony has reduced pricing on PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers by $20 through mid-December, bringing standard wireless models to $54.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. Limited edition versions themed around Astro Bot, God of War, and Ghost of Yōtei will retail for approximately $64, down from the typical $84.99 price point. The wireless controllers feature haptic feedback technology that simulates tactile sensations and adaptive triggers that adjust resistance based on gameplay actions. Battery life averages around eight hours per session, while built-in microphones enable voice chat without headsets. The DualSense functions with PC and Mac systems via Bluetooth or wired connections but remains incompatible with Xbox consoles or...
Waymo secures massive expansion in California
Google subsidiary Waymo has received California regulatory clearance to expand autonomous vehicle testing across significantly larger portions of the state. The authorization permits driverless operations throughout most of the Bay Area, stretching from Sacramento south through wine country and much of the East Bay, while Southern California approval extends from Santa Clarita to San Diego. The company already operates robotaxis in San Francisco, parts of Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta. Additional permits will be required before transporting fare-paying passengers in newly authorized zones. Waymo announced plans to launch commercial service in San Diego by mid-2026 while pursuing expansion into eleven...
Meta moves into energy trading to fuel AI growth
Meta has requested federal authorization to participate in wholesale electricity markets as the social media giant races to secure power for its expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure. The company joins Microsoft in pursuing trading privileges that would allow it to purchase energy from new generating facilities and resell surplus capacity, a strategy Apple has already implemented. The approach addresses a critical bottleneck in data center development, where power plant builders hesitate without guaranteed long-term buyers. Meta executive Urvi Parekh explained that the company needs market flexibility to hedge against demand fluctuations while committing to massive electricity purchases. The Louisiana data center campus...
Chevrons target a win over Pakistan to reach the final
Zimbabwe faces Pakistan at Rawalpindi with semifinal qualification on the line after demolishing Sri Lanka by 67 runs earlier in the week. The Chevrons hold two points from two matches and lead the Tri-Series table with a net run rate of 1.471, positioning themselves favorably for Saturday's championship match. Captain Sikandar Raza, who recently played his 300th international fixture and became the second Zimbabwean to claim 100 T20I wickets, emphasized his squad's internal motivation rather than external pressure. He praised the mental toughness developed through rigorous training sessions and credited fast bowler Richard Ngarava for leadership of the pace attack in the absence of injured Blessing Muzarabani. The match against...
St Columba’s celebrates excellence and innovation
St Columba's High School recognized academic and extracurricular achievements at its annual awards ceremony focused on digital learning and artificial intelligence. Headmaster Reverend Canon Albert Ncube credited experienced staff for strong examination results across Zimsec, Hexco and Cambridge assessment systems over three years. School Development Committee chairman Sylvester Machingura stressed that scholarly success must accompany proper behavior and responsibility. Guest speaker Sicelo Dube, chief executive of Stem Lady Holdings, challenged students to adopt emerging technologies and develop innovation skills. The outgoing cohort heard that values and discipline form essential foundations for future advancement. Form Four student...
Mnangagwa urges Zimbabwe, Mozambique to strengthen trade ties
President Emmerson Mnangagwa urged Zimbabwean and Mozambican enterprises to capitalize on strengthening diplomatic relations by transitioning from basic commerce toward integrated manufacturing networks that generate employment and mutual economic gains. Speaking at a business forum organized by trade promotion agencies from both nations, Mnangagwa emphasized that the Bi-National Commission creates a framework for eliminating obstacles and accelerating private investment between the neighboring countries. The Zimbabwean leader highlighted infrastructure improvements along the Beira and Maputo corridors, with railway rehabilitation at Machipanda designed to boost freight capacity and reduce logistics expenses. He called for coordinated...
Chiwenga calls for a fairer global economic system
Zimbabwe's Vice President Constantino Chiwenga called on major economies at the G20 Summit to establish a more equitable international financial framework that enables development for poorer nations. He argued that restricted market entry, discriminatory commercial policies, and expensive lending terms prevent emerging economies from achieving sustainable growth under current arrangements. The Vice President emphasized reforming debt resolution mechanisms and advocated for creative approaches such as converting obligations into climate or development investments. He requested that Zimbabwe be allowed to participate in the G20 Common Framework for handling sovereign debt matters. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the...
Suspect in $4m Ecobank heist extradited
Authorities have brought back Bhekani Mlilo from Botswana to face charges stemming from a bank robbery that netted over $4 million. The 40-year-old suspect stood before a Bulawayo regional magistrate and acknowledged the accusations without entering a formal plea. His attorney indicated readiness to proceed with the proceedings. Prosecutors allege that Mlilo worked with several others to intercept a Safeguard armored transport outside the Ecobank location at 9th Avenue and Fife Street. The group reportedly brandished weapons while commandeering metal containers holding nearly $4 million from two separate branches. Authorities say the perpetrators switched license plates on their Ford Ranger before executing the operation. The Vumbunu...
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