Tech News Roundup: Spyware Exposure, FCC Policy Shift, Tesla's Chip Fab, AI Hurricanes, mRNA Flu Vaccine, and Self-Driving Truck Battle
China-linked LightSpy Spyware Caught Targeting Victims in 13 Countries, Including the US
Security researchers have linked a widespread LightSpy spyware campaign to a Chinese company after an operator's careless mistake—placing a KFC order under their real name and office address—exposed their identity. The campaign targeted victims across 13 countries, including the United States. Read more: China-linked LightSpy spyware caught targeting victims in 13 countries, including the US
Trump FCC Kills TV Ownership Cap, Claiming Authority Over Limit Set by Congress
The Federal Communications Commission has removed the cap on how many television stations a single entity can own, with the agency asserting authority to set the limit independently rather than adhering to a figure set by Congress. The change is expected to allow larger media operators to acquire additional broadcast stations. Read more: Trump FCC kills TV ownership cap, claiming authority over limit set by Congress
Tesla and SpaceX Will Invest $16.8B to Start Building 'Terafab' Chip Factory in Texas
Tesla and SpaceX have jointly announced plans to invest $16.8 billion in building the Terafab chip fabrication facility just north of Houston, Texas, ending months of speculation about the ambitious semiconductor manufacturing project. Read more: Tesla and SpaceX will invest $16.8B to start building 'Terafab' chip factory in Texas
DeepMind Says Its AI Can Predict Hurricanes Earlier Than Everyone Else
Google DeepMind has developed WeatherNext, an open-source AI model capable of predicting hurricane track and intensity up to 15 days in advance using lower-resolution data, though researchers note the model's inner workings remain partially opaque. Read more: DeepMind Says Its AI Can Predict Hurricanes Earlier Than Everyone Else
FDA Approves Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine After Initially Refusing to Review It
The FDA has approved Moderna's mRNA-based seasonal flu vaccine mFLUSIVA for adults aged 50 and older, following an unusual regulatory path that included an initial refusal to review the application. Read more: FDA approves Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine after initially refusing to review it
The California Teamsters Union Is Suing the State Over Self-Driving Trucks
The California Teamsters union has filed a lawsuit challenging new self-driving truck regulations, warning that the policy could displace approximately 400,000 workers in the state. Read more: The California Teamsters union is suing the state over self-driving trucks