President Trump's actions this week show the scope of his bid to reshape the federal government, Senate confirmation hearings begin for RFK Jr. and results are in from a national assessment of reading and math, nearly five years since the start of the pandemic.
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The Intelligence from The Economist - Remote control: Rwandan proxies occupy Congo
Rebels linked to Rwanda have occupied the city of Goma in eastern Congo. Our correspondent reports on the horrific scenes there, and warns that Rwanda’s belligerence may be part of a bigger plan to redraw the map of Africa. How microplastics may be affecting our health (10:43). And why Gen Z loves astrology apps (16:33).
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+
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Big Technology Podcast - Reid Hoffman: Why The AI Investment Will Pay Off
Reid Hoffman is the co-founder of LinkedIn, a legendary Silicon Valley investor, and author of the new book Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future. Hoffman joins Big Technology Podcast to discuss his optimistic case for AI, the massive investments flooding into the field, and whether they can possibly pay off. Tune in to hear Hoffman's insider perspective on OpenAI's $6.6 billion raise, the emergence of Chinese AI competitor DeepSeek, and why he believes these unprecedented investments will seem small in retrospect. We also cover the evolving Microsoft-OpenAI relationship, tech CEOs gravitating toward Trump, and Hoffman's views on AI regulation and TikTok's future. Hit play for a deep dive into AI's trajectory from one of the industry's most influential voices.
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Code Story: Insights from Startup Tech Leaders - Minting Unicorns – Blockchain, AI and Dubai, with Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of AI
Today, we are releasing another episode in our series entitled Minting Unicorns - Blockchain, AI and Dubai, sponsored by the City of Dubai.
Dubai is the new global center of gravity, connecting the world in a way few places can. As a hub for trade, tourism, innovation, and finance, Dubai offers the ideal environment for startups and scale-ups to thrive. Entrepreneurs find a home here, whether in health-tech, fintech, AI, or renewable energy, supported by SME-focused programs that empower high-potential companies to scale globally. From flexible regulations to tax incentives, world-class infrastructure to access to global investors managing $1 trillion, Dubai understands what businesses need to scale fast.
Today, we are speaking with Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of AI for the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism. Dr. Marwan. He is going to help walk us through how Dubai is creating a foundational hub for AI, Blockchain, and the intersection of both.
- Questions:
- Tell me and my audience a little bit about you.
- You are CEO of AI for the DET. What does that entail? What are you driving in this position, leading your department?
- It feels like blockchain is still trying to find its place in the mainstream, i.e., utility, security or currency, while AI is settling in some - where are both of these areas going?
- While AI is a major focus, Dubai has also exceedingly been adopting blockchain. How do you see these two technologies interacting in various sectors, especially since you're also the CEO of Dubai Blockchain Centre.
- How is Dubai addressing ethical challenges in AI adoption, especially in areas like data privacy and transparency?
- AI is rapidly evolving globally, but how do you see Dubai positioning itself as a leader in the AI space?What’s your outlook for the city’s AI ecosystem in the next 5-10 years, and how are you working towards it today?
- What is Dubai doing to attract promising and leading AI and blockchain companies to Dubai? What does the city offer companies in this space from a competitive advantage standpoint?
Links
- http://marwan.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarwan/
- https://blockchaincenter.ae/
- https://dubaiaicampus.com/
- https://www.difc.ae/
- https://www.investindubai.gov.ae/en/why-dubai/d33-agenda
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Curious City - What happens when your team keeps losing?
Collectively, 2024 was the worst year for Chicago sports teams. Chicago fans are used to remaining faithful to some loveable losers. But the younger generation of sports fans aren’t as forgiving.
Amarica's Constitution - Birthright and Birthwrong
The Trump Administration takes office, and the Constitution is immediately in the crosshairs. An executive order targeting birthright citizenship and the Fourteenth Amendment is issued on the first day, with an even more extreme version of its renouncement than had previously been contemplated. The pushback begins in a Washington courtroom, and a Federal District Judge shoots it down with a nationwide injunction. But surely the legal battle continues; we are here to arm you with Professor Amar’s arguments, articulated over many years and well in advance of this crisis. Text, history, structure, precedent, and more are placed in the service of the Constitution and one of its most fundamental and consequential sentences. You should be in a position to argue this case before the Supreme Court after listening to this episode. CLE credit is available for lawyers and judges from podcast.njsba.com
Money Girl - Who’s Eligible for a Spousal IRA?
Laura reviews the rules for using a spousal IRA, including who’s eligible to have one and the money-saving tax benefits you receive.
Money Girl is hosted by Laura Adams. A transcript is available at Simplecast.
Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 302-365-0308.
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Money Girl is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.
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Money Girl - Who’s Eligible for a Spousal IRA?
Laura reviews the rules for using a spousal IRA, including who’s eligible to have one and the money-saving tax benefits you receive.
Money Girl is hosted by Laura Adams. A transcript is available at Simplecast.
Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 302-365-0308.
Find Money Girl on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more personal finance tips.
Money Girl is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.
Links:
https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/
https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletter
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT
The Daily Detail - The Daily Detail for 1.29.25
Alabama
- Mother of death row inmate seeks to stop his scheduled execution
- AG Marshall appeals to Costco to stop DEI policies & their legal exposure
- Retired DHS agent says left wing media causing panic over ICE raids
- Police Standoff in Shelby County ends with father & son found dead
- Sen. Tuberville to chair Armed Services subcommittee on Personnel
- Democrat Terri Sewell insists on blaming Trump over false story about Tuskegee airmen videos being removed by Air Force
National
- Trump makes payout offers to federal workers not wanting to return to office
- WH Press Secretary holds 1st meeting, shakes up who will be seated in room
- DefSec Hegseth plans to pull security detail for retired general Mark Milley
- ICE raids to expand to other cities, including Venezuelan gangs in Aurora,CO
- Kristi Norm of DHS to reinstate Coast Guard members who refused vaccine
- Part 2 of Interview with filmmaker Vanessa Dylan and her documentary, "Covid Collateral"
The Daily Signal - Victor Davis Hanson: Trump’s Nominees’ Confirmation Battles
Do those who opposed Pete Hegseth’s nomination really believe he will be worse than former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin?
On this edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words,” Hanson discusses the contentious Senate confirmation process for Trump administration nominees. He highlights past and upcoming nominations, such as Pete Hegseth, Kash Patel, and RFK Jr., and the crucial role swing-state senators play in these votes:
“There's a general rule, though, that we can make sense that, I think, will apply—has applied, to Pete Hegseth. It will apply to Kash Patel, especially, RFK Jr. and others. And that is three things: The more important the Cabinet position is, the more controversial the vote; the more likely a Republican nominee is going to try to make fundamental and needed changes, the more controversial the vote; and, the more that senators in swing states worry about being reelected, the more controversial vote.”
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