AI Safety & Regulation: US lawmakers escalated calls for new AI rules after Anthropic researchers warned self-improving systems could threaten humanity, reigniting debate over pace, safeguards, and accountability. Child Tech Crackdown: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed 13 laws targeting addictive social features for kids, AI chatbot toy sales, and tougher privacy and safety requirements. Data Center Oversight: Spain advanced draft rules for data centers, adding energy, environmental, efficiency, and “digital sovereignty” requirements that could reshape grid access and project costs. Optical AI Hardware Funding: Ayar Labs extended a late-stage round to $650M to scale optical interconnects for larger AI chip clusters. AI Chip IPO Buzz: Enflame’s STAR Market debut surged after raising 6.12B yuan, highlighting China’s push for homegrown AI compute. Energy Tech Partnerships: Hitachi Energy and Daikin Chemical Europe partnered to supply SF6-free grid gas components, while BASF’s Durasorb LNG MAX scaled across Cheniere’s Corpus Christi trains. Workforce & Research Grants: University of Bradford secured £57M+ for research; UH Maui College won $178K to modernize AI-enabled training and labs. Privacy & Surveillance: Jackson, Michigan approved funding for automated license plate readers amid rising community privacy concerns.