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US Grants Anthropic Partial Victory on Mythos 5, Leaving Fable 5's Fate Unresolved

The US government has lifted its block on Anthropic's Claude Mythos 5 AI model, clearing the way for the company to grant access to over 100 US institutions including major companies and government agencies. According to Semafor and Hacker News, the move marks a significant de-escalation in tensions between the Trump Administration and Anthropic after export controls were imposed two weeks ago. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick informed Anthropic in a letter that the decision was made because: "appropriate safeguards are in place." This follows weeks of negotiations between the White House and the AI lab, during which the model and its cousin Fable 5 had been shut down following warnings from Amazon and other companies. However, the public-facing version, Fable 5, remains in limbo. The Verge reported that the model has no clear timeline for rollout after the rollercoaster negotiation process. Axios noted that Lutnick's letter, seen by the outlet, acknowledges "significant progress" from the company's engagement with the government. The abrupt removal of both models on June 12 had created uncertainty in the industry and among allies whose cyber capabilities were impacted. Talks about Fable 5 are ongoing, according to sources cited by Hacker News, suggesting that the partial resolution for Mythos 5 may be followed by further developments. For now, Anthropic has secured a limited reinstatement while the broader availability of its most advanced systems remains restricted.

7 sources · 3 Jul

Jodie Foster Calls Brad Pitt Racing Film 'F1' a Product of AI, Igniting Industry Discussion

At the Aspen Ideas Festival, Jodie Foster stirred conversation about artificial intelligence in Hollywood by suggesting that the upcoming Brad Pitt racing film 'F1' feels as though it was made by AI. Speaking during a panel with former Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton titled 'Who Owns the Future of Hollywood,' the actress used the Apple-backed movie as a touchstone for how technology is reshaping the film business, according to Variety. Foster clarified that her remark was not meant as a criticism. 'She wasn't being disparaging, noting the film's commercial success,' Deadline reported. Instead, she framed the film as an example of AI creating 'something big and beautiful,' a comment that nonetheless highlighted the growing tension between technical spectacle and human artistry. "She expressed concern that AI-created content lacks the emotional depth and authenticity of human-made films." The Independent noted that while Foster acknowledged AI's growing role in filmmaking, she drew a sharp line between impressive technical feats and genuine artistic expression. The actress's comments arrived amid a broader discussion about how the pandemic, labor strikes, and shifting audience habits are remaking Hollywood, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Foster's remarks quickly rippled through the industry, with outlets framing them as part of the ongoing debate over AI's place in creative work. 'The conversation prominently addressed artificial intelligence, with Foster offering her perspective on AI's role in filmmaking,' The Hollywood Reporter wrote. Her specific reference to 'F1' served as a concrete example in a debate that often stays abstract, placing a high-profile tentpole at the center of the controversy. By calling attention to the film's commercial viability while questioning its emotional core, Foster captured the ambivalence many in Hollywood feel about the rapid adoption of generative AI. The actress's performance at the Aspen gathering, as reported across multiple outlets, has turned a casual aside into a flashpoint for the industry's larger reckoning with technology and creativity.

6 sources · 3 Jul

Project Kuiper crosses 396 satellites, Amazon eyes mid-2026 for full service launch

Amazon has reached a key milestone for its satellite internet constellation, deploying 396 satellites in low Earth orbit under Project Kuiper, also referred to as Amazon Leo. That number meets the threshold required to begin providing continuous internet coverage across initial latitudes, according to Hacker News. The company now targets commercial availability by mid-2026. Amazon completed its 14th launch mission for the constellation using an Atlas V rocket, marking the end of the "Leo Atlas" campaign. Heise.de reported that the company is shifting future launches to ULA's new Vulcan heavy-lift rocket to increase deployment capacity. "The 'Leo Atlas' launch campaign is complete, and future launches will use ULA's new Vulcan heavy-lift rocket to increase deployment capacity." The move to a more powerful launcher signals Amazon's intent to accelerate satellite deployment as it races to catch up with SpaceX's Starlink, which launched its beta service in 2020 with nearly 900 satellites already in orbit, as noted by Hacker News. "Amazon's satellite count is significantly behind SpaceX's Starlink, which launched its beta in 2020 with nearly 900 satellites." While Amazon's 396 satellites represent a functional baseline, Starlink currently operates thousands of spacecraft. The mid-2026 target gives the company roughly two years to close that gap and begin offering the broadband service it has long promised to customers in underserved regions.

2 sources · 3 Jul

Reviewer Burnout Forces Godot Foundation to Bar AI-Authored Code Contributions

The Godot Foundation has announced that it will no longer accept AI-authored code contributions to its open source game engine, citing severe reviewer burnout from an influx of low-quality submissions. The decision, formalized after months of internal discussion, aims to protect both code quality and the well-being of volunteer maintainers. According to PC Gamer, maintainers reported being overwhelmed by a rising tide of AI-generated "slop" pull requests that had become increasingly draining and demoralizing for code reviewers. The new guidelines require contributors to demonstrate genuine understanding of their code, effectively barring heavy users of AI tools who cannot adequately debug or maintain code they did not write themselves. "increasingly draining and demoralizing" GamingOnLinux added that the policy change follows sustained concerns from contributors about the sheer volume of AI-assisted submissions adding to the already tedious work of reviewing pull requests. The foundation's blog post explicitly acknowledged that reviewing AI contributions is demoralizing for the volunteer team. Hackaday noted that the Godot project is hardly alone in struggling with the inverse relationship between pull request quantity and quality that AI tools have exacerbated. The update is a direct response to the overwhelming number of low-quality contributions that had been sapping maintainer energy and time. By drawing a clear line against AI-authored code, the Godot Foundation is prioritizing long-term project health over potentially faster but unreliable contributions. The move signals a growing tension across open source communities between embracing AI assistance and protecting the craftsmanship that volunteer-led projects depend on.

4 sources · 3 Jul

Microsoft's Portfolio Review Spares Kojima's OD While Tanking IO Interactive's Fantasy Title

Hideo Kojima's upcoming Xbox horror game OD has survived Microsoft's ongoing business "reset" with development continuing at Kojima Productions, according to a report from IGN. The game remains an Xbox exclusive under the publisher's umbrella while other projects have been cut as part of the company's reassessment of investments. "A source familiar with Microsoft's plans confirmed the game remains in development at Kojima Productions with Xbox publishing." This assurance comes as IO Interactive, the studio behind the James Bond game 007 First Light, announced layoffs after Microsoft pulled funding for their unannounced fantasy game. The cancellation is part of a broader strategy shift at Microsoft, which IGN reports is focusing on its highest priorities. "Microsoft has stated it is reassessing where it invests to focus on highest priorities." The contrasting fates of OD and IO Interactive's fantasy project highlight the selective nature of Microsoft's recent cuts. While Kojima's horror game advances, the fantasy title's cancellation has directly impacted jobs at IO Interactive, demonstrating the real-world consequences of corporate portfolio management. For now, OD remains one of the more anticipated Xbox exclusives, though no release window has been provided. The game was first announced in 2023 as a partnership between Kojima Productions and Xbox Game Studios, and early teasers suggested a unique horror experience leveraging cloud technology.

2 sources · 3 Jul

Marvel's Blade Cancellation Reportedly on the Table as Microsoft Plans Major Xbox Studio Shakeup

Microsoft is reportedly planning a significant restructuring of its Xbox gaming division, with potential layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations on the horizon. According to The Verge, the company is considering closing at least five studios, including Arkane Studios, the developer behind the upcoming Marvel's Blade game. The restructuring, which could be announced as early as next week, may also involve spinoffs or mergers of other teams. "Microsoft is reportedly planning a major wave of layoffs for its Xbox division next week, potentially closing at least five studios including Arkane Studios (developer of Marvel's Blade)." The Verge reported that Microsoft is also considering canceling Marvel's Blade as part of cost-cutting measures. This follows delays that pushed the game's release from late 2026 to late 2027, as well as budget overruns, according to IGN. The outlet noted that Arkane is one of five studios Microsoft may close, though the company could also opt to sell the studio rather than shutter it entirely. Gematsu added that if the closure proceeds, it would affect Arkane's work on the highly anticipated Blade title, which was originally targeting a 2026 launch. The uncertainty extends beyond Arkane: IGN reported that other Microsoft-owned studios like Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs face similar fates. This aligns with a broader trend of the company trimming its development portfolio after the massive $68.7 billion Activision Blizzard acquisition. "Alternatively, Arkane may be sold rather than closed, which aligns with reports about other Microsoft-owned studios like Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs facing similar uncertainty." The potential cancellation of Marvel's Blade would mark a major blow for fans who have been anticipating a new adaptation of the vampire hunter, following Arkane's acclaimed work on Deathloop. Neither Microsoft nor Arkane have commented on the reports, leaving the future of the studio and its projects in limbo. As The Verge noted, the restructuring could involve layoffs, studio closures, or spinoffs, signaling a decisive shift in Xbox's content strategy.

3 sources · 3 Jul

Sheridan Says Costner's Schedule Conflicts Derailed Original Yellowstone Exit Plan

Taylor Sheridan has revealed that Kevin Costner's departure from Yellowstone in 2023 forced the series to end earlier than intended, contradicting the creator's original plan for when John Dutton would leave the show. According to TVLine, Sheridan had initially envisioned Costner's character exiting much earlier in the series, but the actor's continued presence reshaped that timeline. Independent.co.uk reported that the show's success kept Costner on longer than expected, and his eventual exit due to scheduling conflicts prompted Sheridan to conclude the main series and continue the story through the spin-off Dutton Ranch. Sheridan expressed disappointment over the situation, according to independent.co.uk, noting that the show's momentum had made Costner's involvement last well past the original design. The behind-the-scenes dynamics, TVLine reported, involved creative decisions that ultimately shifted John Dutton's arc from Sheridan's earlier blueprint. The patriarch's departure played out differently on screen than the showrunner had once mapped out. The split between Costner and the production was driven by the actor's other commitments, independent.co.uk stated, leaving Sheridan to juggle narrative threads that had been built around Dutton's presence. The creator's decision to wrap the flagship series and pivot to a spin-off reflects the logistical realities of losing a central star. Fans have long speculated about the tensions behind the curtain, and Sheridan's recent remarks offer the clearest picture yet of how the exit unfolded. With Yellowstone now concluded and Dutton Ranch in development, Sheridan's comments frame Costner's exit as a catalyst rather than a clean break. The spin-off aims to preserve the universe while acknowledging that the original ending was not the one Sheridan had in mind when he first conceived the patriarch's farewell.

2 sources · 3 Jul

The Reckoner: Peter Dinklage, Derek Kolstad, and Kenji Tanigaki Unite for Lionsgate Action Film

Kenji Tanigaki, the director behind the breakout action film The Furious, has signed on to direct The Reckoner, a new original action feature starring Peter Dinklage. The project is written by Derek Kolstad, creator of the John Wick franchise, and will be produced by Anthony and Joe Russo's AGBO, with Lionsgate distributing. Both The Hollywood Reporter and The A.V. Club reported the news. "The film will be written by John Wick screenwriter Derek Kolstad and stars Peter Dinklage, with plot details currently under wraps." The pairing of Tanigaki's visceral action style with Kolstad's proven franchise instincts makes The Reckoner one of the more intriguing projects in Lionsgate's pipeline. "The project pairs Tanigaki's action filmmaking with Kolstad's franchise-building pedigree." Kolstad and Dinklage are also attached as producers alongside AGBO, deepening their involvement beyond writing and starring. "Lionsgate has acquired the project, and Anthony and Joe Russo's AGBO will produce." With Tanigaki fresh off The Furious and Kolstad's track record building the John Wick universe, The Reckoner arrives as a promising addition to the action genre. No plot details or release date have been announced yet, but the assembled talent suggests a high-octane original story.

2 sources · 3 Jul

Satirical takeover: The Onion turns Infowars into parody, pays Sandy Hook families $100,000

The Onion has launched a satirical version of Alex Jones' Infowars, donating the proceeds to the families of Sandy Hook shooting victims. According to the Associated Press, the parody debuted under The Onion's own website, combining Infowars branding with the satirical outlet's signature style. The move follows a billion-dollar defamation verdict against Jones for falsely calling the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre a hoax. Comedian Tim Heidecker hosted the relaunch broadcast, doing his signature Alex Jones impression. Rolling Stone reported that Heidecker declared "a new dawn" for the outlet before cutting to other segments. The A.V. Club described the event as "a unique media event where a satirical publication takes over and repurposes a notorious disinformation outlet." The Onion is sending the families a $100,000 check from merchandise sales. The Associated Press noted that the merchandise "merge the conspiracy empire's brand with The Onion's logo." The A.V. Club added that the payment directly compensates those harmed by Infowars' previous content. The Onion had previously tried to acquire Infowars in a bankruptcy auction, according to the Associated Press. Rolling Stone reported that the relaunch follows a legal battle by The Onion to secure the rights to Jones' flagship property. The satirical takeover marks a rare instance of a humor publication repurposing a disinformation platform to benefit its victims.

4 sources · 3 Jul

Rico Nasty Returns to 'Sugar Trap' Sound with New Album 'RX' and Single 'Cupcake'

Rico Nasty has announced her next album, RX, set for release on July 24, marking a reunion with longtime producer Kenny Beats, now going by Kenneth Blume, according to Pitchfork. The project arrives after her 2025 rap-rock album Lethal and signals a return to the hyper-stylized, high-energy style she calls 'sugar trap.' "marks a return to her signature 'sugar trap' sound after her 2025 rap-rock album Lethal." The lead single 'Cupcake' debuted alongside a music video directed by Miggy, which Pitchfork described as featuring Rico joyriding in an off-roader. The song is the first taste of the album, which also includes contributions from 100 Gecs' Dylan Brady, the outlet reported. Stereogum noted that the announcement comes just three weeks before the album's arrival and follows an earlier collaborative single, 'Rituals,' which the outlet named one of the best tracks of its release week. The new album is being positioned as a full collaborative project between Rico Nasty and Beats, reviving their chemistry after several years.

2 sources · 3 Jul

Swift and Kelce Give $26 Million to Charity, Guests Asked to Skip Gifts for Wedding Report

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have donated $26 million to at least 20 charities, including food banks, children's hospitals, and animal cruelty organizations, ahead of their reportedly upcoming wedding in New York. The couple has not officially confirmed the wedding, but the charitable giving appears to be part of the celebration, according to Variety. "absolutely no gifts" The donation comes as a generous alternative to wedding gifts, with guests reportedly requested to bring nothing material. Vogue.com confirmed the news via a press release, fueling rumors of a wedding celebration this weekend. The scale of the giving is notable: $26 million spread across educational programs, food banks, and animal welfare groups. Variety reported that the donations were made to at least 20 charities, including food banks, animal cruelty organizations, educational programs, and children's hospitals, ahead of their reportedly upcoming wedding in New York. The couple has not officially confirmed a wedding date or location. The move echoes a growing trend among high-profile couples to tie charitable giving to their nuptials, but the amount here far exceeds typical celebrity wedding donations. According to Vogue.com, the couple requested "absolutely no gifts" from attendees, instead directing goodwill toward the chosen organizations. Neither Swift nor Kelce's representatives have commented on the wedding speculation, leaving fans and media to piece together the timing from the press release and the couple's recent public appearances. The donations themselves, however, have already been confirmed by multiple outlets, with funds going directly to the listed charities.

2 sources · 3 Jul

Spotify Strikes Over 500,000 Streams From Malcolm Todd’s ‘Earrings’ After Prediction Market Trader Spotted Anomaly

Spotify has confirmed streaming fraud on Malcolm Todd's song “Earrings” and deleted more than 500,000 streams after irregularities were flagged by a prediction market trader, according to Stereogum and the Financial Times. The track had briefly hit number one on Spotify's Global Daily chart with 4.165 million streams before the removal dropped it to number four. Caleb Davies, a Kalshi prediction market trader, brought the suspicious streaming numbers to Spotify's attention, Stereogum reported. Davies has previously been covered by Rolling Stone and The New York Times for his success with prediction markets, and he noticed the anomaly through his trading activity. “Spotify confirmed fraud and deleted over 500,000 streams, dropping the song to 4.” The platform acted on concerns that traders may have artificially propelled the song to the top of the chart, the Financial Times reported. The incident highlights the growing intersection between music streaming data and financial betting markets, where users wager on real-world outcomes. Davies’ role in detecting the fraud underscores how prediction market participants are increasingly acting as watchdogs for streaming platforms. The Financial Times noted that Kalshi allows bets on chart positions, creating a financial incentive for traders to spot manipulation in real time.

2 sources · 3 Jul

Gary Glitter, 82, Faces Four New Charges for Alleged Child Sexual Abuse in Late 1970s

Disgraced glam rock singer Gary Glitter, already serving a 16-year prison sentence for child sex offenses, has been hit with four additional historic sexual offense charges, Variety reported. The charges, brought by the Metropolitan Police, relate to an alleged victim under the age of 13 and date back to 1978, according to the outlet. "Gary Glitter, the former singer already serving a 16-year prison sentence for child sex offenses, has been charged with four additional historic sexual offenses." The Crown Prosecution Service announced that Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, faces three counts of indecent assault of a girl under 14 and one count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, the New York Times reported. The offenses are alleged to have occurred between 1978 and 1981 in Kensington, London, according to the Hollywood Reporter, which added that Glitter is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5. Glitter, 82, has multiple prior convictions for pedophilia, Billboard noted. The new allegations involve another young girl in the U.K., further extending the criminal record of a figure whose music career was long eclipsed by his history of abusing minors, as the entertainment industry continues to reckon with cases of historic sexual abuse.

4 sources · 3 Jul

UK Culture Secretary Pulls Department Off X, Citing Lack of 'Meaningful Debate'

U.K. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced she is leaving X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and that her entire Department for Culture, Media and Sport will follow suit. Variety reported that Nandy stated the platform now favors abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate. The move comes as a significant rebuke to Elon Musk's social media company by a senior government official. According to Deadline, Nandy cited concerns over "abuse and misinformation" on the platform as the driving reason for her departure. She will remain active on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, Variety noted, shifting her official and personal digital presence away from X entirely. "the platform now favours abuse and misinformation over meaningful debate" Deadline added that Nandy's exit follows her recent involvement in Paramount's takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, though the sources did not link that deal directly to her decision about X. The departure of a cabinet secretary and her department marks one of the most prominent institutional withdrawals from the platform since Musk's acquisition. Deadline further confirmed that the entire Department for Culture, Media and Sport will leave X, a coordinated exit that raises questions about other government bodies' continued presence on the platform. Nandy's choice to keep accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, as Variety reported, signals a deliberate strategy to maintain public engagement while rejecting X's current environment.

2 sources · 3 Jul

Man Pleads Guilty to Harassing Family of Missing Woman With Fake Ransom Note

A California man has pleaded guilty to sending a fake ransom note to the family of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman who went missing earlier this year. Derrick Callella, 42, of Hawthorne, pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment using a telecommunication device, according to TheWrap. Callella admitted to contacting Guthrie's family via phone and text messages on February 4, 2026, demanding a bitcoin transfer and seeking information about the investigation into her disappearance, Rolling Stone reported. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona announced the plea, highlighting the malicious nature of the communication during a time of crisis. "Callella intended to harass the family during their desperate search for Guthrie" The exploitation of a family's anguish underscores the cruelty of the act, as authorities noted the deliberate timing of the fake demand. Callella's sentencing is scheduled for September 10, with reports indicating he will receive 10 years of probation, TheWrap reported. Nancy Guthrie is the mother of a Today Show host, adding a layer of public attention to the case. The guilty plea brings a measure of accountability for a scheme that preyed on a family already gripped by uncertainty and grief over a missing loved one.

2 sources · 3 Jul

President Trump professes ignorance of crypto earnings that made up bulk of $2.2 billion income

President Trump's 2025 mandatory financial disclosure reveals that his family's business holdings generated at least $2.2 billion in income, with cryptocurrency ventures accounting for roughly $1.4 billion of that total, according to The New York Times. The filing provides a rare, detailed look at the Trump family's financial empire, which includes crypto businesses, real estate, licensing deals, and other holdings. Trump, however, told CNBC on July 2 that he was unaware of the cryptocurrency windfall until the disclosure was made public, as reported by USA Today. The bulk of the crypto income came from World Liberty Financial, a company involving his sons Eric, Donald Jr., and Barron Trump, USA Today reported. The disclosure underscores how central digital assets have become to the president's business portfolio since returning to the White House. "It provides a detailed look at the Trump family's financial empire...showing a stunning level of profitability since returning to the White House." That extraordinary profitability, however, comes with a twist. Trump's professed lack of awareness about the crypto ventures that generated a majority of his income raises questions about the president's involvement in and oversight of his family's business operations. "President Donald Trump claims he was unaware of his family's cryptocurrency ventures that generated over $1.4 billion of his $2.2 billion in 2025 income." The claim of ignorance, made during a CNBC interview, adds an unusual layer to a disclosure that otherwise paints a picture of immense wealth driven largely by volatile digital assets. The report notes that the president's crypto ventures alone generated approximately $1.4 billion in revenue, with total holdings reaching at least $2 billion, according to The New York Times.

3 sources · 3 Jul

Trump's crypto windfall tops $1 billion in new disclosure; president says Americans also benefit

President Donald Trump's latest financial disclosure reveals that he earned over $1 billion from cryptocurrency and coin ventures, a sum that dwarfs his other income, according to a report from The Washington Post. The nearly 1,000-page filing details earnings from crypto, settlements, and resorts, with the Post noting that the crypto total alone far surpasses Trump's $600 million in overall reported income. USA Today put the figure at $1.4 billion, specifying that nearly $800 million came from World Liberty Financial and the $TRUMP meme coin in 2025. The discrepancy in totals likely reflects different reporting periods: The Washington Post covered 2024 earnings, while USA Today reported on 2025 income. The disclosure was filed June 30 as a routine report, according to USA Today. In a July 1 press conference, Trump defended the massive crypto earnings, framing his financial success as part of a broader prosperity that ordinary Americans are also sharing in, USA Today reported. The president did not offer specific evidence for how the public benefits from his ventures, but the statement suggests a political rationale for the disclosure amid ongoing scrutiny of his business ties. The Washington Post characterized the filing as showing Trump's crypto earnings exceeding his total income from all other sources combined, underscoring the outsize role digital assets now play in his personal finances. The report lists income from a range of cryptocurrency ventures and coin projects, but does not break down each source in detail. Both outlets noted that the disclosure is a standard requirement for presidential candidates and officeholders, though the scale of Trump's crypto earnings has drawn particular attention. The filings offer the most detailed public look yet at how deeply Trump has waded into the crypto industry, with USA Today highlighting the nearly $800 million from two specific ventures alone.

2 sources · 3 Jul