Technology/Business

The Bessemer City Council has approved the rezoning of a wooded property for the development of a $14.5 billion hyperscale data center, despite significant community opposition. Concerns have been raised regarding the project's substantial water consumption, potential environmental impact, and the perceived lack of transparency from developers. The council's 5-2 vote marks a pivotal advancement for the data center, amidst ongoing debates about its implications for local resources and community well-being.

Disney and YouTube TV have finalized a multi-year agreement to restore Disney content on the streaming platform, concluding a two-week blackout that coincided with a historic election night.

In October, layoff announcements in the United States surged by 175%, with over 153,000 job cuts reported. The report by Challenger, Gray & Christmas identifies AI adoption, declining consumer and corporate spending, and rising costs as primary contributing factors.

As the tech industry undergoes seismic shifts marked by automation and layoffs, Black professionals are leveraging the AfroTech Conference as a vital platform to adapt, acquire new skills, and forge essential connections to secure their place in the evolving job market.

Google has terminated its Women Techmakers program, a move that has left members feeling blindsided and marginalized, as the tech giant scales back its diversity initiatives amid mounting political scrutiny.

Microsoft is charting a distinct course in the competitive landscape of AI chatbots by prioritizing safety and trustworthiness. The company aims to foster human interaction through its AI tools, deliberately steering clear of romantic or sexual dialogues, setting it apart from other tech giants.

A recent outage of Amazon Web Services (AWS) has underscored the significant dependency of internet infrastructure on a single entity, revealing vulnerabilities that can lead to widespread disruptions across various sectors. This incident highlights the critical issue of single points of failure within the digital ecosystem, with potential cascading effects on businesses and essential services.

OpenAI has announced a suspension of its AI video tool Sora's feature allowing users to generate videos of Martin Luther King Jr., following criticism over disrespectful portrayals. This decision comes after appeals from Dr. Bernice A. King and the AI Ethics Council, highlighting concerns about ethical use of AI technology.

US District Judge Karin Immergut has ruled to extend the temporary restraining order that prevents the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, maintaining the suspension of President Trump's federalization initiative amid ongoing legal disputes.

Federal employees are advised to develop a financial strategy to safeguard their finances amid potential layoffs. This includes assessing monthly expenditures, calculating available emergency funds, and seeking external assistance.