Good morning readers. Tired of hitting that pesky paywall when all you want is a quick read? Well, fret not. From the classic "Google the headline" trick to tech-savvy browser add-ons, there's a hack for that. While news sites need love (and subscriptions) too, sometimes you're just in a pinch. Whether you're dodging digital tolls with incognito windows or getting sneaky with HTML edits, these tricks might just be your golden ticket. But remember, if you love the content, consider subscribing. After all, good journalism isn't free.

Let’s jump into today’s storylines.

In today’s digest:

• Sundar Pichai takes the stand at Google’s antitrust trial

• Headline Hustle: Meta suspends ads in Europe, Trump’s gag order reinstated, UAW & GM strike a deal

• Biden’s push for AI accountability

• Pulse Points: What’s Trending

TECH

Google CEO Pichai stands firm on Apple partnership

Remember when you had to choose between Bing and Google every time you wanted to look something up? Yeah, neither do we. Google's been the go-to for most of us, and there's a reason for that. Sundar Pichai, Google's CEO, recently took the stand in the historic antitrust trial, defending the tech giant's whopping $26.3 billion "investment" in 2021 to remain the default search engine on devices, especially those shiny Apple ones. But here's the thing: Pichai painted a picture of a relationship with Apple that's more "love-hate" than "BFFs." Despite what some Apple insiders might say, Pichai insists it's not all rainbows and butterflies between the two.

It’s a complicated relationship

Peek behind the Silicon Valley curtain, and you'll see the intricate dance between these two tech giants. Sure, Google and Apple might throw shade at each other in the smartphone arena, but when it comes to search, they're waltzing together to the bank. Microsoft's head honcho, Satya Nadella, isn't buying the whole "we're just partners" act either. He's calling out the duo's deal as a classic case of "keep your friends close and your enemies closer." In his words, it's a "fantastic, simple oligopolistic arrangement." Ouch.

Big picture: For us mere mortals, this trial offers a front-row seat to the power plays of the tech world. It's not just about who gets to be the default search engine; it's a deep dive into the ethics of the digital age. As the gavel prepares to drop, the verdict could either usher in a new era of tech innovation or just be another episode in the "Big Tech stays big" series.

Headline Hustle

🇪🇺 Meta suspends ads targeting teens in Europe. In a nod to EU regulations, the tech giant will halt ads for European teens and roll out subscription-based versions of its platforms. For a cool €9.99 on desktop or €12.99 on mobile, users can enjoy an ad-free Facebook and Instagram experience. But there's a catch: say yes to targeted ads or pay up. This move, a significant pivot in one of Meta's largest markets, is a response to EU's tightening grip on online privacy. While Meta champions an ad-supported internet, don't expect Canadian or U.S. users to get the subscription option anytime soon.

👩🏽‍⚖️ Donald Trump's gag order restored. Hold the tweets, Donald. A federal judge, Tanya Chutkan, has slapped a gag order back on Donald Trump, preventing him from publicly criticizing those involved in his criminal case about the 2020 election conspiracy. While Trump cries foul on his First Amendment rights, Judge Chutkan argues it's all about "the orderly administration of justice." Trump can still throw shade at the judge and the Biden administration, but targeting specific individuals? That's a no-no. This drama unfolds as Trump faces legal heat elsewhere, with fines in New York and guilty pleas in Georgia.

👏 UAW, GM reach initial labor deal, putting an end to strike. After a six-week standoff, General Motors (GM) and the United Auto Workers (UAW) have finally shaken hands, ending a strike that saw 45,000 workers hitting the picket lines. This follows similar deals with Ford and Stellantis. UAW President Shawn Fain cheekily remarked they've squeezed "every last dime" from GM. If ratified, workers can expect a 25% wage hike over four years, improved retirement perks, and the right to strike over plant closures. GM's CEO, Mary Barra, is eager to get everyone back to work. But while the strike's end is a sigh of relief, it's left a dent in profits and forecasts higher labor costs ahead.

POLITICS

The balance of power and responsibility

Ever had that moment when your smart speaker seems a little too smart? Well, the Biden administration is stepping in, dusting off a Korean War-era law, the Defense Production Act, to keep an eye on the brains behind our tech. The message? Big AI, keep us in the loop, especially if your creations could shake up national security, our economy, or public well-being. Biden's all for the AI revolution, but with great power comes great responsibility. And while many in the tech realm are giving a nod of approval, seeing it as a middle ground, others, like NetChoice, are crying foul, fearing this could clip America's tech wings.

The need for ground rules

It's not just about keeping our jobs safe from robots or stopping Alexa from eavesdropping. The White House is sounding the alarm on deepfakes and cyber threats, pushing for clear markers on AI-generated content. But here's the catch: while the administration's making moves, they're the first to admit that executive orders can only do so much. The ball's in Congress's court to lay down the AI law.

Zoom out, and it's clear: AI isn't just a U.S. affair. With Europe tightening its AI reins and global AI safety summits popping up, the world's getting the message—AI's here to stay, but it needs some ground rules. Biden's making his move, but the real win might just be a global team effort, with tech giants, governments, and the public joining forces to ride the AI wave safely.

SNIPPETS

Pulse Points

• Lionel Messi, Argentina and Inter Miami forward, has secured his eighth Men's Ballon d'Or award.

• On Monday, a federal prosecutor rigorously questioned FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, challenging his assertion that management errors, rather than illegal actions, caused the crypto exchange's downfall.

• The company now named X, previously Twitter, values itself at $19 billion, a decrease from the $44 billion Elon Musk paid for it a year ago, according to internal documents acquired by Fortune.

• Walmart is investing over $9 billion in two years to enhance U.S. stores with better layouts, broader product ranges, and new technology.

• The urgent call for innovation and investment in maternal health.

Was this email forwarded to you? Feel free to sign up using the following link: https://www.pulseofprogress.info/