Alarm

• The Bank of England has issued a warning that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are increasing cyber risks and exposing critical vulnerabilities within the financial system. • The central bank emphasizes that AI tools are enabling more sophisticated attacks, making financial markets more susceptible to systemic disruptions. • This alert underscores the urgent need for financial firms to strengthen their operational resilience to counter evolving, AI-driven threats.

Almost 700 cases were reported to Michigan health department by Monday, up from 170 six days earlierCases of cyclosporiasis – a parasitic illness that causes “explosive”, watery diarrhea – have grown exponentially in recent days, health officials said, with an abnormally large outbreak reported in Michigan.Almost 700 cases were reported to the state’s health department by Monday, ABC News said, up from 170 six days earlier, and almost 14 times Michigan’s average annual caseload of 50. Continue reading...

• A new UN report on AI warns that its capabilities are surpassing scientific understanding and government adaptation. • The report highlights challenges such as measurement difficulties and concentration of power, sparking concerns among critics that it may stifle progress. • Critics argue that perfect understanding is not necessary for technological advancement, citing history as evidence that technologies evolve through deployment and competition.

• Tuberculosis cases in the U.S. reached a 14-year high in 2024 and remain elevated in 2025, sparking alarm among public health experts. • The surge is attributed to critical gaps in screening and underfunded contact tracing, which leave vulnerable communities exposed to the disease. • Separately, psilocybin may receive FDA approval by late 2026 due to a Trump executive order and the use of priority review vouchers.

• UN relief chief Martin Griffiths has sounded an alarm regarding the escalation of violence in Sudan's North Kordofan region. • He emphasized that humanitarian workers must be granted safe, unimpeded access to reach vulnerable populations affected by the conflict. • The warning highlights the critical need for all warring parties to uphold international humanitarian law by protecting civilians and relief personnel.

• Overseas cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, are offering high-leverage trading products based on the KOSPI index with multipliers reaching up to 150x. • These synthetic assets, such as KORU, allow traders to speculate on Korean stock markets without using traditional domestic brokerage accounts. • Financial authorities are alarmed by the lack of investor protection and the potential for significant capital outflow from the domestic financial system.

President made more than $1bn from crypto businesses last year while federal government oversaw regulation. Plus, giant seal causes havoc in Tasmania – but locals love himGood morning.Donald Trump has raked in more than $1bn from his crypto businesses since returning to the White House, according to financial disclosures, making him substantially richer and ringing alarm bells over a conflict of interest.Where else is Trump getting money from? The US president made millions last year from selling Trump-branded bibles, sneakers and other small items in another unprecedented move for the presidency. In the Trump-branded watches category alone, the president earned $4.7m. Trump also racked up tens of millions from fees and licensing deals in a flurry of new hotel, resort and condo deals overseas. Many of those countries were at the same time negotiating with the US over tariffs, military aid and other important matters. Continue reading...

Proposal has been put to cabinet to allow AI companies to mine content, in exchange for investment and $350m fund to compensate artists, sources say Creatives are demanding fresh assurances from the Albanese government that it won’t water down copyright laws under a potential deal with tech giants to attract more than $50bn worth of datacentre investment in exchange for a $350m-a-year fund for artists.Guardian Australia has been told an industry proposal has been presented to cabinet that would grant AI companies special exemptions to mine creative content. Continue reading...