AI Safety Debate: A former Anthropic/OpenAI researcher warned AI builders are “gambling with our lives,” with some insiders putting odds of catastrophic outcomes as high as 50%. Federal R&D Push: The NSF unveiled $1.5B+ in new funding opportunities for foundational science, using a portfolio approach to back both long-horizon and fast-turn ideas. Consumer Tech: Apple’s long-awaited foldable, the iPhone Duo, is finally in hands-on focus—slick transitions, but a very high price tag. Education & Workforce: Winston-Salem State launched an inaugural RISE AI summit to help educators and industry adopt AI responsibly, while Kuwait’s PAAET sent students to China to learn from tech and manufacturing leaders. Banking Innovation: Valley National Bank rolled out Valley Foundry to accelerate adoption of AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics via startup and VC partnerships. Surveillance Backlash: Cincinnati moved to set rules around surveillance tech like license plate readers, as other cities pause or review similar systems. Health & Medtech Deals: Axogen agreed to buy BioCircuit Technologies for $200M to expand peripheral nerve repair tech. Energy & Industry: WinGD won an engine order enabling Polaris Shipping to run methanol or ethanol for more fuel flexibility.