Trump Appoints Tech Leaders to Science Advisory Council
President Donald Trump appointed technology executives Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, and Jensen Huang to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), which will advise on policies related to artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. The thirteen-member panel, co-chaired by David Sacks and Michael Kratsios, aims to strengthen American leadership in science and technology. This announcement follows the release of an AI framework by the White House, which seeks to prevent states from regulating AI.
Virginia Lawmaker Advocates for AI Data Center Strategy
Virginia Representative Suhas Subramanyam has called for a nationwide approach to the expansion of AI data centers, emphasizing the need for a balanced development strategy amid rising energy costs. In response, Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez plan to introduce legislation for a moratorium on new AI data centers, aiming to implement federal safeguards that address environmental impacts and protect workers. This proposal reflects growing concerns, as over 200 advocacy groups have urged Congress to halt AI infrastructure expansion until adequate regulations are established.
Google Research Launches TurboQuant Algorithm Suite
Google Research unveiled its TurboQuant algorithm suite, which enables a sixfold reduction in key-value (KV) memory usage for large language models, alongside an eightfold increase in computing performance. This breakthrough, part of a multi-year research effort, aims to alleviate the memory bottleneck in AI tasks and is expected to reduce operational costs for enterprises by over 50%. Following the announcement, shares of computer memory and storage manufacturers declined as traders anticipated decreased demand for memory.
OpenAI Discontinues Sora Amid Funding Challenges
OpenAI has discontinued its AI video generation app Sora, which had gained significant attention after its launch in late 2024 and reached the top of the Apple App Store shortly after the release of its stand-alone version in September 2025. The decision to shut down Sora comes amid a tightening funding environment and follows criticism regarding the app's moderation challenges, including the creation of harmful content and copyright violations. OpenAI will also wind down its $1 billion content partnership with Disney as it shifts focus to other AI developments, particularly in robotics.
