Silicon Valley is fighting against regulation, taxes and growth of AI and will benefit from having political leverage

Silicon Valley had a big night in California’s primary election, proving that the tens of millions of dollars funding candidates across the state was money well spent. While the tech industry’s preferred candidate for governor came in a scant sixth place, donations to smaller elections proved to be a successful strategy.

Tech billionaires have in past months thrown their full weight into politics as the industry fights regulations, taxation and promotes the unfettered growth of artificial intelligence. Getting the right candidates in office, especially in its home turf of California, is existential. With favorable candidates, tech companies can gain both political and regulatory leverage to maintain their dominance in business.

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© Photograph: Jae C Hong/AP

© Photograph: Jae C Hong/AP

© Photograph: Jae C Hong/AP

Measure expected to pass next week represents major rebuke to big tech as local disquiet over AI boom grows

Seattle’s city government is on the verge of passing a year-long ban on the construction of new datacenters, the largest city yet in the US to consider such a moratorium as nationwide backlash grows.

Four companies sought to build five large datacenters in areas serviced by Seattle’s public utility; if approved, they would have consumed approximately a third of the city’s current daily demand for electricity.

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© Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

© Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

© Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

The experimental jet was built to kill the sonic boom. First, it has to survive going supersonic.

The experimental jet was built to kill the sonic boom. First, it has to survive going supersonic.

A nanoscale fabric coating repels stains and microbes using only tap water.

A nanoscale fabric coating repels stains and microbes using only tap water.

Globally, agriculture faces mounting pressures. These are driven by climate change, land degradation, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and the demand for food from a growing population.