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Senate GOP Reach Deal to Curb State AI Regulations in Trump’s Tax Bill, Cutting The Moratorium to Five Years

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Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) have struck a deal on a hot-button provision in President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax legislation that seeks to bar individual U.S. states from regulating artificial intelligence.

The agreement, which softens the original language of the bill, reflects the latest flashpoint in a growing national tug-of-war over who should control the future of AI governance: the federal government or the states.

Under the revised text, states would be temporarily prohibited from implementing new AI-specific regulations for five years if they wish to access a $500 million federal fund earmarked for AI infrastructure and deployment. That’s a reduction from the 10-year moratorium initially proposed in the original bill—a version Blackburn had publicly opposed.

The updated provision now exempts state laws that regulate unfair or deceptive practices, child sexual abuse material, children’s online safety, and publicity rights—a major concession to lawmakers like Blackburn who have championed legislation to protect children and consumers from the potential harms of advanced digital technologies.

The debate around state AI regulation came in the absence of comprehensive federal AI legislation, prompting states like California, Illinois, and New York to take the lead, introducing laws and proposals to govern how artificial intelligence can be used in hiring, surveillance, consumer data profiling, education, and law enforcement.

Illinois, for example, passed the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) in 2008, which has since become a national template for regulating the use of facial recognition and biometric data. California, through its California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and subsequent laws, has introduced strict obligations around automated decision-making and algorithmic transparency. Other states have followed suit with proposals targeting AI use in schools, healthcare, and financial services.

These efforts have drawn increasing opposition from tech industry lobbyists and lawmakers aligned with national security and commerce interests, who argue that a patchwork of state laws creates regulatory chaos, stifling innovation and investment in AI technology. Supporters of federal preemption believe that only Congress can provide the uniformity needed to keep pace with the rapid development of AI.

But experts warn that preempting state authority risks leaving consumers unprotected. Many states see themselves as laboratories of democracy capable of moving faster than a gridlocked Congress to address evolving AI risks—especially in areas like discrimination, misinformation, or the safety of children online.

A longtime critic of Big Tech, Senator Blackburn has staked much of her political capital on pushing laws aimed at protecting minors and reining in social media giants. She is the co-sponsor of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a bill that would require platforms to take greater responsibility for shielding children from harmful content and intrusive algorithmic profiling.

Her decision to back a five-year AI regulation freeze, after opposing the original 10-year moratorium, hinges on the exemptions negotiated with Cruz.

“To ensure we do not decimate the progress states like Tennessee have made… I am pleased Chairman Cruz has agreed to update the AI provision to exempt state laws that protect kids, creators, and other vulnerable individuals,” Blackburn said in a statement Sunday.

She added that the agreement will help ensure Congress moves forward on other digital protections.

“I look forward to working with him in the coming months to hold Big Tech accountable—including by passing the Kids Online Safety Act and an online privacy framework that gives consumers more power over their data,” she said.

Blackburn’s support gives the bill fresh momentum as the Senate prepares for key votes this week. The compromise could also ease tensions within the Republican caucus, where several lawmakers—such as Sens. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.)—have criticized the federal AI provision, arguing that it infringes on states’ rights and undermines local control.

Trump’s Push for Centralized AI Policy

The AI provision is part of the broader “One Big Beautiful Bill,” President Trump’s centerpiece economic and tax reform package, which aims to consolidate and accelerate federal investments in critical technologies, energy infrastructure, and tax relief. The administration has made it clear that it views AI as a strategic priority, both economically and geopolitically, with Trump personally pushing to pass the bill before July 4.

Supporters believe that the federal moratorium is necessary to allow time for a national AI framework to take shape, avoiding a scenario where fragmented state policies hinder the deployment of technologies critical to defense, healthcare, and infrastructure. Trump has pitched the bill as part of his “America First” digital agenda, aimed at countering China’s AI dominance and securing U.S. leadership in the technology race.

Last week, the provision cleared a key hurdle when Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that it complies with the Byrd Rule, meaning it can remain in the budget reconciliation package. That decision allows Republicans to move forward without Democratic support, assuming the GOP can rally enough votes from its own ranks.

What’s Next?

Whether Blackburn and Cruz’s compromise will be enough to satisfy holdouts like Hawley and Johnson remains uncertain. However, many say even a five-year pause risks chilling important state-level protections, especially as AI systems continue to evolve without clear federal oversight.

The Senate is scheduled to begin voting on the package Monday morning. The clock is ticking, with Trump’s self-imposed July 4 deadline fast approaching.

If passed, the bill would mark the first major federal intervention in how AI is governed in the United States—a dramatic escalation in a battle that has so far played out largely at the state level. For supporters, it’s a long-overdue step toward national coordination. For critics, it’s a premature power grab that leaves the public vulnerable.

Either way, the deal between Blackburn and Cruz now places AI governance squarely at the heart of a broader legislative effort that could reshape the United States’ AI landscape.

Zuckerberg Launches Meta Superintelligence Labs in Major Push for AI Dominance, Shares Soar

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is doubling down on the artificial intelligence arms race, announcing the formation of Meta Superintelligence Labs, a sweeping reorganization that will unite all of Meta’s AI projects under one strategic roof.

The move signals Zuckerberg’s most aggressive play yet in the pursuit of AI superintelligence—a form of AI that surpasses human cognitive ability—putting Meta in direct competition with rivals like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Microsoft, and Nvidia.

The new AI unit will be helmed by Alexandr Wang, former CEO of Scale AI, a data labeling startup Meta recently acquired through a $14.3 billion investment. Wang now serves as Meta’s Chief AI Officer. Alongside him is Nat Friedman, the former CEO of GitHub, who will oversee Meta’s AI product strategy and applied research. The team also includes Daniel Gross, Friedman’s longtime business partner and the co-founder of Safe Superintelligence, a high-profile startup that rebuffed Meta’s acquisition offer earlier this year.

Zuckerberg’s vision is not just to integrate AI more deeply into Meta’s services, but to position the company at the forefront of the AI superintelligence race—an ambition with transformative implications for everything from social media to enterprise solutions and beyond.

Meta’s $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI wasn’t just about data infrastructure—it was about talent. The deal gave Meta direct access to Wang and his team, alongside other elite AI talent that has been defecting from competing labs. The company has quietly poached 11 AI researchers from across the field, including from OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic. Notable among the hires are Pei Sun, a principal researcher from DeepMind, and Joel Pobar, an engineer from Anthropic.

The hiring spree has sent ripples through Silicon Valley. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently remarked that Meta had been offering up to $100 million in signing bonuses in its bid to lure top talent—an eye-popping figure that underscores just how high the stakes have become.

Meta Shares Soar on AI Optimism

News of Meta’s Superintelligence Labs sent its stock soaring to an all-time high of $747.90 during Monday’s trading session. The company joins Microsoft and Nvidia as the only major tech firms to hit fresh records recently, a sign that investors are bullish on Meta’s pivot toward AI as the next great revenue frontier.

This surge in confidence comes just months after Meta announced sweeping job cuts, laying off 5% of its workforce and labeling them “low performers.” Since then, Zuckerberg has refocused the company around “efficiency and innovation,” with artificial intelligence taking center stage in both areas.

While Meta has been known primarily for its social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—Zuckerberg’s ambitions for AI are anything but incremental. The company has already launched the LLaMA 4 model and has ambitions for an even more powerful LLaMA 5 later this year, signaling an ongoing push toward foundation models that can rival GPT-4 or Gemini.

But Meta’s pivot also signals a deeper philosophical and strategic shift: away from consumer product iteration and toward AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and superintelligence, concepts that have long been the domain of research outfits like OpenAI and DeepMind.

Meta’s CTO Andrew Bosworth described the current talent war in AI as “incredible and kind of unprecedented in my 20-year career as a technology executive.” Speaking to CNBC on June 20, Bosworth emphasized that the company’s aggressive hiring is necessary to stay competitive in a field that is rapidly evolving and increasingly defined by breakthrough research.

However, Meta’s ambitions have not been a walk in the park. Earlier this year, the company made a failed attempt to acquire Safe Superintelligence, the startup co-founded by Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI’s former chief scientist. Despite reportedly offering generous terms, Meta’s advances were rebuffed, suggesting that not every AI leader is aligned with Zuckerberg’s vision or his approach to consolidation.

But with Wang and Friedman now firmly entrenched at Meta, the company is positioning itself as one of the most formidable players in the AI field. The creation of Superintelligence Labs marks a new phase—one in which Meta is no longer simply reacting to AI trends but actively trying to shape them.

The focus on superintelligence opens a new chapter in the tech sector’s AI race—one not just defined by faster chatbots or smarter image generators, but by the race to build machines that outthink humans entirely.

While that future is still speculative, Zuckerberg’s strategy makes one thing clear: Meta no longer sees itself merely as a social media company after the failure of the metaverse. It wants to be an AI powerhouse, a global player in defining what artificial intelligence becomes, how it is governed, and who benefits from it.

With billions of dollars, dozens of top researchers, and now an organizational structure aimed at delivering that goal, Meta Superintelligence Labs could be Zuckerberg’s boldest moonshot yet.

Bitcoin Spot ETFs and The Increasing Institutional Adoption

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U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $2.2 billion in net inflows over a week, reflecting strong institutional demand. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led with significant contributions, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC and Ark Invest’s ARKB. This continues a trend of robust inflows, with total net inflows reaching over $52 billion for some ETFs like IBIT.

The Norwegian deep-sea mining firm announced a Bitcoin treasury strategy, aiming to raise $1.2 billion to diversify its reserves amid inflation concerns and monetary uncertainty. This move aligns with growing corporate adoption of Bitcoin as a hedge, though it triggered a sharp selloff in the company’s shares. Bakkt filed with the SEC to raise up to $1 billion in securities, potentially for a crypto treasury strategy. While not explicitly confirmed for Bitcoin purchases, their updated investment policy allows acquiring Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies using excess cash or financing proceeds.

These developments highlight the increasing integration of Bitcoin into institutional and corporate financial strategies, driven by regulatory clarity and market confidence. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions, as cryptocurrencies carry high risks. The recent developments around Bitcoin ETFs, Green Minerals’ Bitcoin treasury strategy, and Bakkt Holdings’ potential crypto treasury raise significant implications for markets, institutions, and the broader financial landscape.

The substantial inflows into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, led by giants like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Ark Invest, signal growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin as an asset class. With over $52 billion in cumulative inflows for some ETFs, Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as a legitimate portfolio diversifier. This strengthens Bitcoin’s price stability and market liquidity, potentially reducing volatility over time.

Green Minerals’ $1.2 billion Bitcoin treasury plan and Bakkt’s $1 billion raise reflect a trend of corporations diversifying reserves into cryptocurrencies. This mirrors earlier moves by companies like MicroStrategy and Tesla, positioning Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and fiat currency devaluation amid global monetary uncertainty.

The influx of institutional capital via ETFs and corporate treasuries could drive Bitcoin’s price higher, especially if demand outpaces supply (given Bitcoin’s fixed 21 million cap). However, Green Minerals’ share selloff after its announcement highlights market skepticism about corporate crypto adoption, particularly for firms in unrelated industries like deep-sea mining.

Bakkt’s potential crypto treasury could further legitimize corporate Bitcoin holdings, but its impact depends on how the $1 billion is allocated. If heavily invested in Bitcoin, it could amplify bullish sentiment; if diversified across other cryptocurrencies, it may signal broader crypto market confidence. The success of Bitcoin ETFs underscores the impact of regulatory clarity (e.g., SEC approvals in 2024). This encourages more traditional financial institutions to enter the crypto space, bridging the gap between TradFi and DeFi.

However, corporate moves like Green Minerals’ raise concerns about risk exposure. Investors may worry about volatility, regulatory crackdowns, or operational risks in managing crypto assets, as seen in the firm’s share price drop. These developments occur against a backdrop of persistent inflation, geopolitical tensions, and monetary policy uncertainty. Bitcoin’s appeal as “digital gold” grows for institutions and corporations seeking alternatives to fiat currencies, especially in regions with unstable economies or high inflation (e.g., Norway’s Krone weakening against global currencies).

The growing adoption of Bitcoin by institutions and corporations highlights a deepening divide between traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem, as well as within society and markets. Institutional inflows into ETFs (e.g., BlackRock, Fidelity) represent a cautious, regulated entry into crypto, prioritizing compliance and risk management. These players view Bitcoin as a speculative asset or hedge, not a revolutionary currency, and their involvement often prioritizes shareholder value over ideological goals like decentralization.

The crypto community, including retail investors and early adopters, often sees Bitcoin as a tool for financial sovereignty and a challenge to centralized banking systems. They may view institutional adoption with skepticism, fearing it dilutes Bitcoin’s original ethos or introduces manipulation risks through custodial ETFs. Companies adopting Bitcoin treasuries are betting on long-term price appreciation and inflation protection. This approach risks shareholder backlash (as seen with Green Minerals’ selloff) and exposure to Bitcoin’s volatility, which could impact balance sheets.

Many corporations remain hesitant, citing regulatory uncertainty, accounting complexities (e.g., U.S. GAAP treating crypto as an intangible asset), and reputational risks. This creates a divide between early adopters and traditional firms waiting for clearer regulations or market stability. In developed markets like the U.S. and Norway, Bitcoin adoption is driven by institutional interest and corporate strategies, supported by robust regulatory frameworks. ETFs and treasury strategies reflect a top-down approach to crypto integration.

In emerging markets, Bitcoin is often adopted at the grassroots level as a hedge against hyperinflation or currency controls (e.g., in Argentina or Zimbabwe). The lack of ETF infrastructure and corporate adoption in these regions creates a divide in how Bitcoin is accessed and used globally. Institutional and corporate moves legitimize Bitcoin for mainstream investors, potentially increasing public trust and adoption. Younger demographics and tech-savvy individuals are more likely to embrace crypto as part of the financial system.

The $2.2 billion in Bitcoin ETF inflows, Green Minerals’ $1.2 billion treasury plan, and Bakkt’s $1 billion raise signal a pivotal moment for Bitcoin’s integration into mainstream finance. These moves enhance Bitcoin’s legitimacy, liquidity, and price potential but also expose divides between traditional and crypto-native players, risk-tolerant and conservative corporations, and developed and emerging markets. The tension between adoption and skepticism will shape Bitcoin’s trajectory, with regulatory developments and market volatility as key variables.

Africa-Asia Route Leads Global Air Travel Surge as African Airlines Post Strongest Load Factor Gains

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African airlines recorded a standout performance in May 2025, registering a 9.5% year-on-year increase in international air travel demand, according to new data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The continent’s carriers not only outpaced most global regions in passenger growth but also achieved the highest improvement in seat occupancy, or load factor, climbing 2.2 percentage points to 74.9%—the strongest load factor gain worldwide for the month.

The sharp rise in demand on the Africa–Asia corridor, which surged by 15.9% year-on-year, was singled out by IATA as the fastest-growing international route globally in May. This resurgence reflects rising trade and tourism ties between the two regions, with increasing flight frequencies and expanded partnerships driving up connectivity.

To meet the momentum, African airlines scaled up capacity by 6.2%, a move seen as both bold and measured. This ensured that rising passenger volumes were matched with available seats, avoiding the kind of overcapacity that plagued some other regions.

“African airlines saw a 9.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 6.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 74.9% (+2.2 ppt compared to May 2024). Africa-Asia is the fastest-growing international corridor, with an expansion of 15.9%,” the IATA report stated.

Strong Global Trends, With Africa and Asia-Pacific Leading

Globally, international passenger demand rose 6.7% in May compared to the same period in 2024, with available seat capacity increasing by 6.4%. This pushed the international load factor to a record 83.2% for the month of May.

When both international and domestic markets are considered, global air travel demand and capacity each grew by 5.0%, although the average load factor slipped slightly to 83.4%.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted that Asia-Pacific led the global recovery, boasting a 13.3% growth in international demand, supported by a 10.6% rise in capacity. The region’s load factor hit 84.0%, up 2.0 percentage points compared to the previous year.

Walsh emphasized that while recovery continues, the pace is uneven. He flagged ongoing geopolitical tensions—especially in the Middle East—as a persistent risk to travel demand. However, he added that low oil prices and robust forward bookings heading into the summer suggest strong near-term momentum.

Mixed Performance in Other Regions

While Africa and Asia-Pacific showed strength, other regions delivered more tempered results:

  • Latin America: Carriers posted an 8.8% rise in international demand, but a sharper 11.0% increase in capacity led to a lower load factor of 83.6%, reflecting potential overcapacity.
  • Middle East: Demand rose 6.2%, closely tracking the 6.3% growth in capacity, keeping the load factor relatively flat at 80.9%.
  • Europe: A 4.1% rise in demand was matched by a 4.8% increase in capacity, resulting in a slight drop in load factor to 84.0%, down 0.6 percentage points year-on-year.
  • North America: The region posted the weakest growth, with just 1.4% growth in international demand and a 1.7% capacity increase, pushing the load factor down to 83.8%.

Africa’s Aviation Resilience Shows

The resilience of African aviation is underscored not just by rising demand but also by more disciplined capacity management and growing intercontinental ties. Analysts say this is likely the result of more coordinated airline strategies, improving infrastructure, and a rise in tourism and business travel across East and West Africa, as well as growing air traffic with China, India, and Southeast Asia.

The Africa–Asia route is increasingly vital, especially as several African governments promote new visa-free travel policies and bilateral air service agreements with Asian countries. The corridor is also being fueled by cargo operations, as trade volumes rebound after a slowdown in 2023.

Looking ahead, aviation experts see the potential for further gains if African carriers continue to modernize fleets, invest in service improvements, and expand route networks through alliances and codeshares.

For now, May’s performance stands as a positive signal for a continent that has long struggled with underinvestment and low interconnectivity in its aviation sector. The latest IATA figures suggest African aviation is not just recovering post-pandemic—it is beginning to thrive.

What If Elon Musk Built a Casino? Tesla Stock Fans Would Line Up to Play

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It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Elon Musk has already changed the way cars are made, how people fly to space, how solar energy works, and even how people use social media. The man who built Tesla and SpaceX might open a casino. What would happen? There’s no doubt that this casino would attract both players and traders. Tesla stock price changes are like religion to some fans, and they invest based on Musk’s tweets alone. The world of online betting has accepted Bitcoin and NFTs, and Musk’s business is likely to appeal to people who are tech-savvy and like to try new things. Indeed, crypto betting sites are already leading the way for this mixed experience. For a taste of the future, visit talk sport bet.

Let’s take a look at what a “Musk Casino” might look like, from the games and the style to how it uses technology and how it appeals to customers.

A Futuristic Space-Age Casino Design

The way a Musk-built casino looks and feels would be very different from the norm. There are no velvet rugs or neon signs that flash. It’s like a mix between Mars and the Las Vegas Strip. The design would look more like a Space Station Lounge than a Bellagio betting floor, since Tesla likes simple things and SpaceX likes industrial ones.

Possible Design Features:

Element Musk-Inspired Interpretation
Architecture Dome-like, self-sustaining structure (like Mars bases)
Energy Source 100% solar-powered with Tesla Powerwalls
Slot Machines Touchscreen, voice-activated, AI-enhanced
Table Games Fully digital with holographic dealers
VR Zones SpaceX launch simulators + casino hybrids
Transport Access Hyperloop terminals or underground Tesla tunnels

This would appeal not only to gamblers but to engineers, investors, and tech fanatics who follow Musk as a cultural icon. They’re not just placing bets — they’re participating in a live science-fiction experience.

Crypto-First, Fiat-Second Payment System

It’s likely that a casino owned by Musk would stay away from fiat cash whenever possible. Players could expect a blockchain-first payment model since Musk has backed Dogecoin, Bitcoin, and the crypto movement as a whole in the past. In fact, his Tesla company used to let people pay for cars with Bitcoin, and his tweets have caused big changes in the market.

Predicted Accepted Currencies:

Currency Likely Reason for Inclusion
Dogecoin Musk’s favorite “people’s crypto”
Bitcoin Popular among tech enthusiasts
Ethereum Smart contract functionality
SpaceX Token* Branded coin for casino rewards (speculative)

(*hypothetical, but highly probable if Musk builds an ecosystem.)

For fans already familiar with trading Tesla stock on Robinhood or eToro, managing crypto wallets for betting wouldn’t be a leap — it would feel native.

AI-Powered Personalized Gaming Experience

Musk has talked for a long time about the power of AI, including both its uses and its risks. Machine learning is at the heart of Tesla’s self-driving software, so it makes sense to use the same ideas in a casino. Every time someone played blackjack or a slot machine, the hand could be changed based on their risk tolerance, mood, or even stock holdings.

AI Features That Could Redefine Gambling:

  • Real-time adaptation to player behavior

  • Tesla Stock-Based Betting Modes: Win more when Tesla stock surges

  • Neuralink Compatibility: Brain-controlled games (conceptual, but on-brand)

  • Automated responsible gaming tools built on machine learning.

The result? A deeply personalized, highly engaging experience that makes other online casinos feel primitive.

A Cult Brand Effect: From Stockholders to Gamblers

Tesla owners aren’t like other shareholders; they’re loyal to the brand. A lot of them buy Tesla stuff, read every tweet Elon makes, and even name their pets after Tesla cars. People like these would wait in queue to get into a casino that Musk built, especially if it had a shareholder loyalty program or other perks for people who own $TSLA.

Potential Loyalty Perks for Tesla Fans:

Tesla Ownership Status Casino Benefit
Tesla Car Owner Free credits or bonus spins
Tesla Stockholder VIP entry or higher payout rates
Starlink Subscriber Access to exclusive live games
SpaceX Donor/Backer Private game rooms or NFT collectibles

Musk’s audience treats his companies like a lifestyle. A casino would just be the next logical step in the fandom — one where risk and reward meet in both the market and the gaming floor.

Could a Musk Casino Really Happen?

Elon Musk already has a lot of power over the stock market, social media (through X), and even payment systems (through PayPal roots). It’s not impossible for him to move into entertainment or online gaming, especially since he keeps testing the limits of digital communication, decentralised economies, and immersive technology.

The world’s online gambling market was worth more than $95 billion in 2024. With the rise of crypto casinos and NFT-based gaming economies, it makes strategic sense for casinos to focus on technology. Musk could build a cross-platform casino empire using Tesla’s “software-first” method, Starlink’s ability to work anywhere in the world, and X’s user data.

If you’re interested in how crypto, gaming, and new technology can work together, sites like https://first.com/casino are just the beginning of what’s possible.

It wouldn’t just be a place to win at Elon Musk’s casino; it would be a sign of the future. Crypto can power high-stakes games. Smart systems are keeping track of every move you make. Jackpots with a Tesla theme that are linked to stock market booms. It wouldn’t feel like gambling to fans or investors; it would feel like getting in on the next big thing.