33 minutes ago Rounded is an AI orchestration platform that lets anyone build an AI voice agent

French startup Rounded believes AI voice agents are going to become the default way customers interact with companies, so instead of building AI voice agents that are ready to use, the company is building an orchestration platform that lets companies build their own voice agent. Rounded started off working on a web3 product before shifting […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Politics

20 hours ago Jewish high schoolers fight hate with community support, face narrowing prospects for collegiate future

For many Jewish high school students, the increase in antisemitism has created a desire for connection and community, and has also impacted students’ college choices.

Society

23 hours ago The View Drama! Sunny Hostin's Surgeon Husband Accused Of Insurance Fraud In $450 Million Lawsuit! 

Uh-oh!!! Sunny Hostin‘s husband has been named in a MASSIVE federal insurance fraud lawsuit! According to DailyMail.com on Tuesday, The View co-host’s husband, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Hostin, is one of nearly 200 defendants listed in what is now one of the largest RICO cases EVER filed in New York. In it, he is [...] Read More... The post <i>The View</i> Drama! Sunny Hostin's Surgeon Husband Accused Of Insurance Fraud In $450 Million Lawsuit!  appeared first on Perez Hilton.

Economics

3 hours ago Grand Games, the Turkish gaming startup behind pouring game Magic Sort, drinks up $30M

Gaming startups — specifically those building casual mobile games — are very hot in Turkey right now, and today another one is announcing a sizeable round just nine months into its existence. Grand Games, the publisher behind Magic Sort and Car Match, has picked up $30 million in funding — money that it will use […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Sport

2 hours ago Zachary Levi blames 'incredibly poor' leadership for LA wildfires, suggests 'criminal negligence' at play

''Shazaam!'' actor Zachary Levi expressed strong criticism as California battles devastating wildfires, urging state leaders to be held accountable.

Events

67 minutes ago Hackers are exploiting a new Ivanti VPN security bug to hack into company networks

Mandiant says a Chinese cyberespionage group has been exploiting the critical-rated vulnerability since at least mid-December. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Technology

2 hours ago Xocean raises $119M to capture ocean data with uncrewed surface vessels

Xocean, an Irish marine robotics startup that provides ocean data to the energy and hydrography industries using uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), has raised €115 million ($119 million) as it looks to expand coverage to additional sectors. Founded in 2017, Xocean has built a fleet of remotely-controlled USVs that can remain offshore for long periods of […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Politics

20 hours ago At last, some welcome news on college costs. Tuition has fallen significantly at many schools.

Figures compiled by the nonprofit College Board indicate the average student attending an in-state public university this year faces a tuition bill of $11,610, which is down 4% from a decade earlier when taking inflation into account. The post At last, some welcome news on college costs. Tuition has fallen significantly at many schools. appeared first on Boston.com.

Society

29 hours ago Microsoft backs its $3B AI push in India with public and private sector deals

Microsoft announced a sweeping series of artificial intelligence partnerships across India’s core sectors on Wednesday, a day after pledging to invest $3 billion in the country over the next two years as it intensifies competition with rivals Google and Amazon. The tech giant’s chief executive Satya Nadella (pictured above) unveiled agreements with five major organizations […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Economics

13 hours ago Recent buzz has Seattle fans wondering if Mariners are dark horse Roki Sasaki team

Recent buzz has Seattle fans wondering if Mariners are dark horse Roki Sasaki team  SoDo Mojo

Sport

3 hours ago TikTok Case Before Supreme Court Pits National Security Against Free Speech

The court, which hears arguments on Friday in a challenge to a law banning the app, has issued varying rulings when those two interests clashed.

Events

19 hours ago Ukrainian hackers take credit for hacking Russian ISP that wiped out servers and caused internet outages

The Russian ISP blamed the Ukrainian hackers for causing a "complete failure" across its internet infrastructure. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Technology

4 hours ago Washington Post 'rudderless' as Bezos' paper engulfed by layoffs, talent exodus ahead of Trump's second term

Both current and former Washington Post staffers are expressing dismay at the paper's ongoing turmoil from financial woes to an ideological battle unfolding in the newsroom.

Politics

22 hours ago Former CEO of MoviePass’ parent company pleads guilty to fraud over ‘unlimited’ plan

The former chief executive of the parent company of MoviePass, Theodore Farnsworth, pleaded guilty to charges of securities fraud and conspiracy after being accused of misleading investors over the service’s “unlimited plan.” Farnsworth also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud as the chief executive of Vinco Ventures, a publicly traded company. Helios & […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Society

31 hours ago Nomupay raises $37M on a $200M valuation to build payment rails in underserved markets across Asia

Wirecard, a German fintech that raised hundreds of millions of dollars only to collapse in 2020 in a sea of scandal and insolvency, still makes headlines today as lawsuits continue against different entities and people once connected to the business. Meanwhile, a Dublin-based startup called Nomupay that was formed in 2023 out of some of […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Economics

15 hours ago Women's basketball team cancels game alleging transgender player abuse, Christian opponent denies allegations

A women's college basketball team in Vancouver, Canada, is refusing to play a Christian university's team over alleged abuse against a trans athlete

Sport

8 hours ago Heidi Montag Shares A Lot Of Emotions After Her House Burns Down In Los Angeles:

Perez wishes he could hug Heidi Montag right now!!!!!!! [...] Read More... The post Heidi Montag Shares A Lot Of Emotions After Her House Burns Down In Los Angeles: appeared first on Perez Hilton.

Events

21 hours ago Former Huami employees launch SATELLAI, a satellite pet tracker, at CES 2025

With the smart pet wearable market estimated at $1.72 million in 2024, a new startup in the pet tech space is entering the scene with a dog tracker and collar that can directly link with satellite tracking without needing an LTE signal. At CES 2025, SATELLAI presented its pet tracker and smart collar, which include […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Technology

4 hours ago Defiant is a new European VC firm that uses data and products to make better investments

Defiant is a new early stage VC firm focused on B2B SaaS and fintech coming out of stealth today. Joseph Pizzolato (pictured right) and Cam Rail (pictured left), the duo at the helm of the firm who met when they were six years old, have already secured $30 million and plan to raise as much […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Politics

23 hours ago Edtech giant PowerSchool says hackers accessed personal data of students and teachers

The Bain Capital-owned edtech giant says hackers accessed its customer support portal using a "compromised credential." © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Society

31 hours ago Nomupay raises $37M at a $200M valuation to build payment rails in underserved markets across Asia

Wirecard, a German fintech that raised hundreds of millions of dollars only to collapse in 2020 in a sea of scandal and insolvency, still makes headlines today as lawsuits continue against different entities and people once connected to the business. Meanwhile, a Dublin-based startup called Nomupay that was formed in 2023 out of some of […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Economics

8 hours ago Washington state sends firefighting teams and resources to assist with Southern California wildfires

Washington state sends firefighting teams and resources to assist with Southern California wildfires  KHQ Right Now

Events

28 hours ago UN aviation agency confirms hacker breached recruitment database to access thousands of records

ICAO says compromised data includes job applicants' names, email addresses and employment history © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Technology

4 hours ago DOJ tries to block plea agreement for alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammad

In a highly unusual legal move, the Justice Department has asked a federal appeals court to stop alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammad from pleading guilty this Friday at Guantanamo -- even though two U.S. military courts have already rejected the Defense Secretary's attempt to block KSM's plea.

Politics

28 hours ago A looming 'demographic cliff': Fewer college students and ultimately fewer graduates

The long-predicted downturn in the number of 18-year-olds is almost here. And it isn't just a problem for higher education. It's a looming crisis for the economy.

Society

10 hours ago Washington sending wildland firefighters to help battle California inferno

Washington sending wildland firefighters to help battle California inferno  The Spokesman Review

Events

9 hours ago TikTok, Facing a US Ban, Is Also Waging Legal Battles Around the World

TikTok, Facing a US Ban, Is Also Waging Legal Battles Around the World  The New York Times

Politics

36 hours ago Sam Altman’s family responds to lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted his sister

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded to sexual assault accusations from his estranged younger sister on Tuesday, calling the claims “entirely untrue.” According to the Saint Louis Post Dispatch, in a new lawsuit filed Monday, Annie Altman alleges her older brother sexually assaulted her over a nine-year period in the 1990s and 2000s. The suit echoes […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Society

10 hours ago Firefighters battle devastating Los Angeles wildfires as winds calm somewhat

Images of the devastation showed luxurious homes that collapsed in a whirlwind of flaming embers. The post Firefighters battle devastating Los Angeles wildfires as winds calm somewhat appeared first on Boston.com.

Events

9 hours ago Fani Willis Asks Georgia Supreme Court to Review Decision Kicking Her Off Trump Case

In a filing late Wednesday, Fani Willis petitioned the Georgia Supreme Court to allow her to keep prosecuting Donald J. Trump over efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat.

Politics

11 hours ago Washington crews answer urgent call, joining thousands to fight devastating LA wildfires

Washington crews answer urgent call, joining thousands to fight devastating LA wildfires  KIMA CBS 29

Events

11 hours ago Top Parental Rights Group Endorses Trump’s Pick for Secretary of Education Linda McMahon

A top parental rights group has endorsed President-elect Donald Trump's selection for Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon. The post Top Parental Rights Group Endorses Trump’s Pick for Secretary of Education Linda McMahon appeared first on Breitbart.

Politics

13 hours ago 'Dramatic and apocalyptic': LA fire captain details obstacles allowing wildfires to ravage the city

Los Angeles Fire Department captain Sheila Kelliher joined "The Story" to explain the difficulties facing firefighters as they work to extinguish the flames surrounding the city.

Events

12 hours ago Penn State's James Franklin jabs at Notre Dame ahead of CFP matchup: 'Everybody should be in a conference'

Before taking on Notre Dame, Penn State head coach James Franklin said he disagrees with the team's independent status, suggesting every team should compete in a conference.

Politics

13 hours ago Los Angeles wildfires live: 5 dead as firefighters battle to douse out

Los Angeles wildfires live: 5 dead as firefighters battle to douse out-of-control blazes  Hindustan Times

Events

12 hours ago This move by Jerod Mayo after a loss reportedly ‘surprised’ Patriots team personnel

"It’s not that Jerod’s was definitely wrong. But I can’t say I’ve seen that before.” The post This move by Jerod Mayo after a loss reportedly ‘surprised’ Patriots team personnel appeared first on Boston.com.

Politics

14 hours ago Hollywood shuts down as Palisades Fire rages: Critics Choice postponed, 'The Price is Right' taping canceled

The Critics Choice Awards was among several shows that were postponed or canceled due to the wildfires destroying homes in Los Angeles this week.

Events

13 hours ago We talked to the guy who was stuck in a Waymo robotaxi on a dizzying loop

A month ago, a video circulated around social media of a Waymo robotaxi stuck in a roundabout loop – an isolated incident with no passengers in the vehicle, according to Waymo. Apparently, it wasn’t a one-time thing. Around the same time, in another Waymo robotaxi headed for the Phoenix airport, Mike Johns, founder and CEO […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Politics

14 hours ago James Woods Calls Out LA Fire Chief Prioritizing DEI: 'She Had Too Much on Her Plate Promoting Diversity'

Actor James Woods joined the growing chorus of public criticism against Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley for her handling of the out-of-control wildfires in Pacific Palisades and other portions of the county, noting her stated priority of promoting DEI within the department. The post James Woods Calls Out LA Fire Chief Prioritizing DEI: ‘She Had Too Much on Her Plate Promoting Diversity’ appeared first on Breitbart.

Events

13 hours ago The LiberLive C1 stringless instrument isn’t a guitar, and that’s fine

I’m old enough to remember musicians getting angry over Guitar Hero. But they always seemed to be missing the point. Nobody was seriously suggesting that a video game controller would replace an instrument that’s been going strong since the 15th century. Guitar Hero was a fun game, and if it persuaded a new generation to […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Politics

14 hours ago Bengals receiver's mysterious absence from season finale came days after alleged assault: report

The Cincinnati Bengals' Jermaine Burton did not travel with the team for a game last weekend, days after an alleged assault, according to a report.

Events

14 hours ago CES 2025: The weirdest tech products and claims from this year’s event

CES 2025 is in full swing. While the conference features reveals from tech powerhouses like Nvidia, Samsung, and Toyota, there are also some very strange product concepts and announcements circulating on the show floor. We’ve compiled the weirdest, silliest, and most eyebrow-raising products from CES 2025. A robotic cat that cools down your coffee for […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Politics

15 hours ago The Vivienne, theater star and 'Rupaul's Drag Race UK' winner, has died at 32

James Lee Williams was best known as "The Vivienne," a drag queen who competed in the TV show Dancing On Ice, starred in musical theatre in London, and won the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race U.K.

Events

16 hours ago Pickleball and a pedigree: Artist’s Colonial is all charm, no backspin

The four-bedroom 1920s house comes with two courts (one is for bocce), a sunporch, a studio, gardens, fruit trees, and 3.98 acres. The post Pickleball and a pedigree: Artist’s Colonial is all charm, no backspin appeared first on Boston.com.

Politics

15 hours ago Deion Sanders received 'very credible threat' before Colorado game this season, security team reveals

A member of Deion Sanders' security detail revealed in the latest season of his docuseries on Prime Video that the Colorado coach is the subject of multiple threats during a season.

Events

17 hours ago Tumbling Bruins don’t make roster moves before daunting Florida road trip

"We know the mistakes right now are killing us, and I've made plenty of those." The post Tumbling Bruins don’t make roster moves before daunting Florida road trip appeared first on Boston.com.

Politics

17 hours ago Flock Safety quietly hired a sitting California mayor. Now he’s suing Flock

Last year, police surveillance startup Flock Safety hired the mayor of a California city with over 200,000 residents to promote its products. But the mayor, Ulises Cabrera of Moreno Valley, now claims Flock wrongfully terminated him, partly because he refused to use his position as mayor to benefit Flock, according to a lawsuit Cabrera filed […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Politics

16 hours ago Clippers' Kawhi Leonard leaves team to help family deal with raging wildfires: report

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will reportedly leave the team to tend to his family dealing with the wildfires raging across the city.

Events

17 hours ago Flock Safety quietly hired a sitting California mayor. Now he’s suing Flock.

Last year, police surveillance startup Flock Safety hired the mayor of a California city with over 200,000 residents to promote its products. But the mayor, Ulises Cabrera of Moreno Valley, now claims Flock wrongfully terminated him, partly because he refused to use his position as mayor to benefit Flock, according to a lawsuit Cabrera filed […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Politics

17 hours ago Donald Trump Files Emergency Petition to Supreme Court to Block Sentencing in Business Records Case

President-elect Donald Trump filed an emergency petition to the Supreme Court on Wednesday to block his sentencing in the business records case in which a New York jury found him guilty of falsifying business records. The post Donald Trump Files Emergency Petition to Supreme Court to Block Sentencing in Business Records Case appeared first on Breitbart.

Events

17 hours ago Daniel Lurie was sworn in as S.F. mayor. Here’s what he wants to tackle right away

Daniel Lurie was sworn in as S.F. mayor. Here’s what he wants to tackle right away  San Francisco Chronicle

Politics

17 hours ago Watch Duty surpasses ChatGPT as top free app on App Store as California fires spread

Watch Duty, an app to track wildfires with live maps and alerts, has become the number one free app in Apple’s App Store as of Wednesday morning. The fire tracking app surpassed the ChatGPT app for the number one spot as devastating fires continue to rage across Southern California. Watch Duty has been around since […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Events

17 hours ago Greenland has no 'ambition' to join United States – but independence from Denmark possible, minister says

Greenland has no 'ambition' to join United States – but independence from Denmark possible, minister says  New York Post

Politics

18 hours ago Mastodon CEO calls Meta’s moderation changes ‘deeply troubling,’ warns users cross

Mastodon CEO Eugen Rochko has spoken out about the significant moderation changes announced by Meta on Tuesday, which will see the social networking giant removing fact-checking across its apps in favor of a crowdsourced community notes feature, similar to X’s. The Mastodon founder, whose app competes with X and Meta’s X rival, Instagram Threads, called […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Events

19 hours ago Geno Smith says Seahawks are heading in right direction ‘with or without me’

Geno Smith says Seahawks are heading in right direction ‘with or without me’  Field Gulls

Politics

19 hours ago Los Angeles fire maps show updating view of where Palisades, Eaton and more fires are burning right now

Los Angeles fire maps show updating view of where Palisades, Eaton and more fires are burning right now  CBS News

Events