Meta's Oversight Board says deepfake policies need update and response to explicit image fell short

LONDON (AP) — Meta's policies on non-consensual deepfake images need updating, including wording that’s “not sufficiently clear," the company's oversight panel said Thursday in a decision on cases involving AI-generated explicit depictions of two famous women. The...

China cuts 1-year benchmark rate and doubles subsidies for EVs in its 'cash for clunkers' program

BANGKOK (AP) — China ratcheted up its effort to reinvigorate its slowing economy Thursday by unexpectedly cutting a key policy rate and also doubling subsidies for electric vehicles bought to replace older cars. The People’s Bank of China said it cut its lending rate for...

Amid tensions with China, some US states are purging Chinese companies from their investments

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — As state treasurer, Vivek Malek pushed Missouri's main retirement system to pull its investments from Chinese companies, making Missouri among the first nationally to do so. Now Malek is touting the Chinese divestment as he seeks reelection in an Aug. 6 Republican...

China has ratcheted up its effort to spur growth by cutting a key policy rate and interest on bank deposits

Suburban Alabama school district appears headed toward state oversight

BESSEMER, Ala. (AP) — A suburban Alabama school district appears headed toward state oversight. The board for the Bessemer City Schools District voted unanimously Monday to approve a resolution to “fully acknowledge, agree and consent” to state intervention, al.com reported. If...

Chinese officials warn of risks from higher US tariffs, urge US business leaders to help mend ties

BANGKOK (AP) — Chinese officials warned a delegation of top U.S. executives visiting Beijing this week that higher tariffs on imports from China will harm their businesses inside the country. The delegation of influential business people belonging to the U.S. China Business...

Oops. Southern Baptist agency announces firing of its leader, then retracts that announcement

In under 48 hours, the head of the staunchly conservative public-policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention rankled fellow Baptists by applauding President Joe Biden's “selfless act” of withdrawing his candidacy for re-election. Then, his agency reported he was fired — and now they have...

In Washington state, Inslee's final months aimed at staving off repeal of landmark climate law

SILVERDALE, Wash. (AP) — Standing at a transit center near four new wireless bus charging stations in a small community west of Seattle, Gov. Jay Inslee told transit and city leaders where money to pay for them — more than $1 million — came from. “It’s possible only because...

Estonia's new government is formally appointed. Its first priority is to improve state finances

HELSINKI (AP) — Estonia’s president formally appointed the Baltic country’s new government on Monday after lawmakers gave the green light to Prime Minister-designate Kristen Michal’s three-party coalition Cabinet. Addressing the new Cabinet, which is to be sworn in Tuesday,...

China moves to pep up its slowing economy, lays out roadmap for its future

BANGKOK (AP) — China's ruling Communist Party released a 50-page roadmap addressing long-term challenges confronting the world's second-largest economy, while the central bank cut key interest rates Monday in a surprise move to pep up the struggling property sector. The action by...