ALK

The Financial Times reports that Nvidia is in talks to acquire Reflection AI, a US startup developing open AI models. The deal would mark a notable move by the chipmaker into open-source model development, and it is drawing attention in tech and semiconductor circles as Nvidia continues expanding beyond hardware into the AI software and model ecosystem.

Coalition talks between left-leaning parties in Berlin have broken down, according to German reporting. The failure leaves the capital without a clear path to a new government and raises the prospect of fresh elections or renewed negotiations. Commentators are watching closely, as Berlin's politics are often seen as a signal for the national picture in Germany.

Kazakhstan's experience in nuclear diplomacy is being highlighted as a rare workable model as negotiations over Iran's uranium stockpile run into mounting technical and political obstacles. Analysts point to Astana's history of denuclearisation and disarmament diplomacy, arguing its lessons could help break the deadlock in the Iran nuclear file, though significant hurdles remain.

BHP and the supervisors' union at the Escondida copper mine in Chile have opened talks aimed at preventing a strike, Reuters reports. Escondida is the world's largest copper mine, and any stoppage there could disrupt global copper supply. Negotiations are a standard step before strike action can go ahead under Chilean labor law.

Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a possible technical partner should Iran nuclear talks turn to the handling of enriched uranium. As the dispute over Iran's nuclear programme intensifies, Astana is signalling a diplomatic role, drawing on its own experience as a former nuclear-armed state that gave up its arsenal and works closely with the IAEA on non-proliferation matters.

Robostrategy CEO Andrew Kang presented 'Taku', the company's robot, and discussed the intensifying competition to build physical AI — machines that combine artificial intelligence with real-world capabilities. Kang's demonstration and remarks put his company in the conversation alongside the broader surge of investment and attention in humanoid and embodied robotics.

Researchers have unveiled a soft robot modeled on a beetle that can be guided by a user's finger gestures, allowing it to walk, grip objects and send back sensory information. The demonstration highlights advances in soft robotics and intuitive human-machine interaction, drawing attention for combining biomimetic design with touch-based control.

Online chatter is centering on a viral video involving Ari Kytsya, an internet personality with a large social media following. The clips being circulated have prompted widespread discussion across social platforms, though the exact content and origin of the footage remain unclear. No official statement has been issued, and details of what the video shows have not been confirmed.

Percona has announced Valkey-proxy, a new open source project designed to help enterprises migrate to Valkey, the open source in-memory data store that emerged after Redis changed its licensing. The tool is aimed at easing the transition for companies running large Redis deployments. The announcement was picked up by technology and business outlets, with details on features and availability available in Percona's release.

A new World of Warcraft discussion piece argues that conversation in the community has moved away from the Retail version of the game, with Classic and other topics dominating player debate. The commentary is drawing heavy engagement from WoW players who agree that Retail is receiving far less attention in community discussions than it once did.

Flock says replacing its current technology is 'not off the table', according to remarks reported by WRIC ABC 8News. The comment leaves open the possibility that the company could swap out its existing system, though no decision or timeline has been announced. Details about which technology could be replaced and what would succeed it remain unstated.

The world's largest copper mine is facing the prospect of a strike after wage negotiations between its operator and workers broke down. A stoppage would threaten global copper supplies at a time of rising demand, and markets and industry watchers are closely watching for developments.

The City of Sarasota is being discussed as a case study in creating walkable, mixed-use 'urban villages' under Florida's Live Local Act, which encourages higher-density affordable housing development. The approach ties housing policy to walkability, aiming to let residents live near where they work and shop. Planners and housing policy observers are weighing what the model could mean for growth in the Florida city.

A personal finance commentary by Jay Reed explores the rarely discussed realities of living broke, going beyond simple money shortages to examine hidden costs such as fees, stress, lost opportunities and expensive short-term choices. The piece has drawn a large audience, with many responding that the depiction reflects their own experiences with poverty's less visible burdens.

Bitcoin traded slightly lower as investors held back ahead of the release of U.S. consumer price index data, a key inflation reading that often shapes expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate policy. Crypto traders typically treat CPI releases as market-moving events, with risk assets like bitcoin sensitive to shifts in rate outlook.

Amazon is reportedly in negotiations to acquire Decart, an AI startup, in a deal valued at approximately US$7 billion. Decart develops real-time generative AI models and technology. If completed, the acquisition would mark another major investment by Amazon in artificial intelligence as competition among big tech companies for AI capabilities intensifies. Details on the terms and timing of the potential deal remain limited.

OpenAI is reportedly in talks to license Sora, its video generation model that was shut down, to a startup co-founded by a DreamWorks Animation co-founder. The deal would give the new company access to the dormant technology rather than letting it sit unused. Details of the negotiations, including price and terms, have not been disclosed, and neither party has publicly confirmed an agreement.

London Stock Exchange Group is reportedly in talks over a possible deal involving Octus, prompting investors and commentators to debate whether the exchange operator's shares are undervalued given the potential acquisition. The reported discussions have drawn attention to LSEG's growth strategy and its valuation relative to peers, with market watchers weighing whether a transaction would add value for shareholders.

Decagon, the AI agent company, has held early merger and acquisition talks and has brought on an investment banker, according to a Business Insider report. The move signals the fast-growing customer-service AI startup may be weighing a sale or other strategic deal, drawing attention in a sector where consolidation is accelerating.

Scientists at a nuclear science meeting report holding additional talks spanning several nuclear topics: plutonium production in fast reactors, the effects of nuclear war on water cycles, measurements at nuclear weapon test sites and the remote detection of tests, as well as sustainability and non-proliferation. The range of subjects reflects renewed attention to both civilian nuclear technology and the consequences of nuclear weapons use.

Sudanese officials pressed France to reopen its embassy in Khartoum during talks between envoys, according to Sudan Tribune. The request comes as Sudan's civil war has forced many foreign missions to suspend operations in the capital, and Khartoum is seeking to restore full diplomatic ties and presence as it pushes to normalise international relations.

Atlantic Council experts say energy issues are complicating negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Disputes over gas, nuclear safety, electricity infrastructure and postwar reconstruction revenues are reshaping what a settlement could look like, with energy leverage on both sides proving harder to resolve than territorial questions in the ongoing peace discussions.