Author: Emily Stanton

Google is reportedly preparing to acquire an eye-tracking startup to enhance its development of augmented reality glasses. The acquisition would bring specialized low-power eye-tracking technology to Google, potentially enabling more intuitive interfaces and improved power efficiency in future AR wearables.

New financial filings reveal that Google has invested approximately three times more in AI startup Anthropic than was previously reported. This significant funding underscores Google’s strategic commitment to maintaining a competitive position in the AI sector, particularly against rivals like Microsoft who have invested heavily in OpenAI.

Google is instructing Chromecast owners not to perform factory resets on their devices as widespread technical issues continue to plague the streaming devices. Support channels are overwhelmed with complaints as multiple generations of Chromecasts remain crippled by mysterious functionality problems, with Google promising a fix but providing no timeline.

Tucson has launched a free weekly movie night as part of a community-focused pop-up event featuring films, local food vendors, and pre-show entertainment. The Tuesday evening gatherings have become popular community meeting places, offering accessible entertainment options for residents of all ages while supporting local businesses and artists.

Seaport Entertainment Group has secured a long-term lease agreement with immersive art collective Meow Wolf at Pier 17, marking Meow Wolf’s first East Coast location. Set to open in early 2025, the venue will feature Meow Wolf’s signature blend of interactive art installations and storytelling, further establishing Pier 17 as a premier entertainment destination in New York City.

A once-popular ’90s rock band faced humiliation when they were booed off stage during their own music festival. The incident occurred after a poor performance plagued by technical difficulties and lackluster energy, leaving fans disappointed and the band’s future uncertain. Industry experts are now questioning the viability of nostalgia acts that fail to maintain performance quality.

Zoho has launched Projects Plus, a comprehensive project management solution designed for mid-sized and enterprise organizations. The platform combines data-driven insights, AI capabilities, and unified workflows to transform how businesses manage projects and resources, positioning itself as a competitor to established enterprise solutions like ServiceNow.

Arkansas lawmakers have advanced the ACCESS Act, a comprehensive bill aimed at overhauling the state’s higher education system. The legislation would restructure administrative functions, create new pathways for students, and implement new accountability measures, though it has faced criticism from some education professionals concerned about disruption to existing programs.

The U.S. Education Department has issued warnings to Northwestern University and 59 other higher education institutions regarding potential consequences from ongoing antisemitism investigations. Universities could face funding implications, mandatory policy revisions, and enhanced monitoring if they fail to adequately address discrimination concerns on their campuses.

This article examines the potential consequences of eliminating the US Department of Education for Iowa’s educational system. It explores how such a change might affect federal funding streams, educational standards, technological innovation, and local control of schools in Iowa, highlighting both challenges and opportunities that could arise from this significant shift in educational governance.