Illinois Passes Landmark AI Safety Bill, Plus Tech, Travel, and Science Updates
Quick Look
- Illinois lawmakers have passed a groundbreaking AI safety bill requiring third-party safety audits for companies like OpenAI and Google.
- Other news includes Xreal's Xbox-themed smart glasses, Waymo's expansion into Virginia, a new tiny octopus species discovery, and a massive bee colony found under a New York cemetery.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Recent AI advancements and safety concerns have prompted regulatory actions worldwide.
Illinois lawmakers have passed a landmark AI safety bill that requires companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google to undergo third-party safety audits. Governor JB Pritzker has indicated he will sign the bill into law.
Meanwhile, Xreal has unveiled its $299 'xbx' smart glasses, which can project screens from phones, laptops, or gaming handhelds directly to the user’s eyes, channeling Xbox aesthetics.
Waymo is expanding its self-driving car services to Virginia, specifically mapping Alexandria and soon Arlington, just across from Washington, DC.
Huawei, adapting to the end of Moore’s Law, is developing new chip strategies that could challenge US dominance in the semiconductor industry.
Expedia is offering up to 75% off bookings with or without promo codes.
Former Google and Apple researchers have launched Trajectory, a startup aiming to create a feedback loop for continuous AI learning.
A new species of tiny octopus, first spotted in 2015 near the Galápagos’ Darwin Island, has been formally named and described.
Researchers from Cornell University discovered a massive, over century-old bee colony under a New York cemetery, estimated to have 5.5 million bees.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Increased adoption of third-party AI audits across the US.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- How will the AI safety bill affect smaller AI startups?





