THE REGISTER
Google outpaces rivals as Big Tech's — —
Google outpaces rivals as Big Tech’s AI spending plans rise to $725bn - Financial Times
Today's stories
More from today's coverage, told in the same calm voice.
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Trump Signals US Troop Reduction in Germany
President Trump has threatened to reduce the number of US troops stationed in Germany, adding pressure to an already strained relationship with European NATO allies. The move follows a period of escalating friction between Washington and its traditional partners, including repeated suggestions that the US could withdraw from the NATO alliance altogether. Germany hosts tens of thousands of American military personnel, and any reduction would carry significant implications for European security arrangements.
"Trump's threat to withdraw US troops comes amid heightened tensions between the US and its traditional allies in Europe."
4 outlets · Read more →
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Hegseth Faces Congress Over Iran War Costs
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday, his first congressional testimony since the start of the war in Iran. Hegseth defended a $1.5 trillion defense budget request that includes $25 billion in Iran war expenditure. The hearing drew attention to how the administration plans to fund an ongoing conflict while managing broader Pentagon spending priorities.
3 outlets · Read more →
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Musk testifies he regrets funding OpenAI
Elon Musk took the stand in his civil lawsuit against OpenAI, telling the court he felt like a 'fool' for providing early funding to the organisation. Musk alleges that OpenAI, Sam Altman, and Greg Brockman broke a founding agreement by shifting the company's focus toward profit rather than maintaining its nonprofit mission. The case centres on whether OpenAI's commercial turn violated commitments made to Musk and, by extension, to the public interest.
"Musk alleged that OpenAI and its leaders reneged on a founding promise to keep the organisation dedicated to human progress rather than profit."
3 outlets · Read more →
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Florida redraws congressional maps to favour Republicans
Florida's state legislature has passed new congressional district maps that reduce Democratic-leaning seats in Tampa, Orlando, and the southeast coast. Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the maps into law. The changes could help Republicans hold their narrow majority in the US House during the 2026 midterm elections. Democratic representatives and voters in the affected districts stand to lose meaningful political influence under the new boundaries.
"The new maps could help Republicans maintain control of the thinly divided US House of Representatives."
3 outlets · Read more →
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Louisiana Weighs Suspending Primaries After VRA Ruling
A Supreme Court decision narrowing Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act has prompted Louisiana officials to consider suspending primary elections. The ruling limits the 1965 law's prohibition on race-based voting discrimination, giving states broader latitude in drawing district maps. Louisiana voters could face reduced electoral participation as the state reassesses its primary schedule in light of the changed legal landscape.
"Justice Thomas indicated the court should go further in limiting the Voting Rights Act's reach on racial gerrymandering."
3 outlets · Read more →
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Oil prices rise on reported Iran strike planning
US Central Command has prepared options for limited strikes against Iran, according to Axios, as nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled. The report pushed oil prices to their highest level since 2022. No decision has been announced, and the plans would require presidential approval before any action could be taken. Energy consumers worldwide face higher costs if the situation escalates.
"US Central Command has prepared a plan for a wave of 'short and powerful' strikes on Iran aimed to break the deadlock in negotiations with Tehran."
3 outlets · Read more →
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Alphabet beats estimates as AI spending climbs
Alphabet reported first-quarter 2026 earnings above analyst expectations, driven by growth in its cloud and advertising businesses. The results arrived as major technology companies collectively outlined around $725 billion in planned AI infrastructure spending. Investors and cloud customers are watching how that capital commitment translates into returns, given the scale and pace of the buildout.
"Big Tech's AI spending plans have risen to $725 billion, with Google outpacing its rivals."
3 outlets · Read more →
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Federal Reserve holds rates steady again
The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate in the 3.5% to 3.75% range for the third consecutive meeting, signaling continued caution over the economic outlook. The decision leaves borrowing costs elevated for American consumers and businesses already contending with rising energy prices. Fed officials have indicated they want more evidence that inflation is easing before considering cuts.
2 outlets · Read more →
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DOJ indicts Comey a second time
The Justice Department filed a second federal indictment against former FBI Director James Comey on Tuesday. The charge relates to a social media post in which Comey shared an image of seashells arranged to resemble the numbers 86 47, which prosecutors interpreted as a threat against President Trump. Legal analysts are divided on whether the government's case meets the threshold for a criminal threat under existing law.
"The strength of the case turns on whether a seashell photograph can reasonably be read as a true threat rather than a political statement."
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Singer D4vd Charged With Stabbing Fan to Death
Los Angeles prosecutors have charged rising R&B artist D4vd with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, alleging he stabbed her multiple times at his home. Prosecutors say he acted to prevent her from damaging his music career. The case has drawn wide attention given the victim's age and the accused's public profile.
"Knowing he had to silence the victim before she ruined his music career as she had threatened, defendant stabbed the victim to death multiple times while she bled out."
2 outlets · Read more →