Today’s edition of Ohmbudsman covers a wide range of pressing issues, from the emergence of a new and rare bird flu strain in the U.S. to the escalating shift toward AI-driven industries and tech collaborations. As global challenges evolve, so too do the ways in which technology, health, and geopolitics intersect. This edition provides a snapshot of how humanity is grappling with the risks and opportunities that arise from both the cutting-edge and the unforeseen; whether it’s through life-saving medical responses to viral mutations, powering new infrastructure in Portugal, or navigating the growing complexities of AI in entertainment and cybersecurity.
- A Washington state resident is severely ill in hospital with H5N5, a bird flu strain never before confirmed in humans. The patient likely caught the virus from wild or backyard birds, and two of their flock recently died. Officials say the risk to the public is low and there is no sign H5N5 spreads more easily or causes worse disease than other strains.
- Portugal is seeing a big surge of planned data centers, bringing jobs and billions in investment across coastal and inland areas. These centers claim more power than the country currently produces, so Portugal must rapidly expand renewables, offshore wind, storage, and grid upgrades. Environmental groups warn projects must protect nature, and consumers may face higher costs for the needed infrastructure.
- Google’s Pixel 10 phones can now share files with Apple devices using Quick Share and AirDrop together. This makes it easier to send photos and files between Android and Apple devices. The feature is new and only on Pixel 10 for now, but Google may add it to more phones later.
- Sony, Warner and Universal signed licensing deals with startup Klay to use AI in music. The agreements aim to let AI create music while paying and protecting artists and songwriters. These deals follow disputes with other AI firms and signal the industry is shifting toward licensed AI tools.
- Scientists exposed dried spores of spreading earth moss on the outside of the ISS for nine months. About 80% of the spores still germinated after returning to Earth. This shows some moss spores can survive harsh space conditions and might help future space agriculture.
- A hacker says they stole 2.3 TB of data from Almaviva, an IT services provider for Italy’s state rail group FS. The leaked files reportedly include internal documents, contracts, HR and accounting data, and technical repositories. Almaviva confirmed a cyberattack, isolated the incident, and is working with authorities on an ongoing investigation.
- The SEC has dropped its lawsuit against SolarWinds and its CISO over the 2020 cyberattack. The court previously dismissed many of the SEC’s claims, saying they lacked solid evidence. SolarWinds said it is now stronger and better prepared for future challenges.
- A major study found China lent about US$130 billion (AU$200 billion) to Australia from 2000–2023, mostly for mining, industry and construction. Much of this was foreign direct investment lending to buy existing assets, though lending for new projects continued. Australia has tightened screening of Chinese investments over national security concerns, which has reduced some acquisitions.
- Foxconn and OpenAI will work together to design and build AI data‑centre hardware. Foxconn has shifted from low‑margin iPhone assembly to high‑demand AI servers, boosting profits. OpenAI will get early access to evaluate the systems and may buy them.
The stories in today’s edition remind us of the critical need for adaptive thinking in the face of rapid technological and environmental change. As new risks emerge, particularly in areas like health and cybersecurity, we’re also witnessing the transformational potential of innovation, from AI-driven music creation to cutting-edge space agriculture. The world’s growing interdependence on technology is undeniable, and with it, the urgency to balance progress with responsibility. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the decisions made today will shape tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities—whether in the boardroom, the lab, or beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
–Ohmbudsman