Welcome back to your daily memorandum talking tech, business, AI, markets, and more. 🗞️

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

💼 Meta to cut 5% of workforce, targeting low performers amid restructuring.
🌐 Biden fast-tracks AI data centers with a focus on sustainability.
🗓️ Amazon upgrades Alexa with generative AI for smarter, personalized interactions.
🔥 Edison sued over claims its equipment sparked the deadly Eaton Fire.
🛡️ FBI disrupts Chinese malware, protecting thousands of U.S. systems.

TECH

• Biden signs executive order to expedite AI data centers

  • The order aims to boost U.S. AI leadership by fast-tracking large-scale data center and clean energy projects.

  • Federal land will be leased to private companies, with all construction and operational costs covered by developers.

  • The initiative emphasizes minimal electricity price impacts and a commitment to sustainable energy use.

• ChatGPT adds reminders and task scheduling

  • OpenAI’s new ‘Tasks’ feature allows users to schedule reminders and recurring actions within ChatGPT.

  • The feature expands ChatGPT's utility, placing it in direct competition with digital assistants like Siri and Alexa.

  • Initially available to Plus, Team, and Pro users, OpenAI plans to make the feature broadly accessible soon.

• Amazon races to transplant Alexa’s ‘brain’ with generative AI

  • Amazon is integrating generative AI into Alexa to enhance its capabilities, making it smarter and more intuitive for users.

  • New features include personalized interactions, improved language processing, and advanced smart home integrations.

  • Facing competition from rivals like OpenAI, Amazon is heavily investing in proprietary AI models to retain its edge in the market.

BUSINESS

• Meta to lay off 5% of workforce, targeting low performers

  • CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to remove underperforming employees, affecting 5% of Meta’s workforce.

  • Layoffs will begin February 10 as part of efforts to enhance efficiency and focus on key innovations.

  • This move follows Meta’s broader restructuring aimed at streamlining operations across the company.

• TikTok denies rumors of sale to Elon Musk

  • Reports suggested TikTok’s U.S. operations might be sold to Elon Musk, but the company called the claims "pure fiction."

  • TikTok reaffirmed its commitment to ByteDance ownership amid ongoing scrutiny of its data privacy practices.

  • Speculation about a sale persists as governments raise concerns over Chinese influence on the platform.

• Southern California Edison faces lawsuits over deadly Eaton Fire

  • Lawsuits allege that Edison’s equipment caused the Eaton Fire, which has destroyed 7,000 structures and killed 24 people.

  • Plaintiffs claim video and eyewitness evidence show power lines sparking before the fire began.

  • Edison denies responsibility, stating its equipment near the site was de-energized before the fire started.

CONTENT

• How AI is reshaping labor markets: A $trillion-dollar opportunity

  • The a16z podcast highlights AI’s transformative impact on labor markets, automating workflows and driving innovation.

  • General Partners discuss the evolution of technology from cloud systems to AI-driven tools reshaping industries.

  • The discussion covers healthcare-focused AI solutions, metrics for success, and emerging opportunities in compliance.

• The TikTok ban and what comes next

  • The Vergecast explores TikTok’s legal battle at the Supreme Court, with a looming decision that could ban the app in the U.S.

  • Discussion includes the platform’s survival strategies, Elon Musk’s commentary, and Kickstarter’s evolving business model.

  • The episode addresses digital security issues like magic-link logins and challenges with traditional password systems.

• Profound, Resistant AI & OpenAI’s economic pitch

  • This Week in Startups features Mark Zuckerberg’s Rogan interview and OpenAI’s strategies to expand AI adoption globally.

  • Guests from Profound and Resistant AI discuss SEO innovations, synthetic fraud detection, and managing LLM costs.

  • The episode also covers India’s Groww IPO and how emerging technologies are reshaping the financial landscape.

WORLD

• FBI neutralizes Chinese malware on U.S. systems

  • The FBI removed PlugX malware from over 4,200 computers, disrupting espionage efforts linked to Chinese state-backed hackers.

  • This operation, aided by French authorities, commandeered a control server to uninstall the malware.

  • It reflects growing international cooperation to counter cybersecurity threats and protect sensitive data.

• Israel and Hamas agree in principle to ceasefire and hostage deal

  • Mediators proposed a 42-day truce, starting with Hamas releasing 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

  • The deal includes rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure and phasing discussions on governance and borders.

  • U.S. and regional leaders expressed optimism, with implementation likely to begin this weekend.

• Trump prepares sweeping Day One executive orders

  • Plans include reinstating tariffs, deporting millions, and reversing Biden-era environmental policies.

  • A new Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy aims to cut $2 trillion in spending.

  • Democrats grapple with their loss, with internal debates on campaign strategies and Trump’s growing influence.

AND MORE…

• Tech leaders to attend Trump’s inauguration

  • Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg are confirmed attendees for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.

  • Bezos’ Amazon and Zuckerberg’s Meta each contributed $1 million to the inauguration fund, highlighting their support.

  • Musk invested heavily in Trump’s election, with over $250 million in contributions, signaling strong ties to the administration.

• Princess Kate Middleton announces cancer remission

  • The Princess of Wales revealed she is in remission after a year-long battle with cancer treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital.

  • During her hospital visit, Kate expressed gratitude to the medical staff and shared insights on the challenges of her recovery.

  • This marks her first public engagement since her diagnosis, reflecting her return to royal duties.

• Boeing closes the books on a terrible 2024

  • Boeing reported 142 orders in December, its best sales month of 2024, despite a major production halt earlier in the year.

  • Full-year gross orders fell 60% compared to 2023, while deliveries dropped 34%, severely impacting the company’s revenue.

  • A crippling workers' strike delayed production, and Boeing has warned of continued losses throughout 2025.