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Data centers, fueled by the AI boom, are sparking protests across America. Activists in twenty-four states are pushing back against these projects due to environmental damage, health risks, controversial AI uses, and skyrocketing local electricity bills. Despite explosive growth in cloud computing and AI, communities are fighting hard, with grassroots efforts delaying or stopping about sixty-four billion dollars in developments. Tech giants are pushing back with lobbying and ads, but expect more clashes and heated debates over Americas AI future.

Europes startup scene, while buzzing at Slush, faces a challenging reality. Venture investments are on track to match, not surpass, last years figures, and fundraising for European VC firms is at a decade low. However, U.S. investors are returning, fueling homegrown AI successes like Lovable and Mistral. Founders are now aiming for global wins, and firms like EQT plan significant investments, signaling a potential rebound.

Waymos robotaxis to receive software update for handling dead traffic lights during power outages more efficiently, following a recent blackout in San Francisco that caused traffic jams. The update will refine the cautious confirmation feature, adding specific power outage info to allow cars to proceed without human okay.

Akara, the healthcare tech startup, graces Times Best Inventions list with their hospital air traffic control system using thermal sensors and AI. Co-founder Conor McGinn discusses their pivot from cleaning robots to ambient sensing, real-time surgery documentation, and the looming nurse shortage. Despite tech advancements, outdated hospital infrastructure poses the real challenge. Listen to the full TechCrunch Equity podcast for more.

Waymo is integrating Googles Gemini AI chatbot into its robotaxis, creating an in-car assistant for riders. The AI, named the Waymo Ride Assistant, can answer questions, control cabin settings, and even soothe nervous passengers. Its designed to enhance the riding experience, but its not yet live in public apps. Waymo is always experimenting with new features, and this AI is no exception.

Nine groundbreaking biotech and pharma startups, selected from thousands of applicants, are set to showcase their innovative solutions at TechCrunchs Startup Battlefield. These startups, including CasNx, Chipiron, Exactics, Miraqules, Nephrogen, Reme-D, Surgicure, PraxisPro, and Lumos Strategies, are tackling major health challenges with cutting-edge technologies. From CRISPR kits for organ preservation to AI-powered diagnostics and nanotechnology blood clotting solutions, these startups are poised to revolutionize medicine. Their breakthroughs could transform organ transplants, diagnostics, and even everyday healthcare, pushing the boundaries of health tech.

Mill, the food waste startup, is expanding its smart bin technology to Whole Foods stores, starting in 2027. These bins reduce waste, save money, and provide valuable data to the grocery chain. Mills AI, powered by large language models, can even determine if food is still good enough for shelves, preventing waste before it happens. The company plans to further expand into cities for municipal waste, building a stronger business model.

TechCrunchs Startup Battlefield showcases top agtech and food tech innovations, including Äios edible fats from agricultural waste, Aquawises AI-powered water quality monitoring, Tensorfields AI robots for weed control, Verleys bioidentical dairy proteins, CredoSenses crop health scanner, Shin Starr Robotics automated Korean barbecue, and Kadeyas reusable bottle vending machines. These solutions aim to reduce waste, increase yields, and automate farming processes, paving the way for a smarter, greener future in agriculture.

A federal judge in Texas blocked a new state law that would have forced app stores to verify users ages and get parental consent for minors. Apple, which had planned tools to comply, welcomed the ruling as a privacy win, while Texas lawmakers see it as a setback for online child protection. The laws fate remains uncertain as Texas plans to appeal, and similar laws are pending in other states.