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Mary Jo Foley: No Copilot ‘Super App’ at Microsoft Build, but plenty of agentic fodder

Microsoft teased its rumored Copilot "Super App" at Build but didn't demo it. Longtime Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley assesses the no-show, explains why the initiative matters, and considers what the company actually did announce. Read More

Microsoft unveils seven homegrown AI models in new bid for ‘long term self-sufficiency’

Microsoft used its Build conference to unveil seven in-house AI models, including a reasoning model it says draws even with Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 4.6 — part of a push to depend less on the AI partners it has invested billions in. Read More

WTIA selects 21 startups for 14th Founder Cohort Accelerator Program

The early stage companies from across Washington state are working in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, healthcare, enterprise software, and other emerging technologies, the WTIA said Tuesday. Read More

Black and Brown Youth in the South End Find Their Voices Through Spoken-Word Poetry

Inside Microsoft’s Project Solara: A new platform for devices that run AI agents instead of apps

A team inside Microsoft has been quietly building Project Solara, a platform for devices that run AI agents instead of apps, based on Android instead of Windows. The first two concept devices, a desktop hub and a wearable badge, are headed to pilots with companies including AccuWeather, Best Buy, CVS Health, Levi's, and Target. Read More

Tech Moves: Expedia names SVP; Microsoft AI leader departs for Uber; ZeroAvia CEO steps down

Expedia names SVP in global advertising; a Microsoft AI technical lead departs for Uber; and the CEO of the sustainable aviation startup ZeroAvia steps down. Read More

Version One Ventures raises fresh capital for early bets on AI, robotics and deep tech

The firm announced that it closed Version One Fund V, a $78 million fund focused on pre-seed and seed investments, along with Opportunities Fund III, a $30 million fund designed to make follow-on investments in its most promising portfolio companies. Read More

Another Mysterious Death Strikes A Nerve

The discovery of 16-year-old Juliana Nzita, found deceased on church property in Charlotte, North Carolina, has generated significant suspicion within Black communities. While authorities classified the death as suicide, the incident has drawn parallels to historical patterns of racial violence and raised questions regarding official investigations.

NBA Superstar Steph Curry Signs Li-Ning Deal In A Major Win For Chinese Shoe Giant

NBA star Stephen Curry has announced a ten-year partnership with Chinese sportswear giant Li-Ning, concluding his sneaker free agency. The deal is poised to significantly boost Li-Ning's market presence and popularity in both China and the United States.

Word in Black Panel Examines Food Justice And Black Resilience

Word In Black recently convened a panel of food policy experts, scholars, and faith-based organizers to address food access and hunger in Black America. The discussion explored the dual narratives of joy and survival, while highlighting the significant impact of the Trump administration's $187 billion cut to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which has disproportionately affected Black communities.

A Closer Look At Patrick Kelly’s Tragically Short But Outsized Influence On Fashion

The new documentary "Love, Patrick: Nothing is Impossible" examines the significant life and legacy of Patrick Kelly, a pioneering Black fashion designer whose groundbreaking induction into the Federation de la Haute Couture and politically charged designs, which subverted racist iconography, established a foundational path for subsequent generations of designers.

Turning Grief And Self-Doubt Into Empowerment For Black Women

Author Leslie Lee Sanders has released 'Ready to Listen?', a spiritual self-help memoir. The book urges marginalized women to speak up, trust their intuition, and find their voice, addressing years of societal silencing stemming from family expectations, publishing industry pressures, and prevailing political realities.