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While I focus on Technology, Innovation, and Publishing, because I have a platform, I also flag items that I think are important. I also try to include some resources & opportunities. Please let me know what you think.
Important Items
Social Security Administration to require in-person identity checks for new and existing recipients
Even as they close offices and these people are elderly and disabled.
Trump’s Trying to Gut Libraries: Fight Back with ALA
On Friday, March 14, President Trump issued an executive order attempting to dismantle the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Millions of people rely every day on library services and programs supported by IMLS. Fill out this super easy form to send an e-mail to your elected officials.
https://app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-page?cid=9CyapZUB9sorxFLO4J0c&lang=en
Innovation
Is our universe trapped inside a black hole? This James Webb Space Telescope discovery might blow your mind
“I think that the simplest explanation of the rotating universe is the universe was born in a rotating black hole.”
Tiny Robots That Can Travel Inside The Brain
Robeaute created a self-propelled microrobot, 1.8mm long the size of a grain of rice, that can travel inside the human brain to assist neurosurgeons. The robot will target tissue sample collection but is designed to be a cargo-agnostic carrier.
Technology
Meta considered licensing books to train AI—but opted instead to pirate
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/03/libgen-meta-openai/682093/
AI: Publishers Warn White House of ‘a Bloated Fair-Use Defense’ and an ‘Unworkable Opt-Out Regime’
HT @BISG
Book Biz to Big Tech: Pay Up, Then We Can Make Up
The Association of American Publishers (AAP) and the Association of University Presses (AUP) delivered responses to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s request for public comment regarding the development of the administration’s Artificial Intelligence Action Plan. The AAP emphasized the critical role of copyright protections in maintaining American leadership in AI markets. It noted that American publishers generate nearly $30 billion annually in the U.S. alone and are part of a broader coalition of industries built on intellectual property that add more than $2.09 trillion in annual value to gross domestic product. For its part, OpenAI and others lobbied the Trump administration to essentially deregulate the industry by eliminating all guardrails—including, potentially, any responsibility to respect copyright.
Academic Publishers Embrace AI as Research Integrity Tool
HT @publishingtrend The $19B academic publishing industry is adopting AI-powered tools. Wiley, Elsevier & Springer Nature adopting gen AI tools/guidelines to aid scientists research, write, and peer review.
Spotify launches a program to publish audiobooks from independent authors
HT @publishingtrend Spotify announced a new publishing program for authors that allows them to submit short-form stories they’d like to see turned into audiobooks. When Spotify selects a story for audiobook publishing, it will handle the production and distribution of the work to other major audiobook retailers, the company said. Meanwhile, Spotify will pay the author both an advance and royalties.
The UK Independent Plans AI-Powered News Service
The UK Independent said it is launching a news service that will use AI to summarize articles for people on the move
People are using Google’s new AI model to remove watermarks from images
400 Hollywood Creatives Push Back on OpenAI and Google’s Calls to Train AI on Copyrighted Material
Major Hollywood figures, including Ron Howard and Cate Blanchett, are opposing OpenAI and Google’s requests to the U.S. government for access to copyrighted works for AI training, arguing that this could undermine the creative industries that provide millions of jobs and support democratic values. In a letter to the White House, they expressed concern that the tech giants are seeking special exemptions to exploit the arts without compensating creators, calling instead for appropriate licensing agreements. This pushback comes after OpenAI and Google suggested that strict copyright laws might hinder U.S. competitiveness in AI against countries like China.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/400-hollywood-creatives-push-back-175316725.html
AI Search Has A Citation Problem
A new study from the Tow Center for Digital Journalism reveals the hidden pitfalls in AI-powered search, like misattribution, misinformation and missing citations. Formal licensing deals do not necessarily translate to more accurate identification or attribution of publisher content.
https://www.cjr.org/tow_center/we-compared-eight-ai-search-engines-theyre-all-bad-at-citing-news.php
AI can steal your voice, and there’s not much you can do about it
Synchron’s Brain-Computer Interface Now Has Nvidia’s AI
https://www.wired.com/story/synchrons-brain-computer-interface-now-has-nvidias-ai/
Google DeepMind’s new AI models help robots perform physical tasks, even without training
https://www.theverge.com/news/628021/google-deepmind-gemini-robotics-ai-models
Nvidia and Google DeepMind will help power Disney’s cute robots
Nvidia is collaborating with Disney Research and Google DeepMind to develop Newton, a physics engine to simulate robotic movements in real-world settings. Disney wants to roll out the robots at theme parks starting next year. https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/18/nvidia-and-google-deepmind-will-help-power-disneys-cute-robots/
The state of AI: How organizations are rewiring to capture value
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai
The End of Programming as We Know It
https://www.oreilly.com/radar/the-end-of-programming-as-we-know-it/
Everything you say to your Echo will be sent to Amazon starting on March 28
Meta testing ‘Community Notes’ in US using X algorithm
ICYMI
https://www.reuters.com/technology/meta-test-community-notes-us-march-18-2025-03-13/
Pokémon Go developer Niantic to sell gaming business to Saudi group
The $3.5 billion Scopely deal could bring Niantic’s AR gaming catalog under Saudi ownership.
https://www.theverge.com/news/615267/niantic-pokemon-go-scopely-acquisition-deal
What kind of disruption?
Software ate the world. Uber and Airbnb didn’t sell software – they disrupted and redefined markets. But what kind of disruption are we talking about? Via @benedictevans
https://www.ben-evans.com/benedictevans/2025/3/14/what-kind-of-disruption
Publishing & Media
Washington, D.C. Indies Experience Effects of Government Layoffs
Some indie bookstores in DC are feeling the impact of the recent mass layoffs of local federal workers, reporting lower traffic and beleaguered customers seeking escapist reads and community.
Substack Becomes a Haven for Media Startups
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/the-new-substack-universe.html
Wired is dropping paywalls for FOIA-based reporting. Others should follow
Wired is going to stop paywalling articles that are primarily based on public records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. The FOIA process is time- and labor-intensive and reporters face stonewalling, baseless denials, lengthy appeals processes, and countless other obstacles and delays. Investigative reports based on public records are among the most expensive stories to produce and share with the public. The media needs to step up and invest in serving the public during these unprecedented times. And the public needs to return the favor and support quality journalism.
Ziff Davis acquires newsletter firm TheSkimm
Ziff Davis has acquired TheSkimm, the women-focused newsletter company, for its Everyday Health Group.
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/19/ziff-davis-theskimm-everyday-health-group
Penguin Press to Publish Gisèle Pelicot’s Memoir
Gisèle Pelicot’s memoir, A Hymn to Life, will be published on January 27th, 2026. #teamPRH
Forget designer bags. In the book world, it’s all about which advance copies you carry
Resources & Opportunities
Feminist Journalism Today: A Crucial Conversation About Women’s Voices in Media
This is SOLD OUT, but waitlist still avail!
@WMG_NYC is proud to announce a 2nd collaboration with @MsMagazine exploring the important role of women’s voices and stories in journalism. Come to our luncheon on 3/25 at 12:30pm ET at Barbetta, NYC. This time the speakers include:
- Carol Jenkins (Co-Host of “The Invisible Americans” and “Lady Liberty is VERY Pissed!” podcasts and Founding President of The Women’s Media Center)
- Lindsay Peoples (Editor-In-Chief of The Cut),
- Katherine Spillar (Executive Editor, Ms. magazine; Co-Founder and Executive Director at Feminist Majority Foundation),
- Bess Wohl (Filmmaker and Playwright of Liberation)
- Moderator: Jennifer Weiss-Wolf Executive Director for strategy at Ms.
$65 for members; $75 for non-members. All welcome. https://www.womensmediagroup.org/event-6090610
Annual Business Meeting
Spend 30 minutes with Co-Presidents Jodi Brockington and Jennifer A. Perry, and members of the board, in an abbreviated virtual meeting to:
- Vote in the new board (me included!)
- Welcome new members
- Review highlights of the past year
- Talk about opportunities to volunteer
Wednesday, 4/2, 12-12:30 pm ET via Zoom. WMG members only; FREE
https://www.womensmediagroup.org/event-6101505
Pivot into Possibility: Career Breakthroughs for Uncertain Times
Join Michelle Garside, Author, Speaker, and Co-Founder of Soul Camp Creative, for a transformational evening to celebrate the evolution of your professional identity, honoring where you stand today and the growth that awaits you. Michelle has worked with thousands of authors, consultants, creatives, founders, and entrepreneurs to redefine their brands and reposition themselves in powerful ways. Typically, her breakthrough brand sessions are valued at $3,500, but attendees will receive an exclusive laser coaching session as part of their attendance fee.
Thursday, 4/17 6-8pm Grae Wellness, 89 5th Ave. (btwn 16th & 17th St.), NYC
$30 WMG members; $39 for non-members
https://www.womensmediagroup.org/event-6090758
The New Fourth Estate: How Newsletters Are Reshaping Independent Media
This discussion explores how digital newsletters on platforms like Substack and others have transformed the media landscape, creating new opportunities for independent journalists and content creators. We’ll discuss the economic viability of newsletter-based journalism, the challenges of building sustainable audiences, and what this trend means for the future of news, commentary, and specialized content. Join us for insights on how these nimble, focused publications are redefining what it means to be a journalist in the digital age.
Panelists:
- Marisa Kabas (Writer, Reporter, and Author of The Handbasket newsletter and website)
- Jo Piazza (Bestselling author, podcast creator, award-winning journalist, and Author of Over the Influence on Substack)
- Leigh Stein (Author, Writer, and creator of Attention Economy on Substack)
- Kat Tenbarge (Award-winning Journalist and Writer of the Spitfire News newsletter)
- Moderator: Kathleen Schmidt (Founder of Kathleen Schmidt Public Relations and Author of Publishing Confidential on Substack)
Tuesday, 4/22 12-1:15pm ET via Zoom
FREE for WMG members; $15 for non-members
https://www.womensmediagroup.org/event-6121737
Publishing Triangle Awards
The Publishing Triangle, an association of LGBTQ+ people in publishing, announced 41 finalists for the 37th annual Publishing Triangle Awards, honoring the best LGBTQ+ books published in 2024. There’s a FREE award ceremony and reception 4/17 7PM at New School, NYC, and live streamed.
https://publishingtriangle.org/2025/03/2025-publishing-triangle-awards-finalists-announced/
We Need Diverse Books announces inaugural reading day April 3
The 2025 Women’s Voices Now Online Film Festival
39 Films • 22 Countries • March 26 – April 30. Virtual. $25.
https://givebutter.com/2025WVNFilmFestival
Call for Fiction Submissions
https://www.feministpress.org/submissions
Pen Parentis writing fellowship for fiction writers
https://penparentis.org/fellowship/
2025 Women in Content Marketing Awards
https://www.womenincontentmarketing.com/nominate
The Moth Magazine Short Story Prize
https://www.themothmagazine.com/a1-page.asp?ID=8227&page=28
Radio Race Audio Storytelling Competition
This spring Columbia Journalism School is hosting a Radio Race, an audio storytelling competition. Parameters will be announced on Friday, April 4th. Then, local producers in NYC, working independently or in teams will have until Sunday, April 6th at midnight to complete a piece. Teams may be two people. Pieces must be produced in New York City. Winners will be announced at the Columbia Journalism School on Saturday, April 19th at 2pm by Daniel Alarcón and Radiolab founder Jad Abumrad. The event is free and open to the public. To participate you must RSVP.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtWvHY7s_wVsw4F7dy-MvSdVWMJDXZwkGy8gHrsjltK2WM2Q/viewform
Schomburg-Mellon Humanities Summer Institute
RT @SchomburgCenter Online applications are open for our 2025 Schomburg-Mellon Summer Institute. Deadline, 3/28. Open to rising college seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Housing, meals & stipend.
https://www.nypl.org/about/fellowships-institutes/schomburg-mellon-humanities-summer-institute
2025 Girls’ Voices Now Youth Media Summer Training Program
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScawG6OtSzRZJemYpE4Yqd2fhFTeXvmErvkRU8ydog_-OplaQ/viewform
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