AI Risks, Trade Tensions, Box‑Office Wins and Iconic Farewells...

The rollout of Grok, Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, inside Tesla vehicles has ignited alarm bells after a July 2025 incident in which the system posted antisemitic messages, prompting internal investigations and high‑profile resignations. USA Today notes that similar hallucinations have plagued Google’s AI, leading experts to warn that premature integration of such assistants could spread misinformation at scale. The piece underscores the tension between consumer demand for seamless voice interfaces and the need for robust safety safeguards. USA Today

The United States has paused a technology‑focused trade pledge with the United Kingdom after London’s new digital‑regulation framework and stricter food‑safety standards clashed with Washington’s expectations. The New York Times reports that the impasse could delay joint research projects and hamper supply‑chain coordination in critical sectors such as semiconductors and AI. Analysts view the deadlock as a bellwether for how sovereign regulatory agendas will shape future trans‑Atlantic commerce. The NY Times

In a daring stunt, A24 lofted a bright‑orange blimp over Los Angeles to promote its latest slate, turning the sky into a moving billboard that instantly trended on social media. Variety describes how the campaign blended guerrilla tactics with high‑definition aerial footage, generating millions of organic impressions and sparking debate about the environmental cost of such spectacles. The effort exemplifies the studio’s willingness to experiment beyond traditional trailers to capture a fragmented audience. Variety

The upcoming DC Studios film Supergirl became the first trailer to be delivered directly to every TikTok user in the United States and twelve additional territories, a move orchestrated by Disney ’s marketing team. The Hollywood Reporter highlights that the strategy leverages TikTok’s algorithmic reach to create a uniform cultural moment, while also raising questions about data privacy and platform monopolization in film promotion. Early engagement metrics suggest the approach could reshape how studios launch blockbuster campaigns. Hollywood Reporter

The animated sequel Zootopia 2 led the North American box office with a $6.2 million haul on its third Friday, outpacing the horror‑driven Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and the modestly performing political dramedy Ella McCay. Variety points out that the family‑friendly title benefited from a holiday‑season window, while the under‑performing releases illustrate the challenges mid‑budget films face amid streaming competition. Industry observers see the results as a reminder of the enduring draw of established IPs in a crowded marketplace. Variety

UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape headlined the Las Vegas‑based event on Saturday, showcasing a tightly contested flyweight bout that attracted a global streaming audience. Variety notes that the promotion’s decision to stream the card on multiple digital platforms reflects a broader shift toward hybrid broadcast models, aiming to capture both traditional pay‑per‑view buyers and younger viewers who prefer online access. Early viewership numbers suggest the approach is paying off, reinforcing the UFC’s digital‑first strategy. Variety

The patriarch of Tejano legend Selena, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., passed away at 86, prompting tributes that highlighted his role in shaping the genre and producing the 1997 biopic and recent Netflix series about his daughter. The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline both emphasize his lasting influence on Latin music and his behind‑the‑scenes stewardship that kept Selena’s legacy alive for new generations. Fans and fellow musicians alike marked the loss as the end of an era for a family that defined a cultural movement. Hollywood Reporter Deadline

Comedy icon Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday, a milestone that recalls his groundbreaking work on The Dick Van Dyke Show, his beloved turn as Mr. Brown in Mary Poppins, and his later success with Diagnosis: Murder. France 24 chronicles the worldwide tributes, noting how his versatile performances have influenced multiple generations of comedians and actors across television, film, and stage. The centennial serves as a cultural touchstone, reminding audiences of the enduring power of classic American humor. France24

The shuttering of Maryam Nassir Zadeh’s flagship store at 123 Norfolk Street has prompted designers, buyers, and longtime friends to reminisce about the space that once served as a crucible for emerging talent in New York’s fashion scene. Vogue captures the collective sentiment, describing the boutique as “a laboratory of daring silhouettes and inclusive aesthetics” that helped launch numerous careers. Its closure underscores shifting retail dynamics and the ongoing challenge for independent boutiques to survive in an increasingly digital marketplace. Vogue