Ukraine peace plan, AI privacy concerns...

Toyota announced a $912 million investment to modernize its manufacturing plants across five U.S. states, including a significant $1.8 billion upgrade at its Kentucky facility, aimed at improving flexibility with its K-flex system. This system allows production of diverse vehicle types, including SUVs, EVs, and hybrids, on a single line. The automaker's efforts demonstrate a strategic adaptation to evolving consumer demands and the shift toward electrification in the automotive industry. Such investments underline the importance of fostering innovation in manufacturing while maintaining competitiveness in global markets. USA Today

A solo miner with a modest 6 TH/s ASIC processor achieved a rare feat by mining a full Bitcoin block, netting 3.146 BTC worth $270,000. This extraordinary success highlighted the challenges of solo mining in a network with an aggregate hash rate of 855.7 exahashes/sec. The incident underscores the growing difficulty for small-scale operators to achieve profitability in the increasingly competitive cryptocurrency space, raising questions about the sustainability of decentralized participation in mining. Tom's Hardware

Amid allegations of privacy violations, Google denied claims that it used Gmail data for training its Gemini AI models, a concern raised in a class action lawsuit. The company clarified that its Smart Compose and other features, which access content for personalized services, are not linked to AI model development. However, the controversy underscores ongoing tensions between tech innovation and user privacy, particularly as AI advancements escalate concerns over data handling. Zdnet

An XDA Developers report detailed how a tech enthusiast enhanced his smart home security by eliminating cloud services and isolating IoT devices on a dedicated network using Home Assistant and Tailscale VPN. This approach reflects broader concerns about IoT device vulnerabilities and the trade-offs between convenience and cybersecurity. The narrative emphasizes the growing need for consumers to reassess their digital safety frameworks amidst increasing threats. XDA Developers

The U.S.-proposed peace plan for Ukraine has drawn sharp criticism for offering amnesty to perpetrators of war crimes and requiring territorial concessions to Russia. Survivors of atrocities in Bucha expressed outrage, seeing the plan as legitimizing further violence. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy pledged to negotiate changes, but the plan's terms reveal the complex balancing act of diplomacy, sovereignty, and justice in conflict resolution. bostonglobe.com Washington Post (World)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s tenure as HHS Secretary continues to face backlash, with critics, including Tatiana Schlossberg, highlighting funding cuts to NIH research and mRNA vaccine development. These measures, part of broader cost-cutting initiatives, have disrupted critical cancer research and clinical trials. The policy decisions reflect a contentious intersection of public health priorities and political ideology, raising concerns about long-term impacts on medical innovation. USA Today Vanity Fair

Several international airlines, including LATAM and Iberia, suspended flights to Venezuela, citing a U.S. FAA warning about security risks and military activity in the region. The heightened tensions coincide with increased U.S. military maneuvers near Venezuela, signaling deteriorating relations and compounding humanitarian and economic challenges for the country. bostonglobe.com

Mikaela Shiffrin secured her second straight slalom victory of the World Cup season, reinforcing her dominance ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Competing under challenging conditions, her performance demonstrates her resilience and adaptability, providing a strong morale boost for U.S. skiing teams. bostonglobe.com