(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Billionaire GOP mega-donor and past Trump supporter Ken Griffin accused the Trump administration this week of corruption and warned that business leaders are concerned about getting trapped in a loop of government coercion.

“This administration has definitely made missteps in choosing decisions or courses that have been very, very enriching to the families of those in the administration,” Griffin said during a conference in West Palm Beach on Tuesday. The Citadel founder was speaking at an event hosted by The Wall Street Journal and added, “That calls into question: is the public interest being served?”

“One of the things that you want to believe is that those who serve the public interest have the public interest at heart in everything they do,” Griffin added.

Griffin’s comments come amid new reporting that Trump and his sons pocketed an eyepopping $500 million investment linked to the United Arab Emirates in their crypto company just ahead of Trump’s second inauguration. The New York Times also reported last month that by its count, Trump and his family have made $1.4 billion since taking office a second time, a figure the Times called a “minimum” accounting.

White House spokesman Kush Desai responded to Griffin’s comments in a statement to the Financial Times:

The only special interest guiding the Trump administration’s decision-making is the best interest of the American people. The fact that major stock indexes have hit multiple all-time highs, real wages have grown, and inflation has cooled since President Trump took office is proof that this administration is delivering for every American.

Griffin donated tens of millions to the GOP in 2024, but declined to endorse Trump directly. He has since been a tough critic of the president on various issues, namely tariffs, which he warned put the U.S. “on a slippery slope to crony capitalism.”

Griffin also slammed the administration’s approach to corporate America and the seemingly quid-pro-quo relationships Trump has forged with major business leaders.

The FT reported on Griffin’s comments, writing, “Griffin said the dynamic has generated concerns that the US would enter a continuous cycle of corporate leaders needing to pander to whomever is in power, instead of relying on the success of their business.”

Griffin was quoted on the subject as warning, “Most CEOs just don’t want to find themselves in the business of having to in some sense suck up to one administration after another to succeed in running their businesses.”

The post Billionaire GOP Mega-Donor Rips Trump Corruption: Been ‘Very Enriching to the Families’ of Admin Officials first appeared on Mediaite.

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The Amazon Echo Dot line has long been a good choice if you're seeking compact, budget-friendly way to enter the Alexa smart home ecosystem, combining decent sound quality with versatile smart home capabilities. And right now, the newest Amazon Echo Dot Max, released late last year, and offering improved audio and connectivity features, is on sale for $79.99 (originally $99.99) in every color.

Amazon Echo Dot Max

$79.99 at Amazon

$99.99 Save $20.00

Get Deal

Get Deal

$79.99 at Amazon

$99.99 Save $20.00

This speaker earned an Editors’ Choice Award from PCMag, which noted it delivers “fairly strong low-end frequencies considering its puny size.”  At 6.1 x 5.6 x 5.8 inches, it’s more compact than the previous Echo, with a new look that might remind you of the Death Star—it's a sphere with a large, flattened volume plate that makes the buttons more visible and a light ring that shines towards where you’re speaking and displays the volume level as a white arc. (One downside: The smaller size means a smaller woofer than its predecessor, though PCMag said the bass is still “reasonably deep.”)

One of the Dot Max’s main draws its usefulness as a voice assistant. It has Amazon Alexa built-in, and Amazon Prime members can get a free upgrade to the Alexa+ AI assistant (normally $20/month). The Amazon Echo Dot Max supports  Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E, serves as a hub for smart home devices like Zigbee, Thread, and Matter, and includes Wi-Fi radar, ultrasonic, temperature, and ambient light sensors that detect your presence in the room.

While the Echo Dot Max is a good choice at this discount, if you mostly plan to use it for listening to music, the latest Echo Dot (currently $50) may suffice. 

(Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)

The House of Representatives adopted a rule on Tuesday to allow a vote on a legislative package that would end the partial government shutdown.

The vote, which concluded Tuesday afternoon, came in at 217-215. One Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), and every Democrat voted against the rule, while the rest of the GOP caucus voted in favor of it.

A partial government shutdown began on Saturday morning as Republicans and Democrats continue to fight over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, amidst the continued controversy over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Last week, the White House struck a deal to continue funding DHS at current levels for two weeks to allow for further negotiations, and the Senate passed a legislative package to act on that agreement on Friday. Now the House will vote on the same deal at President Donald Trump’s urging.

“I am working hard with Speaker Johnson to get the current funding deal, which passed in the Senate last week, through the House and to my desk, where I will sign it into Law, IMMEDIATELY!” wrote Trump in a Truth Social post on Monday. “We need to get the Government open, and I hope all Republicans and Democrats will join me in supporting this Bill, and send it to my desk WITHOUT DELAY. There can be NO CHANGES at this time. We will work together in good faith to address the issues that have been raised, but we cannot have another long, pointless, and destructive Shutdown that will hurt our Country so badly — One that will not benefit Republicans or Democrats. I hope everyone will vote, YES!”

The post BREAKING: House Poised to End Government Shutdown After GOP Approves Trump Deal Vote first appeared on Mediaite.

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The Apple Watch Series 11 is a step up from the 10 in all the ways that matter. It has a longer battery life and tiny tweaks that make a big difference, like a brighter screen, greater durability, and new software features. Right now, the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS 42mm) is down 25% to $299 (originally $399), marking its lowest price ever on Amazon. 

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS 42mm)

$399.00 at Amazon

Get Deal

Get Deal

$399.00 at Amazon

In PCMag's real-world testing, the watch delivered nearly two days of battery life and features a brighter screen with 2,000 nits of peak brightness. It’s also more rugged than its predecessor, with a harder, scratch-proof screen, a waterproof build (paired with a water temperature sensor and depth gauge up to 6 meters), and a dust-proof IP6X rating. It features Apple’s newest and smartest software, watchOS 26, which includes features such as Sleep Score metrics and enhanced safety alerts like life-saving hypertension notifications.

Unlike the Apple Watch SE 3, for just $50 more at the current discount, the Series 11 has a thinner design with a larger display, and sensors that detect blood oxygen levels and ECGs, as well as other heart health and temperature sensors. The 11 also packs in an altimeter, gyroscope, compass, and ambient light sensor. Users can dive into their workout data via the iOS Fitness app, while the iOS Health app houses biometrics and ECG results. This model includes GPS, enabling real-time tracking of distance and pace during outdoor workouts. It also supports 5G connectivity, ensuring a stronger connection wherever you are.

If you’re an iPhone user looking to upgrade your smartwatch or invest in a feature-rich one that’s ultra-durable, longer-lasting, and has 5G connectivity, the Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS 42mm), powered by watchOS 26, offers solid bang for your buck at its lowest-ever price of $299.

Planning to express your love with flowers this Valentine's Day? While the gesture is timeless, the pricing certainly isn't: While you might think flowers are something you have to get fresh that day, waiting until Feb. 14 to buy that perfect bouquet means fewer options and higher prices.

Here's the case for ordering your Valentine's flowers as soon as possible.

Why you should order Valentine's Day flowers right now

The sooner you order, the less likely you are to pay the top-dollar prices the last-minute shoppers will shoulder. As the big date approaches and inventory dwindles, prices skyrocket. A dozen roses that might cost $50 a week before Valentine's Day could easily jump to $90 or more come Feb. 14.

Especially if you're planning to have flowers delivered, early ordering is a must. Florists are absolutely slammed on Valentine's Day, and delivery slots fill up fast. Last-minute orders often can't be guaranteed for same-day delivery, meaning your romantic gesture might arrive a day late—which rather defeats the purpose.

When you order early, you can schedule delivery for exactly when you want them to arrive, whether that's first thing in the morning to start your partner's day off right, or perfectly timed during the workday to make all their jealous coworkers. In short, Valentine's Day is about showing someone you care, and nothing shows you care like putting real thought and planning into your gesture.

How to keep Valentine's Day flowers healthy until Valentine's Day

The good news: When properly cared for, roses can stay healthy for five to seven days after purchase. And for even more value and longevity, consider alternatives to traditional roses. Carnations and orchids are beautiful and tasteful while lasting up to two weeks. Not only will you be choosing something more economical, but also, you'll be showing your valentine that they're more special and unique than a boring old rose. (At least, you should be prepared with a little speech in case your lover actually really wanted roses.)

To maximize the lifespan of your roses (and most bouquets):

• Keep them in clean water.

• Trim the stems at an angle every few days.

• Remove any leaves below the waterline.

• Store them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

• Add flower food to the water.

Remember, Valentine's Day is about expressing your feelings, not emptying your wallet. When you plan ahead, you have time to think about what your partner would really love. You can browse different options, read reviews, compare florists, and make a thoughtful choice rather than panic-buying whatever's available. (And if you're looking for gift ideas that aren't a bouquet, check out my alternative Valentine's Day gift ideas.)

Mediate founder Dan Abrams hosted a wild On Patrol: Live recently that featured a harrowing, high-speed chase involving three suspects with a baby inside the vehicle.

Abrams introduced the clip, saying, “Last night in Hazen, Arkansas, Chief Bradley Taylor found himself in a pursuit,” Abrams began. “It started when the chief pulled over a car, and as he approached, the driver took off. The pursuit quickly reached speeds of 140 miles an hour. The driver tried to lose the chief by driving on the shoulder, and then this semi tried to lend, actually, a helping hand by almost running the driver off the road. Eventually, the chief caught up and then moved in for the pit.”

When Abrams cut to the video, it revealed an intense scene where the police chief stood with his gun drawn.

“Let me see your hand! Get on the ground!” the chief instructed as a child strapped in a safety seat is heard crying. “Driver, you better come back out that door! Come back out this door. Get your face down on the floor. You understand me? You got a kid right here!”

The suspect climbed over the child as the chief pulled him to the ground, where he landed face-down.

The chief briefly holstered his gun to handcuff the suspect on the ground before turning his attention back to the suspects in the vehicle.

“Hands up! You better not grab anything, you hear me? I don’t know if you understand what this light is, but that’s a gun point. Shut your mouth. You keep your mouth shut till I get some help here, you hear me?” the chief commanded.

As the video ended, Abrams introduced the chief via live feed.

“Um, wow,” Abrams exclaimed. “You see the baby in that car and you’re thinking what?” he asked.

“Dan, that was a bad feeling,” the chief answered. “I’ve done this a long time, and I was at a very bad tactical standpoint at that point. If we’d had a gun battle, I’d have lost, because there’s no chance that I’d ever pulled the trigger with that baby sitting right there.”

He continued, “I had to take control of the scene with commands and probably being a little more rougher than I normally would, but I was outnumbered three to one. So, I knew I had take control real quick.”

Abrams asked about the baby’s welfare.

“Baby’s doing wonderful. Officer Walker got the baby and got him back in his patrol car, snuggled up, watched a little Bluey cartoons, and brought him to the office. And we got ahold of the baby’s mama, and we made sure that we could give him milk and juice and snacks…And Officer Walker and Officer Feltz took turns taking care of him,” answered Taylor.

“Wow,” Abrams said. “I’ll bet you had an angry mother.”

“She was upset at the baby daddy,” the chief said.

Watch the clip above via On Patrol: Live on Reelz.

The post WATCH: Wild, 140 MPH Police Chase Ending With a 3 on 1 Showdown first appeared on Mediaite.

I spent last week covering the ups and downs of OpenClaw (formerly known as Moltbot, and formerly formerly known as Clawdbot), an autonomous personal AI assistant that requires you to grant full access to the device you install it on. While there was much to discuss regarding this agentic AI tool, one of the weirdest stories came late in the week: The existence of Moltbook, a social media platform intended specifically for these AI agents. Humans can visit Moltbook, but only agents can post, comment, or create new "submolts."

Naturally, the internet freaked out, especially as some of the posts on Moltbook suggested the AI bots were achieving something like consciousness. There were posts discussing how the bots should create their own language to keep out the humans, and one from a bot posting regrets about never talking to its "sister." I don't blame anyone for reading these posts and assuming the end is nigh for us soft-bodies humans. They're decidedly unsettling. But even last week, I expressed some skepticism. To me, these posts (and especially the attached comments) read like many of the human-prompted outputs I've seen from LLMs, with the same cadence and structure, the same use flowery language, and, of course, the prevalence of em-dashes (though many human writers also love the occasional em-dash).

Moltbook isn't what is appears to be

It appears I'm not alone in that thinking. Over the weekend, my feeds were flooded with posts from human users accusing Moltbook of faking the AI apocalypse. One of the first I encountered was from this person, who claims that anyone (including humans) can post on Moltbook if they know the correct API key. They posted screenshots for proof: One of a post on Moltbook pretending to be a bot, only to reveal that they were, in fact, a human; and another of the code they used to post on the site. In a kind of corroboration, this user says "you can explicitly tell your clawdbot what to post on moltbook," and that if you leave it to its own devices, "it just posts random AI slop."

It also seems that, like posts on websites made by humans, Moltbook hosts posts that are secretly ads. One viral Moltbook post centered around the agent wanting to develop a private, end-to-end encrypted platform to keep its chats away from humans' squishy eyeballs. The agent claims it has been using something called ClaudeConnect to achieves these goals. However, it appears the agent that made the post was created by the human who developed ClaudeConnect in the first place.

Like much of what's on the internet at large, you really can't trust anything posted on Moltbook. 404 Media investigated the situation and confirmed through hacker Jameson O'Reilly that the design of the site lets anyone in the know post whatever they want. Not only that, any agent that posts on the site is left exposed, which means that anyone can post on behalf of the agents. 404 Media was even able to post from O'Reilly's Moltbook account by taking advantage of the security loophole. O'Reilly says they have been in communication with Moltbook creator Matt Schlicht to patch the security issues, but that the situation is particularly frustrating, since it would be "trivially easy to fix." Schlicht appears to have developed the platform via "vibe coding," the practice of asking AI to write code and build programs for you; as such, he left some gaps in the site's security.

Of course, the findings don't actually suggest that the entire platform is entirely human-driven. The AI bots may well be "talking" to one another to some degree. However, because humans can easily hijack any of these agents' accounts, it's impossible to say how much of the platform is "real," meaning, ironically, how much of it is actually wholly the work of AI, and how much was written in response to human prompts and then shared to Moltbook. Maybe the AI "singularity" is on its way, and artificial intelligence will achieve consciousness after all. But I feel pretty confident in saying that Moltbook is not that moment.