latest news in companies
Police AI Tool Expands Surveillance Beyond License Plates
Atlanta, Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
Surveillance firm Flock Safety is facing intense scrutiny following revelations that its next-generation artificial intelligence system, OS Investigate, extends far beyond simple license plate reads. Codebase analysis reveals the platform cross-references real-time camera data with commercial databases—including Social Security numbers and home addresses—to track driver movement patterns and identify personal associates. Processing over 20 billion monthly plate scans across 6,000 communities, the $7.5 billion company allows police to run automated, warrantless profile checks. Amid mounting privacy lawsuits and widespread reports of officer misuse, Flock Safety introduced security guardrails in August 2026, including shortening default data retention from 30 days to seven. However, civil liberties advocates argue these self-imposed measures fail to address core constitutional concerns regarding mass automated tracking.
How Artificial Intelligence Allowed Arrive AI to Cut One-Fifth of Its Staff
Indianapolis, Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
By replacing routine tasks with internal artificial intelligence, Arrive AI slashed 20% of its workforce, aiming to save $1.5 million annually while challenging traditional corporate hiring models.
Google Secures Option to Buy 12 Billion Dollars in Marvell Stock Through Expanded Chip Partnership
Santa Clara, Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
Marvell Technology granted Google warrants to purchase up to $12.2 billion in stock, tying equity vesting directly to revenue milestones from their joint custom artificial intelligence chip venture.
Kenvue Stock Drops as Neutrogena Faces Boycott Following Hayden Panettiere's Death
New York, Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
Kenvue shares fell over two percent following public outcry over allegations that Neutrogena dropped the late Hayden Panettiere for speaking about postpartum depression, wiping $787 million from its market value.
Netflix Hires Former ESPN Reporter Tom Pelissero for Live Football Coverage
Los Angeles, Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
Following recent ESPN cost-cutting layoffs, Netflix signed NFL insider Tom Pelissero to strengthen its growing live sports broadcasting lineup and expand digital football content options.
LG Energy Solution Starts Production at New Two Billion Dollar Michigan Battery Plant
Lansing, Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
LG Energy Solution has launched production at its $2 billion Lansing facility, producing 35 GWh of batteries for Toyota EVs and grid storage after taking full ownership from General Motors.
Biotech Firm Sees Stock Supply Trade 20 Times In Single Day Ahead Of Stock Exchange Deadline
New York, Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
Biomedical company OSR Health experienced unprecedented trading volume, exchanging its entire public stock supply twenty times in one day as leadership prepares to challenge a potential exchange removal.
Jeanie Buss Challenges Family Decision to Sell Los Angeles Lakers Stake
Los Angeles, Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss is contesting her siblings’ vote to sell the family’s remaining 17.8% franchise stake, citing a 2017 court order requiring a 15% threshold to maintain her control.