December 17, 2025

TechCrunch Top 3

Tesla engaged in deceptive marketing for Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, judge rules: The judge ruled Tesla should have to suspend manufacturing and sales in California for 30 days, but the DMV stayed those rulings for 90 days to allow Tesla to comply. Read More

Weeks after raising $100M, investors pump another $180M into hot Indian startup MoEngage: The deal valued MoEngage at "well over" $900 million post-money. Read More

How Luminar's doomed Volvo deal helped drag the company into bankruptcy: Luminar says trouble with Volvo started as early as 2022, and that the Swedish automaker made -- but then backed away from -- large orders of its lidar sensors. Read More

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Morning Must-Reads

Amazon reportedly in talks to invest $10B in OpenAI as circular deals stay popular: Amazon is in early discussions to invest as much as $10 billion in OpenAI in a deal that would see the AI lab using the e-commerce giant's AI chips. Read More

X updates its terms, files countersuit to lay claim to the 'Twitter' trademark after newcomer's challenge: X's new terms of service say that no one can use the Twitter name, trademarks, logos, and more without written consent. Read More

Google's vibe-coding tool Opal comes to Gemini: The company on Wednesday said it is integrating the tool, which lets you build AI-powered mini apps, inside the Gemini web app, allowing users to create their own custom apps. Read More

Google deepens consumer credit push in India with UPI-linked card: Google has entered India's growing co-branded credit card market by partnering with Axis Bank. Read More

Slate crosses 150,000 reservations despite waning EV truck enthusiasm: It took Slate Auto about seven months to grow its customer list by 50%, but new reservations appear to be outpacing any cancelations. Read More

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You missed these chats from Disrupt:

Kindred talks home-swapping platform for travelers, Chef Robotics introduces AI into commercial kitchens, and Character.AI addresses chatbot safety with teens.

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Last but Not Least

Mozilla's new CEO says AI is coming to Firefox, but will remain a choice: Mozilla has appointed Anthony Enzor-DeMeo as its CEO, as the Firefox developer scrambles to adapt in a rapidly changing browser market. Read More