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Today’s Menu

• NotebookLM Gets 30-Minute AI Lecture Mode

• Crypto Bill Faces Coin Flip Odds in 2026

Markets

TODAY IN AI

NotebookLM Gets 30-Minute AI Lecture Mode

Google's NotebookLM appears to be preparing another round of upgrades for its Audio and Video Overviews. Recent teasers point to new narration options, including a British English voice framed as arriving in 2026.

Strings and UI references in a recent build point to a new "Lecture" format for Audio Overviews, positioned next to Deep Dive, Brief, Critique, and Debate. The description labels it as a comprehensive AI-generated lecture.

When paired with the "Long" length option, the mode appears designed to produce an audio session of roughly 30 minutes, delivered by a single host speaking continuously in a lecture-style monologue, with more emphasis on explaining and connecting material across provided sources.

When AI can turn your documents into a 30-minute university-style lecture, that's not just content summarization. That's replacing entire educational workflows.

TODAY IN CRYPTO

Crypto Bill Faces Coin Flip Odds in 2026

The all-encompassing crypto market structure bill faces a critical test in 2026. Crypto advocacy sources give it a 50-60% chance of becoming law before the midterms. That's basically a coin flip.

The Senate Banking Committee planned to hold a markup before year-end. That didn't happen. Now they're targeting early 2026, with a spokesperson confirming "strong progress with Democratic counterparts." But several major issues still need resolution.

The sticking points: Yield-bearing stablecoins are a flashpoint. Banks argue the GENIUS Act left loopholes that could turn stablecoins into savings vehicles. DeFi regulation is another battle, centered on AML requirements and whether SEC or CFTC should have jurisdiction.

Trump's crypto conflicts are also in play. Bloomberg estimated the president has profited $620 million from family crypto ventures. And the CFTC is down to one Republican commissioner after four departures this year.

Digital Chamber CEO Cody Carbone said: "They just need to show progress right out of the gate. If we don't have those things in January, I'm feeling very pessimistic."

The window is tight. Lawmakers have roughly the first two quarters before midterm campaigns take over. Congress faces another government funding deadline on January 30. If they can't agree, another shutdown pauses everything.

Bottom line: January will tell us everything.

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Until next time,

Damon James