[7/1 11:00] UN panel warns AI catastrophic risks and inequality / Microsoft plans thousands of layoffs amid heavy AI spending

AI News Flash for July 01, 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Topics: 1. UN panel warns AI catastrophic risks and inequality https://www.reuters.com/business/unchecked-ai-progress-may-pose-catastrophic-risks-un-panel-warns-2026-07-01/ 2. Microsoft plans thousands of layoffs amid heavy AI spending https://www.marketwatch.com/story/microsoft-is-reportedly-planning-thousands-of-layoffs-as-it-spends-on-ai-93ebabc8 3. Gas giants use AI to raise prices, lawsuit says https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-07-01/lawsuit-over-gas-prices-tests-clarification-to-states-antitrust-law 4. Wayve courts automakers with human-like AI driving system https://www.reuters.com/technology/wayve-courts-automakers-with-ai-driving-system-that-learns-like-humans-2026-07-01/