The Daily Edition

U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested the government invest in AI companies, despite concerns that the industry is leaving many Americans behind. Senator Bernie Sanders has also proposed a sovereign wealth fund with a 50% stake in AI firms. OpenAI is reportedly considering a 5% government stake ahead of its IPO. However, is this a necessary or wise approach?

The Atlas of Surveillance is a free online tool that helps residents determine if they have Flock cameras in their area. Maintained by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the University of Nevada, Reno, this database compiles police surveillance technology deployments across the United States using public records, news reports, and community submissions. It includes details on various surveillance technologies, such as drones, facial-recognition cameras, and body cameras.

In July, a team of scientists and researchers descended 1.1 kilometres beneath England's North Yorkshire moors into a polyhalite mine near Whitby. This marks the establishment of the deepest underground farm in the world, led by Jacob Nickles at the University of Sheffield's Institute for Sustainable Food. The team chose this location for its stable temperature and existing ventilation system, which they believe can significantly reduce energy costs that have plagued vertical farming ventures in recent years.

In June, the median rate of perceived inflation over the past year fell to 3.6%, down from 4.0% in May. The median forecast for inflation in the next year decreased to 3.0%, from 3.5%. Expectations for inflation a decade ahead also dropped to 2.8%, from 2.9%. Expectations for inflation over the following year remained unchanged at 2.4%.

On July 13, the Trump administration announced its intention to "dismantle" the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move that has drawn parallels to past U.S. hostility towards the court. President Vladimir Putin, for whom the ICC has issued an arrest warrant, must have rejoiced at the news. The U.S. has long opposed the ICC, with the George W. Bush administration refusing to become a party to the Rome Statute in 2002.

Congress subsequently passed the "Hague Invasion Act" to authorize the president to secure the release of U.S. or allied personnel detained by the Court.

Chilean glaciologist Gino Casassa has dedicated over four decades to studying Antarctica, transitioning from initial skepticism about human-caused climate change to now firmly believing it to be primarily a man-made phenomenon. In his current role leading the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), he observes stark changes on the continent, including rising sea levels, increased tourist numbers, and escalating geopolitical tensions.

Casassa reflects on the evolution of scientific understanding of Antarctica and the challenges facing the Antarctic treaty system in a conversation with Dialogue Earth.

The lingering effects of COVID-19, now commonly referred to as Long COVID, have become a pressing concern within educational settings, particularly affecting school-age children and adolescents. As a teacher who has personally battled Long COVID, I have observed numerous concerning patterns in student behavior that cannot be attributed solely to technological factors or pre-existing health issues.

According to a study in the journal Pediatrics, an estimated 5.8 million children in the U.S. may have been affected by Long COVID as of early 2024, surpassing the 4.9 million children previously diagnosed with asthma, the most common pediatric health condition.

If you're seeking unique weekend experiences, consider these five events from around the globe. In Amsterdam, the No Art Festival takes over Flevopark, challenging traditional notions of art and music through boundary-pushing performances and pioneering sounds. Chicago's Chinatown Summer Fair, a spirited street celebration, draws over 40,000 visitors to the neighborhood known for its deep cultural roots.