Satellite image of Antarctic iceberg A23a displaying meltwater on its surface
NASA
The Antarctic iceberg A23a, comparable in size to a city, is experiencing an alarming build-up of meltwater on its surface, signaling potential fragmentation.
Researchers are captivated by the massive A23a iceberg due to its unique ability to collect and retain meltwater.
Satellite visuals reveal a distinctive raised ice rim encircling the entire cliff-edge of this slab-like iceberg, giving it an intriguing resemblance to an oversized playground. This pooling region spans approximately 800 square kilometers, larger than the city of Chicago.
In several areas, the meltwater appears deep and brilliantly blue, indicating depths of several meters. The total volume of water on A23a is estimated to be in the billions of liters, enough to fill thousands of Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Douglas MacAyeal from the University of Chicago explains that this rim effect is a typical phenomenon observed in the world’s largest icebergs.
“My hypothesis is that the edges curve downward from the nose, forming an arched dam that retains snowmelt,” he states. “This curvature likely results from a combination of wave undercutting and melting ice, as well as the inherent flexibility of vertical ice cliffs.”
The streaks of water visible in the satellite images indicate remnants of past ice flow when these icebergs were still attached to the Antarctic coast, he noted.
Image of iceberg A23-A captured from the ISS on December 27, 2025
NASA
A23a dates back to 1986 and originated from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, initially being over five times its current size. It once held the distinction of being the largest iceberg on Earth.
In recent years, A23a has drifted north into increasingly warmer waters, leading to its gradual fragmentation. The substantial volume of surface meltwater can ultimately contribute to its collapse. “Should that water seep into its fractures and subsequently refreeze, it will effectively split the iceberg,” remarks Mike Meredith from the British Antarctic Survey.
He contends that the iceberg can deteriorate unexpectedly within a matter of days.
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Three councils in London have experienced cyberattacks, leading to the activation of emergency plans to determine if any data was compromised.
The Royal Boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea, which share portions of their IT infrastructure, along with Westminster City Council, reported that several systems, including telephone communications, were impacted across both councils. As a precaution, the city council disabled several computer systems to prevent additional harm.
The Information Commissioner’s Office confirmed that the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham also reported being affected by the attack. Collectively, these three councils serve over 500,000 residents in London. In 2020, Hackney City Council was hit by a ransomware attack that encrypted 440,000 files, leading to disciplinary measures from the ICO.
Engineers from RBKC worked tirelessly through Monday and Tuesday to address the incident. They noted that services such as checking council tax bills and paying parking fines could face restrictions, and the website might be temporarily suspended on Wednesday while security measures are implemented.
In a statement from the council, it was mentioned: “We do not have all the answers yet, as we are still managing this incident. However, we are aware that there are concerns among the public, and we will provide updates to our residents and partners in the coming days. At this point, it is too early to determine the perpetrator or motive, but we are investigating whether any data may have been compromised. This is standard procedure.”
The agency and the City of Westminster have stated they are collaborating with cyber incident specialists and the National Cyber Security Center, focusing on safeguarding systems and data, restoring systems, and sustaining essential public services.
These boroughs share some IT resources with Hammersmith and Fulham, and it remains unclear how significantly they were impacted.
RBKC added: “We have activated our business continuity and emergency protocols to ensure that we can continue providing vital services to our residents, especially for the most vulnerable.”
Westminster City Council shared in a statement: “We apologize for any inconvenience to our residents and appreciate your patience and understanding. There may be delays in our responses and services over the coming days. We are committed to working closely with our cyber experts and the NCSC to restore all systems promptly. We will inform you as soon as more details become available, and we strive to keep you updated on any service changes.”
The incident was identified on Monday morning, raising concerns in other councils. Hackney, located in east London and previously affected by a land survey, housing, and planning services disruption in 2020, stated to its staff: “We have received reports that several London councils have been targeted by cyber-attacks in the last 24 to 48 hours, which could cause disruptions to their systems and services.”
Rob Miller, former IT director at Hackney City Council and now senior director at consultancy Public Digital, remarked: “When such an event occurs, you feel an immediate sense of dread as you realize the challenges in getting everything back on track. It’s an incredibly distressing experience.”
A remarkable 140-hectare site, tracing back 3,600 years, has been uncovered in the plains of northeastern Kazakhstan, significantly altering our perception of prehistoric life in Eurasia. This discovery indicates that the Central Asian steppes were once inhabited by Bronze Age societies equal in complexity and connectivity to more prominent ancient civilizations.
“It’s not just a missing piece; it’s like losing half the puzzle,” states Barry Molloy, who obtained his PhD from the University of Dublin, though he was not part of this study.
The Bronze Age was notable for the rise of various prominent cultures, such as the Shang and Zhou dynasties in China, Babylonians and Sumerians in what is now Iraq, and multiple Mediterranean cultures including Egyptians, Minoans, Mycenaeans, and Hittites.
For a long time, the vast steppes of Central Asia were believed to be home to mobile groups residing in yurts or tents. However, Seminyarka, or “City of the Seven Valleys,” appears distinctly different and may have served a crucial role in the distribution of bronze tools among civilizations.
Initially identified in the early 2000s, the site overlooks the Irtysh River, which begins in China’s Altai Mountains, traverses the plains of Kazakhstan, and continues through Siberia to the North Pole.
Mirjana Radivojevic and colleagues from University College London have been documenting the site since 2016. Their findings reveal that Seminyarka included extensive earthworks, likely for defense, as well as at least 20 enclosed dwelling structures, likely mud-brick, and a central monumental building believed to have been used for rituals and governance. The pottery discovered dates the site to around 1600 BC.
Notably, evidence of crucibles, slag, and bronze items suggests that significant areas were dedicated to the production of copper and tin-bronze, an alloy primarily composed of copper with over 2% tin.
Radivojevic noted that the slag’s composition matches tin deposits from the Altai Mountains, about 300 kilometers away.
She mentions that the tin could have been transported by individuals traversing the steppes or via boats on the Irtysh River, or extracted directly from the water. “The Irtysh River was a vital source of tin during the Eurasian Bronze Age, with seasonal flooding aiding in the extraction process,” she explained.
The organized layout of Semyalka contrasts sharply with the dispersed camps and small villages typically associated with nomadic communities in the steppes.
Without thorough excavation efforts, team members indicate they are unsure whether the buildings were constructed simultaneously or over a prolonged period. Dan Lawrence from Durham University states, “However, the design is unmistakably clear. Ordinarily, this suggests contemporary construction, as sequential builds would unlikely align so neatly.”
Given its strategic location along a river near significant copper and tin resources, researchers propose that Seminyarka was not just a hub for bronze production but also an epicenter of trade and regional influence, serving as a crucial linkage in a vast Bronze Age metal network connecting Central Asia with the broader continent.
“The Irtysh River was a heavily trafficked route,” Lawrence remarked. “It’s essentially laying the groundwork for what would become the Silk Road, representing an early form of globalization.”
Radivojevic emphasized that this site reshapes our understanding of Bronze Age societies in the steppe, demonstrating their sophistication comparable to contemporary cultures.
“This indicates they were organized and capable of mobilizing resources and defending their interests,” said Molloy. “The presence of concentrated materials like ores and metals signifies a level of social organization extending beyond local dynamics, fitting into intricate networks that spanned Eurasia, where metals served as critical connections within those networks.”
Cairo and Alexandria, pioneers of science in the ancient world: Egypt
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Cairo and Alexandria, two iconic cities in Egypt that beautifully blend ancient history with modern allure.
In August, Paris typically quiets down as many residents scatter across the beaches and shores for their monthly vacation. Businesses close, and the city comes almost to a halt. Among those who stay are the eternal seekers of Paris: on a quest to find a sunlit terrace for their evening Aperitif.
Securing the ideal spot on the sidewalk outside a cafe can often depend on a timely walk or a quick message from friends. This summer, however, digital solutions gained traction with the quintessentially French take on the old Apple motto: “There’s an app for that.” Jveuxdusoleil is an app that tracks the sun’s movement through the city’s maze, pinpointing exactly where you can snag a sunny seat on your cafe terrace. This innovation arrives at a time of particular uncertainty in Paris.
Jean-Charles Levenne, who taught app development in 2020, created Jveuxdusoleil (“I Want Sun”) as a side project to address personal challenges.
Using a solar position algorithm alongside building height data from the open-source mapping platform OpenStreetMap, Levenne’s app highlights sunny terraces while dimming those in shadow. Users can update the app for new spots or corrections (e.g., trees casting unexpected shadows), thus turning it into a continually evolving and community-driven tool. While the technology is applicable in other cities, most of the app’s terraces are in Paris, which Levenne believes makes it particularly beneficial.
“The app functions globally, but initially focused on Paris due to its unique challenges compared to other French cities,” he remarked. “Finding a sunny spot can be tricky because of the narrow streets and towering buildings.”
The terrace acts as a vantage point to take in the essence of Paris. Chairs are typically arranged facing the street rather than each other, allowing patrons to observe the bustling world around them. The absence of a strong tipping culture in France reduces the urgency for quick table turnover, allowing customers to savor just a drink and linger for hours. For many Parisians, the terrace becomes a second living room.
Pierric Bourgot, a photographer and journalist with about 20 published books, has created a documentary on French bistro culture, emphasizing that the Paris terrace offers one of the city’s most authentic perspectives.
“The terrace embodies a specific concept of Art de Vivre (the Art of Living), as we say in France; it’s a space where diverse groups gather,” Bourgot explained. “You’re not enclosed; you’re somewhat in the street, one foot inside and one foot outside. You’re immersed in the city and the vibrancy of life.”
Searching for the sun after the darkest winter in decades
Jveuxdusoleil’s user base has consistently grown since its launch, now boasting over 1,300 active users weekly, and that number was mirrored during interviews with Levenne. Usage spikes in spring, as Parisians yearn for sunlight after enduring months of a dreary winter.
This year, Jveuxdusoleil experienced a surge, reaching nearly 20,000 visitors in a single week in early March, following a grim 2024 winter, which was noted as the darkest in three decades. Paris, in particular, struggled with multiple stretches of days without sunlight. Jveuxdusoleil remains a passion project for Levenne, who has not profited from it and says, “Actually, it costs money to maintain a server.”
The Parisian photographer I spoke with remarked that the intricate nature of Jveuxdusoleil is part of its charm—using the app to locate a sunny street for a photo while enjoying a drink with friends. Its functionality is streamlined, featuring a single slider to set the time and sunlight, positioning it as an accessible app for everyone.
Can an app revive the declining terrasse culture?
While the user base of Jveuxdusoleil isn’t universally widespread, many young French individuals I encountered on the terraces of Paris had not heard of the app. Yet its existence represents a digital embrace of French bistro culture at a pivotal moment.
According to French Heritage Inventory documents filed in May 2024, the number of French bistros has decreased from 500,000 in 1900 to fewer than 40,000 today. The document notes that Paris has seen a drop from 5,000-6,000 bistros in the 1970s and 1980s to just over 1,000 currently. The Alliance of French Bistro Owners has successfully sought national recognition in September 2024, and has been campaigning since 2018 for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Bourgault attributes this “genocide” to the significant reduction in French bistro density over the past century, faced with relentless threats—exemplified by the shift from 100 bistros per 100,000 people to just 1 per 2,000. The proliferation of cars and highways has redirected traffic away from such venues nationwide, while television, smartphones, and digital communication have lessened the need for socializing on local terraces. Additionally, bistro owners cite globalization and changing consumer preferences as threats to bistro culture.
A law passed in 1941 prohibited the establishment of new cafes, allowing the acquisition of existing licenses only. This stagnation has rendered these establishments particularly vulnerable, especially in Paris, where property prices have surged. French commentators have long decried the “Americanization of Paris,” noting that traditional bistros are increasingly overshadowed by the rapid expansion of McDonald’s and other chain restaurants as habitual meeting spots for many young people.
Pierric noted that technological advances have also played a role in the decline of bistros. People now order deliveries via their phones and when they do venture out, they frequently stay glued to their devices instead of engaging with strangers at the comptoir. He pointed out that the app could actually revitalize Parisian bistro culture.
“Its geographical visualization grounds you in the real world, emphasizing that we are here on Earth,” he stated.
“When encountering friends at the bistro for drinks, we don’t meet in the ether. We gather in a cafe rich with personality, character, and decor. What’s more, we are aware that we are not just two AIs exchanging data protocols. We engage face to face, and it feels undeniably real.”
wHeather Jane Johnson heard that Jeff Bezos got married in Venice this June, but she felt worse than ever. Twenty-five years ago, she closed her bookstore in Boston, Massachusetts. “I lost a lot because of Bezos and the American accomplices behind Amazon’s rise,” states the 53-year-old. “The primary reason I moved to Italy was my sense of betrayal by my homeland.”
When a public meeting was announced in the city, she immediately attended. Since then, she has participated in every gathering of anti-Bezos activists, including the one right before last week’s wedding. “These young people have truly restored my faith in humanity,” Johnson remarks.
Many activists part of the “Bezos No Spaces” movement are based at Laboratorio Accupatato Morion, which identifies as “an anti-fascist, anti-capitalist, anti-racist, and transfeminist political space.” Federica Toninero, 33, describes it as “the home of many struggles.” The venue boasts the same vaulted ceilings and grandeur as others nearby, but is adorned with banners and placards ready to transform Venice in anticipation of Bezos’ wedding festivities, starting Thursday. (During my visit on Sunday, I didn’t spot any billionaires; their inclination for invisibility is strong.) It is all visually stunning, reminiscent of one of Venice’s countercultural spaces, filled with striking graphics from past campaigns against big ships, cruises, and tourists. A grassroots movement emerges here, advocating for refugees, with feminist unions popping up to address issues such as climate crises and urban poverty.
“I don’t think he’s welcome”… his fiancées, Lauren Sanchez and Bezos. Photo: Bruce Glikas/Wireimage
Noemi Donà, a 19-year-old activist from USG (a slowly growing union of young leftists), mentions Oliver, 43, who works as a receptionist in a historic Venetian hotel, not one of the hyper-luxury ones, but rather a “small 14th-century palace.” “Bezos can pay and stay here,” he says, “but thousands of Italian shops have closed due to Amazon’s rise. There are universities aligning with us, many of which occupied campuses last year to protest against the Israeli bombings of Gaza.”
The atmosphere is charged with the scent of aerosols and felt-tip pens. Some banners proclaim “Free Palestine,” while others demand the cessation of bombings in Iran. The Palestinian Libre organization actively condemns the U.S. attack on Iran, which feels particularly shocking just under 24 hours since it occurred. Yet, in opposition to Bezos, Marta Sottoliva, a 34-year-old middle school teacher, asserts, “This isn’t just a group; it’s a platform.”
“If Bezos had announced his wedding here without our movement, the media’s narrative would have centered on a luxurious hotel, VIPs, and gossip,” Sottliva reflects. “We aimed to highlight the obscene wealth that enables men like him to monopolize a city.”
On June 12th, the activists unfurled a massive 8-meter banner featuring Bezos’ name encircled in red. Tonyelo jokes about their lively banter on social media, saying, “You must be embarrassed!” A similar banner was displayed on the Rialto Bridge shortly after.
Protest at San Giorgio Maggiore. Photo: Marta Sottoriva
The activists have shifted their focus from merely questioning, “How much money does he have?” to “What conversation will arise from Bezos’ presence? What numbers will they draw?” As Elon Musk captures the public’s attention, there’s a growing discontent regarding the high purchasing power of elites in the face of societal upheavals. One aspect Bezos cannot buy is public goodwill—nor respect for his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, nor for the 200 guests he plans to invite. That, indeed, is significant.
Not all demonstrations will be publicized, but one detail is clear: a protest will block access to the Scola Grande della Misericordia this Saturday, where Bezos is set to host the celebration.
On a Sunday evening stroll around the venue, I analyzed the logistics for a protest designed to obstruct any chance of the Kardashian presence. A three-meter-wide strip runs along the canal, with a steep drop, creating a narrow bridge that unexpectedly terminates at metal gates in Venice. On the west side, a pavement parallels the canal, leading to a small bridge that could facilitate both police and protesters, but only permits slow movements. With so many stunning bridges dotting Venice, this is the most beautiful, though not conducive to fast access. A square lies at one end and a canal at the other. If 200 protesters show up, they could indeed create significant disruption.
Rumor has it that Bezos isn’t relying solely on police protection but is also engaging former Marlins, hoping to bolster his public image. “How can I get someone away from the water without causing harm?” Toninero muses, her tone playful rather than anxious. “We use our bodies to convey, ‘Stop it, we don’t want this.’”
According to reports Monday, Bezos has been compelled to relocate the party to a different venue.
Rialto Bridge banner. Photo: Manuel Silvestri/Reuters
Even as the city showcases its exquisite eccentricities, it’s difficult to imagine hosting a lavish party in such a locale with a dead-end bridge resembling a 14th-century lagoon. If you spread the word to just 15 people that you’re not welcome, you realize how inherently impossible it is to execute a glamorous, star-studded event here. Perhaps Venice is a mere facade, and the real celebration is set for Maui.
The activist assembly aired their views amidst all this. Critics argue Bezos and Sanchez may not be ideal foes for the anti-tourism sentiment. Yet, many Venetians recognize a common disregard from local authorities. In their quest to appease billionaires, the city effectively shuts down its center. They exert significant influence over short-term rentals yet refuse to take action. Last year’s initiative, taxing tourists €5 a day, was believed to address the situation, but as Sottoliva points out, locals feel they “are like animals in a zoo or cartoon characters from Disneyland.”
Sofia, 26, originally from Barcelona, has engaged in numerous discussions regarding overtourism, but she sees a uniquely vibrant community within Venice, supporting one another beyond mere intellectual endeavors.
Venice’s politically radical lens, influenced largely by its tourism, contrasts sharply with Bezos’ wedding deal, revealing inconsistencies in his values. His conduct as an employer and his apparent disregard for corporate tax responsibilities reflect a divide that becomes glaringly visible in such discussions.
Michael Jordan’s yacht docked in Venice ahead of Bezos’ wedding. Photo: Yara Nardi/Reuters
Climate change activists have also voiced concerns about promoting a culture of extreme consumption, as noted by Stella Faye, a 27-year-old university researcher.
Politically, Bezos’ transition from a perceived mild Democratic supporter to an active Trump advocate has not gone unnoticed. “We are witnessing a disturbing fusion between the private interests of digital capitalism and fascism,” argues Sottoliva. “This is not just confined to Venice.”
Perhaps most troubling for Bezos is the emerging critique of billionaires not just as individuals, but as systemic forces. “There’s a rise in anti-wealth movements,” states Robin Piazzo, a political scientist at the University of Turin. Traditionally, Marxist discourse focused less on billionaires as individuals, instead analyzing capitalism as a collective system. The grassroots movements increasingly question the narratives around the affluent, especially as they light on the influence of wealth over politics and media.
Yet, within grassroots movements, a consistent anti-Western critique is evident, bridging both religious and political sentiments. Piazzo, who also serves on the city council for the Democratic Party, recounts a 90-year-old woman approaching him post-meeting, saying, “You must act against the rich; I detest them.” She aligned herself with the sentiments expressed by Pope Francis. “This is a critical juncture for ultra-high-net-worth individuals,” he warns, as wealth’s perception shifts to a self-serving entity, starkly contrasted with the struggles faced by the less fortunate.
Wealth is showing its sharper edge once again. In 2001, during the G8 summit in Genoa, police responses were harsh and swift after a protester named Carlo Giuliani was killed by Carabinieri. During that tumultuous time, a leftist in England warned that if pushed, resisting police involved serious risks. The memories of such violence linger deeply.
After Giuliani’s death, a specialized police unit was deployed, known for its distinctive blue uniforms and aggressive tactics. Most surreal was the heavy steel fence constructed to shield leaders at the G8. However, despite the barriers, a single protester managed to break through and was quickly arrested. The show of force reflected a stark division between state officials and protesters—clearly demonstrating that their interests were at odds.
Twenty-four years later, Bezos’ wedding symbolizes everything he represents—wage reduction, rampant consumerism, environmental degradation, and wealth supremacy—casting a shadow over a city struggling to maintain its identity. “Honestly, it terrifies me,” states Noemi Donà. “But I’m here.”
Zia Yusuf’s message was unequivocal. From the 34th floor of the Shard, with London’s skyline as his backdrop, the chairman of Reform UK unveiled an economic strategy aimed at demonstrating his party’s serious intent.
During a full English breakfast briefing with national journalists on Friday morning, Yusuf pointed out that reform leader Nigel Farage had flown in from a hotel 5,000 miles away in Las Vegas.
As he addressed the press, an outline of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Square Mile surrounding the banks and asset managers was visible. Even if the policy ideas might echo Donald Trump’s initiatives, they are decidedly pulled from the Westminster Playbook.
Yet, the real issue with Yusuf’s message to the city wasn’t the dubious reliability of the code. The West of the Finance — it was the party’s wider tax and spending policies that raised eyebrows.
Yusuf has been polling well, and scrutiny of reform and economic plans is intensifying. Recently, Farage’s tax and spending framework faced criticism from a Labour politician who labeled it as based on the same “fantasy economics” that led to the disruptive outcomes of Liz Truss’s policies.
The fear is that Yusuf and Farage might trigger a financial meltdown akin to the disastrous mini-budget of the former prime minister. Despite the grand view from the Shard, many economists remain skeptical about the practicality of their priorities.
The proposed reforms suggest a massive tax pledge of at least £600 billion. A significant portion of the expenses revolves around raising the personal income tax allowance to £20,000, an impressive leap from the current £12,570. Furthermore, they plan to raise the threshold for the UK’s 40% higher tax rate from £50,271 to £70,000.
Richard Tice, the party’s financial spokesperson, has questioned whether the total outcome of the reforms can be accurately assessed. Most politicians seem unaware of the Laffer curve. Named after US economist Arthur Laffer, this theory suggests that there exists an optimal tax rate that maximizes government revenue.
The premise is that tax reductions can invigorate economic activity, ultimately increasing revenue. While a 100% tax rate halts economic incentive altogether, the notion that tax cuts can offset their own costs has faced considerable backlash, including critique from prominent economists like Greg Mankiw, who referred to Laffer’s supporters as “charlatans and cranks.”
Tice admits there is an “optimal point,” while Yusuf asserts that reforms should “prioritize tax cuts appropriately and ensure that the figures add up.” Economists also caution that tax hikes announced by Labour could hinder economic growth.
Nevertheless, criticisms persist that the proposed reforms promise significant tax breaks without providing reliable strategies to avoid exacerbating the country’s fiscal deficit, which exceeds £10 billion.
Alongside a low UK economic growth rate, inflation that surpasses targets, rising national debt, and escalating global borrowing costs amid fears of a trade war initiated by Donald Trump, the room for further borrowing appears quite constrained.
After Farage’s recent welfare commitment, the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated that the fiscal policies proposed by the reforms could ultimately cost between £600 billion and £800 billion annually, taking into account previous revenues and additional expenditures. The IFS cautioned that this isn’t yet balanced by equivalent spending cuts or tax hikes elsewhere.
Yusuf mentioned that the reform plans are a work in progress and may evolve as the party formulates its 2029 manifesto. “You shouldn’t just transfer or copy-paste all the policies from the 2024 document,” he added, implying that assumptions about the manifesto for the next general election need to be reconsidered.
That seems a reasonable concern given the time frame until the next election, as the economy can shift at any moment. Workers are also criticized for backtracking on early commitments from 2024. Yet, voters are likely to demand higher expectations from government parties, especially with rising public discontent toward politicians who shift their targets.
However, Yusuf contended that savings could reliably stem from initiatives like “net-zero disposal,” eliminating overseas aid entirely, reducing “Quango expenditures” by 5% annually, and halting all funding for “exile hotels.”
“The figure I just provided could amount to as much as £7.8 billion?”
Economists at the Government Institute have expressed doubts about the feasibility of these savings, pointing out that a significant portion of the £45 billion net zero savings referenced by the reforms actually pertains to spending by the private sector rather than government expenditure.
When Truss opted for the mini-budget, she backed it with over 40 pages of financial documentation to validate her tax strategy, yet it still eroded investor confidence.
There is a genuine risk that history might repeat itself with the current reform initiatives.
IT is a warehouse resembling the size of 12 football pitches, poised to provide essential employment and development opportunities in the city of Caucaia, northeastern Brazil. Yet, the shelves remain empty. This extensive facility is set to transform into a data center, as designated by TikTok, になったんです。 English: The first thing you can do is to find the best one to do. part of a 5.5 billion Reais (7.3 billion pounds) project aimed at expanding the global data center infrastructure.
With the increasing demand for supercomputer facilities, Brazil is attracting an array of high-tech companies, buoyed by the AI boom. The selection of Caucaia is strategic. Submarine cables carry data from Fortaleza, the nearby capital of Ceará, to various continents. Proximity to these cables enhances traffic capacity and reduces latency—the response time across the Internet network.
Additionally, Caucaia is home to the Pecém EPZ, where businesses can produce goods and services for export, benefiting from various tax incentives and streamlined bureaucratic processes.
However, data from Brazil’s disaster digital atlas and integrated disaster information system indicate that Caucaia is also prone to extreme weather events, including drought and heavy rainfall.
Between 2003 and 2024, the city experienced drought-related emergency conditions declared at least once. In 2019, around 10,000 residents were impacted by water shortages. The digital atlas of disasters shows that as reservoirs depleted, water quality diminished, leading to crop failures and challenges in access to basic food supplies.
Data centers consume vast amounts of energy and water to keep supercomputers cool. Nevertheless, public agencies are promoting green construction in drought-affected areas. Caucaia is part of a broader trend.
According to the Digital Disaster Atlas, five of the 22 planned data centers are situated in cities that have faced repeated drought and water scarcity since 2003.
So far, China’s social networks have not been mentioned in Caucaia’s permit application. However, in February, the chief of staff for the state government, Chagas Vieira, confirmed in an interview with local radio stations that discussions were ongoing with Chinese firms, and representatives from TikTok and its parent company ByteDance met with senior officials, including the Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, Geraldo Alckmin.
ByteDance has been approached for comments.
The truck will deliver water to Caucaia, a city facing repeated problems with drinking water supply. Photo: Marília Camelo/The Guardian
The project is officially led by Casa dos Ventos, a Brazilian wind energy firm that has invested in the data center sector. Mario Araripe, the company’s founder and president, announced last year that he aims to attract major global technology companies like Apple, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft to fill the facility with computers.
Casa dos Ventos has already secured one of the three required licenses from the state of Ceará. According to the state’s Environmental Supervision (SEMACE), the project received a license for “30m³/day water consumption in closed circuits supplied by Artesian Well.” Specific details have been withheld for commercial confidentiality.
Casa dos Ventos claims it is “committed to transforming Porto do Pecém into a complex of technological innovation and energy transition.”
Projects requiring significant energy, such as data centers, are required to obtain special permission from the Brazilian government. As of 2024, at least seven of the 21 approvals granted by the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Energy were linked to data centers.
Casa dos Ventos is also responsible for another data center project currently under state review in Campo Redondo, Rio Grande do Norte, a region that has experienced drought for 14 out of the last 21 years. During the water crisis in 2022, local governments sought federal aid, and water trucks were dispatched to address the demand.
A similar situation is unfolding in Igaporanga, Bahia, where a Brazilian renewable energy company plans to establish two data centers. The city has been in a state of emergency due to drought conditions for 12 of the years between 2003 and 2022. In 2021, about 5,500 people faced rural water shortages.
Transparency regarding water usage by data centers under construction in these areas is lacking. Companies have not disclosed this information voluntarily, and the government has withheld technical documents for licensing, citing commercial confidentiality.
In early April, the National Electric Power System Operator (ONS) denied requests for access to the grid for Casa dos Ventos, citing concerns for grid stability. Consequently, the Ministry of Mines and Energy requested a recalculation to assess potential grid adjustments.
bIG tech firms acknowledge their water consumption in water-scarce areas heightened by AI requirements. The 2024 Sustainability Report details that Microsoft reported that 42% of its water usage originates in regions experiencing water stress. Similarly, Google stated that in the same year, 15% of its water consumption fell in areas marked by “high water scarcity.”
Data centers utilize a large volume of water to prevent overheating in computers and machines. However, some water may evaporate, potentially exacerbating the local climate crisis where they are located. As AI technologies evolve, the demand for processing power increases, leading to heightened energy and cooling requirements. Consequently, water and energy consumption are projected to rise.
Workers at a Data Center in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Such facilities utilize considerable amounts of water for cooling machinery. Photo: Jeff Botega
The International Energy Agency projects a significant increase in data center energy consumption to double, reaching 945,000 GWh by 2030—equivalent to Japan’s annual energy consumption. Countries like Brazil will account for approximately 5% of this growth within that timeframe.
Water consumption is expected to surge. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, and the University of Texas at Arlington estimate that global AI demand will require between 4.2 billion and 6.6 billion cubic meters of water by 2027, surpassing half of the UK’s annual water usage.
However, Shaolei Ren, a researcher from UC Riverside and co-author of the study, highlights a crucial distinction between consumption (water extracted from the system) and loss (water evaporated).
“Residential users generally do not withdraw significant amounts of water, but data centers often consume between 60% and 80%,” notes Ren, meaning that much water is lost.
Data centers can be cooled through two approaches: one is air conditioning, a widely adopted method for various facilities, while the second is utilizing water.
The outskirts of Caucaia, where inadequate water became unsuitable for urban consumption after reservoirs were depleted in 2019. Photo: Marília Camelo/The Guardian
One method involves recycling or reusing water but incorporates fans and radiators within closed systems, resembling car engine technologies. Alternatively, a cooling tower might use evaporation to expel heat from heated water, allowing the return of cold water to the system. The final method involves misting water into the air, increasing humidity and reducing temperature.
Nonetheless, these methods are not without inefficiencies. “Both evaporation and misting lead to water loss,” asserts Emilio Franceschini, an associate professor at ABC Federal University.
A small data center with a capacity of 1MW consumes around 25.5 million liters of water annually, with an estimated 1% (255,000 liters) lost to evaporation.
In Pecém, alternatives to extracting water include purchasing desalinated seawater or recycled water from Fortaleza.
It falls upon the state government to grant water concessions to data centers as part of the environmental licensing process.
rOnildo Mastroianni, technical director at Esplar, an NGO with a 50-year presence in Ceará, argues that projects demanding high water consumption in semi-arid areas are misguided. “It’s simply pushing for increased dryness,” he asserts.
Mastroianni cautions that such projects could alter the local hydrological basin, which may weaken fragile ecosystems, like the Caatinga, and heighten food insecurity due to rural water scarcity. He indicates that representatives from local NGOs and various Kilombola and Indigenous communities were not included in project discussions.
Due to water stress, many communities have constructed reservoirs to secure water supply during drought periods. Photo: Marília Camelo/The Guardian
Other Latin American nations are also witnessing a surge in the data center industry. Chile has launched 22 data centers in the Santiago region alone. In December, the government announced a National Plan to establish 30 additional projects, projected to place the country at medium to high levels of water stress by 2040, signifying decreased water availability.
In Chile, both governmental and corporate bodies are facing escalating opposition. In 2019, Google disclosed plans for its second data center in Santiago, which sparked estimates from the activist organization MOSACAT indicating the project would extract 700 million liters of water annually.
Following a wave of protests, a Santiago court reviewed the project. By early 2024, the court halted Google’s assessments concerning environmental impacts, pending further evaluation.
Among those advocating against the project was Tania Rodriguez of MOSACAT, who lamented, “That turned into extractivism,” she said in interviews with other outlets. “We will become everyone’s backyards.”
Brownsville, Texas – A new city has emerged in Texas, named Starbase.
On Saturday, voters approved a measure to create a new city in South Texas, focusing on Elon Musk’s SpaceX operations. The initiative secured significant backing, facilitating the establishment of a city composed primarily of SpaceX employees and affiliates.
The initial tally showed 173 votes in favor of the establishment, with only four against. The measure required a minimum of 143 votes to succeed.
“It is officially statistically impossible for this measure to fail,” stated Cameron County election manager Remi Garza on Saturday evening. “Cameron County has a new city.”
Following the vote, the county commissioner will review the results within two weeks, according to Garza. A judge will officially declare the election result and the establishment of the new city.
The area designated as Starbase spans approximately 1½ square miles at the southernmost part of Texas, situated along the coast and bordered by Mexico. This is where SpaceX’s headquarters is located, responsible for the production of boosters, engines, and large spacecraft during test launches.
This vote outcome was a crucial win for Musk, who has faced significant criticism in recent months due to his connections with former President Donald Trump’s administration. Musk held the position of head of the Office of Government Efficiency (DOGE), managing widespread layoffs and budget cuts across federal agencies.
In response to his actions, protests erupted nationwide, coinciding with a decline in profits for his electric car company, Tesla.
Saturday’s election also marked the appointment of Starbase’s first mayor, Bobby Pedden, alongside two additional mayors, Jordan Bass and Jenna Petruzelka. All three candidates ran unopposed and are SpaceX employees.
County election records revealed that 283 residents were eligible to vote in the Cameron County special election on Saturday. Eligibility was determined based on whether the residents’ homes fell within the designated boundaries of the new city.
While neither SpaceX nor Musk has disclosed the intent behind incorporating the city into their operations, speculation suggests that it could streamline local government processes, potentially reducing bureaucracy and regulations surrounding SpaceX’s testing and rocket launches.
Currently, SpaceX must acquire permission from Cameron County authorities to close roads and limit public access to Bocachica Beach and Bocachica State Parks for safety during rocket launches.
Ongoing highway closures have led to legal challenges against SpaceX, inciting protests from local residents and advocacy groups, including the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe in Texas, the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, and Border Workers United. As reported by CNBC.
A sign posted outside the SpaceX “Hub.” Marissa Parra / NBC News
With SpaceX now operating within the newly formed Starbase, future developments might occur, although resistance could be expected.
“Now, that authority resides solely in Cameron County and my office, and we consider ourselves a strong collaborator and partner with SpaceX, as demonstrated by our efforts to ensure public access to Bocachica Beach,” Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino explained to NBC News.
Trevino asserted that there’s no need for changes to current procedures.
“If it’s not broken, there’s no need to fix it,” he noted.
Dennis Chou
Denise Chow is a science and space reporter for NBC News.
Marissa Para
Marissa Para is a national correspondent for NBC News based in Miami, Florida.
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles boasts the world’s most prominent celebrities, yet monthly gatherings reveal that the city’s affluent and renowned individuals have an interest in the cosmos.
The Silver Lake Star Party, organized by the Los Angeles Astronomical Association, started with a few telescopes in the heart of the city. It has evolved into a popular evening hangout. Members convene every Monley, welcoming hundreds of strangers to peek through their personal telescopes.
“It’s truly breathtaking,” remarked member Bobby Kabubaguestuk. “The allure, the thrill, the wonder of seeing Saturn, Jupiter, and the Orion Nebula for the first time.”
Children examining the telescope at the Outdoor Astronomy Club event in Los Angeles on April 18, 2025. NBC News
Society aims to cultivate an interest in space. Despite the bustling urban setting not being an ideal location for stargazing, society members manage to make it work.
“Even in busy, densely populated, light-polluted areas, there is always something captivating in the night sky. It presents an opportunity to connect with the cosmos,” shared Cabbagestalk.
While some organizers are seasoned astronomers, others like Cabbagestalk are simply enthusiastic. They elucidate on what viewers observe through the telescope, identifying constellations and planets.
“These stars, planets, and the moon are present daily, yet we often overlook their magnificence,” reflected Cabbagestalk. “By coming here, people can slow down and gain a new perspective on the world and universe around them.”
This event is open to individuals of all ages, free of charge. All that is required is a willingness to gaze into the celestial wonders above.
Bright objects falling from space lit up the sky in the Mexican capital around 3am on Wednesday, spreading over plains, volcanoes, and small towns.
Videos of a fireball that streaked across a Latin American country and exploded into a burst of light in Mexico City captured the attention of many.
“No, the meteorite that exploded last night is not a reason to reach out to your ex,” someone tweeted. Meteor shower.
Soon, the internet was filled with edited images of fireballs featuring cartoon characters and political jokes.
Bright objects illuminate the sky in Mexico City early on Wednesday.webcamsmx via AP
Mexican scientists quickly realized that the object streaking across the sky was not a meteorite but a bolido. This was Bolido.
Bolido, as defined by NASA, is “a very bright meteor that is spectacular enough to be seen over a large area.”
Mario Rodriguez, a space science researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, explained that it could be classified as a meteor or a fragment of one.
Bolido, resembling a shooting star, creates a fire as it descends through the Mexican skies in the early hours of Wednesday.
“Due to the high pressure on the object, they begin to flare up with their trailing tails and emit light,” Rodriguez stated, part of a team of scientists analyzing the video that amazed many Mexicans. He added that unlike meteorites impacting the Earth, bolidos disintegrate in the atmosphere.
According to him, this particular meteor was around five feet long and posed no danger to the public.
In New York, 12 US copyright lawsuits against Openai and Microsoft have been consolidated, with authors and news outlets suing the companies for centralization.
According to a Transfer order from the U.S. Judicial Commission on Multi-District Litigation, centralization can help coordinate findings, streamline pretrial litigation, and eliminate inconsistent rulings.
Prominent authors like Ta-Nehisi Coates, Michael Chabon, Junot Díaz, and comedian Sarah Silverman brought the incident to California, but it will now be moved to New York to join news outlets such as The New York Times. Other authors like John Grisham, George Sounders, Jonathan Franzen, and Jody Picoll are also involved in the lawsuits.
Although most plaintiffs opposed the merger, the transfer order addresses factual questions related to allegations that Openai and Microsoft used copyrighted works without consent to train large-scale language models (LLM) for AI products like Openai’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s copylot.
Openai initially proposed consolidating the cases in Northern California, but the Judiciary Committee moved them to the Southern District of New York for the convenience of parties and witnesses and to ensure a fair and efficient conduct of the case.
High-tech companies argue that using copyrighted works to train AI falls under the doctrine of “fair use,” but many plaintiffs, including authors and news outlets, believe otherwise.
An Openai spokesperson welcomed the development, stating that they train on publicly available data to support innovation. On the other hand, a lawyer representing Daily News looks forward to proving in court that Microsoft and Openai have infringed on their copyrights.
Some of the authors suing Openai have also filed suits against meta for copyright infringement in AI model training. Court filings in January revealed allegations against Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for approving the use of copyrighted materials in AI training.
Amazon recently announced a new Kindle feature called “Recaps” that uses AI to generate summaries of books for readers. While the company sees it as a convenience for readers, some users have raised concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated summaries.
The UK government is addressing peer and labor concerns about copyright proposals, and companies are being urged to assess the economic impact of their AI plans.
In 2023, a group called California Forever funded by Silicon Valley billionaires, has introduced a flashy proposal to build a new city on tens of thousands of acres of farmland that has taken northeast of San Francisco.
The Solano County residents and officials, where the city sits, were dissatisfied with the lack of local opinions and concerns of wealthy outsiders with big plans to rebuild the area. California has forever changed its track after months of coverage and efforts to attract local leaders. They quickly tracked the plan and instead retracted voting measures that they had sought approval through the standard county process.
This month, California has been in the spotlight for a new proposal. And they were greeted much warmer, using the land they owned to create the shipbuilding hub. The Trump administration reportedly Presidential Order It will stimulate the US shipbuilding industry.
The company, which currently owns more than 65,000 acres in Solano County, said in a statement that Solano is “in its own craft to answer the call to rebuild our country’s naval power,” and that it can “promote economic revitalization” across the region.
“We are working very early in the process with elected officials and communities to explore ways to use these assets to support American sailors and stimulate economic growth in cities, counties and wider regions,” the company said in a statement.
The artist rendering provided by California shows the main street of the proposed new city in Solano County, California. Photo: AP
Located about 60 miles from San Francisco, Solano County lives around 450,000 people and has a history of shipbuilding. It was the site of the first US naval base in the Pacific, operating for over 140 years. Today, the region’s largest employer is Travis Air Force Base, the country’s busiest, with over 10,000 people.
California began purchasing land within the county to sensitivity before it was made public with plans for the new city. They promoted efforts as a solution to California’s housing crisis, saying the new city has pledged to bring widespread new job opportunities for the area with its green infrastructure and a utopian vision of a walkable area, and that the project will not impose financial obligations or taxes on residents outside the community. However, they soon encountered a fierce pushback.
The Sierra Club’s local branch has stated that the company’s efforts include:Hostile takeover”. Last year, they withdraw the measures from the vote and agreed to an environmental report and development agreement on the project.
Meanwhile, last year, Joe Biden expressed interest in bringing shipbuilding back to the US, so the company was in touch with local officials expressing interest in pursuing such opportunities on the West Coast.
after that last week Edwin Okamura, mayor of the Solano County town of Rio Vista, announced that he met with representatives from California Forever and met with retired military leaders and other officials in the county to discuss the issue.
Vacaville mayor John Carli also visited the area and said he met with retired military officials who described the site as one of the most ideal locations in the United States and described the shipbuilding efforts there as a “unique opportunity.” Its site, California, has forever stated in its statement, with over 1,400 acres of land actively zoned for “maritime industrial use.” Carli said the manufacturing and assembly locations will be used rather than ports.
The effort is still in its early stages, officials said they are holding the executive order.
But so far, officials in the area have expressed enthusiasm for their efforts to expand the maritime industry. Alma Hernandez, mayor of Swissun, about 30 miles northwest of Collinsville, said in a statement that the city supports the expansion.
“Suisun City supports the local efforts to invite the US government and key defense contractors to invest in the future of Solano County,” Hernandez said. “Our area has a proud history of shipbuilding. It’s part of our identity. We are keen to contribute in every way to ensure maritime success in our area.”
Carli said the profits are far beyond shipyards and refer to more than $2.7 billion in economic impacts that air force bases have in the area. And he said that maritime industrial bases would benefit the air force bases.
With the history of shipbuilding in the region and the role it plays in the US defense, it makes sense to have this kind of project here, state Rep. Lori Wilson said, and that would bring great opportunities. Going forward, Wilson hopes the shipyard will become the largest employer in the county.
Wilson said he’s heard of the project from many members, but most of them were supportive. Given the level of distrust present in the organization, some have expressed concern about the environmental impact of the maritime industry and the role of California. Lawmakers were skeptical of themselves about the company.
“It’s something I’m careful about as a legislative representative in this area, but that’s not something I can deal with. It’s up to them to build trust.”
Still, even those who don’t support planning for the new city are interested in the project, Wilson said. “People are really excited about this opportunity. [the potential] For the shipbuilding to return to Solano County. There is a groundwell in support for this project and I am truly excited to do my part to make this happen. ”
Carli hopes the community will see beyond landowners. “We are confident that if the opportunity appears here locally, residents will recognize and support the project,” Kari said. “It deserves a thoughtful discussion with the community to understand that this is different from the city being proposed.”
When you’re about to have a nice meal, nothing worse than a noisy neighbor. Even if the meal is made up before it liquefies the inside of the prey.
New research shows that some spiders living in cities somehow weave soundproofing designs into the web structure to manage unnecessary noise.
“The University of Nebraska Lincoln” has announced that Irene Hebetz, author of the paper led by University of Nebraska-Lincoln biologist and university postdoctoral researcher Brandi Pessman.
Funnel web spiders are becoming more common in North America. These quarter-sized spiders, with their legs stretched, attach nets to everything, whether they are rocks, grass or human objects. They weave a kind of funnel into a web that usually hides from predators. Their silk is not sticky, so they rely on speed and ambush. After detecting prey into their nets, they burst and attacked, injected the victim with venom, then liquefying the inside for easy digestion.
Spiders don’t have human ears, so they don’t necessarily listen to things in the traditional way. However, sound produces vibrations that travel through the ground into the net through the chains of silk.
“They really rely on those exact vibrations to determine where their prey is, what their prey is, and whether they’re going to attack,” Dr. Pessman said.
“The sense of vibration tends to be forgotten in nature,” added Beth Mortimer, a biologist who studied noise pollution and was not involved in the study at Oxford University. This species builds both urban and rural nets at home. And Dr. Pessman began to wonder whether noise pollution might plague spiders enough to change their web weaving strategies.
in study Presented in the Journal Current Biology last week, Dr. Pessman and Dr. Hebets rounded up Arachnid City Slickers and Country Bumbkins and took them to the lab. They placed each spider in a container with the speakers on the bottom and played loud or quiet white noise for four days.
The researchers then analyzed the webs constructed by each spider by transmitting measured vibrations at different points.
Dr. Hebbets and Dr. Pessmann could not find any major differences in the way urban spiders and farm spiders communicate vibrations when they play quiet noises.
When they played loud noises on urban spiders, they discovered that their web was less sensitive and less vibrations to the funnel. “Their web was inherently quiet,” Dr. Pessman said. Researchers didn’t know how the web differed structurally, but Dr. Pessman said it was clear that “it reduces the constant noise approaching where they sit.”
Conversely, when the country’s spiders heard a loud noise, they created a more sensitive web. Researchers speculated that they were not used to such rackets and were desperately trying to feel the incoming prey. It’s like turning up a TV as the lawnmower passes by the window.
Meanwhile, city spiders essentially filled the wall because everything was boring. This is an adaptation that puts you at a disadvantage to hear your prey and potential companions, using vibrations to communicate availability. But it may help animals save their energy and not respond to all the city sounds they detect.
“If you have masking noise, that means you’re less likely to detect small items coming into your web,” said Dr. Mortimer, who said the study “doesn’t really well.”
The study highlights the refinement of spiders, Hebbets said, because despite the problems with big cities, he came up with solutions to find food and companions.
“Animal sensory systems can certainly adapt to changes in environmental conditions over time, but this takes time,” Dr. Hebbets said. “However, behavioral changes can be immediate.”
Anchorage, Alaska – Volcanoes near Alaska’s biggest city show new signs of anxiety. Experts say the likelihood of an eruption in Mount Spall is increasing in the coming weeks or months.
The Alaska Volcanic Observatory said Wednesday it measured “a significant rise in volcanic gas emissions” during recent turbulence, with the signs indicating that the eruption was not certain in weeks or months, but not certain.
“We hope for more seismic activity, gas emissions and surface heating before the eruption. “Such strong anxiety could provide additional warnings for days to weeks.”
What is Mount Spur?
It is an ice-covered volcano about 80 miles northwest of Anchorage, 11,070 feet high.
Mount Spur is one of Alaska’s 53 volcanoes and has been active within the last 250 years. There are two main vents.
When did Mount Spur last erupt?
The last known eruption from the Summit Bent was over 5,000 years ago. Meanwhile, Crater Peak Vent erupted once in 1953 and three times in 1992. Crater Peak Vent is about two miles south of the summit.
Since then, there have been periods of increasing earthquakes and other activities between 2004 and 2006, but no other eruptions. Last October, the observatory raised the green to yellow mount spur alert status when seismic activity increased significantly and ground deformation was discovered in satellite data.
The most likely outcome of current anxiety would be the eruptions or eruptions of 1953 and 1992, the observation deck said.
But “there is a possibility that there will be no eruptions, current activity will die slowly, or even smaller eruptions may occur,” wrote John Power, a geophysicist at the station’s US Geological Survey, in an email.
What are the effects of the eruption?
According to the observation deck, eruptions of the last century lasted three to seven hours, rising more than 50,000 feet above sea level, producing ash columns deposited ashes in communities in southern Alaska.
In 1992, about a quarter inch of ash from the anchorage began to stay inside or wear masks if they were to go outside to avoid breathing the ashes. The clouds drifted all the way to Greenland.
Volcanic ash is angular and sharp, and is used as an industrial abrasive. Powdered rocks can shut down the jet engine.
The 1992 eruption prompted temporary closures of airports in Anchorage and other communities.
In states where most communities are not connected to Alaska’s main road system, closing airports is more than inconvenient. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is one of the busiest cargo hubs in the world.
time Book a Cadillac Hotel It opened in Detroit 100 years ago this month, making the Motor City one of the most dominant metropolises on Earth.
At the time, it was the world’s tallest hotel, boasting over 1,100 rooms spread over 31 floors. At the time, Detroit was a place where everyone saw, or wanted to see, the city’s primary industry, the automobile, as facilitating the dawn of mass mobility for the wider world.
The decades since have been less serene, but today Detroit is in the midst of a resurgence.
Recently opened new lab Robots roam the exposed concrete floors of the technology hub, which was once an abandoned library archive for the city school system. Outside, the whirl of electric ATVs echoes through the streets. Inside the building, more than 100 startups are working to explore the future of mobility.
A century ago, immigrants from Syria, Poland and Ireland landed at neighboring Michigan Central Station, and now entrepreneurs and engineers are coming there. Mexico, Norway And the future is pouring down on the city.
Many people choose to come to Detroit over Boston, Silicon Valley, or Austin because of the new wave of innovation, $700 million worth of investments by Ford Motor Company, city tax breaks, and other investments. This is because funds from the family are contributing to the reconstruction of this area. It has long served as a symbol of the death of American cities.
RybackThe startup, founded by David Medina, a 26-year-old entrepreneur from Mexico, is developing an electric all-terrain vehicle that reduces both air and noise pollution in urban environments. Norwegian company wheel me promises to turn any object into a robot capable of autonomously moving large objects, and is working with some of Detroit’s biggest automakers.
“When we wanted to expand into the U.S. market, one of our major customers, Siemens, had a huge footprint in Atlanta, so it was attractive to move there,” says Detroit. says Robert Skinner, originally from the US and managing director of EcoG. , an EV charging technology company headquartered in Munich.
“But when the team went to the Detroit Auto Show, they saw the recovery and everything that’s going on — it’s vibrant here. We had a one-on-one meeting with the governor. I was able to… all of which helped me make the decision to locate here.”
Just a decade ago, General Motors went bankrupt, leaving the city $18 billion in debt and running out of cash, making it the largest U.S. city ever to fail. Over the decades, some 700,000 residents have left the city and an ever-growing list of problems has led to the closure of emergency services.
All the while, the massive Michigan Central Building and the former library archives next door served as reminders of both Detroit’s grand, distant past and recent decline.
In 2018, Ford Motor Company purchased the 90-acre site for $90 million, and since then it has taken 1.7 million hours, involving thousands of craftsmen, to create the stunning Beaux Arts classic. It has been restored to its former glory.
“At its peak, [in the 1940s]4,000 people will walk through central Michigan every day. [taking trains to and from Detroit]” said Josh Shirrefman, CEO of Michigan Central.
“We’ve recently had 4,000 people use this building again. There’s a certain poetry to it. It’s an important statement about things coming to life again.”
A mural by Jessica Trevino and Romain Brancar depicting Detroiters living near Michigan Central. Photo: Jim West/Zuma Press Wire/Rex/Shutterstock
The region’s resurgence was marked by last summer’s concerts, where thousands of tickets were sold within hours to see performers such as Detroit native Diana Ross and Eminem.
As the nation’s largest majority-black city, efforts to foster minority-led innovation are part of its recovery story.
In the spring of 2023, Alexa Turnage and her husband Johnny… black tech saturdays After being told that Black tech founders and entrepreneurs “don’t exist.”
“We started here at 10 a.m. on a Saturday and people were still showing up at 5 p.m.,” Johnny says.
Since then, the organization has held dozens of workshops and networking events to support the Black tech community locally and nationally from its Michigan Central location.
“Our greatest accomplishment is Takeover by female founder Last March. Approximately 1,200 people gathered. We occupied all three floors of this building. ”
Hundreds of high school students also took Google’s Code Next program. This program is also available at Michigan Central.
Michigan Central isn’t the only team experiencing a resurgence.
Ten years ago, most of the high-rise buildings in downtown Detroit were abandoned or in ruins. Today, each building has been renovated to various states and all are once again occupied.
For many, the restoration of the Book Tower, a 38-story Renaissance building, is particularly satisfying.
“It is impossible to overstate the extent of the damage done to the building. There was a combination of deterioration and damage, with stone panels flying off the walls and the painted glass ceiling falling in.” -Jamie Witherspoon of Bedrock, a real estate company owned by Detroit billionaire Dan Gilbert, who owns mortgages and the NBA’s Cleveland. Cavaliers.
Bedrock’s flagship project over the past decade has been the rebirth of the Book Tower.
The building remained vacant for six years until Gilbert and his team raised deep pockets to repurpose the former office tower to suit 21st century tastes.
Last year, it spent almost $400 million to create a stunning mixed-use space with five restaurants, hundreds of apartments, 117 extended-stay suites, and dozens of caryatids overlooking life in the revitalized city center. We are now open. architectural digest magazine I named it One of the most beautiful repurposed buildings in the world.
“We saw this as an opportunity to kind of take something that was a symbol of urban decline and turn it into a place that different people could come and experience,” Witherspoon says.
Still, the city faces major challenges.
poverty in detroit almost 3 times On the other hand, housing costs are rising in areas that are becoming more upmarket. I saw some residents‘My life is turned upside down.
When General Motors recently asked the city of Detroit for $250 million to renovate its iconic Rensen skyscraper, some resident groups balked.
But there’s no denying that the city is on the rise.
On the land next to Michigan Central, Detroit City FC hopes to: build a new stadium It’s right near the Mexicantown neighborhood, a community where the soccer team has a lot of support.
“They drive from Ohio and Kentucky.” [and] Tennessee. We have people coming from Baltimore, New York and Toronto. Some people flew in from Brazil,” Johnny Turnage said of those who attended his Black Tech Saturday event.
“I have one collaborator in Los Angeles who is considering moving here.”
There is a vast population on Earth, with some residing in extremely cold climates. The coldest location on Earth, Dome Fuji in Antarctica, recorded temperatures as low as -93.2°C (-135.76°F). However, the coldest city in the world can be found in Siberia, Russia.
Yakutsk, located in Siberia, holds the title of the coldest city on Earth. This city has a population of 355,000 and experiences harsh winters with an average minimum temperature of -42°C (-43.6°F) in January. Despite its freezing temperatures, Yakutsk can also get very hot in the summer, with temperatures reaching 26°C (78.8°F) in July.
Why is Yakutsk the coldest city in the world?
Yakutsk’s extreme cold can be attributed to several factors. It is situated inland, far from the moderating effects of the Sea of Okhotsk. The city lies in a region trapped by a high-pressure system during winter, bringing in cold Arctic air masses. Additionally, Yakutsk receives minimal sunlight during the winter and is built on continuous permafrost.
With a population mainly working in diamond mines, Yakutsk remains one of the most frigid cities on the planet.
Where is the coldest inhabited place on Earth?
Oymyakon in Russia is often considered the coldest inhabited place in the world, with temperatures dropping as low as -71.2°C (-96.2°F). This remote village, approximately 21 hours away from Yakutsk, experiences such extreme cold that vehicles left outdoors must remain running to avoid stalling.
Read more:
To discover more fascinating science facts, explore our ultimate fun facts page.
Flooding is a common occurrence in the cities of Navotas and Malabon, located in densely populated areas north of Metro Manila in the Philippines.
These cities have adapted to the constant threat of floods. For example, the iconic jeepney vehicles are now made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion from seawater. Additionally, roads have been continuously elevated, reaching heights higher than people’s doors in some areas.
“They keep raising the roads higher and higher, and it’s a challenge to sustain this,” says Dr. Mahal Ragmay, Executive Director of the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute.
The struggle to combat floods in these cities is not just due to rising sea levels, but also to the lowering of the ground level. A study led by Lagmay and his team revealed that parts of Metro Manila sank by 10.6 centimeters (4.2 inches) per year between 2014 and 2020, significantly higher than the global average sea level rise.
This rapid decline has been a growing concern, especially in certain coastal areas around Manila Bay where floods have left half of the houses submerged, forcing rice farmers to turn to fishing for their livelihood.
Similar subsidence issues are observed in various highly urbanized regions worldwide, as highlighted by land subsidence expert Dr. Matt Way, who studies urban subsidence on a global scale.
The Impact of Land Subsidence
Subsidence measurements are now conducted using advanced technologies like satellite data, allowing researchers to make more accurate estimates of ground movement. With tools like GNSS and InSAR, scientists can track ground movement in 3D at specific points, providing detailed insights into subsidence patterns.
By analyzing subsidence data from various cities globally, researchers have found that many urban areas are experiencing significant sinking rates, posing a threat to millions of people.
Causes of Subsidence
Tighter regulations on groundwater extraction have slowed Jakarta’s sinking rate, but flooding still occurs – Credit: BAY ISMOYO
Subsidence in cities like New York and Manila has various causes, including post-glacial rebound and human activities like excessive groundwater pumping. While natural phenomena like seismic faults contribute to ground movements, human interventions play a significant role in accelerating subsidence rates.
Addressing subsidence requires a multi-faceted approach, from regulating groundwater extraction to monitoring and mitigating the impact of sinking urban areas.
Mitigating Urban Subsidence
Cities like Jakarta, Tokyo, and Houston have made strides in slowing subsidence rates by implementing stricter water regulations and alternative water supply solutions. In Manila, efforts to ban deep well drilling and reduce reliance on groundwater are underway to address subsidence issues.
While some areas may face relocation due to flooding and sinking, careful management of groundwater resources and proactive monitoring can help cities bounce back from subsidence challenges.
About our experts
Dr. Matt Way is an expert in oceanography and studies natural disasters and crustal geodesy at the University of Rhode Island.
Dr. Mahal Lagmay is the Executive Director of the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute, focusing on projects related to flooding and groundwater management in the Philippines.
Archaeologists used a laser-based detection system to discover more than 6,500 Pre-Hispanic structures in Campeche, Mexico, including a previously unknown Mayan city named Valeriana.
Details of the main ruins of Valeriana in Campeche, Mexico. Image credit: Auld-Thomas others., doi: 10.15184/aqy.2024.148.
“Our analysis not only revealed a complete picture of densely populated areas, but also revealed a lot of variation,” said Tulane University doctoral student and Northern Arizona University professor. Lecturer Luke Old-Thomas said.
“What we found was not only rural areas and small settlements, but also a town where people had long been actively farming amidst the ruins, right next to the only main road in the area. We also found a large city with pyramids.”
“The government knew nothing about it. The scientific community knew nothing about it.”
“This is an exclamation point after the statement that, no, we haven't discovered everything. Yes, there's still a lot to discover.”
lidar technology It uses laser pulses to measure distance and create a 3D model of a specific area.
This allows scientists to scan vast tracts of land from the comfort of their computer labs, discovering anomalies in the landscape that turn out to be pyramids, family homes, and other examples of Mayan infrastructure. It's done.
“With LIDAR, we can map large areas very quickly and with very high accuracy and level of detail, so we can say, “Wow, there are so many buildings that we don't know about, and they must have a large population.'' ‘It's huge,’ said Old Thomas.
“The counterargument was that lidar surveys were still too constrained to known large sites like Tikal, thus creating a distorted picture of the Maya lowlands.”
“What if the rest of the Maya region is much more rural and what we've mapped so far is the exception rather than the rule?”
The team's results provide compelling evidence of a Maya landscape that was more complex and diverse than previously thought.
“Rider teaches us that, like many other ancient civilizations, the Lowland Maya built a diverse tapestry of towns and communities on a tropical landscape,” said Marcello Canuto, a professor at Tulane University. “I'm grateful for that,” he said.
“Some areas have vast expanses of farmland and are densely populated, while others have only small communities.”
“Nevertheless, we can now see how much the ancient Maya modified their environment to support a long-lasting and complex society.”
a paper The findings were published in the journal October 29, 2024. ancient.
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luke old-thomas others. 2024. Running out of space: Environmental riders and the crowded ancient landscape of Campeche, Mexico. ancient 98 (401): 1340-1358;doi: 10.15184/aqy.2024.148
The city of Rancho Palos Verdes has already faced setbacks in its potential efforts to mitigate land transfers. Last month, the city Deeper landslides discovered. The region is also experiencing active earthquakes, and officials said earthquakes deeper than 300 feet are fast-moving and penetrate too far underground to dig drains or pumps to remove the water.
Now that a state of emergency has been declared, Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor John Cruickshank said the allocated funds will go to support city government and landslide prevention efforts, but won’t go to individual homeowners.
Homeowners whose electricity has been cut off will need to come up with tens of thousands of dollars or more to switch to off-grid alternatives like solar or battery technology, Cruickshank said. He told a local CBS affiliate. He expects the state to cover those costs.
Cruickshank added that typical home insurance policies would not cover the hundreds of landslides, so residents are already responsible for damage to their homes. Documented It is held annually in California.
Tim Kelly, a mechanical engineer who moved to the Portuguese Bend neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes 30 years ago, said he now generates electricity with solar panels and is staying in his home. Kelly attended a rally Tuesday where residents appealed to city officials for a solution.
“We’re resilient,” Kelly said of the community. “We’re not going anywhere.”
Kelly said other homes in the area have shifted foundations and some are cracked and split in parts, but his house is not moving. He added that he and his neighbors have no plans to abandon their homes and are hoping government leaders and scientists can figure out how to best “stop the landslide.”
Kelly said that for decades, local governments have been unable to come up with a long-term solution to stop water from flooding the canyon and flowing into the ocean. Now, the issue has reached a critical point for the city, and time is of the essence.
“Patients are sick,” Kelly said. “You have to do something to bring them back to life.”
H
How can we make drawing fun for people who don’t have any artistic talent? Game developers have come up with a few answers, or at least they’ve tried. There’s the straightforward approach, like Mario Paint. There, players are given a mouse accessory and a creation tool similar to Microsoft Paint, Okami sees painter’s brushes used as weapons and magic wands in a Zelda-like world, and The Unfinished Swan sees the world (and story) slowly revealed to them by the player’s splattered ink.
Été, an upcoming painting game, aims to give players the feeling that they are making the world more beautiful than the process of putting a picture on a canvas. The game makes painting a breeze. “Like many games, Été uses role-playing to realize a fantasy – the fantasy of being a painter – by assuming that the player’s avatar is already a talented painter,” says creative director Lazlo Bonin. “Painting in Été isn’t about skill, it’s about creativity and fun.”
Bonin was born and raised in Montreal, Canada, where the game is set. He loved the city’s beautiful summers. “After months of harsh winter, the city suddenly comes alive during this season, and everyone seems to try to enjoy the moment as much as possible,” he says. Été is French for both “summer” and “something that’s gone by,” expressing the nostalgic, rose-tinted memories of childhood summers.
The game didn’t originally start out as a painting game; it became one because it seemed the most natural way to tell a story surrounded by nostalgic beauty. The mishmash of aesthetic influences includes the 1998 French children’s game “Uncle Ernest’s Secret Album,” which inspired Eté’s canvas designs, and the film “Amelie,” which influenced the game’s atmosphere. Bonin calls the game a “celebration of the bliss of the everyday” in an “ideal city.”
In Été, painting is fun because it’s a means to explore and understand the environment around you. As players walk through the city, they beautifully paint their surroundings. Think Super Mario Sunshine with a water gun to remove dirt, but in reverse. “By using paint, we’ve made walking and exploring active instead of passive,” Bonin says. “You need to paint to reveal the shapes and colors of the world around you. This makes you pay much more attention to your surroundings than if the world was already revealed and colored for you.”
Été’s canvas also offers more creative freedom, functioning more like a simpler art tool, letting you paint whatever you want, and Bonin says the game’s 2D creation tools, shown off in the pre-release demo, have already inspired some highly detailed artwork.
Bonin hopes that the game’s focus on finding beauty in everyday places will inspire a similar impulse in the real world. “A close friend once told me that Été is a game of ‘seeing, not seeing, and listening, not hearing,'” Bonin says. And what better time for the release than the middle of a Montreal summer?
Considered one of West Antarctica’s most infamous glaciers, the “doomsday glacier” has earned its nickname due to the potentially significant rise in sea levels it could cause, ultimately reshaping coastlines. This glacier, known as Thwaites Glacier, is massive, the size of England and spanning 120km wide. It extends from the peak of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to the Amundsen Sea, where it reaches out onto an ice shelf.
Unfortunately, Thwaites Glacier is experiencing troubling changes, with a notable increase in ice loss over recent years as a consequence of climate change. The rate of ice loss has doubled in the past 30 years due to rising ocean temperatures, which lead to the melting of the ocean floor beneath the glacier. Warm water is being transported towards Thwaites, particularly deep below the ocean surface, contributing to this rapid ice loss. The land beneath West Antarctic glaciers is below sea level, and the sloping ocean floor means warmer waters can intrude underneath, eroding the glaciers and making them less stable.
A recent study revealed that Thwaites Glacier may be more susceptible than previously believed, with seawater surging beneath it for kilometers. The melting of glaciers, including Thwaites, could result in a significant rise in sea levels, potentially impacting coastal areas worldwide. Additionally, the collapse of Thwaites could trigger nearby glaciers to follow suit, further elevating global sea levels by more than three meters. This irreversible loss on human timescales would mark a critical “tipping point.”
Scientists are concerned about the potential collapse of Thwaites Glacier, as it could have disastrous consequences for sea levels and climate. Researchers are exploring strategies to adapt to these expected changes and protect coastal regions at risk of submersion. The costs of preparing for rising sea levels are substantial, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and adaptation. While sea level rise is inevitable, proactive measures can help mitigate its impact and protect vulnerable populations and ecosystems.
Read More:
Despite the impending challenges, scientists and experts emphasize the importance of courage and adaptation in the face of climate change. Dr. Caitlen Norton from the British Antarctic Survey stresses the need for resilience and preparedness to address the growing threat of rising sea levels. Adapting defenses, protecting coastal areas, and planning for future changes are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of climate change on coastal regions.
This image of an Inca city on Mars was taken on February 27, 2024 by the high-resolution stereo camera on board ESA’s Mars Express spacecraft. Image credit: ESA / DLR / FU Berlin.
“The Martian ‘spiders’ are not actual spiders, but form when spring sunlight falls on layers of carbon dioxide deposited during the dark winter,” said a member of the Mars Express team.
“Sunlight turns the carbon dioxide ice at the bottom of the layer into gas, which then accumulates and breaks through the ice sheet above.”
“During Mars’ spring, the gas explodes, dragging black material down to the surface as it progresses and shattering layers of ice up to a meter thick.”
“The resulting gas, laden with black dust, erupts through cracks in the ice in the form of tall fountains and geysers, before falling down and sinking to the surface.”
This creates a dark spot 45 m to 1 km (148 to 3,280 ft) in diameter.
This same process carves a distinctive “spider-shaped” pattern beneath the ice. Therefore, these black spots are evidence that a spider may be lurking underneath.
“Dark spots can be seen throughout the Mars Express image. But most of them can be seen as small specks in the dark region on the left, located just on the outskirts of a part of Mars called Inca City.” said the researchers.
“The reason for this name is no mystery: the network of linear, almost geometric ridges recalls Inca ruins.”
More formally known as Angustus Labyrinth. Inca City was discovered in 1972 by NASA’s Mariner 9 spacecraft.
“We still don’t know exactly how Inca cities formed. Sand dunes may have turned to stone over time,” the scientists said.
“Perhaps materials such as magma or sand are seeping through fractured sheets of Martian rock. Alternatively, the ridges could be ‘eskers,’ tortuous structures associated with glaciers.”
“The ‘walls’ of Inca cities appear to be part of a larger circle, 86 km (53.5 miles) in diameter.”
Scientists suspect that Inca City is located inside a large crater formed when rocks from space collided with the planet’s surface.
“This impact may have caused the fault to ripple in the surrounding plains, which was then filled with rising lava and then worn away over time,” the researchers said.
Camels are not your typical finicky herd animals anymore. They are gaining popularity in the world of agriculture.
While the idea of incorporating camel milk into your diet may seem odd to some in Europe or the United States, it has been a dietary staple for many communities for years. Now, camel products are making their way to shelves worldwide.
Currently, it is the United Nations’ international year of the camel, celebrating camels, alpacas, and llamas. Events like the big camel parade in Paris aim to raise awareness about these animals.
Camels already contribute 8% of sub-Saharan Africa’s milk production and are expected to see a significant increase in global trade, reaching $13 billion by the end of the decade.
Experts like Dr. Ariel Ahern from the University of Oxford point out the rapid growth in camel farming, especially in regions like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. They predict that by 2050, camel products may become more common even in western countries like the UK.
Camels are gaining popularity due to their ability to thrive in harsh environments, making them a sustainable alternative in the face of climate change. Their high efficiency in converting food and water into meat and dairy products makes them a valuable resource in regions facing food and water scarcity.
With the potential environmental benefits of camel farming, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional livestock farming, the shift towards camels in agriculture seems promising.
Why are we seeing a shift towards camels?
The International Year of the Camel aims to raise awareness about the importance of camels in the future food chain. As climate change threatens traditional food sources, camels offer advantages in adapting to dry climates and maximizing resource efficiency.
A group of camels feeding in the desert, shot from directly above, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Image credit: Getty
Camels’ resilience to extreme conditions, lower resource requirements, and lower environmental impact make them a promising option for sustainable agriculture.
Is it time to add camel to your diet?
Camel products like milk and meat offer nutritional benefits and can be suitable alternatives for those with dietary restrictions. Camel milk, in particular, is rich in vitamin C and iron, making it a healthy option for many.
Studies show that camel milk can help lower blood sugar levels and boost immunity, while camel meat is leaner and higher in iron compared to traditional meats like beef or lamb.
Camel: Coming to a farm near you?
While camel farming is on the rise, experts caution against industrialized models and advocate for more sustainable practices. Free-range, nomadic farming models that allow camels to graze naturally may offer a greener alternative to traditional agriculture.
By utilizing the unique traits of camels, such as their ability to thrive in arid environments and their resource efficiency, we can create a more sustainable and resilient food system for the future.
About our experts
Ariel Ahearn is a lecturer at the University of Oxford, specializing in human geography and rural development. Dr. Ahearn has extensive experience working with nomadic communities in Mongolia and advocating for sustainable land use practices.
Ilse Köhler Rollefson is a German scientist known for her work with camel herders in India and her advocacy for pastoralism and sustainable farming. She is a co-founder of Camel Charisma, promoting eco-friendly camel products.
For more information on camel farming and its potential impact on agriculture, read on.
Officials in New York City revealed a pilot program on Thursday to implement handheld gun scanners in the subway system to enhance safety and reduce violence underground.
Mayor Eric Adams mentioned that the scanners will be set up at specific stations after a 90-day waiting period mandated by law.
“Ensuring the safety of New Yorkers in the subway system and preserving their trust in the system is crucial for keeping New York the safest metropolis in America,” Adams stated. The announcement also included plans to deploy extra outreach personnel to assist individuals with mental health issues living in the system.
Adams mentioned that authorities will seek companies with expertise in weapons detection technology, and eventually install the scanners in select subway stations to assess their effectiveness further.
The scanner, showcased by Mr. Adams and law enforcement officials at a news conference in Lower Manhattan, was developed by Evolv, a publicly traded company facing allegations of manipulating software test results to exaggerate the scanner’s effectiveness. The company is currently under investigation by U.S. trade regulators and financial regulators.
Evolv’s CEO, Peter George, described the AI-enabled scanner as utilizing “a secure ultra-low frequency electromagnetic field and advanced sensors for concealed weapons detection.”
Jerome Greco, overseeing attorney for the Legal Aid Society’s digital forensics division, cautioned that gun detection systems may trigger false alarms and cause unnecessary panic.
City officials have not disclosed the specific locations where the scanners will be deployed. A demonstration at the Fulton Street station showed the device beeping when an officer with a holstered gun passed, but not reacting to an officer with a cell phone or other electronic device. No false alarms were noted.
While violent incidents in the city’s subways are infrequent, recent high-profile shootings have highlighted safety concerns. The city recorded five murders in the subway system last year, a decrease from the previous year. The installation of the scanners follows a recent fatal accident at an East Harlem subway station, reinforcing the urgency of subway safety measures.
Uber and Lyft have announced the suspension of their operations in the Minneapolis area in protest of a newly passed minimum wage ordinance by the City Council.
The ordinance, set to take effect on May 1, establishes a minimum wage of $1.40 per mile and 0.51 cents per minute for rideshare drivers, with a minimum wage of $5 per ride. Despite the mayor’s veto being overridden by the City Council, Uber and Lyft have threatened to leave the area in response.
If the companies proceed with their plans to halt operations on May 1, Minneapolis will stand as the only city in the U.S. without Uber or Lyft services.
Advocates for the bill highlight the low wages and high costs faced by rideshare drivers. They assert that wages have decreased, leading to support for the ordinance.
Eid Ali, a veteran rideshare driver and president of the Minnesota Uber Lyft Drivers Association, has been terminated. Uber and Lyft argue that the minimum wage is unsustainable for maintaining affordable fares for riders.
Ali expressed his disbelief in the actions of the multi-billion-dollar companies, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and a living wage for all workers.
Should Uber and Lyft exit the market, Ali believes that other entities are prepared to step in. He believes their fight is not solely about the minimum wage but also about its implications on the broader market.
Farhan Bader, another rideshare driver, highlighted the undervaluation of drivers’ roles in society and argued for fair compensation amid declining pay and increased working hours.
Efforts are underway by Minnesota lawmakers to introduce a bill preempting Minneapolis regulations to retain Uber and Lyft in the area.
Uber’s senior director of communications, Josh Gold, expressed disappointment in the City Council’s decision and emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure drivers receive fair wages while keeping rideshare affordable.
A Lyft spokesperson also voiced support for state-level preemption and raised concerns about the impact of the minimum wage ordinance on drivers’ income and the accessibility of ridesharing services.
Uber and Lyft’s clash with regulators over wages and working conditions reflects a broader trend seen in the industry both in the U.S. and globally.
Singapore, Singapore, February 29, 2024, Chainwire
binary x Today we announced the long-awaited launch of our first product Initial game offering This year's (IGO), project matthew. Project Matthew is a space-building simulation game that lets players experience what it's like to work in space. It is officially known in-game as Planet Matthew. In the game, players work not as astronauts but as builders and engineers who make space habitable for new civilizations.
Own ERC-404 NFT tokens and exchange them for in-game lands
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The game is expected to encourage collaboration and a sense of community, opening up the game to a wider audience, without compromising the exclusivity of in-game NFT ownership, through its innovative use of ERC-404 tokens. Masu.
The Story of Project Matthew: A Space-Building Simulator
Humanity has discovered a not-too-distant planet called Matthew that may be habitable. As a pioneer of space life, players will design and manage their own industrial plants, mine resources, build robots to help work in the plants and fight other intergalactic forces, and build their own space cities. You will have the opportunity to build. From the root.
lead a virtual army
Players can recruit an army of robots with different skills and abilities to challenge their enemies on the battlefield and earn huge rewards. Battlefields are divided into different levels of difficulty. The more difficult the level, the bigger the reward.
explore the universe
Exploration is one of the main ways to obtain rewards and resources in Project Matthew. Gameplay includes a collection of nearby and distant planets waiting to be explored.
“Project Matthew is the first IGO project for the first half of 2024. We wanted to give players the opportunity to experience living and working in space. Julio, Head of Investments at BinaryX. We are ready to support high-end games on the IGO platform.”
BinaryX is a leading Web3 gaming platform dedicated to creating immersive and engaging gaming experiences, including: i hero and pancake mayor,
Built on the BSC chain, BinaryX leverages the latest technologies in blockchain and AI to give over 100,000 players ownership of in-game assets, participation in the decision-making process, and the true potential of Web3 games. provides a unique opportunity to experience
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Archaeologists in the Amazon have discovered a series of “lost cities” that have flourished for thousands of years, the results of which were published Thursday in the journal Science.
Laser images have revealed an intricate network of roads, districts, and gardens as complex as those built by the Maya civilization.
Traces of the city were first noticed more than 20 years ago by archaeologist Stephane Rostain of France's National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), but “I didn't have a complete overview of the area,” he told Science. Told.
A new laser mapping technology called LIDAR helped researchers see through forest cover and map new details of mounds and structures in Ecuador's Upano Valley settlement.
The images reveal a geometric pattern of more than 6,000 platforms connected by roads, intertwined with the agricultural landscape and river drainage channels of an urban farming civilization in the eastern foothills of the Andes.
“It was the Valley of the Lost City. It's unbelievable,” Rostain, who is leading the investigation at CNRS, told The Associated Press.
The image shows a main street cutting through the city area, forming an axis around which a complex of rectangular platforms is placed around a low square. Antoine Dollison, Stéphane Lotay/AP
These sites were built and inhabited by the Upano people between about 500 BC and 300-600 AD, but the size of their population is not yet known.
The research team found five large settlements and 10 smaller settlements with housing and ceremonial buildings across 116 square miles of the valley. Its size is comparable to other major ruins. For example, the core area of Quilamope, one of the settlements, is as large as the Giza Plateau in Egypt or the main thoroughfare of Teotihuacan in Mexico.
The landscape of Upano societies may be comparable to Mayan “garden cities,” where homes were surrounded by farmland and most of the food consumed by residents was grown in the city, the authors write in Science. Told.
Co-author Fernando Mejia, an archaeologist at the Pontifical University of Ecuador, said the discovery of Upano was so far only the “tip of the iceberg” of what could be discovered in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
The Amazon is considered the world's most dangerous forest, home to dense towering trees, tangled vines, hostile wildlife, and poisonous insects. Archaeologists believed it was primarily suitable for hunter-gatherers, but inhospitable to complex civilizations.
But over the past two decades, scientists have discovered evidence of human habitation, including mounds, hillforts, and pyramids, in the Amazon River from Bolivia to Brazil.
The newly mapped city in the Upano Valley is 1,000 years older than previous discoveries, including the Bolivian Amazonian society Llanos de Mojos. The discovery shattered what scientists previously believed about civilizations in the Amazon rainforest.
And the details of the cultures of these two places are only just beginning to emerge.
German researcher Carla Jaimes Betancourt, an expert on Llanos de Mojos, told Science that the people of both Upano Valley and Llanos de Mojos were farmers. They built roads, canals, and large public and ceremonial buildings. But “we're just beginning to understand how these cities functioned, their populations, who they traded with, how their societies were governed, etc.” she said.
Rostain emphasized how much remains to be revealed. “We say 'Amazonia,' but we should say 'Amazonia' to capture the diversity of ancient cultures in this region,” he says.
“The Amazon has always had an incredibly diverse range of people and settlements, and there is not just one way of life,” he added. “We're still learning more about them.”
Lidar scan of Ecuador’s Upano Valley reveals raised platform
Stephen Rostain
Aerial survey reveals the largest previously discovered pre-colonial city in the Amazon, connected by an extensive road network.
“This settlement is much larger than other settlements in the Amazon,” he says. Stefan Rostain at the French National Center for Scientific Research in Paris. “They are equivalent to Maya sites.”
Additionally, these cities are between 3,000 and 1,500 years old, making them older than other pre-Columbian cities found in the Amazon. It is not clear why the people who built them disappeared.
The Amazon rainforest was thought to be largely untouched until Italian explorer Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in the 15th century. In fact, the first Europeans reported seeing many farms and towns in the area.
These reports, long ignored, have been borne out in recent decades by the discovery of ancient earthworks and vast expanses of black soil created by farmers.According to some estimates, the pre-Columbian population of the Amazon was Up to 8 million.
Since the 1990s, Rostain and his colleagues have been studying archaeological sites in the Upano Valley of the Amazon River in Ecuador, in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Traces of an ancient settlement were first discovered there in his 1970s, but only a few remains have been excavated.
In 2015, Rostain’s team conducted an aerial survey using LIDAR, a laser scanning technology that can create detailed 3D maps of the surface beneath most vegetation, revealing features that are normally invisible to the eye. did. The findings, which have just been published, show that the settlements were much more widespread than anyone realized.
The survey revealed more than 6,000 raised earth platforms within an area of 300 square kilometers. These are the sites where wooden buildings once stood, and excavations have revealed postholes and fireplaces in these buildings.
Most of the platforms are approximately 10 x 20 meters and 2 meters high and are believed to be the site of residential buildings. The largest was 40×140 meters and 5 meters high and was considered the site of a monumental building used for rituals.
Surrounding the home were fields, many of which were drained by small canals dug around them. “The valley has been almost completely modified,” Rostain says.
Analysis of pottery suggests that corn, beans, caniolk, and sweet potatoes were cultivated.
Overall, there were five major settlements in the study area. According to Rostain, these could be described as garden cities because of their low density of buildings.
The survey also revealed a network of straight roads made by digging out soil and piling it up on the sides. The longest span at least 25 kilometers, but may extend beyond the surveyed area.
Upano Valley in Ecuador
Stephen Rostain
What's strange, Rostain says, is that the people of Upano went to great lengths to straighten the road. For example, in one place they dug down 5 meters instead of along the contour line. So the road probably had a symbolic meaning, he says, since there was no practical reason to make it straight.
There are traces of defensive structures such as ditches in places, suggesting that there may have been some sort of conflict between groups.
In the rest of the Amazon, many settlements were abandoned after the arrival of Europeans, as most of the population died from disease and violence, probably caused by the invaders.
However, the Upano artifacts dated by Rostain's team are all more than 1,500 years old, suggesting that the valley settlements were abandoned after this period, long before colonial times. doing. It's not clear why, but the team found layers of volcanic ash, suggesting a series of eruptions may have forced people to leave the valley.
“This demonstrates the unprecedented degree of complexity and density of payments in this early period,” he says. michael heckenberger at the University of Florida. “The authors rightly conclude that the complexity and scale are now comparable to well-known cases such as the Maya.”
“This is the largest complex containing a large settlement ever found in the Amazon,” he says. charles clement at the National Amazonian Institute in Manaus, Brazil.
They were also found in an area of the Amazon that other researchers had concluded was sparsely inhabited during the pre-Columbian period, Clement said.
Welcome to Gag City, a pink metropolis populated by stances and brands alike.
In the days leading up to the release of “Pink Friday 2,” Nicki Minaj’s fifth studio album and follow-up to her debut record “Pink Friday,” which was released on Friday, Twitter was filled with AI-generated pink tones. I was flooded with images of cityscapes. A dreamlike false utopia ruled by Minaj and her Barbs, the gag His City topped Stan Twitter and branded his account quickly becoming a viral meme that he used to market Minaj’s album. We advertised for free.
Is it a genuine Stan-driven campaign to build hype for Minaj? Is it about plants and games, both for the album and the brand? What’s clear is that the viral moment, manufactured or not, is a win for Minaj.
It all started in September when Minaj posted the album’s cover art online. The image shows Minaj floating through pink clouds in a pink subway car, set against a futuristic (and decidedly pink) cityscape.
, refers to gay slang for being so surprised that you are speechless. Some may be gagged by witnessing amazing costume changes or hearing perfect records like “Pink Friday 2.” Ahead of the release, Stance began posting images of an AI-generated pink concrete jungle and joked that fictional characters and celebrities would come to Gag City in anticipation of Minaj’s album. One of his first articles was posted on December 1st.
know your meme
shared by a fan account image A pink plane labeled “Gagg City” flies over a similarly pink skyline.
Days before the release, Minaj told fans to “prepare for landing” and teased her pink utopian description. Barbz responded with an AI-generated gag rendition of her descent into the City.
User X (formerly Twitter) began creating elaborate stories about Gag City’s residents and government. One person posted an image of the Barbs attacking the Pink House. another user It has been described as the fandom’s own January 6th.
another She posted an image of citizens wearing pink protesting on the streets of Gag City and asked Minaj to release the album’s tracklist. Some people may believe that Gag City is a utopia, but one account says,
I posted an image The film depicts the lady Minaj distributing album CDs to poor children in the “suburbs of Gag City,” hinting that Pink Society also has issues with class disparity.
A stan war has also broken out in Gag City, with fans of rival pop stars posting images of their favorite stars vying for Minaj’s top spot in the city government. In homage to Greek mythology, we have the following explanation:
I posted an image Trojan horse painting decorated with Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” disco motif.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Barbs has discovered a mysterious metal horse at the main gate of Gag City.
The inscription reads, “For their return, the Hive makes this offering to Onika.” pic.twitter.com/64SKkWuGoc
Memes, on the other hand, tend to die out the moment brand accounts start adopting them. There’s nothing more disgusting than seeing a funny joke turned into a marketing strategy for a company. AI-generated images already have ethical issues, with critics raising concerns about AI generators being trained on artwork without the consent of the work’s artists. Artists have also criticized brands for using AI-generated art instead of commissioning work from real human artists. Although it is legal to use AI-generated art for commercial purposes, there are virtually no copyright laws related to AI. Generally considered a frivolous move By many people in the art world.
On the other hand, this is free promotion for Minaj, and as a lifelong barb who spent her youth running the “Pink Friday” Stan account, I consider this a win.
In defense of her husband Kenneth Petty,
convicted sex offender .
She may be a great artist, but her troubled background makes her far from the family-friendly public figure brands are likely to endorse.
But in Gag City, Minaj lets the brand do all the marketing for her. “Pink Friday 2” is an artistic marvel in its own right (although I’m probably biased), but the free promotion it’s getting as a viral meme is especially amazing. In recent years, artists have sought to increase engagement with their work by making their songs trend on TikTok.
The audience began to resist.
Gag City doesn’t expect to be a summer viral song that will increase streaming numbers. While it revolves around the album being promoted, it’s stripped back enough to make it enjoyable for non-stans.
Brand Twitter has a penchant for turning fun trends into advertising opportunities, taking organic community interactions and spitting out contrived versions clearly meant to go viral. As unpleasant as that may be, in this case it’s working in Minaj’s favor. This week everyone wants to go to Gag City.
A new update to the popular app has revealed to New Yorkers just how rat-infested subway stations are.
Transit, an urban travel planning app first released in 2012, recently New York City subway mouse detector Features. Use information obtained from other users. The user selects one from multiple answers to questions such as “Is this city run by rats?” “Are there rats in this station?” – The app will show you how full of rats the station is. It became a surprising viral hit.
“It completely exploded,” Joe McNeil, Transit’s lead copywriter, told the Post.
Transit’s main service is to display bus and train arrival times. Currently, based on reports from “thousands of rodent observers across five boroughs,” are there no reports of rats at a particular station, or just “one or two” reports? , or whether it’s “very many.”
“New Yorkers are unusually proud of it” and “think it’s funny.” [that there are so many rats]” said McNeil, who is based in Montreal along with other members of the transit team.
A rat on a subway platform in Union Square in 2019.christopher sadowski
The new feature debuted in August, but has really taken off in recent weeks thanks to posts on TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter). In October, we received over 17,000 responses about rat sightings on the subway.
“Can we talk about this transit app update,” says dancer Angie Hokulanibigins, with the transit app update in the background. New York City subway mouse detector in TikTok videos It has been viewed more than 1.7 million times since it was posted late last month. “It shows you how dilapidated the stations are…and there’s a scale of rat numbers. The 89th most dilapidated is 42nd Street.”
X user based in Queens shared a screenshot 149 Street – From an app that shows Grand Concourse Station ratings — 10th out of 445 stations.
A screenshot of Rat Detector within the app.Transportation facilitiesRat Detector also provides users with online “statistical analysis.”Transportation facilities
“
The Bronx station’s characteristics reveal it to be a significant rodent hub.ANT2RA/XA viral TikTok video helped spread the word about the detector’s existence.TikTok/Smoklani
“At least the Bronx made it to the top 10 for something,” the post joked.
But the MTA doesn’t seem to be interested.
MTA spokeswoman Kayla Schultz said in a statement to the Post that “we do not know the methodology behind the rat census and therefore decline to comment.”
The transportation team hopes that while the MTA may not yet be equipped with rat detectors, it will at least help it know which stops are most in need of visits from exterminators.
Kingston Throop Station. google map191st Street 1 station.JC RiceA rat wanders around looking for food at Columbus Circle 59th Street Station on May 8, 2023.Getty Images
In addition to in-app features, Transit announced on its website a “statistical analysis” of its findings showing “a rattling of the MTA’s most congested platforms.” Grant Avenue and Kingston-Throop Avenue A stopped, and 191 Street 1 now holds that honor.
The app also provides information for Chicago, Los Angeles, and more than 200 other cities, but typically asks users everyday pedestrian questions, such as accessibility and crowding. But, inspired by Rat Tracker’s success, it may start presenting users with even more fun queries.
McNeil said some of his colleagues didn’t expect the rodent tool to become so popular. But people from the Big Apple, or at least those familiar with Pizza Rat’s story, weren’t shocked.
He said, “I don’t think anyone who grew up in New York was surprised at all.”
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