May 12 Commerce Department launches process to fund tech hubs across the U.S. with $500 million in grants By Josh Boak, Associated Press The $500 million is part of a $10 billion authorization from last year's CHIPS and Science Act to stimulate investments in new technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotech. Continue reading
May 11 Watch 5:17 Proposed EPA rules would force power plants to slash carbon emissions By Geoff Bennett, William Brangham The Environmental Protection Agency laid out its latest move to cut the greenhouse gasses that are driving climate change, unveiling a sweeping new set of guidelines for the power plants that generate America's electricity. William Brangham reports. Continue watching
May 11 Minnesota poised to ban non-essential uses of PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals’ By Steve Karnowski, Associated Press “Amara's Law” will allow only limited exceptions to the ban, such as firefighting foam used at airports and oil refineries and in protective clothing for firefighters. Continue reading
May 11 Analysis: New flood control systems are getting federal funding. Here’s why it’s key to factor in climate change By Antonio Arenas Amado, Lu Liu, The Conversation Congress authorized billions of dollars for infrastructure projects under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021. But new infrastructure planning frequently relies on historical flood patterns for its benchmarks rather than forecasts of changing risks as the climate warms. Continue reading
May 11 WATCH: Biden gives remarks after EPA proposes greenhouse gas emission rules for power plants By Matthew Daly, Associated Press President Joe Biden called the plan “a major step forward in the climate crisis and protecting public health.”… Continue reading
May 10 Google is giving its dominant search engine an artificial-intelligence makeover By Michael Liedtke, Associated Press Google has disclosed plans to infuse its dominant search engine with more advanced artificial-intelligence technology. The effort is in response to one of the biggest threats to its long-established position as the internet's main gateway. Continue reading
May 10 This global challenge invites people to document the wild side of their cities By Bella Isaacs-Thomas The City Nature Challenge offers people "the opportunity to really slow down and harness that curiosity, and see what's under the log."… Continue reading
May 09 In global rush to regulate AI, Europe Union rules set to be trailblazer By Kelvin Chan, Associated Press The EU's sweeping regulations — covering any provider of AI services or products — are expected to be approved by a European Parliament committee Thursday. Continue reading
May 08 From data privacy to AI, here are new rules Congress is considering for tech companies By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Most Democrats and Republicans agree that the federal government should better regulate the biggest technology companies, particularly social media platforms. But there is very little consensus on how it should be done. Continue reading
May 08 Analysis: How AI is helping astronomers study the universe By Chris Impey, The Conversation Artificial intelligence tools are making waves in almost every aspect of life, and astronomy is no different. An astronomer explains the history and future of AI in understanding the universe. Continue reading