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‘Go Generate a Bridge and Jump Off It’: How Pros Are Navigating AI (Maria)

The author writes, “The development of AI image and video generation models has been controversial, to say the least. Artists have accused AI companies of stealing their work to build tools that put people out of jobs. Using AI tools openly is stigmatized in many circles. But as models have improved, they have sped up workflows and afforded new opportunities for artistic expression. Artists without AI expertise might soon find themselves losing work. … I spoke to nine actors, directors and creators about how they are navigating these tricky waters. Here’s what they told me.” 

America’s Deepening Affordability Crisis Summed Up in 5 Charts (Dana)

From CBS News: “Although inflation across the U.S. is far cooler than in the post-pandemic years, millions of Americans say they still feel the pinch of rising prices, struggle to pay the bills and express concern about their financial prospects. Price increases are nowhere near the level reached in June of 2022, when the Consumer Price Index hit a 40-year high of 9.1%. Yet many people feel squeezed by the cost of simple daily necessities, including the ability to afford healthy food, and by long-term increases in the cost of essentials such as housing and health care. … Here are five key categories of spending that many Americans are struggling to afford.”

$170,000 a Minute: Why Saudi Arabia Is the Biggest Blocker of Climate Action (Laura)

From The Guardian: “Can you imagine someone giving you $170,000 (£129,000)? What would you buy? Can you imagine getting another $170,000 one minute later? And the handouts then continuing every minute for years? If so, you have a feel for the colossal cash machine that is Saudi Arabia’s state oil company Aramco, the world’s biggest producer of oil and gas last year.”

AI-Generated Sora Videos of ICE Raids Are Wildly Viral on Facebook (Sean)

From 404 Media: “An account is spamming horrific, dehumanizing videos of immigration enforcement because the Facebook algorithm is rewarding them for it.”

Amazon Scorpion Venom Shows Stunning Power Against Breast Cancer (Mili)

The author writes, “The venom of an Amazonian scorpion species may contain a compound capable of helping treat breast cancer, a disease that remains one of the top causes of death among women. Researchers at the University of São Paulo’s Ribeirão Preto School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCFRP-USP) in Brazil have pinpointed a molecule in the toxin of Brotheas amazonicus that appears to attack breast cancer cells in a way similar to a widely used chemotherapy medication.”

Volkswagen Debuts Restored Vintage Blue Bus That Survived California Wildfire (Reader Steve)

The authors write, “A vintage blue VW bus that became an unlikely symbol of resilience after it survived a California wildfire made its public debut this week, shiny and like-new after Volkswagen spent months restoring the damaged vehicle. The bus went viral in January when an Associated Press photographer captured it looking surprisingly unharmed by the deadly Palisades Fire, a spot of blue and white dwarfed by the charred remains of a Malibu neighborhood.”