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A Judge Branded Google a Monopolist, But AI May Bring Quicker Change in Internet Search (Maria)

The author writes, “A federal judge has branded Google as a ruthless monopolist bent on suffocating its competitors. But how do you go about creating alternatives to a search engine that’s synonymous with internet exploration? It’s a process that may take years to unfold as Google appeals the landmark decision issued Monday by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta. And with that kind of time frame looming, the forces of technological upheaval may make the exercise moot. The rise of artificial intelligence may reshape the landscape more quickly and profoundly than any judge ever could.”

In a Rural Texas Town, the Constant Hum of a Bitcoin Mine Haunts Residents (Reader Jim)

From Marketplace: “In 2022, a new bitcoin mining facility opened just outside the rural town of Granbury, Texas. Since then, a constant hum has tormented the town’s residents. ‘[The mine] is emitting a sort of hum that some people have compared to anywhere from a vacuum to a lawn mower to sitting on a tarmac,’ said Andrew Chow, technology correspondent at Time magazine and author of the book, Cryptomania: Hype, Hope, and the Fall of FTX’s Billion-Dollar Fintech Empire. Residents of the town have reported ailments, including tinnitus and cardiovascular issues, that they attribute to the noise coming from the mine.”

Lyme Disease Increase Risk Due to Climate Change (Mili)

The author writes, “Tick numbers in Scotland could almost double if temperatures rise by 4 C due to climate change according to new research. The parasites, which spread infections including Lyme disease, are likely to rise in prevalence across the country even if temperatures increase below the long-term target limit of 1.5 C. But researchers from the University of Stirling have warned a global rise in temperatures could lead to some currently tick-free habitats sustaining populations by 2080.”

In Montana, 911 Calls Reveal Hidden Impact of Heat Waves on Rural Seniors (Taimi)

From Montana Public Radio: “Missoula is one of Montana’s largest cities, but surrounded by rural mountain communities where cattle ranching is king. Despite the mountainous terrain and altitude, in recent years this region has experienced punishing summer heat waves. It’s been difficult for many residents, urban and rural, to adapt to the warming climate and new seasonal swings. Many don’t have air conditioning, and are unprepared for the new pattern of daytime temperatures hovering in the 90s — for days or even weeks on end.”

Retailers Locked Up Their Products — and Broke Shopping in America (Russ)

From Bloomberg: “CVS, Target and other chains have barricaded everything from toiletries to cleaning supplies. It’s backfired in almost every way.”

The Pacific Northwest Is Littered With ‘Deadbeat Dams’ (Laura)

The authors write, “Many of the smaller old dams blocking watersheds throughout the Pacific Northwest were built for hydropower but no longer churn out electricity because they became too costly to operate. Others were used for irrigation or drinking water — or for recreation or aesthetics. Removal is often expensive and difficult. Typically it’s unclear or debated who is responsible for restoring the rivers and ecosystem damaged by the dams.”

NASA Says Chances Are Growing That Astronauts May Switch From Boeing to a SpaceX Ride Back to Earth (Sean)

The author writes, “What should have been a quick trip to the International Space Station may turn into an eight-month stay for two NASA astronauts if they have to switch from Boeing to SpaceX for a ride home. There’s lingering uncertainty over the safety of Boeing’s new Starliner capsule, NASA officials said Wednesday, and the space agency is split over the risk. As a result, chances are increasing that test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams may have to watch from the space station as their Starliner is cut loose to return to Earth empty.”

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