Politics
The Open Plot to Break the Federal Government - The Atlantic
“I can’t overstate my level of concern about the damage this would do.”
Alternative Energy
Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough Gets a Bigger Burst of Laser Energy - The New York Times
Researchers at the National Ignition Facility during a July firing of 192 lasers improved on a December result, but also ended up with duds in other experiments.
What Electricity Sources Power the World?
Coal still leads the charge when it comes to electricity, representing 35% of global power generation.
Media
E.U. Law Sets the Stage for a Clash Over Disinformation - The New York Times
The law, aimed at forcing social media giants to adopt new policies to curb harmful content, is expected to face blowback from Elon Musk, who owns X.
Markets & Economy
The Greatest Wealth Transfer in History Is Here, With Familiar (Rich) Winners - The New York Times
In an era of surging home and stock values, U.S. family wealth has soared. The trillions of dollars going to heirs will largely reinforce inequality.
In Summer Heat, ‘Artificial Shortages’ in Texas Grid May Have Cost $8 Billion - The New York Times
Electricity prices soared even when supply was ample, an independent monitor said. The state’s market operator said it was intentional.
Climate Change
Ski Resorts Are Giving Up on Snow | WIRED
With natural snow becoming scarcer and artificial powder woefully unsustainable, Europe’s mountain resorts are starting to look at life beyond downhill skiing.
Environment
America Is Draining Its Groundwater Like There’s No Tomorrow - The New York Times
Unchecked overuse is draining and damaging aquifers nationwide, a data investigation by the New York Times revealed, threatening millions of people and America’s status as a food superpower.
Technology
Gen Z falls for online scams more than their boomer grandparents do - Vox
The generation that grew up with the internet isn’t invulnerable to becoming the victim of online hackers and scammers.
Culture
How the fentanyl crisis' fourth wave has hit every corner of the US - BBC News
The epidemic's staggering scale and infiltration of communities is laid bare in a new study.
The Trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, Explained | WIRED
White-collar defendants use three main defenses: “It wasn’t me, I didn’t mean it, and the people that say I did are lying.” FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried is likely to go for “I didn’t mean it,” experts say.