in the clear: 2024-05-06

This is a running list of various media I've looked at each week. It's mostly for reference and to give an impression of the type of news that I'm exposed to. Bullets are written by me and numbers are summaries of the respective article from an LLM.

If you have any suggestions or know of other good news sources, please leave a comment in the guestbook or reach out to me directly. I can't spend all my time reading about current events, but I like to try and stay informed whenever possible.

NYT: UChicago Says Free Speech Is Sacred. Some Students See Hypocrisy.

1. The University of Chicago is known for its commitment to free speech, as outlined in the Chicago statement given to incoming students.
2. An encampment protesting Israel's war in Gaza has been set up on the university's central quad, violating a policy against erecting structures in public spaces.
3. The university wants the encampment removed due to disruptions and degradation of civility, but negotiations with student protesters have been unsuccessful.
4. The protesters view the university's demand as hypocritical, arguing that the tents are a form of speech and the university is using the Chicago statement to silence them.
5. The encampment has raised questions about the balance between free speech and campus disruption, as well as the university's neutrality policy.
6. The university must now decide how to remove the tents, with options including involving the police or allowing the encampment to remain until graduation.

NYT: How Bad Is A.I. for the Climate?

1. The increasing use of AI tools by tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon is leading to a surge in power consumption, with data centers requiring large amounts of electricity to operate.
2. This growing demand for electricity is benefiting utilities and energy companies, causing the S&P 500’s utilities sector to rise by nearly 8% this year.
3. The AI boom is expected to increase U.S. electricity demand by up to 20% by 2030, with data centers requiring a gigawatt or more of electricity.
4. Despite the push for lower-carbon energy sources, natural gas is likely to fulfill a significant portion of the AI industry's energy demands this decade.
5. This increased energy demand could disrupt the climate pledges of utilities and tech giants, potentially affecting climate policy and grid reliability.
6. The Environmental Protection Agency has issued new emission-cutting guidelines for power plants, but there is pushback due to concerns about grid reliability and rising energy demand from AI.

WSJ: Robinhood Gets SEC Notice on Recommendation of Enforcement Action Against Crypto Unit

1. Robinhood received a "Wells Notice" from the SEC regarding potential enforcement action against its cryptocurrency unit.
2. The notice stated a preliminary determination of alleged violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by Robinhood Crypto.
3. The SEC's recommendation could lead to a civil injunctive action, public administrative proceeding, or cease-and-desist proceeding.
4. Remedies sought may include an injunction and other options.
5. Robinhood Crypto has previously received investigative subpoenas from the SEC.
6. Topics under investigation include cryptocurrency listing, custody, and platform operations.

GSA Business Report: Reports show early signs of an economic slowdown

1. The article discusses early signs of an economic slowdown in the US, despite economists' predictions.
2. The employment report for April showed a robust increase in jobs, but the Institute for Supply Management's report on the service sector showed a significant slowdown.
3. This slowdown could be due to the Panama Canal drought, Red Sea and Suez Canal turmoil, and the collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge, or a decrease in consumer spending.
4. The unemployment rate edged up slightly to 3.9%, still below the Fed's full employment threshold.
5. The core CPI remains high at 3.8%, but it's expected to slow down by the end of the year, particularly in the housing sector.
6. The author, Stephen Slifer, is a former chief U.S. economist for Lehman Brothers and has written two books on using economic indicators to forecast financial moves.

NBC: Chuck Todd: The race to build a better internet — before it's too late

1. The text discusses political polarization and the blame game in society, with a focus on the immigration issue and the influence of personal gain on politics.
2. It highlights the example of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga, and her use of chaos for personal political gain, with the current system offering little consequence for such behavior.
3. The text suggests that the current information ecosystem, driven by big tech companies, may be a significant factor in political polarization, creating a state of perpetual disagreement and engagement for profit.
4. The authors, McCourt and Casey, argue that the current digital system for distributing information is corrupt and hinders respectful debate, compromise, and the ability to hash out solutions.
5. They propose a call to action to embed the core values of a free, democratic society in the internet of tomorrow, suggesting that the current ills in society can be traced to how the internet works.
6. The text concludes with a challenge to envision a future where individuals are respected and can enrich society, or risk being controlled by a few giant corporations and their algorithms.

NYT Opinion: The Case for Letting Mortgages Move With Us

1. The article proposes the idea of mortgage portability, allowing people to take their existing mortgage to a new home.
2. This concept could benefit both sellers and buyers, as it would make moving more appealing and less financially restrictive.
3. Current challenges include the fact that mortgages are tied to specific properties and cannot be easily transferred to new ones.
4. A study by MSCI suggests that a small upfront fee could incentivize security holders to allow loan portability.
5. Portable mortgages are common in countries like Canada and Britain, where loans have fixed rates for no more than five years.
6. The article suggests that mortgage portability could be a "win-win" for borrowers and investors, but legal challenges remain.

NYT: University of Chicago Professors Say They Will Risk Arrest at Protest

1. A group of University of Chicago professors announced they would join students in protest and risk arrest if police attempt to remove a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus.
2. The protest is one of many across the country, gaining attention due to the university's adoption of the Chicago statement, which supports free speech.
3. The university's president, Paul Alivisatos, had previously stated that intervention would occur if the protest substantially disrupts the university's functioning or safety.
4. Protesters are demanding the university to address their concerns, which they believe align with the university's values of inquiry and free expression.
5. The encampment has been fortified with makeshift fencing, plywood, and hard hats, indicating a potential for prolonged occupation.
6. Despite the tense atmosphere, regular university activities continue, with students engaging in studying, socializing, and preparing for graduation.

EFF: Add Bluetooth to the Long List of Border Surveillance Technologies

1. Websites like NOTUS report that two Texas counties have purchased technology called TraffiCatch, enabling law enforcement to track devices emitting Bluetooth signals, such as cell phones and smartwatches.
2. TraffiCatch can detect WiFi and Bluetooth signals in moving cars, allowing for tracking of devices. This technology is already in use in Webb County (Laredo) since 2019 and approved in Val Verde County (Del Rio) in 2022.
3. Bluetooth devices regularly broadcast a unique Bluetooth Device Address, which can be either public or random. Public addresses don't change and are easier to track, while random addresses change regularly, making them harder to track.
4. This Bluetooth tracking data is often combined with data from automated license plate readers (ALPRs), another form of vehicle tracking technology, to enhance surveillance capabilities along the Texas border.
5. The use of such technology raises concerns about privacy, unauthorized surveillance, and potential abuse by law enforcement agencies, especially in the context of recent Texas legislation allowing local and state law enforcement to participate in immigration enforcement.
6. The expansion of border surveillance technology, such as TraffiCatch and ALPRs, can lead to increased monitoring and potential privacy violations of communities living along the border.

NYT: How Bad Are Ultraprocessed Foods, Really?

1. Ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are defined as industrial products made with ingredients not commonly used in home cooking. They often contain additives for flavor, color, or texture.
2. UPFs have been linked to various health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, gastrointestinal diseases, and depression.
3. The Nova system, a food classification system, sorts foods into four categories, with UPFs being the most processed.
4. The evidence linking UPFs to poor health is largely based on observational studies, which have limitations. More clinical trials are needed to establish causality.
5. UPFs can be high in calories, sugar, salt, and fat, making them easy to overeat. They may also contain potentially harmful food additives.
6. The exact mechanisms by which UPFs harm health are still being researched, with theories suggesting impacts on hormones, gut health, and inflammation.

WSJ: Gen Z Sinks Deeper Into Debt

1. Recent data shows that Gen Z is carrying a higher average credit-card balance compared to previous generations.
2. This increase in debt is largely due to rising prices for essentials and a larger percentage of Gen Z graduating with student loans.
3. The surge in credit card usage among Gen Z has resulted in higher delinquency rates and a greater reliance on family for financial help.
4. High rental costs and stagnant wages are contributing to this financial strain, making it difficult for young people to achieve life milestones like homeownership and marriage.
5. The pandemic has also played a role, with credit companies loosening qualifications and more young people opening new credit-card accounts.
6. Despite this, the rise in debt has led to a drop in credit scores, particularly for Gen Z and millennials, as interest rates have climbed over the past two years.

NPR: TikTok challenges U.S. ban in court, says it violates the first amendment (Lawfare)

1. TikTok and its parent company have filed a legal challenge against a law that would ban the app in the US unless it finds a non-Chinese buyer within a year.
2. The lawsuit argues that the law exceeds the bounds of the constitution and suppresses the speech of millions of Americans.
3. The law is part of a broader effort by Congress to force TikTok to be sold to a non-Chinese company, citing concerns about potential Chinese government influence and data security.
4. TikTok's lawyers argue that invoking "national security" does not give the government a free pass to violate the First Amendment.
5. The lawsuit sets off a significant battle for TikTok, which has been facing legal challenges since former President Trump first sought to ban the app in 2020.
6. The law marks the first time Congress has passed legislation that could outright ban a popular social media app, a move that has been criticized as potentially authoritarian.

NYT: Study Suggests Genetics as a Cause, Not Just a Risk, for Some Alzheimer’s

1. Researchers propose a new way of understanding Alzheimer's genetics, suggesting that up to 20% of patients may have a genetically caused form of the disease due to the APOE4 gene variant.
2. The study analyzed data from over 500 people with two copies of the APOE4 variant and found that almost all developed biological markers associated with Alzheimer’s.
3. Two copies of APOE4 are now considered a cause of Alzheimer’s, not just a risk factor, and people with this genetic makeup often develop symptoms 10 years earlier than others.
4. The new classification could broaden the scope of treatment development, including gene therapy, and affect the design of clinical trials.
5. This genetic form of Alzheimer’s could affect hundreds of thousands of people in the US alone, and classifying it as such could lead to safer and more effective treatments.
6. The study had a lack of diversity, which might make the findings less generalizable, as most patients had European ancestry.

WSJ: Will Tesla’s EV Charging Slowdown Supercharge Competitors?

1. Tesla is reducing its focus on EV charging, potentially creating opportunities for competitors.
2. This decision has led to a rally in some EV charging stocks, such as ChargePoint and Blink Charging.
3. However, competitors still face challenges in matching Tesla's speed, cost, and reputation in EV charging.
4. Tesla's slower growth in charging infrastructure could potentially slow down EV adoption.
5. Stand-alone EV charging companies have yet to achieve profitability, a challenge for the industry.
6. Tesla's move could provide opportunities for hiring and site hosting, but funding remains a significant issue for growth.

Lawfare: California’s Proposed SB-1047 Would be a Major Step Forward for AI Safety, but There’s Still Room for Improvement

1. SB-1047 is a proposed bill in California for stricter liability on AI developers to ensure safety.
2. The bill applies to AI systems with more than 10²⁶ floating-point operations (FLOP) of compute.
3. Developers can opt for a "limited duty exemption" if they can exclude the possibility of hazardous capabilities in their systems.
4. If the system doesn't qualify for exemption, developers must implement certain safeguards to mitigate risks.
5. Open-source AI development may be inhibited due to potential misuse of powerful systems.
6. The bill should be stricter, holding AI developers strictly liable for harm caused by their systems.

The Economist: New crop-spraying technologies are more efficient than ever

1. New crop-spraying technologies using AI can reduce pesticide use by up to 90%.
2. Agrochemical sales have grown, with 3 million tonnes of pesticides sprayed worldwide annually, leading to environmental and health issues.
3. Dyson Farming and John Deere have developed camera-based systems using machine learning to distinguish weeds from crops and adjust spray patterns accordingly.
4. AgZen, a firm from MIT, has created a system for herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, aiming to reduce chemical use by about 90%.
5. AgZen's RealCoverage system measures spray success in milliliters per leaf, providing farmers detailed data on chemical usage and effectiveness.
6. The new EnhanceCoverage nozzle from AgZen could further improve spot-spraying of herbicides and significantly reduce the use of fungicides and insecticides.

Lawfare: Generative Baseline Hell and the Regulation of Machine-Learning Foundation Models

1. Google's AI system, Gemini, generated controversial and offensive images, leading to criticism about political bias and systemic issues in AI's training data.
2. The concept of "neutrality" in AI is challenged, as there is no simple or objective standard for how AI should function properly.
3. Identifying neutral performance baselines is common in regulation, but it's impossible to provide such baselines for foundation models like Gemini.
4. Accusations of bias in AI require a neutral baseline to measure deviations, which implies a normative baseline for what the technology should do.
5. The idea of "network neutrality" provides a baseline for internet protocol datagrams, but as technologies get more complex, establishing neutrality becomes challenging due to potential misuse.
6. Certain technologies, like search engines, are designed to prioritize relevance, making the concept of neutrality antithetical to their purpose.

NYT: Was the 401(k) a Mistake?

1. The article discusses the shift from traditional pensions to 401(k) retirement plans, which were introduced in the 1980s.
2. 401(k)s are "defined-contribution" plans, where employees choose from investment options and there's no guarantee of the return.
3. The article highlights Jen Forbus's story, a 50-year-old editorial supervisor who is concerned about her retirement savings.
4. Forbus would like to retire with $1 million, but even with a high five-figure salary and a 401(k), she finds it challenging due to the uncertainty of the stock market.
5. The article suggests that 401(k)s have primarily benefited higher-income workers, leading to increased wealth inequality.
6. The article also mentions a proposal by economist Teresa Ghilarducci and former Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett to help low- and middle-income Americans save more for retirement.

NYT: Why the global cocoa market is melting down

1. The global cocoa market is experiencing a shortage, with a 8.5% deficit in supply compared to demand.
2. Cocoa prices have significantly increased, reaching nearly $12,000 a tonne, due to poor harvests in Ghana and Ivory Coast caused by weather conditions and crop diseases.
3. Farmers in these countries are not incentivized to invest in their cocoa farms due to low government-set prices, leading to smuggling and a shift towards more profitable crops.
4. The shortage has caused a spike in futures prices, with the price for immediate delivery being $3,000 higher than that for delivery in May 2025.
5. The lack of faith in producers and market thinness has led to a drop in open interest for cocoa futures, making the market more volatile.
6. New regulations in Europe requiring companies to prove their beans are not from deforested land will further impact the cocoa market, pushing the London contract price higher.

NYT: A Plan to Help Harlem Students Build Wealth: Start Them Off With $10,000

1. The Harlem Children's Zone is launching a program called Wealth Builds, which will provide $10,000 in savings to each student in its charter schools, aiming to address the racial wealth gap.
2. The funds, named Youth Opportunity Funds, will be managed by professionals and will be accessible to students when they reach certain milestones like graduating high school and college, and completing financial literacy courses.
3. The program will initially benefit over 2,200 students from the Promise Academy schools, with plans to expand to 10 other cities.
4. The funds can only be used for wealth-building purposes, such as a down payment on a home, continuing education, or business investment.
5. The program is akin to baby bonds, a policy where investments are made on behalf of children for college or other goals.
6. The Harlem Children's Zone's board of trustees includes influential philanthropists like Stanley Druckenmiller, Keith Meister, and Ken Langone, who have committed to managing a significant portion of the funds.

Lawfare: Should Democratic Governments Use Deepfakes?

1. Deepfakes, created by deep learning AI techniques, can be used for disinformation but also have potential positive applications.
2. Democratic governments should be cautious in using deepfakes due to the risk of diminishing credibility and undermining public trust.
3. There may be exceptions where deepfakes could be used for significant risk reduction or to expose dictators' abuses.
4. When using deepfakes, democracies should consider the size of the audience, the potential harms, and the likelihood of detection.
5. An interagency working group should review deepfake proposals, considering goals, legality, potential harms, and traceability.
6. The domestic effects of deepfakes should also be considered, including potential harm to public trust and civil society's perspective.

The Verge: Despite big tech lobbying, Maryland passes two internet privacy bills

1. Maryland legislature passed two bills limiting tech platforms' data collection and use, with one bill (Maryland Online Privacy Act) effective from October 2025, and the other (Maryland Kids Code) having parts effective from October 2023.
2. The Maryland Kids Code includes the Maryland Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, which bans certain design features that encourage children's excessive use of online products.
3. The Maryland Kids Code also prohibits tracking users under 18, aiming to protect children from harmful practices.
4. Tech companies, including Amazon, Google, and Meta, have opposed similar legislation, arguing that it violates the First Amendment.
5. NetChoice, representing several tech giants, opposes the Maryland bills and has an active lawsuit against California for its similar law.
6. Maryland's amended version of the Kids Code aims to withstand a court challenge, with Governor Wes Moore expected to sign one of the bills.

Lawfare: A Zuck Takes on Meta

1. Ethan Zuckerman, a professor focused on building a better internet, filed a lawsuit against Meta (Facebook and Instagram's parent company) to give social media users more control over their feeds.
2. Zuckerman aims to achieve this by introducing digital tools that allow users to tailor their social media content to their preferences, such as the Unfollow Everything 2.0 browser extension.
3. The lawsuit, if successful, could shift power from a few giant companies to millions of individuals worldwide, potentially undercutting current social media business models.
4. Zuckerman's tool would automate the process of unfollowing unwanted content, while still allowing users to stay connected with friends and family.
5. The lawsuit is a response to Meta's history of shutting down research projects and tools that seek to gain "unauthorized access" to their computer networks.
6. Zuckerman is seeking a declaratory judgment from the district court that his tool would not violate Facebook's terms of service, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, or California's version of the federal law.

NYT Opinion: Is There a Post-Religious Right?

1. The text discusses the assumption that Donald Trump's rise marked the birth of an irreligious right, but suggests that this assumption was incorrect.
2. It highlights that religious affiliation and observance have substantially declined in the US, leading to a more secular conservative movement.
3. The text introduces the concept of 'Barstool conservatism', where individuals move towards the G.O.P. due to their rejection of progressive moralism, while retaining liberal personal values.
4. It also mentions the influence of right-leaning media personalities who are not overtly religious, but are interested in biblical religion as part of a broader spiritual context.
5. The text introduces the concept of 'proto-neoconservatism', a group of individuals who came out of mainstream liberal institutions and are now defending a form of liberalism against extremes on both sides.
6. It is noted that this post-religious right is not necessarily anti-religious, but rather a diverse movement with varying attitudes towards religion.

NYT: Tornadoes Are Coming in Bunches. Scientists Are Trying to Figure Out Why.

1. Tornado distribution is changing in the United States, with more forming in the same region on the same day, often in "outbreaks" of over 20.
2. The total number of tornadoes per year has remained relatively consistent, but they now occur in more concentrated bursts over fewer days.
3. Scientists are hesitant to directly link this trend to climate change, citing difficulties in tracking such small, ephemeral events in global climate models.
4. However, researchers have found that busy outbreak days are getting busier, with more tornadoes in each event.
5. The two main ingredients for tornadoes are atmospheric instability and vertical wind shear. As the climate changes, there might be fewer days with both these ingredients, but when conditions are favorable, they can lead to more tornadoes on fewer days.
6. Tornadoes are also increasingly occurring in regions outside of the traditional "Tornado Alley," such as the Midwest, Appalachia, and the Southeast.

NYT: Jim Simons, Math Genius Who Conquered Wall Street, Dies at 86

1. Jim Simons, a renowned mathematician, founded the investment firm Renaissance Technologies after leaving academia.
2. He applied mathematical models and advanced computers to analyze financial data, turning the firm into a successful "quant" investment company.
3. The Medallion fund, the largest at Renaissance, earned over $100 billion in trading profits and had a 66% average annual return over three decades.
4. Simons' approach to investing significantly influenced Wall Street, with many adopting computer-driven methodologies.
5. Simons also became a prominent philanthropist, with the Simons Foundation becoming a major funder of basic science research.
6. After retiring as C.E.O. in 2010, Simons continued to oversee his funds as chairman, devoting more time to philanthropy.

NYT: Transgender Athlete Ban in a Long Island County Is Struck Down in Court

1. A New York court struck down a Nassau County order that prohibited transgender women from participating in women's sports at county-owned facilities.
2. The ruling was based on the county executive's overreach of authority, as such decisions are reserved for legislative bodies.
3. The ban was criticized by civil rights groups and a roller derby league sued the county over the order, challenging it as a violation of state civil rights law.
4. The New York attorney general also called the order "transphobic and blatantly illegal," and threatened legal action.
5. Nassau County's order did not restrict transgender boys and men from participating in boys' and men's teams at county facilities.
6. The order was part of a nationwide push by conservative lawmakers to restrict the rights of transgender people.

NYT: How 5 N.Y.C. Neighborhoods Are Struggling With Climate Change

1. The South Bronx faces significant challenges from climate change, including extreme heat and high rates of chronic illness, which are exacerbated by poverty, lack of tree cover, and industrial pollution.
2. Red Hook, Brooklyn has a shortage of trees and is vulnerable to flooding, which affects its public housing complex and industrial areas. The neighborhood has been proactive in planting trees, but the high water table and dense soil make it difficult for trees to thrive.
3. Edgemere, Queens is a food desert, with limited access to fresh produce. This issue is compounded by frequent flooding, making grocery shopping difficult. However, community gardens have become a source of fresh produce and community for residents.
4. The lack of tree cover in these areas not only affects air quality but also contributes to the urban heat island effect, making extreme heat events more challenging for residents.
5. City initiatives and non-profit organizations are working to address these issues by planting trees, studying expressway covers, and creating community gardens.
6. The challenges faced by these neighborhoods highlight the intersection of social and environmental factors in climate change resilience, and the importance of addressing both in climate action.

The Economist: America is in the midst of an extraordinary startup boom

1. America is experiencing a significant startup boom.
2. A notable example is Incora Health, a startup in Greenville, South Carolina, that has developed smart earrings for tracking health data.
3. The founders of Incora Health, Theresa Gevaert and another local, are first-time founders in a small city aiming to revolutionize women's health care.
4. Despite the potential for many startups to fail, this wave suggests a significant shift is happening in America.
5. There has been a decline in the number of startups in America over the past few decades, with the portion of businesses less than five years old dropping from 38% in 1982 to 29% in 2018.
6. The decline in startups has been a concern for economists, as it has been linked to slower productivity growth.