“A federal judge has struck down key parts of a Florida law that helped parents get books they found objectionable removed from public school libraries and classrooms. … Among the books that had been removed from central Florida schools were Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Richard Wright’s Native Son, and Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five.” - AP
“David Bennett, who has served as San Diego Opera’s general director for the past 10 years, will carry on at least through the 2029-30 season. … When Bennett joined the company 10 years ago, its future was in limbo following a near-closure in 2014.” - The San Diego Union-Tribune (MSN)
“Besides (the 131-seat Tow Theater at Lincoln Center, he) funded a performing arts center at Brooklyn College; journalism programs at Columbia University and City University of New York; the Tow Center for Developmental Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering; and the Tow Youth Justice Institute in West Haven, Conn.” - The New York Times
It’s not just that we’re adopting AI language — it’s about how we’re starting to sound. Even though current studies mostly focus on vocabulary, researchers suspect that AI influence is starting to show up in tone, too — in the form of longer, more structured speech and muted emotional expression. - The Verge
“By the end of the century, rising sea levels could push powerful seasonal waves into Easter Island’s 15 iconic moai statues, according to a new study published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage. … The findings show waves could reach Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial platform on the island, as early as 2080.” - AP
The company will develop brand and franchise strategies for titles including The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, Sunset Boulevard and Starlight Express. - TheatreMania
Nicolas Namoradze’s Neurorecital saw pieces from Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier accompanied by images of the performer’s brain activity, allowing an unprecedented peek into the mind of the pianist. - Classical Music
The accusation first surfaced on July 31, during the opening day of Lollapalooza: as a small group of protesters dressed in black gathered in front of the mirrored sculpture (which is formally titled Cloud Gate), waving signs and handing out flyers, demanding the release of the man they insisted was trapped inside. - Artnet
Researchers estimate that over 1 million children in the U.S. have been exposed to mindfulness in their schools, mostly at the elementary level, often taught by classroom teachers or school counselors. - The Conversation
The AI takeover of the classroom is just getting started. Plenty of educators are using AI in their own job, even if they may not love that chatbots give students new ways to cheat. On top of the time they spend on actual instruction, teachers are stuck with a lot of administrative work. - The Atlantic
We in the hard sciences do work that is largely apolitical, and we are more oriented toward much-needed objective evaluation of data and merit. Yet, the scientists, and all their life-giving and technology-producing work, are being punished for the sins of others because we all live under one roof. - The Dispatch
“The next manuscript by Indian writer Amitav Ghosh will not be read for 89 years, as he becomes the 12th author to contribute to the Future Library project. Ghosh joins Margaret Atwood, Han Kang, Ocean Vuong and other prominent authors who have written secret manuscripts, which are locked away until 2114.” - The Guardian
The White House’s announced review is a challenge to the Smithsonian, which has traditionally operated as an independent institution and regards itself as being outside the control of the executive branch. - The New York Times
Television animation costs $15,000 to $60,000 per minute if done traditionally. Intelligent Animation, another start-up backed by Banyan Ventures, has developed an A.I.-assisted process that drops the cost to as little as $1,500 per minute. - The New York Times
