Axios

Data centers have become the face of AI backlash, with celebrities, politicians and protesters pushing to slow their growth.

Why it matters: America's sharply rising public opposition to data centers — which fuel our everyday use of the internet — could pose an existential threat to AI's growth.

NASA is calling off an attempt to save a space observatory falling out of orbit, dooming it to a fiery death in Earth's atmosphere.

Why it matters: The Swift Boost Mission was an ambitious effort to rescue the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and demonstrate the concept of grabbing onto and moving a satellite.

Solar energy and batteries are making it easier for utilities to meet surging electricity demand during extreme heat, but prolonged high temperatures are exposing other vulnerabilities in the grid.

Why it matters: Electricity demand rises as air conditioners work harder in extreme heat, while high temperatures can make parts of the system less efficient and put additional stress on equipment.