Walmart's AI, Bitcoin, and African Internet Shutdowns

Walmart Is Using AI-Powered Cameras to Prevent Theft at Checkout Lanes

Natt Garun | The Verge | Tweeted by Jennifer Huddleston

Walmart has implemented AI surveillance technology at self-checkout kiosks and traditional registers in more than 1,000 stores across the US over the past two years, but has not specified their effectiveness.

We Used to Fly from New York to Paris in 3 Hours. Let’s Do That Again.

Michael Kratsios | The Washington Post | Retweeted by Adam Thierer

Since the Concorde’s final flight in 2003, consumer supersonic flight has remained dormant. Proposed rule changes by the Federal Aviation Administration could bring it back.

The Numbing Experience of Living through Africa’s Growing Internet Shutdowns

Abdi Latif Dahir | Quartz Africa | Shared by Tyler Cowen

In many African countries, governments are using internet shutdowns as a policy tool. This is having a negative effect on economic growth and democracy.

Ligado’s Wireless Plans Caught in 5G Agency Crossfire

Andrew Scurria | The Wall Street Journal | Retweeted by Brent Skorup

A wireless venture has waited more than 1,200 days in a web of government delays and indecision, preventing their 5G rollout.

Is There a Big Short in Bitcoin?

Alexander Osipovich | The Wall Street Journal | Retweeted by Brian Knight

Bitcoin has risen above $11,000 on a new wave of crypto-optimism, but most large investors are pessimistic about its future.

San Francisco, Banning E-Cigarettes Is the Worst Solution to Your Least Pressing Problem

Sally Satel and Erica Sandberg | USA Today | Shared by Donald Boudreaux

While San Francisco’s ban on e-cigarettes is meant to curb teen vaping, it could be more harmful to adults attempting to quit smoking.

Where Does the Ink in Your Tattoo Come from?

Andrea Durkin | TradeVistas | Tweeted by Christine McDaniel

The massive amount of carbon black needed for Americans’ desire to express themselves through body art comes from international trade.

Nashville Is Banning Electric Scooters after a Man Was Killed

Andrew J. Hawkins | The Verge | Tweeted by Michael D. Farren

Nashville’s mayor announced that scooters would be banned from the city’s streets after a man was killed, but he had more than twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system and was responsible for the crash.