A 3D model of the movements of protesters in Charlotte, a year ago, as well as the thugs who had surrounded them, demonstrates that thugs intentionally trapped and besieged the protesters.

Then they attacked the trapped protesters with tear gas and other weapons.

Computerized systems to monitor old people, perhaps partly demented, for their safety, work by means of AI-based surveillance, and their actions can feel oppressive to the people they "help".

However, the problem goes deeper: they contain proprietary software, so neither the people to be "served" nor the people who install the system have real control over it.

In particular, they can't be sure which sorts of events are being observed and reported to companies by the system, and used to profile or manipulate people.

Californians are trying to save monarch butterflies by planting more milkweed for their caterpillars. But they don't know whether this will do the job.

US citizens: call on Congress to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force. This was meant for a misguided and harmful purpose — to authorize attacking and occupying Iraq — but continues to be stretched to justify other wars.

The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.

If you call, please spread the word!

Uber recognized a drivers' union in the UK, but the contract signs away collective bargaining on their rate of pay. One driver says it's a "dud".