RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

The U.S. National Science Foundation announced over $2 million in planning grants to support the development of artificial intelligence-ready test beds — real-world environments that will accelerate the design, evaluation and deployment of AI technologies across sectors critical to America’s economy and prosperity.

The initiative is a joint effort led by the NSF directorates for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (NSF CISE) and Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP), implementing a priority issued in the White House’s recent AI Action Plan to invest in secure, real-world settings that allow researchers to prototype new AI systems and translate them to the market.

“The AI-ready test beds program is uniquely NSF,” said Ellen Zegura, NSF acting assistant director for CISE. “It leverages critical, existing test environments to drive AI progress. This initiative not only builds the foundation for new breakthroughs in AI research but also helps bridge the gap between research and applications by connecting researchers with real-world challenges and enabling them to explore how AI can be most effectively applied in practice.”

As AI systems become increasingly integrated into areas ranging from emergency response to wireless networks, evaluating their reliability and performance beyond controlled settings is essential to developing long-term, impactful solutions that benefit the nation. NSF’s test bed investments ensure that AI breakthroughs are tested for impact, scalability and built to serve the public

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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

In-brief analysis

August 6, 2025

Data source: CME Group, Bloomberg L.P.
Note: Refinery margin is calculated as the 3-2-1 crack spread on the U.S. Atlantic Coast, which represents the price of two barrels of gasoline and one barrel of distillate fuel oil minus three barrels of Brent crude oil. 2Q25=second quarter of 2025

Energy prices—along with other globally traded commodities, equities, and currencies—were more volatile in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25) amid significant uncertainty from concerns over economic growth as well as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The geopolitical uncertainty has affected crude oil prices and refinery margins, and shifting government policies have affected biofuel compliance credit prices.

Crude oil prices
After adjusting for inflation, the Brent crude oil price decreased from nearly $75 per barrel (b) at the beginning of April to $64/b in

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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

Middle and Western Tennesseans impacted by the April 2-24 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding may be eligible for FEMA assistance to repair or replace a vehicle. 

FEMA provides financial help after a disaster for eligible expenses not paid by insurance or other sources. This may include repair or replacement of a vehicle. The damage to your vehicle must have been caused by the disaster and it must no longer be operable or safe to drive. Cosmetic repairs will not be covered. Other requirements include:

Assistance is usually limited to one vehicle. If there is a second functional vehicle in your household, you must submit a statement indicating there is an essential need for both vehicles to maintain the household.Your vehicle must comply with state registration and insurance requirements.Your vehicle must be owned or leased (not a rental) by the applicant, co-applicant or household member.Your damaged vehicle must be an approved vehicle type, such as a car, truck, SUV or van.

The deadline to apply for assistance is Tuesday, Aug. 19.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. In-person help is available at any Disaster Recovery Center for submitting applications, getting updates and asking questions. Find a center here: DRC Locator (fema.gov).

Video: What to Expect Before Applying for FEMA AssistanceASLSpanish

Video: Next Steps After

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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

The public meetings will include updates on NIST’s investigations into the impacts of 2017’s Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico and the 2021 partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside, Florida.

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