Top 15 AI companies in 2025

Imagine a world where AI doesn't just nudge economic growth but supercharges it—like adding rocket fuel to the global economy. That's the tantalizing question this piece explores, digging into whether AI could trigger an unprecedented productivity boom, reshaping industries, jobs, and wealth distribution in ways we can barely predict. The discussion (sparked by a lively HN thread) swings between optimism about AI-driven efficiency and skepticism about who actually benefits.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another "AI will change everything" headline. It's a deeper look at the scale of potential disruption—whether AI could replicate history's rare economic explosions (like the Industrial Revolution) or just widen existing inequalities. For anyone paying bills, running a business, or worrying about the future of work, it's a conversation worth following. Even if the answers aren't clear yet, the stakes sure are.

For the first time ever, scientists have captured video footage of an earthquake fault actively shifting—thanks to a well-placed CCTV camera in Turkey. The clip shows the ground visibly splitting and moving during a 2023 quake, offering a rare real-time glimpse into how these destructive events unfold.

Editor’s Note: Earthquakes are usually studied after the fact through damage assessments and seismic data, so actually seeing a fault rupture in action is a game-changer. This footage could help researchers refine earthquake models, improve early warning systems, and even challenge some long-held assumptions about how faults behave. It’s like catching lightning in a bottle—except the lightning is the Earth’s crust tearing itself apart.

China's premier announced at a major AI conference that the country plans to lead the formation of an international group to collaborate on AI development. This comes as the U.S. ramps up its own efforts in the field, with China framing the move as a push against perceived monopolization of AI technology by certain nations or companies.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about tech—it's a power play. China is positioning itself as a leader in shaping global AI development, likely to counter U.S. influence in the space. For businesses and policymakers, it signals more competition (and possibly tension) ahead in who gets to set the rules for this game-changing technology.

If you're stuck on today's bite-sized NYT Mini Crossword, don't sweat it—here's the solution set for July 26's puzzle. Whether you're checking your work or throwing in the towel after a stubborn clue, this has you covered.

Editor’s Note: Crosswords are a daily ritual for millions, and the Mini is a quick, satisfying brain teaser. For solvers who hit a wall (or just want to breeze through before coffee), answer keys like this keep the fun from turning into frustration. It’s a small but meaningful win for puzzle fans.

NASA is about to lose nearly 4,000 employees who’ve opted for a voluntary resignation program. This move is tied to the Trump administration’s broader effort to shrink the federal workforce, but it raises questions about how the agency will maintain its ambitious missions with fewer hands on deck.

Editor’s Note: Losing thousands of skilled workers—even voluntarily—could slow down NASA’s projects, from Mars missions to climate research. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about institutional knowledge walking out the door. For a agency that relies on expertise, this could have long-term ripple effects.