CNN BUSINESS | These electric self-driving tractors could make farming much greener

London (CNN Business) – A startup based in California says it can help farmers be greener and more profitable by offering what it describes as the world’s first fully electric, self-driving tractor.

The compact tractor can be programmed to perform tasks such as plowing, harvesting and mowing, and can operate for up to 10 hours from a five-hour charge, according to its makers, Monarch Tractor.

Although it doesn’t need a driver, to comply with US regulations it must have a designated remote operator who receives real-time alerts and can stop the vehicle if needed. It has sensors that can detect livestock and crops, and collision prevention systems that allow it to operate autonomously alongside farm workers.   —read more— 

CNN entertainment | Phylicia Rashad appointed dean of fine arts at Howard University

(CNN) – Howard University announced Wednesday that alunma Phylicia Rashad has been appointed dean of the recently reestablished College of Fine Arts.

The “This Is Us” star will begin her role on July 1 and report to Provost Anthony K. Wutoh.

“It is a privilege to serve in this capacity and to work with the Howard University administration, faculty and students in reestablishing the College of Fine Arts,” Rashad said in a statement.

The esteemed actress graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in fine arts from Howard University in 1970.  —read more— 

CNN style | 20 designs that defined the modern world

Great design is about more than good-looking products.  It has the power to shape how we experience life.  —see items/read more— 

CNN politics | America’s long history of Black voter suppression

Washington (CNN) – This past March, John Kavanagh, a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives, insisted that his antidemocratic position on voting rights was about election security.

“Democrats value as many people as possible voting, and they’re willing to risk fraud,” the lawmaker said, rehashing former President Donald Trump’s baseless tub-thumping about mass voter fraud in the November election. “Republicans are more concerned about fraud, so we don’t mind putting security measures in that won’t let everybody vote — but everybody shouldn’t be voting.”  —read more— 

F1 | 100th pole ‘feels like one of the first’, says Hamilton as he explains how he overcame balance issues to edge Verstappen

He is a man accustomed to making history, but even Lewis Hamilton was struggling to comprehend his achievement after becoming the first F1 driver ever to reach 100 pole positions in a thrilling qualifying session in Spain on Saturday.

According to the Briton, who edged out championship rival Max Verstappen by just 0.036s, the landmark moment not only felt as sweet as his first, it was made all the sweeter for the handling issues he had to overcome during the session to score it.

You have to go back nearly 14 years for Hamilton’s first pole, in Canada, driving for McLaren. Would anyone have imagined then he’d go on to achieve what he has? Hamilton thinks not.  —read more— 

CNN | Federal grand jury indicts four former Minneapolis police officers in George Floyd’s death

(CNN) – A federal grand jury has indicted four former Minneapolis police officers in connection with the death of George Floyd, alleging the officers violated Floyd’s constitutional rights, according to court documents filed in federal court in Minnesota.

The indictment says Derek Chauvin — who was convicted last month on state murder charges in the Black man’s death — deprived Floyd of the right to be free from “unreasonable seizure, which includes the right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a police officer.”  —read more— 

CNN underscored | Is cocktail smoking worth it? Absolutely. Here’s what you need to know

(CNN) — If you’ve been a fan of fancy restaurant cocktails that come out emitting cool smoke and you’re ready for your next at-home hobby, the time is now. Cocktail smoking at home is easier than ever, with one-stop apparatuses of varying price ranges widely available. If you’re not familiar with the concept of smoking cocktails but enjoy grilling and learning about the home mixology, settle in, because this will be fun.  —read more— 

CNN World | Colombia’s protests, explained

(CNN) – More than a week of violent protests across Colombia have seen least 25 people killed and hundreds injured, prompting statements of concern from the US government and the European Union.

Fueled by frustration over Covid-19’s crushing economic pain and exacerbated by a heavy-handed police response, the upheaval has reached 247 cities and towns, according to Colombia Interior Minister Daniel Palacios.

Here’s what you need to know.  —read more— 

CNN BUSINESS | IBM says it has created the world’s smallest and most powerful microchip

New York (CNN Business) – The semiconductor industry’s constant challenge is to make microchips that are smaller, faster, more powerful and more energy efficient — simultaneously.

On Thursday, IBM (IBM) announced it has created a 2-nanometer chip, the smallest, most powerful microchip yet developed.

Most computer chips powering devices today use 10-nanometer or 7-nanometer process technology, with some manufacturers producing 5-nanometer chips. The lower numbers denote smaller, more advanced processors. IBM’s new chip uses 2-nanometer process technology, a huge leap forward for the components used to power everything from consumers’ smart phones and appliances to supercomputers and transportation equipment.  –read more—