Four US nuclear reactors have achieved criticality, a key milestone where a reactor can sustain a chain reaction. This development, timed for the nation's 250th birthday goal, signals progress in emissions-free energy, though it precedes readiness for grid power. Companies like BWXT and Oklo are among those advancing these microreactor designs.

Elsewhere, China's top AI firms, including Alibaba and ByteDance, are reportedly set to receive permission to purchase Nvidia's H200 chips. This follows previous holds despite US authorization, indicating a potential shift in AI hardware access for Chinese developers.

NATO is building a sensor, drone, satellite, and AI network to counter Russian threats. Separately, Meta is patenting an AI device designed to analyze user emotions for personalized workout plans, raising privacy considerations around AI memory.