China has activated the world’s first wind-powered underwater data center, a project designed to cut the soaring energy needs of artificial intelligence. The facility, submerged 33 feet below the sea off Shanghai, uses energy from a wind farm and seawater for natural cooling, reducing power consumption by more than 20% compared with conventional data centers. Supporters say the technology could help reduce electricity and fresh water demand amid growing global demand for AI infrastructure.

The sharpening of a giant pencil drew a crowd of thousands in Minneapolis over the weekend. After a 2022 storm damaged an oak tree in John and Amy Higgins’ yard, the couple hired wood sculptor Curtis Ingvoldstad to turn the tree into a 20-foot pencil. Every year since, they have invited the public to come over on the first Saturday in June to watch Ingvoldstad sharpen the pencil. Attendees come from around the country, with many wearing pencil-themed outfits.