On the Farm, Rare Earth Minerals & Optical Semiconductors

Farmers in America’s Heartland are hurting as crop prices are dirt cheap. Supplies are high, and international demand has receded in the wake of Trump’s tariffs. Jackie discusses their situation. … Also: The US/China trade deal waiting to be struck holds high stakes for both sides, which sits well with neither. As China races to produce high-end semiconductors at home, the US is scrambling to do the same for rare earth minerals. … AI data centers are notorious energy hogs. Researchers are exploring ways to transmit information using light instead of electricity and capturing an array of benefits.