Bots on the ground: China leads humanoid race

China is rapidly advancing in the humanoid robotics industry, evidenced by the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing and the proliferation of specialized training centers designed to collect essential real-world movement data. Despite impressive feats like record-breaking sprints, these machines remain costly and limited in utility, requiring massive datasets to master simple tasks. Meanwhile, Meta has reached a $17 billion settlement with 29 U.S. states over allegations that its platforms harm teenagers, introducing new restrictions on usage time, notifications, and algorithmic feeds. This settlement serves as a potential template for future litigation against other social media firms. Finally, the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris maintains its global appeal through a blend of literary history, curated experiences, and a strategic prohibition on photography, highlighting a broader trend of independent bookshops thriving as community gathering spaces.