TBPN Weekly Recap: Grok 4 Launch, Texas Floods, Web Browser War, Top Signals, Meta Smart Glasses
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Jul 12, 2025 
Augustus Doricko, founder of Rainmaker, discusses the intense scrutiny his cloud seeding startup faces after tragic floods in Texas, revealing the complex interplay between weather modification and public safety. Meanwhile, Ben Thompson, founder of Stratechery, dives into the tech industry's current landscape, dissecting the launch of Grok 4 and the competitive browser wars. The conversation also touches on Meta's advancements in smart glasses, exploring the implications of these innovations in a fast-evolving market.
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Cloud Seeding Not Cause of Floods
- Rainmaker's cloud seeding did not contribute to Texas floods; last operation was July 2, well before severe weather hit.
- Cloud seeding suspended during severe weather warnings and high soil saturation per regulation.
Advocate for Federal Regulation
- Improve federal oversight by enforcing standardized rules on cloud seeding operations across states.
- Transparency and reporting updates build public trust and accountability in weather modification.
Cloud Seeding's Scientific Monitoring
- Accurate attribution of cloud seeding effects became possible only with 2017's dual polarization radar advances.
- Strict suspension criteria prevent cloud seeding when soil saturation or severe weather risks exist, avoiding flood exacerbations.