City profile and current affairs
A wave of updates across Uber, Waymo, Baidu, and others is redefining autonomous-vehicle deployment in major markets. Partnerships are shifting, apps are expanding beyond rides, and regulators are sharpening standards. The evolving ecosystem is accelerating, with major players preparing for broader rollout in 2028 and beyond.
Tesla has reported weak Q2 profits and heavy capital spending on AI, robotaxis and humanoid robots, turning free cash flow negative and sending its shares sharply lower. SpaceX has fallen since its IPO and heavy short interest is piling up. Investors are demanding clearer timelines for robotaxi, Optimus and Tesla–SpaceX collaboration as capital needs rise.
Errol Spence Jr. has announced his retirement after losing to Tim Tszyu in Sydney, capping a career that saw him hold WBA, WBC and IBF belts and go 28-0 before facing Crawford. Tszyu earned a unanimous decision win, outlanding Spence and signaling the end of an era.
Dinamo Zagreb have defeated FC Kauno Žalgiris 5-0 in the Croatian capital, with McKenna scoring and helping Zagreb solidify their lead in the tie. The 29-year-old defender, who has been linked with Rangers, has featured prominently in Europe this season as Zagreb push towards the play-off round.
Tesla is accelerating its AI and robotics agenda while its robotaxi rollout remains limited and costly. Quarterly data show robotaxi miles dwindling, even as Musk pushes Optimus and other AI initiatives. Analysts warn that regulatory hurdles and high CapEx complicate the path to scale.
The Federal Communications Commission has added "advanced robotic devices" — including humanoid robots, four‑legged machines and some connected power inverters — to a list that blocks new foreign-made models from US markets on national‑security and cybersecurity grounds. The rule has taken effect for models not yet authorised; existing authorised devices remain allowed while exemptions can be requested.
The Federal Reserve has kept its target range at 3.5%-3.75%, with three regional presidents dissenting in favor of a quarter-point rate increase. Chair Warsh has emphasised inflation as a priority while signalling uncertainty about future moves. Markets have priced in possible action later this year as data rolls in.
A 16-year-old Santa Cruz lifeguard has saved a 10-year-old from powerful surf at Seabright Beach. Video of the rescue has drawn global attention and U.S. leaders have commented on the bravery shown by the teenager and fellow lifeguards.
Zoox has received a temporary NHTSA exemption that allows it to charge fares for its purpose-built robotaxis and will start paid rides in Las Vegas on Aug. 10. The company can deploy up to 2,500 vehicles annually for two years under enhanced federal oversight while state and local approvals remain required for expansion.
Packers running back Aaron Green has disclosed an early-onset Parkinson’s diagnosis on a Go Long podcast, detailing his approach to treatment, the role of exercise and diet, and his intent to stay active while managing symptoms. He says he wants to inform fans and advocate for early diagnosis in former players.
The Department of State has begun issuing Patriot Passports, featuring a living president’s portrait, at 27 passport offices nationwide. In-person applications are required on designated days; the gold-embossed interior shows the president’s signature. The move follows a wave of high-visibility tributes to the president, including coins and potential currency signatures.
A wave of new music sees artists blending genres and asserting creative independence. From Labrinth’s Cosmic Opera Act II to FLO’s Therapy at the Club and Shaboozey’s country-infused album, creators push for control over their work while embracing broader collaborations.
A AP-NORC poll finds extreme heat is increasingly affecting Americans’ daily lives, from electricity bills to travel plans, with West and Midwest hardest hit and Democrats more likely to report major impacts. The survey, conducted July 23–27, 2026, shows a shift in perception of climate change and growing energy costs.
The Charity Commission has escalated a statutory inquiry into the Al-Khair Foundation, with eight initial charities under review and a Turkish national connected to the group in custody on US charges. The regulator says it will extend its review as more evidence emerges about links to Hamas and the flow of funds to Gaza.
Moove has raised $250 million in a Series C led by Mubadala, supporting its plan to scale autonomous-vehicle operations while continuing its human-driven fleet business. The funding values Moove at $2.1 billion and will fund depots, hiring, and expansion with Waymo partnerships.
Waymo has expanded its Ojai robotaxi rollout, adding more U.S. markets and plans to accelerate fleet growth. The company is integrating its sixth‑generation self‑driving system with Zeekr’s Ojai platform, aiming to reduce cost and improve safety as deployments accelerate globally.
The ICE crackdown is expanding beyond checkpoints into terminals and jet bridges, prompting pushback from airlines and concerns from labor groups. New data show daily arrests at airports rising, while legislators debate data-sharing and oversight. Several incidents have highlighted tensions between enforcement and airline operations.
Muslim public officials face rising anti-Muslim rhetoric from some Republican figures after Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan primary win. CAIR warns that such rhetoric targets Muslim officials nationwide, while other Republicans condemn the tone amid a charged political climate.
A surrogate has given birth to Gabriel in Dallas after a dispute over a termination request tied to a severe heart condition. California-based parents are the legal guardians, while the surrogate seeks parentage. Texas orders require life-saving care for Gabriel, with ongoing court battles looming.
A surrogate birth in Texas has sparked a legal battle over custody and life-saving medical decisions for a newborn with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The case pits the birth parents against the surrogate, with state authorities stepping in amid competing contracts and fears for the child’s care.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has directed a federal review of ablution facilities at Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston’s George Bush airports, arguing they amount to unlawful religious discrimination. DFW has paused plans to install washing stations after a state-led review, while IAH already hosts a washing facility. The moves come amid broader concerns about government-funded facilities accommodating religious practices.
A Texas teenager has been convicted of murder for the April 2025 stabbing of a 17-year-old at a Dallas-area track meet. The judge has denied a retrial motion, and the defense vows to appeal. A new phase will consider whether a retrial is warranted as courtroom rules and jury instructions are scrutinized amid national attention.
A surrogate mother, McKenna West, has refused a couple’s abortion requests after a prenatal HLHS diagnosis. The baby has survived birth and will undergo Norwood surgery in Texas, with legal battles ongoing across states.
Nevada's transportation authority has approved permits for major players to deploy robotaxi services in Clark County, Las Vegas, setting up a competitive battle among Tesla, Waymo, Uber, and Zoox. The approvals include up to thousands of vehicles over the next 12 months, with limits per company and ongoing questions about deployment pace and regulatory oversight.
Trump has replaced the Oval Office lawn with a white stone patio, installing statues of American founders in the Rose Garden area. The installations, some gift or loaned, include Jefferson, Washington, Hamilton, Franklin and a sculpture named Freedom’s Charge, with broader renovation plans underway.
The president has announced a trip to Ireland for Sept. 12-13, where he will attend events with embassy staff and officials, and visit Trump-owned golf properties. AP, New York Post and Independent note the trip underscores how official travel can intersect with family business interests, including LIV Golf ties and potential political signaling.
A major flash flood has struck Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch at the Grand Canyon after intense Saturday afternoon storms. Park staff have evacuated more than 60 people, recovered at least one body and are seeking information on others unaccounted for. The flood damaged the canyons water pipeline and has forced emergency water restrictions and area closures as rain continues to threaten the region.