A city at the crossroads of power, culture and commerce
A round-up of Fringe reviews from The Scotsman and The Guardian highlights tense power dynamics in Good With Faces, The Librarians, 44 Minutes and other shows, as critics scrutinize care, control and performance under pressure. The festival week delivers gripping, dialogue-driven theatre that probes authority, fear and freedom.
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.
Ariana Grande’s eighth studio album Petal has sparked conversation about her artistic direction and handling of fame. Critics note a more restrained vocal approach and darker production, while Grande faces ongoing questions about identity, media scrutiny and fan relationship as she navigates post-Wicked press tours and personal challenges.
Professor Jason Arday has resigned from the University of Cambridge after the university has launched an investigation into his academic qualifications and honorary appointments following media allegations of plagiarism and disputed claims about his achievements. Cambridge and Jesus College have opened parallel inquiries while supporters and critics have publicly clashed over the coverage.
The Independent and AP News highlight new streaming options, film reviews, and music releases, including Anne Hathaway’s film Mother Mary, The Christophers, Weezer’s 20th album, and Sam Smith’s Hazel Eyes, with Hathaway receiving praise for her performance and Michaela Coel’s standout role.
UK theme parks and Halloween events are rolling out discounts for advance bookings as a new wave of attractions launches. Thorpe Park marks 25 years of Fright Nights with a brand‑new scare maze and reimagined shows, while Universal Studios adds a daytime behind‑the‑scenes tour. Other family deals cover travel, memberships and multi‑attraction passes.
Bumble has announced changes allowing either user to send the first message and extending the reply window to 72 hours, as part of a broader move by dating apps to combat user fatigue and lift engagement.
Jackie has died after illness while under care at the Ojai Raptor Center. Her nest cam drew global attention for years, highlighting wildlife recovery and the work of conservation groups. Merchandising tied to her story is raising questions over fundraising and where donations go.
Ride-hail giants partner to scale autonomous fleets, with 2,000 Pony.ai vehicles planned for Europe and expansion into the Middle East. Croatia already hosts a commercial robotaxi service; companies cite fleet size as key to safety data and regulatory progress.
Russia’s athletics federation has filed a new appeal at CAS to overturn World Athletics sanctions that ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from global events. The IOC has allowed Russian competitors in some Olympic qualifiers, sparking debate among federations that have eased restrictions in other sports. The case tests the balance between sport and politics as World Athletics defends its integrity.
A fire at a Boyle Heights cold-storage facility left tens of millions of pounds of rotting food. Cleanup is extending beyond promised deadlines, with residents reporting ongoing smells, pests, and concerns about safety and transparency from Lineage and local authorities.
Serve Robotics has expanded its autonomous sidewalk delivery rollout in Washington and San Jose, while continuing partnerships in Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami. Uber has divested its stake, signaling a strategic pivot as Serve scales the fleet and explores coordination with new partners.
Four people have been charged in connection with an investigation into a home described as a “house of horrors.” Authorities say the conditions included animal feces, urine, flies, mold, and near-impassable living spaces. A baby and three other children were taken into protective custody, and three dogs and three kittens were seized for assessment.
Nicole Kidman discusses early fame sparked by her marriage to Tom Cruise, describing it as natural and driven by love. Her 1990-2001 marriage produced three films together and two adopted children. She has since remarried, with Urban divorce finalized in 2025; she faces uncertainty about the future of her career and personal life.
A federal investigation has found that California’s corrections department failed to give victims safe reporting channels and that investigators within the system were often accused of abuse themselves. The probe examined two state prisons, documented numerous instances of sexual misconduct by guards against incarcerated women, and led to a 49-day remediation deadline with expanded cameras, confidential reporting channels, and stronger investigative protocols.
Investors claim Selena Gomez’s Wondermind failed to deliver on promises to build the platform, alleging misrepresentation of leadership, partnerships, and a functioning app. The suit seeks the return of about $1.2 million in investments plus costs. Gomez’s legal team calls the allegations meritless and says they will vigorously defend.
Drive-through restaurants grew from mid-20th-century innovations to become a defining American ecosystem, reshaping menus, car design, and social norms. The latest pieces trace the origin debates, highlight key players, and note enduring cultural significance.
Federal prosecutors have narrowed their case against Jonathan Rinderknecht to two charges related to fires that destroyed thousands of structures in Malibu's Pacific Palisades. A mistrial was declared in June after jurors deadlocked on three counts. A retrial is scheduled for fall.
Publishers describe a pivot from information velocity to capability velocity, arguing AI-enabled production is redefining how news is made and consumed. The article threads through executives’ reflections on post-processable velocity, six-week horizons, and the crossing of a new speed frontier in tech and media.
Former ABC News producer Samira Said has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in Los Angeles, alleging harassment by CBS chief correspondent Joel Gutman and accusing ABC News of firing Said after a medical leave. The suit names Disney, ABC News and Gutman as defendants. Gutman is now a CBS News lead contributor and has recently been in the spotlight for ratings boosts and other public incidents.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is now the frontrunner to become the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee, according to Polymarket odds, marking the first time she has led the pack.
Hayden Panettiere, the actress known for Heroes and Nashville, has died aged 36. Her father has issued a statement calling her "an incredible light." She was found unresponsive in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday; no cause of death has been announced and an autopsy is expected.