Capital and most populous city of Arizona
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.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving testing operations in Houston are under scrutiny after a complaint alleges an unsafe 38:1 operator-to-manager ratio, with ongoing concerns about fatigue, staffing, and safety protocols as the company expands tests across public roads.
DoorDash has secured FAA Part 135 certification to operate a commercial drone-delivery service and is building its own drones and ground infrastructure. The rollout will begin with pilot programs while continuing partnerships with Wing and Flytrex, and the Autonomous Delivery Platform will dispatch among humans, drones, and robots based on speed, cost, and location.
The European Commission has proposed public financing to attract 20 billion euros in private investment for AI gigafactories, aiming to scale computing power in Europe. Brussels argues that access to massive computing capacity is essential as AI development accelerates, with plans to build seven gigafactories and expand EU data centers. The move signals a push toward tech sovereignty amid tensions with the U.S. and China.
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.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has released a ten-year framework that would spare Colorado’s Lower Basin states from mandatory cuts for now, while allowing up to 3 million acre-feet of annual reductions through 2036 based on hydrology. The plan shifts decision-making to biennial reviews and emphasizes flexibility as temperatures and drought persist. California, Arizona and Nevada would share cuts and prioritize water rights, with impacts expected on agriculture, cost of water, and groundwater reliance.
DoorDash is expanding its use of autonomous tech and drone delivery. A pilot in Phoenix has gig workers loading Dot robots with orders, highlighting the human role in robot-assisted delivery. The company is also rolling out DoorDash Air and revising service fees to better reflect delivery costs, while continuing to rely on Dashers for most daily deliveries.
Back-to-school season finds backpacks carrying more devices, notebooks and gear, with experts warning about potential strain. The American Academy of Pediatrics says signs of overload include leaning forward or difficulty walking, and advocates lightening loads where possible. Teachers are urging families to audit daily contents, balancing technology and traditional textbooks as districts weigh the role of print vs. digital learning.
Air travel is constrained by extreme heat. Reports show airlines reducing weight, cargo or fuel to ensure safe departures as temperatures soar. Studies project more frequent weight-related restrictions at hot airports midcentury, with Las Vegas and Denver highlighted for rising risk.
Three threats tied to the Wells case have surfaced, with defendants facing federal charges. An independent autopsy found the death undetermined; authorities have not named suspects or made arrests. Wells, an 18-year-old Black student, died after a group trip to an island in Mississippi. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors pursue multiple defendants.
The United States is circulating a nine-page questionnaire to NATO members and other allies, seeking to gauge support for its approach to defense and deterrence. The document asks whether allies have publicly supported US policy, whether they have placed restrictions on US access to bases, and whether they have aligned with the aim of strengthening “strong, clear, and quiet” messaging. Bloomberg reports the questionnaire reflects a push to involve allies in a broader Middle East strategy.
The cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has weighed on U.S. salad chains and suppliers. Sweetgreen and Salad and Go have cut outlooks or filed for bankruptcy amid consumer fears, while Taco Bell is recovering from earlier sales shocks. Recall activity spans Mexico and 27 U.S. states, with health officials tracking the outbreak across the country.
Airlines are changing upgrade rules on long domestic routes, moving elite frequent flyers from free business-class upgrades to premium economy. The policy affects several carriers and routes, reshaping loyalty rewards and travel costs.
The Colorado River system is under mounting stress as Lake Mead and Lake Powell reach record low levels. Federal plans call for flexible, biannual adjustments and deeper cuts in the Lower Basin, balancing conservation with electricity needs amid a multi-decade drought and climate change.
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.
Canada and the United States have resumed intensive talks to avert steep US tariffs that could take effect this week. Ottawa has offered concessions, including removing a retaliatory auto tariff, while Washington has pressed provinces to lift bans on US alcohol and pushed demands on market access and content rules for autos. Negotiators are still finalising details.
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.
Don Nelson, a Hall of Fame basketball coach and longtime Mavericks figure, has died at 86. Family statements describe him as beloved husband, father and grandfather. Nelson leaves a legacy as a pioneering coach who popularized fast-paced play and Nellie Ball, influencing teams and players across the league.
Russell Westbrook has announced his retirement after an 18-year career that included a 2016-17 MVP season, 42 triple-doubles in a season, and stints with several teams, including the Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets and Kings. The farewell video, narrated by Michael B. Jordan, marks the end of an era.
Rising heat advisories affect millions across the central Plains to the Southeast, with temperatures pushing toward 100 F and humidity making it feel hotter. In the U.K., calls for legal maximum workplace temperatures gain momentum as workers advocate protective laws amid intensifying heat waves.
Audio shows two American 2482 flights with identical call signs maintaining separation as one arrives from Chicago and another departs Phoenix. Controllers identify each by arrival and departure call signs, ensuring safe spacing. FAA and American Airlines will investigate.
Federal agencies have unveiled a 10-year framework to manage the Colorado River, mandating deep cuts to California, Arizona and Nevada while preserving flexibility for future negotiations as drought persists. The plan contemplates annual reductions in the lower basin and signals ongoing debate over allocation and long-term governance.
Kyle Kirkwood has won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in downtown Washington, D.C., finishing 3.09 seconds ahead of Christian Lundgaard after leading 128 of 147 laps. President Donald Trump has waved the green flag and taken a ceremonial lap; the race routed 25 drivers past the National Mall as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.
Amazon’s Prime Air has expanded to hundreds of cities, but a Texas drone delivery ended with a package dropping into a pool, prompting questions about safety as the service scales. Multiple outlets report the incident amid broader plans to grow the ultrafast delivery network.
Phoenix officers Antonio Felix and Luis Vasquez have been arrested on charges including aggravated assault and kidnapping. Police say the victims were assaulted and shocked with a Taser during a late-night traffic stop; body cameras were not activated and there is no video evidence. The investigation is ongoing and a court date is scheduled.
The administration has announced a temporary, tariff-free import surge of up to 300,000 metric tons of lean ground beef to ease prices amid a shrinking U.S. cattle herd. Congress and ranchers are watching closely as imports blend with domestic meat, potentially reshaping supply and labeling rules.
Pencils remain a staple in classrooms as debates about testing shift with technology. The piece traces the No. 2 pencil’s American origins, its enduring role in exams, and the culture around handwritten work in a digital era.
The FAA has moved to fire air-traffic controllers tied to an early shift on the night of a deadly collision, while preliminary NTSB findings detail persistent communication gaps during Marine One departures. The incidents, tied to August events near Reagan National and LaGuardia, underscore ongoing safety concerns and subsequent policy responses.
The Colorado River drought continues to squeeze water supplies across the U.S. West. New reductions are planned; states face ongoing cuts and cities scramble for backups. Reservoirs hit record lows while federal plans leave uncertainty for communities from Phoenix to Las Vegas.
The Sun Belt housing market has cooled from its 2020-22 surge, with price declines slowing and inventory tightening in places like Austin, Houston, Dallas, Tampa and Jacksonville. Luxury markets show resilience but overall activity remains subdued as buyers respond to higher mortgage costs and builders clear existing stock.
President Donald Trump has threatened to block Canadian manufacturer Bombardier from selling aircraft in the United States as Ottawa and Washington have exchanged tariffs on roughly $20–28 billion of goods. Canada has imposed retaliatory levies of 15–50%, and Bombardier has said it employs thousands in the US and sources components from 47 states.
A collection of tributes from CNBC and The New York Times, reflecting on Gloria Steinem’s influence on feminism, philanthropy, and intergenerational dialogue, as survivors and advocates recount how her work and circles shaped policy, funding, and community organizing.
Gloria Steinem has died at 92, leaving a legacy that reshaped feminist activism and modern political life. Tributes highlight her journalism, Ms. Magazine, and relentless push for gender equality, while debates about abortion rights and violence against women persist in the United States.
The FDA has cleared four blood tests to help diagnose Alzheimer's in people with memory problems, a move that could speed access to therapies. Experts caution that tests are not for asymptomatic individuals, and many questions remain about accuracy. Readers are advised to focus on brain-healthy risks like blood pressure, diabetes and smoking.
A developing coastal storm is driving onshore winds and high tides, triggering coastal flood advisories from the Mid-Atlantic to New England. Heavy surf and dune erosion are likely as the system strengthens offshore, with wind gusts reaching 40–50 mph in coastal areas.
Defacement of a Turning Point USA statue at its Phoenix headquarters has been reported shortly after the one-year anniversary of Kirk’s death. Police are investigating; the organization says it will restore the memorial and review footage.
Vlatko Andonovski has moved from Kansas City to Chicago as sporting director, as the Stars overhaul their staff after a dismal season. The change aligns with ownership’s rebuilding plan, aiming for a playoff run next year.
Joby Aviation has completed the first cross‑country flight of an autonomous aircraft, traveling 3,199 miles from California to North Carolina with no on‑board control inputs. The flight was monitored remotely from Joby’s headquarters and Shaw Air Force Base, with a safety pilot aboard for regulatory compliance.