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Rising heat across the central plains to the Southeast has prompted advisories for roughly 97 million people. The heat dome traps heat and humidity, with overnight lows lingering in the 70s and some areas hitting 100 F. Public spaces are opened to cool air, and workers are adjusting shifts as health risks rise.
Federal investigators have determined that the ransom notes sent after Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance are not authentic. The notes reportedly claimed Nancy Guthrie died or demanded cryptocurrency payments. Savannah Guthrie has pleaded for information as the search continues.
Heat waves have intensified health risks, worsening heart and kidney conditions, triggering heat exhaustion, and contributing to inflammatory issues. Experts urge hydration, shade, and cooling measures as high temperatures persist and climate change drives higher heat.
A sweeping heat dome is driving extreme temperatures across the U.S., Canada and parts of Europe. Cities are opening cooling centers, urging hydration, and preparing for heat-related illnesses during the holiday weekend. Officials warn that temperatures and humidity will push heat indexes well into the 100s Fahrenheit as heat waves persist.
Prosecutors have laid out their case against Tyler Robinson in a five-day preliminary hearing for the Sept. 10 shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. The hearing is livestreamed; the judge will decide whether the case advances to trial, with the death penalty possible if convicted.
Federal and local probes have produced new findings and warnings about autonomous vehicles. The NTSB has reported that a Tesla driver manually overrode Full Self-Driving before a June crash that killed a 76‑year‑old in Katy, Texas. NHTSA has issued a directive demanding AV developers fix cases where driverless cars enter or block emergency scenes; Waymo and California regulators are under pressure over several incidents.
A global look at paid time off shows most countries guarantee some leave by law, but the U.S. stands apart, treating it as a voluntary benefit. Top earners in the U.S. still enjoy paid time off at lower rates than peers in other economies, while debates over policy and AI-era work norms shape future protections.
Prosecutors have presented DNA, notes and witness statements linking Tyler Robinson to the Sept. 10 shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. A Utah judge is deciding whether there is enough evidence for a trial on aggravated murder. The hearing is ongoing and the decision will come after Sept. 1.
Waymo has announced the expansion of its driverless robotaxi fleet to four new U.S. cities, starting with employee rides before opening to the public. The Ojai vehicle is introduced as a comfort-focused option, with expansion plans across San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Denver. The rollout faces regulatory approvals and past safety incidents.
A body of studies is showing that a blood marker called p-tau217 can forecast an elevated risk of cognitive impairment in healthy older adults years before symptoms appear. The evidence is not yet clinical-ready, but it is guiding trials that aim to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s disease and is being tested in Scotland’s primary care setting.
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.
Senator Ruben Gallego has acknowledged relationships with two House staffers from Texas Democrats during his decade in the House. The disclosures are prompting renewed calls for a bright-line rule banning staffer relationships with lawmakers, with the ethics committee having previously dismissed related complaints. The story is developing as scrutiny expands across several members.
San Francisco confronts a surge in regulatory scrutiny as Waymo robotaxis faced power outages and immobilization during a holiday traffic jam. Mayor Daniel Lurie is pushing for mandatory, statewide standards to ensure autonomous vehicles can operate in major disruptions, with agencies like NHTSA calling for immediate fixes.
The Third Circuit has ruled that New Jersey's assault-weapons ban and its large-capacity-magazine limits are unconstitutional. The decision, the first of its kind from a federal appeals court, comes as the Supreme Court weighs challenges to similar bans. New Jersey vows to review options as other states have enacted stricter controls.
The WNBA has suspended Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello for one game after she called Angel Reese a “protected species” during a game. Reese says there is no place for discrimination and Brondello has apologized. The incident has sparked broader discussion on officiating, accountability, and race in the league.
Ocado has sealed a deal to build a large customer fulfilment centre for a fast-growing European national retailer. The automated site, due to go live in 2028, features Ocado’s robotics and new technology. The agreement follows a recent downturn in Ocado’s stock amid broader market weakness and signals rising demand for its automation solutions.
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 has escalated its capital expenditure, with second-quarter capex at $5.8 billion and projected annual capex above $25 billion as it expands robotaxi, Optimus, and semiconductor initiatives. Revenue rises, while operating margin declines amid aggressive investments.
Tesla faces renewed scrutiny over its Full Self-Driving program after a Houston complaint alleges dangerous understaffing and fatigue among operators. The case highlights concerns about safety protocols, oversight, and how big tech manages autonomous testing on public roads.
DoorDash has secured FAA Part 135 certification and has launched DoorDash Air, an in-house drone-delivery program developed by DoorDash Labs. The service aims to operate within a three-to-five-mile radius, while still relying on partners Wing and Flytrex. A phased commercial rollout will follow, with the Autonomous Delivery Platform coordinating among drivers, drones, the Dot robot, and other options.
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 robot-assisted loading and drone delivery pilots in the US, highlighting a shift in delivery logistics. Dashers have completed loading gigs for Dot robots in Arizona, and the company says humans remain essential as autonomous tools scale. Separately, DoorDash Air drones are being developed in-house after FAA certification, with pilots and integrations planned for future rollout.
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 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 and its two major reservoirs, Mead and Powell, remain at historic lows amid record snowpack deficits and prolonged drought. Federal officials have proposed flexible, staged water cuts for the Lower Basin while keeping extra time for agreement among states. The development could affect millions who rely on the river for drinking water, agriculture, and power.
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.
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.
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 from professional basketball, describing his career with a video that reflects on his journey and service to the game. He leaves behind a record of triple-doubles, MVP seasons, and Olympic gold, while his former teams and peers recollect his impact.
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.