With Shoppers Wary of Illness, Farmers Destroy Millions of Heads of Lettuce
A nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis has caused demand for lettuce to fall. California growers are plowing crops back into the soil and laying off workers as a result.
Morning, internet.
Edition 12 · Saturday, August 29, 2026
Here's what happened.
Autopsy Shows Man Killed by National Guard in Memphis Was Shot in Back
An autopsy found that the Memphis man killed after a confrontation with National Guard troops was shot in the back. The medical examiner declared the death a homicide, and the incident remains under investigation.
Governor Newsom announces $2.7 billion for 150+ projects to expand and make California’s transportation system more resilient
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced $2.7 billion for more than 150 projects intended to expand and strengthen California’s transportation system. The initiative emphasizes resilience as well as system expansion.
Will lawmakers water down data center rules?
Public backlash against artificial intelligence data centers is growing as technology companies spend heavily to influence California lawmakers. Bills under consideration would shift electric-infrastructure costs toward data center operators rather than residential customers.
The most sympathetic case for NIMBYism is still wrong
Natural disasters have erased neighborhoods in Altadena, the Pacific Palisades and other Los Angeles-area communities. The destruction has forced thousands of decisions about what should replace them, amid continuing questions over rebuilding.
Governor Newsom announces $44 million for tribal stewardship, salmon recovery and desert protection projects
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced $44 million for projects focused on tribal stewardship, salmon recovery and desert protection across California. The funding links tribal priorities with ecosystem and habitat protection efforts.
Search Continues for 2,400 Missing in Nepal Floods Amid ‘Immense’ Devastation
Rescue efforts in Nepal entered their fourth day as the scale of destruction became clearer. About 2,400 people remain missing, signaling a daunting recovery for the vulnerable nation.
Trump says U.S. has entered deal with Venezuela to take control of 65 billion barrels of oil reserves
President Trump says the U.S. has entered a sweeping agreement with Venezuela that could give Washington access to vast amounts of the country’s untapped oil reserves. The deal would come at a cost, according to the report.
Turkey and Israel Vie for Middle East Influence as Tensions Spike
Israel struck a Syrian base to pre-empt the feared deployment of Turkish forces. The action reflects growing competition between Turkey and Israel in the Middle East and beyond.
After 6 months of war, Iran's battered regime remains entrenched
After six months of war, Iran’s regime has not collapsed and has instead hardened its position. The conflict has left the government entrenched rather than changing its course.
The Cybersecurity Apocalypse Is Coming in ‘Months,’ AI Giants Warn
AI companies are warning that a major cybersecurity crisis could arrive within months. The report also says hackers have targeted more than 100 U.S. water systems.
Google further buries search results under AI mode
Google is automatically expanding AI search summaries at the top of the results page for some searches. The change pushes the traditional list of links farther down the page.
How to Run a Chatbot on Your Own Computer
Installing a large language model on a personal computer can provide a digital assistant while protecting data privacy. The story focuses on running a chatbot locally rather than relying on an online service.
How a Canceled Spy Satellite Became NASA’s New Window Into the Universe
NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is scheduled to launch on Sunday. It will study dark energy and discover a multitude of planets.
Scientists collaborated with narwhals to study warming waters in the Arctic
Scientists used narwhals in a study of human-caused climate change in the Arctic. The research also examines rising sea levels around the world.
Islanders asked to report sightings of rare eel
The Nature Commission is asking people to record sightings of critically endangered eels. The request is intended to improve monitoring of the rare species.
Pennsylvania measles deaths ignite clash over RFK Jr.'s vaccination claims
Two deaths associated with a measles outbreak in Pennsylvania have prompted competing messages from the health secretary. The messaging both encouraged and undermined vaccination, according to the source.
An Experimental Single-Time Treatment Slashed Cholesterol for a Year
A small gene-editing study significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels. The reductions remained a year after the single-time treatment, according to the source.
Fed Chairman Warsh Seeks to Calm Elevated Inflation Concerns
Fed Chair Kevin M. Warsh said the Federal Reserve is chiefly responsible for taming inflation. He warned that if price increases do not quickly return to the central bank’s target, “we have work to do.”
These Tanks Can Hold 90 Million Barrels of Oil. They Have Just 22 Million.
Oil companies and governments are drawing down stockpiles as Iran and the United States continue to struggle for control over the Strait of Hormuz. The tanks have capacity for 90 million barrels but currently hold 22 million.
Trump Administration Appeals Ruling Halting Mail-In Voting Rules
The Postal Service appealed an emergency decision that blocked changes to its mail-in voting procedures. The dispute comes ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Trump’s new mass deportation target
The Trump administration ended legal protections for 350,000 Haitians living in the United States. Vox reports that officials are increasing efforts to deport them to a country engulfed in violence.
Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Uphold Ban on Transgender Troops
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to uphold a ban on transgender service members. The policy originated in an executive order and is part of a broader effort targeting transgender rights.
What to know about the new California privacy law that became a flashpoint over free speech
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law expanding privacy protections for people who work with immigrants. Republicans characterized the measure as a threat to the First Amendment, making it a flashpoint over free speech.
There are three skilled trade job openings for every qualified worker
The supply of skilled workers continues to tighten as more workers reach retirement age and demand rises, according to a Lightcast report. The imbalance leaves three skilled-trade openings for every qualified worker.
Why HR departments run with AI agents will still require humans
Experts told HR Dive that companies are not eliminating their HR departments, even as they implement AI. The article argues that AI agents will still require human involvement in HR operations.
Landmark study finds 1 in 4 NFL players developed brain trauma
A new study found that a high proportion of NFL players develop brain trauma. The findings’ implications for youth football players remain unclear.
Liverpool agree £123m deal for PSG's Barcola
Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. The move would increase doubts over Cody Gakpo’s future.
Slow start makes me want to stay - Norris extends McLaren deal to 2030
Lando Norris has signed a new contract that will keep him at McLaren until at least the end of 2030. In an exclusive BBC Sport interview, he explains why he chose to remain with the team.
Lights out, Instagram off? The changes to Meta for teens could be a big deal
Researchers and advocates are praising changes Meta agreed to make for minors on Instagram and Facebook. The changes include cutting children off at night and during the school day.
Why Countries Are Pushing Social Media Bans Despite Their Flaws
Proposals to curb children’s social media use have broad support in several countries. Critics argue that the proposed bans may be ineffective, underscoring an ongoing debate over how to regulate young people’s access to social platforms.
DLSS 5 leaked and modders are putting Nvidia’s AI effects on everything
An unofficial version of Nvidia’s DLSS 5 appeared in an early-access build of NBA 2K27, after which modders reportedly extracted the technology. They are testing the AI upscaling effects in games including Skyrim, Cyberpunk 2077, and GTA V.
[UPDATE] EA Motive Confirms Iron Man Game Leak After Gameplay Trailer Spreads on Social Media
Gameplay footage from what appears to be EA Motive Studio’s Iron Man game spread online, and the headline says the studio later confirmed the leak. The report concerns an early look at the superhero game’s gameplay.
Xbox CEO calls Project Helix a ‘family of devices’
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma said Project Helix, previously described as Microsoft’s next-generation console, will be a “family” of devices. The comments broaden the apparent scope of Xbox’s next hardware generation beyond a single device.
The Switch 2 Is About to Face Its Toughest Challenge Yet
Nintendo’s Switch 2 has reportedly had a largely smooth first year. The console is now approaching a major test from FromSoftware, according to Polygon’s framing.
How America celebrated and mourned Dolly Parton, in Nashville and beyond
Dolly Parton died earlier this week, prompting tributes from across the country. Fans are remembering a country music icon whose influence extended beyond music through the Imagination Library and donations supporting Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine development.
Tupac Shakur Murder Trial: Takeaways From Week 2
The jury heard recordings of Duane Keith Davis discussing the shooting during the second week of the Tupac Shakur murder trial. The defense argued that there was no physical evidence connecting Davis to Las Vegas on the night of the crime.
Critics Blast Metropolitan Museum’s Plan to Honor John Galliano
Critics are objecting to the Metropolitan Museum’s plan to honor John Galliano. The fashion designer, championed by Anna Wintour, was found guilty of a hate crime over antisemitic outbursts in 2011.
Black comic book shop owners across the U.S. team up to increase sales and diversity
A newly formed network of independent Black comic book shops across the United States is working to strengthen sales and increase diversity among comic fans. NPR spoke with the network’s co-founder about the effort.
Dutch health institute issues 'red alert' over Trump-shaped ecstasy pills
A Dutch health institute warned that the pills have a delayed effect. That delay increases the risk of overdose, according to the institute.
Thieves steal 600-diamond necklace from Vienna museum in broad daylight
Police are searching for two suspects in the theft of a necklace containing 600 diamonds from a Vienna museum. Investigators believe the suspects bought a ticket to the exhibition to reach the jewelry.