Shane Tamura, the man behind the Midtown Manhattan shooting that killed 4 people, may have initially intended to target the NFL headquarters. Tamura, who took his own life after the shooting, left a note alleging the NFL concealed the risks of football contact on players’ brains to increase profits. While Tamura claimed to suffer from CTE, there is no evidence to support this. (Story URL)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the United Kingdom will acknowledge a Palestinian state if Israel fails to agree to a cease-fire in Gaza by September. Starmer emphasized the need for Israel to take significant actions to end the crisis in Gaza and commit to lasting peace. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly criticized Starmer’s statement. (Story URL)
Severe thunderstorms struck the Midwest, causing widespread damage and power outages. The storms, moving from North and South Dakota through Minnesota and Iowa into Illinois, have brought down trees, damaged buildings, and knocked out power for over 170,000 customers. Heat advisories and extreme heat warnings also remain in place for over 165 million Americans. (Story URL)
Union Pacific has announced plans to acquire Norfolk Southern in an $85 billion deal, aiming to establish the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. The merger would combine Union Pacific’s extensive Western rail network with Norfolk Southern’s operations spanning 22 Eastern states and the District of Columbia. The merger aims to improve delivery times and reduce shipping rates for consumers. (Story URL)
The FDA has recommended classifying 7-OH, a compound with opioid-like effects found in unregulated products sold in gas stations and convenience stores, as an illicit substance. The DOJ may restrict or prohibit access to these products, also available online. Marketed as a relaxation aid, pain reliever, or mood enhancer, 7-OH is more potent than morphine. (Story URL)