How extreme heat is changing Americans' lives, according to a new AP-NORC poll
A new AP-NORC poll finds that Americans are increasingly noticing the impact of extreme heat on their lives, and they say much of that shift is happening in the West and Midwest. According to the survey, U.S. adults nationally have become more likely to say extreme heat has had either “a major impact” or “a minor impact” on their travel or vacation plans, electricity bills, their sleep, their family’s outdoor activities and more since 2024. Much of that shift was among people who live in the West or Midwest. At the same time, belief in climate change has declined slightly since last year.
Europe heat wave puts all major Italian cities on red alert as Austria sets heat record
ROME (AP) — Italy has placed all major cities under the highest heat alert as Europe faces a severe heat wave. This extreme weather has set a national temperature record in Austria, fueled wildfires in France, and disrupted energy and transport systems across the continent. Temperatures have soared above 40 degrees Celsius in several countries, prompting health warnings. Authorities are grappling with the impacts, including drought-related disruptions and wildfires from France to the Balkans. Scientists warn that such events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. The heat wave has exposed vulnerabilities in public health systems and infrastructure.
Japanese game company Nintendo reports a jump in profit on the popularity of its Switch 2
TOKYO (AP) — Nintendo's first-quarter profit surged 53.5%, driven by the success of the Super Mario movie and strong demand for the Switch 2 console. The company reported a profit of $933 million from April to June, compared to $608 billion a year ago. However, quarterly sales dipped 9.5% to $3.3 billion. Challenges included U.S. tariffs and rising component costs. Nintendo expects a 27% drop in profit for the fiscal year ending March 2027. Despite this, the Switch 2 remains popular, with 3.82 million units sold globally. Nintendo shares rose 2.9% in Tokyo trading.
US stocks are off to a mixed start as more earnings reports roll in
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks swayed in uncertain trading on Wall Street as more company earnings reports roll in. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% Thursday and hovered around its record. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 21 points, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2%. Keurig Dr Pepper rose after reporting earnings and revenue that came in ahead of what investors were expecting. Honeywell Aerospace slumped after turning in results that fell well short of forecasts. European markets were higher, and Asian markets closed mostly lower overnight. The price of Brent crude rose 1.7%. Treasury yields moved higher in the bond market.
US filings for jobless benefits rise to 199,000 last week, but layoffs remain historically low
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week but layoffs remain in the historically healthy range of the past few years. U.S. filings for jobless aid in the week ending August 1 rose by 1,000 to 199,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The previous week’s figure was revised up by 1,000 to 198,000.
One Tech Tip: Using your smartphone to capture the August total solar eclipse over Europe
A rare total solar eclipse is set to sweep over parts of Europe next week, drawing millions of enthusiasts. The event is expected to boost tourism in Spain, where the path of total darkness will pass on August 12. Parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Portugal will also experience the eclipse. Many will document the event using smartphones, despite challenges like drastic lighting changes. Experts advise finding a clear view of the western horizon and using apps for planning. Safety tips include using solar filters and eclipse glasses to protect eyes and lenses.
New kind of flu shot is on the way as the FDA approves Moderna's mRNA-based vaccine
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new flu vaccine for older people, the first made with the same mRNA technology that was key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. Moderna announced the approval late Wednesday. The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company says it expects some supply to be available in certain stores soon. The shot is called mFlusiva and is for adults age 50 or older. It offers an additional option among the multiple flu vaccines available, including three specifically recommended for people age 65 or older who are especially vulnerable to influenza.
UK won't intervene in Paramount's $81 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery
British regulators on Thursday gave Paramount the greenlight for its $81 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, with some new assurances from the company — clearing another hurdle for the mega merger while it still faces challenges elsewhere. The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority cleared the pending acquisition, ruling that a Paramount-Warner tie up does not pose a “substantial lessening of competition” in the country. Meanwhile, Britain’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said it also wouldn’t intervene — on the basis of several “legally-binding commitments” from Paramount. The company had already agreed to delay closing its Warner buyout well into next year as a challenge from U.S. states makes its way through court.
US suspends avocado inspections in Mexican state of Michoacan due to threat
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The United States says it has suspended all government operations in the Mexican state of Michoacan because of a “threat to U.S. interests." The embassy did not specify the nature of the threat in the announcement Wednesday. However, Michoacan Gov. Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla said the temporary halt to inspections was intended to safeguard workers following recent arrests linked to extortion. The inspections are necessary for avocados to be shipped to the United States and their suspension will disrupt exports. Michoacan is the leading exporter of avocados to the U.S. and has a high level of organized crime activity.
France is banning unsolicited telemarketing calls starting next week
PARIS (AP) — France is banning unsolicited telemarketing calls starting next week following years of people's complaints. The new law aims to protect consumers from intrusive calls and fraud. It goes into effect on Aug. 11. Previously, people had to opt out of marketing calls. Now companies making illegal calls face hefty fines. Exceptions include calls to existing customers or those who have given explicit consent. Similar measures have been implemented in neighboring Germany. Other countries like the United States and Britain rely on opt-out systems. France’s new law has raised concerns in Morocco, where the minister of employment said up 50,000 jobs were at risk in the country’s call centers.
