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.

SpaceX shares rise even as company insiders get a chance to sell for the first time

NEW YORK (AP) — Stock in Elon Musk’s space company is rising Thursday even as many SpaceX insiders were freed up to sell for the first time. Investors have dumped SpaceX shares in recent days in anticipation of insiders possibly selling in the first of several lockup expirations. More than 900 million shares became newly available to buy or sell with this latest release, doubling what was available previously. SpaceX stock rose 2.5% to $110.92 in noon trading Thursday. A day earlier it had experienced one of the biggest routs in its short history as a public company, dropping nearly 14%.

Trump administration will buy back company's offshore wind leases off 3 states in a $1.2B deal

An offshore wind company says it's reached a $1.2 billion deal with the Trump administration to walk away from projects under development off New York, California and Louisiana. RWE U.S. Offshore says its leases represented years of planning, investment and partnership with federal agencies. But the company determined there was no path forward to permit the projects for the foreseeable future. In exchange for $1.22 billion, RWE is relinquishing the wind power leases. President Donald Trump often talks about his hatred of wind power. His administration has been buying back offshore wind leases as it seeks to discourage the expansion of wind energy in favor of fossil fuels development.

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.

US stocks edge lower as oil prices rise, more earnings reports roll in

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are edging lower on Wall Street as oil prices rise and more company earnings reports roll in. The S&P 500 fell 0.2% Thursday and hovered below its record. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 363 points, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.2%. Warner Bros. Discovery rose after reporting earnings 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 mostly higher, and Asian markets closed mostly lower overnight. The price of Brent crude rose 4%. Treasury yields moved higher in the bond market.

In a post-pandemic world, job candidates feel caught between suits and hoodies

NEW YORK (AP) — Virtual interviews and casual work environments are making it harder for job candidates to know what to wear to interviews. Career advisers long recommended polished suits and other types of business attire. But that's no longer the safe choice when the interviewers may show up dressed in hoodies and shorts. Stylists say a well-tailored suit still is the default for executive roles and jobs in fields such as law and finance. Beyond those areas, it's worth exploring an organization’s culture in advance. A hiring manager or recruiter can answer questions about the dress code. Getting it right, or wrong, could affect your comfort, confidence and performance during an interview.

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.

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.

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.

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.