Tsunami Alerts, Rail Megamerger, and Robot Bunnies

Good morning. It's Wednesday, July 30, and we're covering tsunami alerts triggered by an earthquake off Russia's coast, the first US transcontinental railroad, and much more. First time reading? Join over 4.5 million intellectually curious readers. Sign up here.

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 Need To Know 

Breaking news: An 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami waves in Russia and Japan as well as tsunami alerts for much of the US West Coast. Meanwhile, evacuation warnings are in effect for Hawaii as of this writing. This is a developing story; see updates here. 

NYC Shooter Identified

Authorities revealed yesterday the gunman who killed four people in a New York City office building Monday night had driven cross-country from Nevada to carry out the attack. They believe the 27-year-old intended to target the National Football League offices but took the wrong elevator. He died by suicide after killing three people in the lobby and one person on the 33rd floor with a semiautomatic rifle. A fifth person is critically wounded.

A note found on the gunman's body claimed he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, which causes symptoms including memory loss, confusion, and aggression. The disease is common in football, with 99% of donated NFL player brains indicating CTE, and the risk is correlated with years of playing the sport. CTE can only be diagnosed after death (see why). The gunman reportedly played high school football and asked for his brain to be evaluated for CTE post-death.

Mass shootings are relatively rare in New York. See a database here.

Coast-to-Coast Connection

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern announced an $85B merger yesterday, creating the first coast-to-coast rail operator in the US. The combined company, which will retain the Union Pacific name and have a projected value of $250B, will unite 52,000 miles of track across 43 states, linking Union Pacific’s western network to Norfolk Southern’s eastern system.

Company leaders said the merger will transform shipping and boost domestic manufacturing by streamlining logistics for goods ranging from grains to automobiles. They forecast $2.75B in annualized synergies through enhanced routes and increased intermodal services—moving goods in one container using two or more transport types. The new company will be headquartered in Omaha, while Atlanta remains a key hub for technology and operations.

The railroads plan to file for regulatory approval within six months, with plans to close in early 2027, pending a decision from the Surface Transportation Board. Labor unions expressed concern about service disruption, higher rates, and potential job losses, though the companies said all union jobs will be preserved.

Emissions Rule Rollback?

The Environmental Protection Agency yesterday proposed repealing a 2009 "endangerment finding" that declared six key greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, to be a threat to public health and welfare. The regulation underpins a range of emissions standards affecting motor vehicles, power plants, and oil and gas operations. 

The "endangerment finding" was established following a Supreme Court decision recognizing greenhouse gases as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. The legal foundation enabled the EPA to set emissions restrictions, including a rule finalized last year that limits tailpipe emissions from passenger cars and light trucks. The transportation sector is the largest source of US greenhouse gases (see overview).  

The proposal kicks off a 90-day public comment period. Environmental advocates warn repealing the finding would undermine efforts to address climate change and increase risks to the environment by allowing higher pollution levels. Industry groups welcomed the proposed rollback, claiming annual consumer savings of up to $54B.

In partnership with Timeplast

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In partnership with Timeplast

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A Florida-based company called Timeplast has invented a new type of plastic that can dissolve in water, completely eliminating plastic waste. Even more impressive, their plastic can be programmed to dissolve at a precise time, whether it’s in 60 seconds or 60 years. With the plastic markets worth over $1.3 trillion, this technology is a game changer. 

You can still invest in the company as they expand globally—but time’s running out. Learn more and invest in Timeplast by tomorrow, July 31.*

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