Carnivorous Plants, Wildfire Arrest, & Hot Cheetos Cookie

News without the noise

Adam Rogers
August 05, 2026

Good Morning! Today’s edition is 865 words, a 4-minute read.

What’s on tap:

First-time reader? Sign up here!

Scientists have confirmed that a flowering plant native to southwest China is carnivorous, validating a prediction Charles Darwin made more than 150 years ago. Researchers found the plant captures small insects using sticky hairs on its stems before breaking them down with digestive enzymes.
Darwin first proposed in 1875 that similar sticky-haired plants might feed on insects after observing they routinely trapped them, but he was never able to prove they absorbed nutrients from their prey. Researchers confirmed the plant takes up nitrogen from digested insects, satisfying one of the key tests for carnivory.
The adaptation likely evolved because the plant grows in nutrient-poor alpine soils, where digesting insects provides an additional source of nitrogen. Researchers believe other flowering plants with similar traits could also prove to be carnivorous.

A Washington man was arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson after authorities said he intentionally started the largest of three wildfires burning near Spokane, where thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate.
Investigators said a witness saw 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci behaving suspiciously near the area where the Old Trails Fire ignited Saturday. Detectives later determined the fire originated at that location, and authorities said Farinacci was found nearby carrying waterproof matches and a butane lighter. He was arrested Monday and is being held on $1 million bond.
The Old Trails Fire has burned more than 3,600 acres and is the largest of three major blazes that have scorched more than 8,000 acres around Spokane. Collectively, the fires have destroyed an estimated 700 structures, displaced 67,000 people, and remained 0% contained as of Tuesday. Authorities said there is no evidence linking Farinacci to the other two fires.

Two people in Michigan have died in the nationwide cyclospora outbreak, marking the first confirmed U.S. deaths linked to the foodborne parasite, state health officials said. Both individuals had underlying health conditions that may have been worsened by the illness and dehydration.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the intestines and typically causes severe watery diarrhea. While the illness is usually treatable and rarely fatal, the CDC says more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases have been reported during the current outbreak, with state reports suggesting the nationwide total has surpassed 20,000.
Federal investigators have linked part of the outbreak to lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in nine states, though officials say additional food sources may also be involved. The investigation remains ongoing as health authorities continue tracing other potential sources of contamination.

Authorities arrested an armed man outside Trump National Golf Club in California after he was allegedly seen photographing security preparations days before President Donald Trump's visit. (More)

A 41-year-old Salvadoran man died after suffering a medical emergency while detained at a New Jersey immigration facility operated under an ICE contract. (More)

Twenty-five states sued the Trump administration, arguing its latest tariffs unlawfully replace import taxes the Supreme Court struck down earlier this year. (More)

Reading and writing scores declined across most age groups in Australia's national school assessments, with one-third of students failing to meet proficiency benchmarks. (More)

A wildfire near Bordeaux, France, set off explosions from buried World War II munitions. Authorities later recovered about 400 shells before allowing residents to return. (More)

An eruption at Guatemala's Fuego volcano forced evacuations in two villages due to ash, lava and pyroclastic flows. (More)

US stock markets closed higher on Tuesday (S&P +1.79%, Nasdaq +2.59%, Dow +1.71%). The S&P & Dow posted record closes. (More)

Procter & Gamble will acquire supplement maker Thorne for $3.8 billion, expanding its health and wellness portfolio with a fast-growing nutrition brand. (More)

Palantir shares surged 27% after reporting quarterly revenue of $1.94 billion, beating expectations as demand for its artificial intelligence software continued to accelerate. (More)

Spider-Man: Brand New Day surpassed $1 billion at the global box office in six days, becoming the second-fastest film ever to reach the milestone. (More)

Ohio State earned the No. 1 spot in the preseason coaches poll, ahead of Oregon and Georgia as the college football season approaches. (More)

Atlanta signed running back Bijan Robinson to a three-year extension worth up to $75 million, setting a new NFL record for running back contracts. (More)

Researchers found several types of microplastics crossed a laboratory model of the human placenta and altered hormones linked to pregnancy and fetal development. (More)

A new wastewater treatment technology uses electrocatalysis to remove organic pollutants more efficiently, offering lower costs, reduced energy use, and fewer harmful byproducts than existing systems. (More)

Antarctica's Blood Falls contains marine microorganisms, providing new evidence that the glacier's iron-rich brine originated from ancient seawater trapped beneath the ice. (More)

Crumbl has the internet divided with its Famin’ Hot Cheetos cookie.

Baby has successful surgery while still in the womb.

Helicopter parents are co-piloting their children’s careers.

Monkeys sometimes have pets like humans.

Your feedback helps us provide the best newsletter possible.