TIME is reporting that President Donald Trump claimed to have called off a major attack on Iran and announced new talks, though Iran has disputed these plans. It said this is not the first time the U.S. and Iran have signaled diplomatic progress only to backtrack. Trump stated a framework agreement would involve opening the Hormuz Strait and ending Iran’s nuclear threat.
Separately, TIME is reporting that U.S. authorities are investigating whether Iran is behind a series of cyberattacks on water companies in seven states. The FBI said at least seven states reported incidents that "degraded water operations." While President Trump downplayed the attacks, federal and Minnesota officials believe Iran is responsible, with the New York Times reporting the scale of attacks has little precedent. Experts told TIME that Iran is a highly capable cyber power, and the U.S. has reduced its cyber defense resources, with the Department of Defense suspending a cybersecurity compliance plan and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence cutting cyber threat tracking units. Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft told TIME that Iran has previously shown the ability to target industrial control systems and water infrastructure.
TIME is reporting that a significant number of Americans, particularly young adults, use cannabis and alcohol to aid sleep. It said Joan M. Cook, a trauma psychologist and professor at the Yale School of Medicine, writes that these substances offer a "cheap trick" for sleep, failing to provide restorative rest and increasing the risk of dependence.
TIME is reporting on the anticipated integration of the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe following Disney's 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox. It said hints include Ms. Marvel's X-gene and the Deadpool & Wolverine movie, with Jean Grey's introduction in Spider-Man: Brand New Day indicating Marvel's strategy. Fans have expressed frustration with the MCU's increasing complexity.
Separately, TIME is reporting that Spider-Man: A Brand New Day and The Odyssey contributed to a record $430 million U.S. domestic box office weekend, surpassing the previous record held by Avengers: Endgame.
TIME is reporting that Tau Robotics in San Francisco has launched a humanoid cleaning service, charging $30 an hour. It said CEO Alexander Koch stated the robots are "jointly controlled by a human operator and AI."