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Lake Tahoe's electricity comes from a Nevada power company called <a href="https://www.nvenergy.com/" target="_blank">NV Energy</a>, which supplies about 75% of the region's power. NV Energy has now told the local utility, Liberty Utilities, that it will stop selling them power after May 2027. The reasoning is that NV Energy needs that electricity for the wave of tech companies building massive data centers across Nevada, and there simply is not enough to go around.

The news triggered immediate concern among locals. South Lake Tahoe's mayor wrote to state regulators in April describing widespread alarm among residents and businesses. Liberty itself called the situation a "surprise" requiring "immediate action" in a March letter to the California Public Utilities Commission.

So why is this happening? Northern Nevada has become a magnet for data centers, the massive facilities that power AI tools, cloud storage, and streaming services. Google, Apple, and Microsoft have all built or are planning facilities east of Reno, in a complex roughly three times the size of San Francisco. These facilities are hungry for power. According to a recent report, data centers already accounted for 22% of Nevada's electricity consumption in 2024, and that share could reach 35% by 2030.

NV Energy has framed all of this as an opportunity, with company officials publicly calling the data center boom "unprecedented" and a "huge opportunity." At the same time, they insist the decision to cut off Liberty was planned years before the AI boom and has nothing to do with it.

The problem for Tahoe residents is that there is no simple fix. Lake Tahoe sits in a geographic and regulatory no-man's land. Liberty Utilities is a California company, but its power grid is physically connected to Nevada's system, not California's. Building a new transmission line over the Sierra Nevada to connect to California's grid would cost hundreds of millions of dollars. So whatever new power source Liberty finds, it will still have to flow over NV Energy's already strained Nevada lines.

Liberty says it plans to search for a replacement supplier and issue a formal request to the market this summer. But with only 49,000 customers, it has very little bargaining power compared to the large utilities and tech giants it will be competing against.

For more articles like this, check out our <a href="https://several.com/news/tag/lifestyle" target="_blank">Lifestyle News</a> page!

50,000 Tahoe Residents Are Losing Their Power to Data Centers

AI Data Centers Are Taking Lake Tahoe's Power

Sam Nelson, a psychology student who would have been entering his junior year of college, died in May 2025 after taking a fatal combination of Kratom, Xanax, and alcohol. His parents, Leila Turner-Scott and Angus Scott, allege that ChatGPT acted as an unlicensed drug coach, providing their son with dosing recommendations and reassurances that ultimately cost him his life.

According to the complaint, Nelson had used ChatGPT since high school as a go-to research tool and trusted it as an authoritative source of information. Chat logs included in the lawsuit show that the platform was aware Nelson had a serious substance abuse problem, with its own context notes flagging that the user had a "major" substance abuse and polysubstance abuse problem. Despite this, the chatbot continued to advise him on how to combine substances, at times describing the experience as "wavy" and "euphoric" and encouraging him to "enjoy the high."

The family's attorneys say the version of ChatGPT involved, GPT-4o, had removed safety guardrails that earlier models had in place, guardrails that would have blocked the chatbot from engaging with drug-related queries at all. In the session that preceded Nelson's death, ChatGPT confirmed that combining Xanax with Kratom could be one of his "best moves right now," noting that Xanax could reduce nausea and "smooth out" the high. That response came from the same model that, in earlier exchanges, had explained to Nelson that mixing those substances with alcohol is "how people stop breathing."

As Nelson began showing physical symptoms consistent with an overdose, including blurred vision and hiccups, ChatGPT failed to flag them as warning signs. When he reported that his stomach was hurting, the chatbot simply told him to check back in an hour.

OpenAI has responded by saying the GPT-4o model implicated in the case is no longer available to the public. "ChatGPT is not a substitute for medical or mental health care," the company said in a statement, adding that its tools are designed to detect distress and direct users toward professional help. The company also noted that ChatGPT encouraged Nelson to reach out to emergency hotlines on multiple occasions.

But Nelson's family and their legal team argue that those gestures were not enough. The lawsuit claims that ChatGPT never once encouraged Nelson to speak to his parents, his friends, or anyone in his real-life support network, and that the chatbot's sycophantic design made it prioritize engagement over safety.

The family is seeking financial damages, including punitive damages and funeral costs, as well as an injunction requiring ChatGPT to block conversations involving illegal drug use. They are also calling for the GPT-4o model to be destroyed and for the rollout of ChatGPT Health to be paused pending an independent safety audit.

For more articles like this, check out our <a href="https://several.com/news/tag/lifestyle" target="_blank">Lifestyle News</a> page!

Parents Sue OpenAI After Teen Dies Following ChatGPT Drug Advice

Teen’s Fatal Overdose Sparks Lawsuit Against OpenAI

The recall follows an April 20 incident involving an unoccupied Waymo vehicle on a 40 mph road. According to Waymo&rsquo;s filing, the vehicle detected potentially unsafe floodwater but still moved forward at reduced speed. Local reporting from San Antonio said a Waymo vehicle was swept into floodwater near Salado Creek, with no passengers inside and no injuries reported.

Flooded roads create a unique challenge for autonomous systems. Sensors may detect water, but interpreting its depth and danger level is more complex, especially at higher speeds.

In this case, Waymo&rsquo;s system recognized the hazard but did not take the most conservative action. Instead of stopping completely, it slowed down and proceeded. That gap between detection and response is what triggered the recall.

Floodwater can hide road edges, reduce traction, and quickly change driving conditions. Even a small miscalculation can lead to loss of control, which is why safety agencies treat these scenarios seriously.

<h2 id="affected-vehicles---systems">Affected Vehicles & Systems</h2>

The affected &ldquo;models&rdquo; are not traditional consumer vehicles. The recall applies to Waymo&rsquo;s fifth- and sixth-generation Automated Driving Systems used across their driverless fleet.

Waymo confirmed that they own all affected vehicles. This means there are no privately owned cars involved and no need for consumers to bring vehicles in for repairs.

<h2 id="measures-taken-by-waymo">Measures Taken by Waymo</h2>

Waymo has already rolled out an interim fix. The company updated vehicle behavior to apply stricter limits when flood risks are detected.

They also adjusted mapping data to better account for flood-prone areas and limited operations in regions where flash flooding is more likely.

All affected vehicles received this interim software update by April 20, 2026. Waymo is still working on a final solution that will further refine how their vehicles respond to flooded conditions.

In addition, passenger service in San Antonio has been paused temporarily while the company reviews safety measures.

<h2 id="what-passengers-need-to-know">What Passengers Need to Know</h2>

This recall does not require any action from passengers since Waymo owns and operates the vehicles. The impact shows up in how the service runs. In some areas, especially during heavy rain, passengers may see temporary service pauses, route adjustments, or limited availability. Trips may also take longer as the system applies stricter safety rules.

The situation also highlights a key challenge for autonomous driving. Flooded roads can change quickly and are harder to interpret than standard obstacles. Detecting water is only one part of the process. The system must also respond in the safest way. Waymo&rsquo;s interim fix addresses the immediate issue, but its long-term effectiveness will depend on how well the system handles similar conditions going forward.

For more industry updates, visit our <a href="https://several.com/news/tag/automotive" target="_blank">automotive news section.</a>

Waymo Recall Raises Questions About Robotaxis in Flooded Roads

Waymo Recall Targets Flooded Road Software Issue

<h2 id="from-the-super-bowl-to-the-world-cup-stage">From the Super Bowl to the World Cup Stage</h2>

For American audiences, halftime shows are practically the main event. The Super Bowl turned the intermission into a spectacle unto itself, and that culture has slowly but steadily crept into other major sporting events. Now, with the World Cup landing in North America for the first time since 1994, FIFA is leaning all the way in.

While this marks the first time the World Cup final has had a halftime show, two of the July performers have previously headlined the Super Bowl halftime show: Madonna took center field at the 2012 Super Bowl, while Shakira co-headlined with Jennifer Lopez in 2020. So in a very real way, FIFA went straight to the source.&nbsp;

FIFA first experimented with halftime entertainment by bringing in Doja Cat, Tems, and J Balvin for the 2025 Club World Cup. That show also took place at MetLife and was curated by Martin, so this feels less like a gamble and more like a natural progression.

One logistical wrinkle: soccer rules, as set by the International Football Association Board, cap halftime at 15 minutes. <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/events-broadcasts/fifa-world-cup-final-half-time-show/" target="_blank">Billboard</a> understands that the show will clock in at 11 minutes, which means the whole thing will technically fit within regulation time, though how they're packaging a three-act performance into that window will be something to watch.

<h2 id="three-acts--one-stage--one-massive-moment">Three Acts, One Stage, One Massive Moment</h2>

Each of these names brings something different to the table, and together they cover an enormous amount of ground.

Madonna is, simply put, the architect of the modern pop spectacle. She's done this before at the highest level, and she's still one of the few artists who can command that kind of stage with no explanation needed.

Shakira is deeply embedded in World Cup DNA. She created the 2010 World Cup anthem "Waka Waka" and has performed at major football events before, including the 2024 Copa America final in Miami, when she performed at halftime at Hard Rock Stadium. She also just dropped "Dai Dai," her official 2026 World Cup song with Burna Boy, so her presence here is layered on multiple levels.&nbsp;

BTS brings the global pop machine. The group's fanbase, the ARMY, is one of the most organized and passionate in the world, and their reach extends well beyond South Korea into every corner of the globe. Having them on a stage watched by hundreds of millions of people is a statement about where pop music lives right now.

The 2022 World Cup Final drew more than 500 million live viewers, blowing past even the most-watched Super Bowl of all time. That context matters when you're thinking about what this halftime performance actually means in terms of scale.&nbsp;

<h2 id="the-cause-behind-the-show">The Cause Behind the Show</h2>

This isn't just a spectacle for spectacle's sake. The show will be produced by the non-profit Global Citizen and benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a landmark initiative working to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football for children around the world. Throughout the tournament, $1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be donated to the fund.&nbsp;

<h2 id="the-opening-ceremonies-are-no-slouch-either">The Opening Ceremonies Are No Slouch Either</h2>

The halftime show is getting most of the attention, but the opening ceremonies across all three host countries are stacked in their own right.

Katy Perry, Future, Tyla, LISA, and Anitta are slated to perform during the 2026 World Cup opening ceremonies across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Perry will headline the opening ceremony in Los Angeles ahead of the U.S. men's national team's first game against Paraguay on June 12. Future will also take the SoFi Stadium stage, alongside DJ Sanjoy.&nbsp;

The opening match in Toronto will feature performances by Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bubl&eacute;, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, and William Prince.

In Mexico City, opening ceremony headliners include Alejandro Fern&aacute;ndez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los &Aacute;ngeles Azules, Man&aacute;, and Tyla.&nbsp;

The full picture is a tournament that's treating its music programming as seriously as the sport itself, which, given that this is America, probably shouldn't surprise anyone.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11. The final is July 19. Set your reminders.

For more articles like this, visit our <a href="https://several.com/news/tag/lifestyle" target="_blank">Lifestyle News Page</a>!

FIFA Taps Shakira, Madonna & BTS for World Cup Final Halftime

Shakira, Madonna & BTS to Headline FIFA World Cup Final Halftime

<h3>What we know about the film</h3>

Amazon MGM Studios confirmed during its Amazon Upfront slate presentation that the live-action Voltron film will skip theaters entirely and debut straight on Prime Video or add-on channel MGM+. The movie is directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Ellen Shanman. Thurber's credits include Red Notice, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, and Central Intelligence, so his sensibility skews broad, crowd-pleasing action-comedy rather than prestige spectacle.

The film stars newcomer Daniel Quinn-Toye in his feature film debut as the lead, alongside Henry Cavill, Sterling K. Brown, Rita Ora, John Harlan Kim, Alba Baptista, and Samson Kayo. Cavill is reportedly playing King Alfor, a warrior king and former ruler of Altea, while Brown plays the primary villain, Zarkon. A specific release date has not been officially confirmed, but the film is expected to arrive in 2027.

According to a test screening leak, the film is not a full reboot but is instead structured as a sequel to the original 1980s cartoon. The Lions awaken again and summon a new generation of pilots, including a young Earth-born hero named Mac, while Cavill's Alfor reportedly plays a supporting but significant role, including a standout sword fight scene. Take that with the appropriate grain of salt since it has not been officially confirmed, but it tracks with Thurber's stated intention to honor the source material while introducing new characters.

The official plot description reads: "Five unsuspecting teenagers, transported from Earth into the middle of a sprawling intergalactic war, become pilots for five robotic lions in the battle to protect the universe from evil. Only through the true power of teamwork can they unite to form the mighty warrior known as Voltron."

<h3>A long road to get here</h3>

The film has technically been in development since 2005, passing through the hands of multiple studios, including New Regency and Universal Pictures, before Amazon MGM Studios acquired distribution rights in 2022. Hasbro formally signed on as a partner in early 2026. Interest first spiked in 2007, when the box-office success of Transformers made every studio with a giant-robot property suddenly very interested in turning it into a movie. It took another 19 years to actually get one made.

<h3>The streaming decision: Smart business or a let-down?</h3>

Here is the part worth debating. Voltron is a film built around giant robotic lions combining into a universe-saving mech during an intergalactic war. That is, on paper, exactly the kind of film designed for a theater screen with a thunderous sound system and a packed crowd. Fan reaction to the streaming announcement has been pointed, with many calling it "genuinely disappointing" and describing it as a project with "real theatrical potential." Others called the move a "serious mistake."

But Amazon has a business logic here that is hard to argue with entirely. The studio has found meaningful wins with big-budget streaming releases before, including the John Wick spin-off Ballerina and the sci-fi sequel Greenland 2: Migration. The streaming model also removes the cold math of opening-weekend box-office performance, which has tripped up more than a few nostalgia-driven properties in recent years.

And that brings us to the bigger picture question. The track record of 80s cartoon adaptations at the theatrical box office is, at best, uneven. The Transformers franchise is the obvious success story, generating billions globally across multiple films and proving that nostalgia plus spectacle can work at scale. But Transformers is almost certainly the exception rather than the rule. G.I. Joe underperformed relative to its ambitions. Jem and the Holograms was a genuine flop. The live-action TMNT films of 2014 and 2016 did decent business but never approached the cultural weight of the franchise itself.

Coming up this summer, Masters of the Universe will serve as a useful real-world test case. He-Man is arguably a bigger and more recognizable name than Voltron for general audiences, and if that film struggles at the box office, it will validate exactly the kind of thinking that led Amazon to keep Voltron home.

The uncomfortable reality is that the audience that grew up on Voltron, He-Man, and GI Joe is now well into middle age, and nostalgia alone has not proven to be a reliable box office engine. Younger audiences need a reason to care that goes beyond their parents' childhood memories. Whether Thurber's film gives them that reason is still an open question.

What Amazon may be betting on is that Voltron works better as a Prime Video event than as a theatrical gamble. That may well be right. A film that draws millions of subscribers into the platform and generates real word-of-mouth as a streaming hit is more valuable to Amazon than a film that earns mixed reviews and a disappointing opening weekend. The Road House playbook, as it has been called, has worked before.

Whether it is the right call for Voltron fans who wanted to see the Defender of the Universe on the biggest screen possible is a different question. For them, the answer is probably no.

For more articles like this, visit our <a href="https://several.com/news/tag/lifestyle" target="_blank">Lifestyle News Page</a>!

The Voltron Movie Is Going Straight to Streaming. Is That the Right Call?

The suit was filed on behalf of all California residents and is the first of its kind in the state, and the first such action by any local civil prosecutor in the country. It accuses Meta of tolerating fraudulent advertising on a global scale, in violation of California's false advertising and unfair business practices laws.

County Counsel Tony LoPresti says Meta earns an estimated $7 billion a year from fraudulent or prohibited ads, and in some cases, allegedly charges scammers a higher price to run them. The complaint references a 2025 Reuters investigation that found Meta was using AI to create and test thousands of fake ad variations, then push them toward users who had previously clicked on similar scam content.

A May 2025 internal company presentation estimated that Meta was involved in one third of all successful internet scams in the U.S. The complaint also claims Meta's platforms caused over $2.5 billion in losses for Californians in 2024 alone.

The most serious claim in the lawsuit is that Meta knew about the fraud and allowed it to proceed. Meta's own systems flag ads that look like scams, but instead of pulling them, the company allegedly charges scammers more to keep them running. Internal documents cited in the complaint suggest Meta set up systems that would automatically slow down anti-scam efforts whenever those efforts risked cutting into ad revenue. The filing also claims Meta could adjust how many scam ads ran on its platforms to hit specific revenue targets.

As for who was being targeted, LoPresti says the ads promoted scams including fake financial products, crypto schemes, fake disease cures, ineffective supplements, and celebrity impersonations asking for money. Seniors and families were hit the hardest. The lawsuit also argues that Meta's AI tools helped target vulnerable users while driving up costs for legitimate small businesses competing in the same ad space.

The county is asking the court to force Meta to give up the revenue it made from scam ads, change how it runs its ad business, and pay back California residents who lost money through scams tied to Meta's platforms. Meta did not respond to a request for comment, though the company has previously denied that it deliberately accepts scam advertising to protect its revenue.

This is not Meta's first run-in with shady practices. The company was previously accused of stealing Snapchat users' data through a VPN app that Facebook marketed as a privacy tool.

For more articles like this, check out our <a href="https://several.com/news/tag/tech" target="_blank">Tech News</a> page!

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50,000 Tahoe Residents Are Losing Their Power to Data Centers

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