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Today we're covering Tesla’s $50 million dollar diner, Democrats that could be arrested, and advice on digital detox from author David Foster Wallace.

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Monday ordered the arrest of Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block Republican redistricting efforts. House Speaker Dustin Burrows issued warrants compelling members to return to the chamber, with Abbott directing the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate and arrest absent Democrats.

The lawmakers left to prevent passage of controversial mid-decade congressional maps that could give Republicans five additional House seats while eliminating several Democratic districts. Democrats face $500 daily fines for their absence, prompting Abbott to also order Texas Rangers to investigate potential bribery connected to donor contributions offsetting penalties.

Abbott's arrest order remains in effect until all missing Democratic members return to the Texas Capitol. The standoff centers on what Democrats call a "naked power grab" through unusual redistricting, though Republican leaders focused criticism on delayed flood relief and other legislation.

Current Reps and Senators in congress here.

Tesla launched its first retro-futuristic diner and drive-in theater in Hollywood on July 21, featuring 75 Supercharger stalls, two 45-foot LED screens, and robot servers. The 24/7 facility serves traditional American diner food in Cybertruck-shaped containers, with Tesla's Optimus robots delivering orders alongside roller-skating staff (official website here).

CEO Elon Musk announced plans to expand globally if successful, calling it "an island of good food, good vibes & entertainment, all while Supercharging." The venue accommodates 250 guests and operates as both a charging station and entertainment destination, replacing a former Shakey's Pizza location on Santa Monica Boulevard. Here’s a 20-minute walkthrough.

The concept, first announced in 2018 and described as "Grease meets Jetsons with Supercharging," positions Tesla to capitalize on the shift to electric vehicles by transforming charging stops into entertainment experiences. Tesla enthusiasts waited hours for the 4:20 p.m. opening, though early reviews cited service issues and food quality concerns.

Marketing expert Kallaway breaks it down here.

California ground squirrels, typically known for eating nuts and seeds, have been documented actively hunting and eating voles for the first time. A University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and UC Davis study published in the Journal of Ethology recorded 74 squirrel-vole interactions at Briones Regional Park in 2024, with 42% involving previously unknown hunting behavior.

The carnivorous behavior peaked in early July, coinciding with a vole population explosion reported by citizen scientists. Scientists observed squirrels of all ages hunting the small rodents between June and July, fundamentally changing understanding of the species from seed-eaters to opportunistic omnivores.

The behavioral flexibility may help squirrels adapt to rapidly changing environments, researchers said. Questions remain about how widespread the hunting behavior is and whether it's passed from parents to offspring. Researchers have recently published a vole hunting video here.

David Foster Wallace's framework: Build internal machinery to resist algorithmic entertainment designed by people who want your money, not your wellbeing.

David Foster Wallace, acclaimed author of Infinite Jest, predicted our current digital crisis in 1996—decades before smartphones existed. He recognized that technology would become "easier and more convenient and more pleasurable" but warned against passive consumption.

Traditional advice focuses on external controls (app blockers, notifications off). Wallace's framework reveals that each generation must develop discipline around what "forces the generation to grow up."

Why this matters: Most people fail because they treat symptoms, not the root addiction to passive entertainment. Wallace discovered that survival requires choosing activities that "aren't all that much fun minute by minute but build certain muscles." He warned: "If we don't do that, as individuals, we're gonna die, and the culture's gonna grind to a halt."

Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks revealed a fascinating paradox on Diary of a CEO: while extroverts show higher daily mood and positive emotions, introverts possess "special gifts" of deeper relationships and emotional connections. The result? Extroverts experience more short-term happiness through enjoyment, while introverts cultivate long-term happiness through meaning and sustained partnerships.

Arthur C. Brooks short here.

> FDA upgrades butter recall to Class II risk level after 64,800 pounds distributed without declaring milk allergen (More).

> White House readies order to fine banks for dropping clients over politics, targeting alleged conservative discrimination (More).

> Murdoch launches California Post tabloid in early 2026, bringing New York Post's conservative approach to West Coast (More).

> Crypto market makers use secret deals to manipulate token prices, now threatening Wall Street as firms invest billions (More).

> Multiple Kentucky distilleries file for bankruptcy amid $25M debts, falling demand threatening $9B whiskey industry (More).

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Wild Titanic alternate ending.