Tesla’s board has approved a $29 billion pay package for CEO Elon Musk, following a Delaware court’s rejection of his 2018 performance award. The new package aims to retain Musk as the company’s leader by granting him 96 million shares. Musk, who currently holds a 13% stake in Tesla, expressed a desire for increased ownership to prevent potential ousting by activist shareholders. (Story URL)
Millions in the Upper Midwest and Northeast are under air quality alerts due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. Hazy skies are expected in several states, with almost 200 wildfires burning out of control in Canada. The high-pressure system trapping the smoke is causing air quality issues to persist. The air quality index ranged from “moderate” to “unhealthy” across 14 states. (Story URL)
Texas House Republicans voted 85-6 to authorize the arrest of Democrats who fled the state in protest of GOP redistricting efforts. Governor Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to find and arrest the Democrats until they return to Austin. The warrants have no power outside state lines, raising questions about coordination with other states. (Story URL)
Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2,000-yard rusher, has turned down an offer to join President Trump’s council on sports, fitness, and nutrition. Despite being named as a council member alongside NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and other athletes, Barkley expressed shock at the announcement. He emphasized that his decision was not politically-motivated. (Story URL)
The State Department is considering a new requirement for visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000 to enter the United States. This proposal would initiate a 12-month pilot program under which individuals from countries with high overstay rates and inadequate internal document security controls may have to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 when applying for a visa. (Story URL)
