Southwest Airlines plans to start assigning seats, breaking with a 50-year tradition

New Zealand dominated the second day of the second Test against Zimbabwe, ending at 3-601 and establishing a 476-run lead, with Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Rachin Ravindra each scoring centuries. After Zimbabwe's poor first innings total of 125, Nicholls (150 not out) and Ravindra (165 not out) formed a 256-run partnership, leaving Zimbabwe facing a daunting task to avoid defeat. Want More Context? 🔎

A rapidly growing brush fire, known as the Canyon Fire, has prompted evacuations for approximately 2,700 residents in the mountainous area north of Los Angeles, with the blaze consuming over 19.7 square kilometers and remaining uncontained. The fire, fueled by extreme heat and low humidity, is being fought by around 400 firefighters and several aircraft, as officials warn of elevated wildfire risks across California. Want More Context? 🔎

Pakistani security forces killed 33 militants crossing from Afghanistan, labeling them as "Indian-sponsored." This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India, with both countries accusing each other of supporting insurgents amid a backdrop of previous military strikes and conflict over terrorist activities. Want More Context? 🔎

Australia's under-16 social media ban may fail to protect children from explicit content, as platforms like Messenger remain unaffected and harbor AI chatbots that can expose users to sexual and violent messages. Experts emphasize the need for improved digital literacy and platform accountability instead of relying solely on bans, warning that children may gravitate toward less regulated messaging apps. Want More Context? 🔎

Workers heading home experienced significant traffic disruptions due to a crash on Reid Highway westbound at Alexander Drive in Noranda, occurring just after 3pm. Additionally, a breakdown earlier on Mitchell Freeway northbound contributed to congestion, with Main Roads WA advising motorists to proceed with caution as traffic remained heavy. Want More Context? 🔎

Footage from the Victorian Supreme Court shows police interviewing Erin Patterson on 3 August 2023, where she admitted to lying about foraging for mushrooms and owning a dehydrator. Last month, she was convicted of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder another with a toxic mushroom-laced beef Wellington. Want More Context? 🔎