Wildlife
Drones Are Blasting Scarlett Johansson voice, AC/DC at Wolves to Save Cows
But now, biologists are deploying a wild new weapon in the American West: drones armed with the rock and roll fury of AC/DC. Yes, you read that
California
News, deep dives, and analysis — every California story, newest first.
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57
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Aug 30
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Department of Defense
U.S. Navy’s Drone Boat Program Faces Crashes, Software Failures, and Leadership Shakeups
The U.S. Navy’s ambitious effort to build a fleet of autonomous drone boats capable of countering China in the Pacific is struggling with technical failures and internal turmoil, according to a detailed Reuters report. Recent tests have resulted in collisions, software malfunctions, and operational accidents, while the Navy’s acquisition program has been rocked by leadership…
FAA
Oceanside Police Launch Drone as First Responder Program to Cut Response Times
The Oceanside Police Department has officially launched a Drone as First Responder (DFR) pilot program, aiming to slash response times from an average of five minutes down to just 60–90 seconds. The 13-month initiative, approved by the Oceanside City Council, is funded by a $264,816 state grant and is designed to improve officer safety, enhance…
First Responders
Dramatic Drone Rescue: Stranded Climber Saved Behind California Waterfall
For two days, only roaring water and loneliness kept rescue at bay—until a drone rescue changed everything. In the rugged Sequoia National Forest
Drone Research
Revolutionary Drone ‘Tap-and-Go’ Tagging Transforms Whale Research with Less Stress
What if a quick drone tap could decode whale songs? Researchers off Dominica just nailed it, and it’s a game-changer for us pilots. In the Caribbean waters near Dominica, researchers deploy drones to gently press sensors onto sperm whales’ backs, enabling audio recordings of their communications with minimal disruption. This innovative “tap-and-go” method, detailed in…
Anduril
L3Harris and Joby Aviation Team Up for Military-Grade eVTOL Development
L3Harris Technologies Inc. has joined forces with air taxi developer Joby Aviation to create a new military variant of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with flight tests slated for later this year, reports Bloomberg. This partnership highlights a growing trend where commercial eVTOL innovators adapt their technology for defense purposes, potentially accelerating unmanned…
FreeFly Systems
Drones Drop Ping-Pong Bombs to Battle California’s Raging Green Wildfire
What if a simple ping-pong ball could stop a monster wildfire? That’s the dramatic reality unfolding northeast of Redding right now. In an innovative approach to battling the Green Fire northeast of Redding, California, U.S. Forest Service firefighters deploy drones to drop ping-pong balls filled with chemicals, to spark controlled backfires in inaccessible terrain. This…
Legal
Drones Catch Illegal Fireworks in California, Leading to Hefty Fines
On July 4, 2025, Sacramento’s skies dazzled with illegal fireworks, but drone surveillance by the Sacramento Fire Department (SFD) ensured violators won’t escape hefty fines. Using advanced drone technology, the SFD tracked illegal activity, capturing evidence that could cost homeowners thousands, as reported by Fox40. Drone Surveillance Enhances Enforcement SFD’s special fireworks task force depl
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