Heat Wave Grips Central, Eastern U.S.; FDA Designates Zyn as Modified Risk Product; U.S. Officials Hold Talks with Iran

Why it matters locally: North Carolina can expect to be affected by the ongoing heat wave, with state agencies likely issuing heat advisories and opening cooling centers as temperatures rise. The FDA's decision on Zyn nicotine pouches could influence public health messaging and product availability within North Carolina.

**WASHINGTON (AP)** — A significant heat wave continued to affect large portions of the central and eastern United States, pushing temperatures to levels officials characterized as dangerous Tuesday. The widespread heat has prompted advisories and warnings across various regions, impacting millions. In a separate development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it would permit the marketing of Zyn nicotine pouches as posing a lower risk of harm than combustible cigarettes. This decision followed a review by the agency. Simultaneously, American diplomats arrived in Qatar for a series of indirect discussions with Iranian officials. The meetings involved representatives from both nations addressing diplomatic issues in the Gulf nation.