Bay Area company is automating home construction with mobile robotic factories

CNN Newsource on January 8, 2026

By Kenny Choi

Click here for updates on this story

    San Francisco (KPIX) — A San Francisco-based company is building homes using an automated mobile micro-factory, which it says will be the future of home-building.

In Santa Rosa, Cosmic Buildings is constructing Prasanna Vasudavan’s new home.

“This is my first ever time exploring this aspect of home building,” said Vasudavan.

He recently bought the parcel of land in a burn-scarred area of Santa Rosa, ravaged by the 2017 Tubbs Fire. Vasudavan said he began researching how long it would take to build a fire-resistant house.

“The average timeframe that I used to get is anywhere from one year to three years, and I didn’t have that much leeway,” said Vasudavan.

To do that, he is working with Cosmic Buildings.

The company says it ships its “AI-driven Mobile Robotic factories” to the site of the future home, and it takes what’s designed and constructs the framing, floors and roof panels on location. This panelized-building method provides more flexibility than modular construction and is able to adapt to “unique site conditions,” according to Cosmic.

“This is the present and the future of home building,” said Sasha Jokic, CEO and founder.

Almost a third of Vasudavan’s home has been built using robotic technology. Add what Jokic calls “plug and play components,” like a kitchen and bath, “to be completed on site,” and half the home will have been built by “automation.”

“What we at Cosmic are building is this concept of automated design and pre-construction, paired with mobile, fully automated, and low-cost robotics,” said Jokic.

“I’ve seen other videos of robots being able to do things. But I was just impressed by the build quality on it,” said Vasudavan.

An analysis by the National Association of Home Builders estimates tens of thousands of homes aren’t being completed because there aren’t enough workers.

“The construction industry has been battling the issue with the labor shortage for decades. Right now, there’s a demand of building nine million homes in the U.S. in order to fill the gap in the housing market. We don’t have people to build those homes,” said Jokic.

For Vasudavan, his “prefab-custom home” is becoming a reality faster than he thought it would.

“What you’re seeing here is a dream home. I’ve been wanting to build something from scratch, from the ground up, and I’ve been able to make this come true,” said Vasudavan.

He’s hoping to see a finished product in six months and said he believes he’s saving a few hundred thousand dollars using robots to build his future home.

The National Association of Home Builders says the impact of AI on the industry is limited for now but is likely to evolve in the coming years.

The company is also doing fire rebuilds in Los Angeles. Currently, it is in the process of building 20 to 25 homes, including in the Palisades and Eaton wildfire zones, Jokic said. The company has pledged to build one home for underinsured families for every 10 homes built in Los Angeles.

Cosmic said the Santa Rosa home is the first single-family home being built using its AI technology.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Irvine police searching for man who allegedly stole $1,700 worth of caviar from Whole Foods

CNN on January 8, 2026


KCBS

By Michele Gile, Dean Fioresi

Click here for updates on this story

    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — Irvine police are searching for a man who was caught on camera as he allegedly stole $1,700 worth of caviar from a Whole Foods grocery store in December.

In their weekly Wanted Wednesday post, officers shared a photo of the suspect walking down a store aisle with a basket and a shopping bag in his hands just days before New Year’s Eve at the store on Irvine Center Drive.

“This is not Jason Statham filming an action scene in a grocery store,” the post said.

Instead, they said it’s a man who allegedly selected several items to appear like he was on a “typical shopping trip” before he hid the caviar inside a paper Whole Foods bag that he had with him, according to the post. He left the other items behind as he left the store.

“I don’t know that we’ve had $1,700 worth of fish eggs stolen,” said Irvine Police Department Public Information Officer Kyle Oldoerp. “Definitely a large amount, and I don’t know what he did with it. That’s the million-dollar question.”

Irvine police are searching for a man who was caught on camera as he allegedly stole $1,700 worth of caviar from a Whole Foods grocery store in December.

In their weekly Wanted Wednesday post, officers shared a photo of the suspect walking down a store aisle with a basket and a shopping bag in his hands just days before New Year’s Eve at the store on Irvine Center Drive.

“This is not Jason Statham filming an action scene in a grocery store,” the post said.

Instead, they said it’s a man who allegedly selected several items to appear like he was on a “typical shopping trip” before he hid the caviar inside a paper Whole Foods bag that he had with him, according to the post. He left the other items behind as he left the store.

“I don’t know that we’ve had $1,700 worth of fish eggs stolen,” said Irvine Police Department Public Information Officer Kyle Oldoerp. “Definitely a large amount, and I don’t know what he did with it. That’s the million-dollar question.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Irvine police searching for man who allegedly stole $1,700 worth of caviar from Whole Foods

CNN Newsource on January 8, 2026

By Michele Gile, Dean Fioresi

Click here for updates on this story

    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — Irvine police are searching for a man who was caught on camera as he allegedly stole $1,700 worth of caviar from a Whole Foods grocery store in December.

In their weekly Wanted Wednesday post, officers shared a photo of the suspect walking down a store aisle with a basket and a shopping bag in his hands just days before New Year’s Eve at the store on Irvine Center Drive.

“This is not Jason Statham filming an action scene in a grocery store,” the post said.

Instead, they said it’s a man who allegedly selected several items to appear like he was on a “typical shopping trip” before he hid the caviar inside a paper Whole Foods bag that he had with him, according to the post. He left the other items behind as he left the store.

“I don’t know that we’ve had $1,700 worth of fish eggs stolen,” said Irvine Police Department Public Information Officer Kyle Oldoerp. “Definitely a large amount, and I don’t know what he did with it. That’s the million-dollar question.”

Irvine police are searching for a man who was caught on camera as he allegedly stole $1,700 worth of caviar from a Whole Foods grocery store in December.

In their weekly Wanted Wednesday post, officers shared a photo of the suspect walking down a store aisle with a basket and a shopping bag in his hands just days before New Year’s Eve at the store on Irvine Center Drive.

“This is not Jason Statham filming an action scene in a grocery store,” the post said.

Instead, they said it’s a man who allegedly selected several items to appear like he was on a “typical shopping trip” before he hid the caviar inside a paper Whole Foods bag that he had with him, according to the post. He left the other items behind as he left the store.

“I don’t know that we’ve had $1,700 worth of fish eggs stolen,” said Irvine Police Department Public Information Officer Kyle Oldoerp. “Definitely a large amount, and I don’t know what he did with it. That’s the million-dollar question.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

UPDATE: City of Bend turns off, will uninstall Flock license-plate reader cameras amid security concerns

KTVZ on January 8, 2026

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After hearing citizen concerns from a packed crowd and sharing their own, Bend city councilors agreed Wednesday night to turn off and remove four Flock license plate reader cameras, and not renew the city’s contract with the company.

The four cameras, installed six months ago at the north and south end of town for use in criminal investigation, were turned off as of 3:15 p.m. Thursday, and “they will be uninstalled in coming days,” city Communications and Engagement Director René Mitchell told KTVZ News.

The city also won’t renew the annual, nearly $20,000 contract with Flock, funded through a grant, that extends through May, Mitchell said.

“Council discussed the issues, heard input from community members and staff, and gave direction not to renew the contract,” she told us.

“Typically, contracts under $250,000 don’t go through Council,” Mitchell explained. “The City Manager determined the contract wouldn’t be renewed with this vendor, and Council agreed with that decision and then gave direction to turn the cameras off.”

Several Oregon cities have taken similar steps in recent months amid citizen concerns about access to the information gathered by the cameras.

Earlier story:

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ-Jan. 7) — Bend City Council chambers were filled Tuesday night as residents voiced strong concerns over the city’s use of Flock cameras, a license plate reader system used by law enforcement to help investigate crimes.

Flock is an automated license plate reader platform that captures images of vehicles, including license plates and identifying details such as make, model, and color. The system can alert police in real time when a vehicle matches a hotlist, such as a stolen car or a missing person.

While law enforcement and some city leaders say the technology can be a useful crime-fighting tool, many residents say it raises serious privacy and constitutional concerns.

Bend resident Jonathan Westmoreland told KTVZ News he began researching the system and felt compelled to speak out.

“So I did some research into Flock, and it seemed like their business practices are a violation of the Fourth Amendment rights of the citizens of Bend,” Westmoreland said. “After researching more, I felt it was my civic duty to come down here and see if I could do something to make a change.”

Residents cited fears of mass surveillance, continuous data collection on law-abiding drivers, and concerns about how long vehicle data is stored, who can access it, and whether it could be misused or breached.

According to the Bend Police Department, four Flock cameras are currently installed in the city — two on the north end of town and two on the south.

During the meeting, several councilors acknowledged the system does offer benefits, but said those benefits must be weighed against public trust and privacy concerns.

Councilor Ariel Mendez said the cameras have helped law enforcement, but raised concerns about the broader implications of the technology.

“Flock cameras do provide some benefits to help solve crimes,” Mendez said. “We heard that they have been useful in some law enforcement activities. However, there are also some pretty serious concerns about Flock security practices, access, and misuse of the database that they compile.”

City officials confirmed Bend’s contract with Flock runs through May 2026. Councilors said the four cameras will remain in place while discussions continue on whether to renew the contract or end the use of the cameras and any data they collect.

No final decision was made Tuesday night, and council members indicated the issue will return for further discussion before the contract expires.

Click here to follow the original article.

Northern Colorado city to change approach in response to homelessness

CNN on January 8, 2026


KCNC

By Dillon Thomas

Click here for updates on this story

    COLORADO (KCNC) — The city of Loveland is moving forward with two major changes to the way it is tackling homelessness in Northern Colorado. In a Loveland City Council meeting that lasted until nearly 2 a.m. Wednesday, the council finalized two votes to start making changes.

“We have been a failure at (addressing homelessness). We need to do something different,” said council member Kalina Middleton of ward three.

The overall sentiment of everyone in attendance for the meeting was that Loveland needs to change the way it addresses topics involving the unhoused. No matter which side of the debate people fell on, everyone seemed to agree the current situation was not sustainable.

“As Loveland continues to grow, the unhoused population for better or worse tends to grow,” city attorney Vincent Junglas said.

In a 6-3 vote, the city council elected to get rid of it current law that requires it to provide shelter to the homeless before issuing a citation, and also requires the city to store personal belongings for the homeless.

“I believe we are putting an undue burden on our city and an undue burden on our staff to try and enforce something we shouldn’t have to enforce,” Mayor Patrick McFall said.

“We’ve seen this for three years,” said council member Andrea Samson of ward two. “It didn’t work out.”

In a second vote, the council also landed 6-3 on the purchase of a facility to become a homeless shelter in the northwest portion of the city, away from downtown. The decision did not come with ease, including for those who supported the measure.

“I don’t think this solves a problem,” said council member Zeke Cortez, of ward four.

“Having a homeless response that offers wraparound services and sheltering is three-times cheaper than not having a solution at all and relying on policing,” said council member Laura Light-Kovacs of ward four.    

Nearly all on the council members vocalized their beliefs that the city should not be in the business of owning and operating a homeless shelter. That is why the verbiage of the action they passed only moved to purchase the property rather than operate it. It would also require the city to sell another city-owned building to afford the new one.

The new facility would cost nearly $3 million and an additional $110,000 annually for operations. Some council members expressed their support for the measure contingent on it being operated by a third party organization that the council would approve of.

“We own this building. How do we ensure this city does not get back into owning and operating a shelter?” McFall asked city attorneys.

“I think we take a strong policy position that we are not going to operate a facility,” city manager Jim Thompson said. “So part of the condition, if we do acquire it, is we are not going to operate it. If we get (a third part operator) and they leave after a year, we either sell the building or use it for something different.”

Some on city council encouraged people from the community to gather their questions and concerns for the next reading of the initiatives.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Northern Colorado city to change approach in response to homelessness

CNN Newsource on January 8, 2026

By Dillon Thomas

Click here for updates on this story

    COLORADO (KCNC) — The city of Loveland is moving forward with two major changes to the way it is tackling homelessness in Northern Colorado. In a Loveland City Council meeting that lasted until nearly 2 a.m. Wednesday, the council finalized two votes to start making changes.

“We have been a failure at (addressing homelessness). We need to do something different,” said council member Kalina Middleton of ward three.

The overall sentiment of everyone in attendance for the meeting was that Loveland needs to change the way it addresses topics involving the unhoused. No matter which side of the debate people fell on, everyone seemed to agree the current situation was not sustainable.

“As Loveland continues to grow, the unhoused population for better or worse tends to grow,” city attorney Vincent Junglas said.

In a 6-3 vote, the city council elected to get rid of it current law that requires it to provide shelter to the homeless before issuing a citation, and also requires the city to store personal belongings for the homeless.

“I believe we are putting an undue burden on our city and an undue burden on our staff to try and enforce something we shouldn’t have to enforce,” Mayor Patrick McFall said.

“We’ve seen this for three years,” said council member Andrea Samson of ward two. “It didn’t work out.”

In a second vote, the council also landed 6-3 on the purchase of a facility to become a homeless shelter in the northwest portion of the city, away from downtown. The decision did not come with ease, including for those who supported the measure.

“I don’t think this solves a problem,” said council member Zeke Cortez, of ward four.

“Having a homeless response that offers wraparound services and sheltering is three-times cheaper than not having a solution at all and relying on policing,” said council member Laura Light-Kovacs of ward four.    

Nearly all on the council members vocalized their beliefs that the city should not be in the business of owning and operating a homeless shelter. That is why the verbiage of the action they passed only moved to purchase the property rather than operate it. It would also require the city to sell another city-owned building to afford the new one.

The new facility would cost nearly $3 million and an additional $110,000 annually for operations. Some council members expressed their support for the measure contingent on it being operated by a third party organization that the council would approve of.

“We own this building. How do we ensure this city does not get back into owning and operating a shelter?” McFall asked city attorneys.

“I think we take a strong policy position that we are not going to operate a facility,” city manager Jim Thompson said. “So part of the condition, if we do acquire it, is we are not going to operate it. If we get (a third part operator) and they leave after a year, we either sell the building or use it for something different.”

Some on city council encouraged people from the community to gather their questions and concerns for the next reading of the initiatives.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Miami Dolphins fire head coach Mike McDaniel after finishing 7-10 for 2025 NFL season

CNN Newsource on January 8, 2026

By CBS Miami Team

Click here for updates on this story

    MIAMI (WFOR) — The Miami Dolphins have fired head coach Mike McDaniel following a disappointing 7-10 for the 2025 regular season.

The decision was made by team owner Stephen Ross, amid mounting fan frustration and ongoing on-field struggles with discipline and execution.

“After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive chance,” Ross said in a statement. “I informed Mike McDaniel this morning that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach.”

Ross went on to thank McDaniel for his “hard work, commitment, and the energy he brought to our organization.”

Ross said McDaniel is a “creative football mind” with a passion for the game and his players.

“I wish him and his family the best moving forward,” Ross concluded.”

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa voiced his own concerns after a recent loss, saying the “whole operation” of getting plays in was “not up to standard.” Just days earlier, a banner calling for the firing of both McDaniel and General Manager Chris Grier was flown over the team’s stadium.

McDaniel’s tenure began with optimism, as his innovative offensive schemes and personality drew praise.

He led Miami to back-to-back playoff appearances, something the franchise had not achieved in more than 20 years. In 2023, the Dolphins went 11-6 and had the NFL’s top-ranked offense, with Tagovailoa leading the league in passing yards.

But results soured over the past two seasons.

Miami finished last year 8-9, and McDaniel’s final 19 games produced just eight wins against 11 losses. After dropping the first three contests of 2025, pressure reached a breaking point.

McDaniel, once celebrated for his sharp wit — including the line “we’re another day closer to death” to inspire his players — now faces an abrupt end to his head coaching role in Miami.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Dons use fast start to cruise to win over Oxnard

KEYT on January 8, 2026

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT). – Santa Barbara raced out to a 25-12 lead after the first quarter and was never threatened in a 77-52 home win over Oxnard.

Sophomore Brent Sharpton scored 10 of his game-high 16 points in that first quarter to help the Dons move to 5-0 in the Channel League.

Sophomore guard Blake Lee added 11 points for the Dons who improved to 11-7 overall.

D’Aries Garrett scored 15 points for Oxnard who fell to 3-2 in the Channel League.

Click here to follow the original article.

Pinsker and Gardiner lead DP to first win over San Marcos since 2016-’17 season

KEYT on January 8, 2026

Mike Klan

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – Seniors Evan Pinsker and Wyatt Gardiner combined for 48 points as Dos Pueblos edged crosstown rival San Marcos 69-67 for their first win in this series since the 2016-’17 season.

(Pinsker made seven 3-pointers for a team-high 26 points. Entenza Design).

(Gardiner scored 22 points in his first game back after missing the last five contests with an ankle injury. Entenza Design).

San Marcos was led by junior Aidan Conlan who scored a game-high 27 points and made six 3-pointers.

Senior Koji Hefner added 17 points but the Royals fell to 3-2 in the Channel League.

The game was tied at 33 at half and DP entered the fourth quarter with a 50-45 advantage.

Conlan scored 13 fourth quarter points on the strength of 4-three-pointers.

His final three-pointer with 1:40 left pulled the Royals to within two points at 64-62.

Still up by two with under :30 seconds to go, DP broke a full-court press and Logan Pearce sealed the game with a layup as DP improved to 2-3 in league.

Click here to follow the original article.

Drake Maye and “Seinfeld”-inspired beer selling fast at Massachusetts brewery with Patriots in playoffs

CNN on January 8, 2026


WBZ

By Samantha Chaney

Click here for updates on this story

    BOSTON (WBZ) — What do you get when you combine Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and a “Seinfeld” reference in a beer? It’s a hit at the Stellwagen Beer Company in Marshfield, Massachusetts.

“We’re getting phone calls at all hours of the day. Getting emails nonstop,” said Eddie Letsche, the brewery’s head of sales and brand development.

Customers have been flocking in for the brewery’s “Love the Drake” lager.

“It’s a light lager, but we put a little Citra hops in there,” Letsche said.

According to the brewery’s owner, Mike Snowdale, the delicious taste isn’t the only thing drawing people in.

“The thing that’s resonating with folks right now is the can design. It’s the name and the fact that the Pats are good again this year,” Snowdale explained.

Letsche came up with the name last January, combining a classic “Seinfeld” reference with an image inspired by Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

“Wishful thinking, I guess,” he said. “I have season tickets to the Pats, and I was hoping Drake Maye was going to rock and roll this year and thankfully, [he] has.”

Since the Patriots returned to the playoffs, Snowdale told WBZ-TV the beer has been selling faster than the brewery can restock.

“We can’t keep it in house right now. We had a batch come out on Friday, and it was spoken for within hours,” he said.

“We had people lining up at the door at like 12 o’clock, people walking out with cases,” Letsche added.

While overwhelming, they said it’s a good problem to have.

“It’s good for business and we’re just happy the Pats are winning again,” Letsche said. “I think everybody is.”

For those hoping to grab a can, Stellwagen said more is on the way, with another batch available next Tuesday.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.