Lowe's Drones Can Deliver Over 100 Products

So a shopper could receive a missing item without driving back to a store.

Exactly. Lowe's says people often discover halfway through a project that they need one important item. Seemantini Godbole, a senior Lowe's technology executive, said drone delivery could remove that interruption. A customer might stay at home or remain at a job site, then continue the project after the order arrives.

Where is the pilot taking place, and how far can the drones travel?

The pilot is already live at the Lowe's store in Matthews, North Carolina. The drones currently carry orders weighing about two and a half pounds per flight. They operate within a five-mile radius of that store. The service is still being tested, so these limits may change later.

What is Lowe's learning during this early test?

Its teams visit the store every day. They watch the service, listen to comments from store associates and DoorDash, and make changes when needed. Godbole said this local start helps the teams stay flexible. If the service succeeds, Lowe's may expand it beyond the North Carolina store.

Lowe's describes this as a response to customer needs, not simply a new gadget.

Yes. Godbole said the company is not using drones just because the technology exists. Lowe's wants to keep up with changing customer needs as part of its wider technology strategy. The company also says this is the first drone delivery service in the home improvement retail sector.

Are other retailers already using similar deliveries?

Amazon, Walmart and Uber Eats already use drones for fast customer deliveries. Lowe's is entering a growing group of retailers that see this service as a way to improve convenience and possibly increase sales.

What concerns could limit the service?

Some people have criticized drones because of noise and privacy concerns, especially in places such as New Jersey. As more drones use the air, managing the sky used by aircraft becomes harder. Approval related to official rules is also required. So the service may be convenient, but expansion will depend on testing, public concerns and official approval.

Thank you, Mia.

The Senate has again failed to approve a resolution that would limit the president's war powers in Iran.

Ethan is LinguaWire's correspondent for society. What happened in Thursday's vote?

Thanks, Daniel. The Senate rejected the formal decision by lawmakers from the House by 49 votes to 50. The measure would have challenged the president's policy on the war in Iran. Four Republican senators voted for it with almost all Democrats. Senator John Fetterman was the only Democrat who voted against it, while Senator Angela Alsobrooks did not vote.

What would Democrats have needed for the resolution to pass?

They would have needed every Democrat to attend and five Republicans to support the measure. That did not happen. Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Rand Paul and Thom Tillis voted in favor. Tillis supported the resolution for the first time.

Why are some Republicans showing more concern about the war?

Some have become increasingly critical of the war and its effect on diesel and gasoline prices. However, they have stopped short of supporting measures that would directly challenge President Donald Trump's policy. This creates a difficult political position, especially for Republicans who could be easily harmed or defeated in elections.

How did the coming elections affect the political situation?

The vote took place a little more than a month before the midterm elections. Several vulnerable Republicans are trying to criticize the war while avoiding a direct break with the president. Senators Dan Sullivan and Roger Marshall voted against the resolution even though they are in tight reelection races.

Did any senator explain a change in position?

Yes. Tillis said he first heard the administration call the situation a war on July 10. He then wanted sixty days of information before deciding whether the government was moving in the right direction. He said the first outreach from the president's government and officials came only last week.

What does Tillis want Congress to receive?

He said officials should give Congress more information, explain their strategic goals clearly and take part more actively in discussions. He said Congress must be involved if the United States is going to remain in the conflict for a long time. His vote was also a message that the administration should communicate more openly.

How long was the war originally expected to last?

President Trump first estimated that it would last four to six weeks. The Senate's failed vote shows that criticism is growing, but it has not yet produced enough support for the resolution. Political pressure, election concerns and questions about fuel prices remain connected.

Thank you, Ethan.

Part one has three useful words from the transport story.

Radius means the distance from the center of a circle to its outside edge. In the story: "within a five-mile radius of that store." The park has a two-mile radius.

Eligible means allowed to receive or use something because you meet the conditions. In the story: "For eligible customers, drone delivery appears as an option." Only eligible students can apply for this program.

Expand means to become larger or to make something larger. In the story: "Lowe's may expand it beyond the North Carolina store." The company plans to expand into more cities next year.