Americans Misjudge Recession Reality

🤳19th August 2024 | Blinken Arrives in Israel to Push Cease-Fire Deal, US, South Korea kick off joint military drills, Underground Ocean Found on Mars, Apple to Launch Two New AirPods, Indiana Jones' Hat Sells for $630K, George Santos to Plead Guilty in NY Federal Fraud Case, and more!

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY

🤔 Majority of Americans Mistakenly Believe U.S. Is in a Recession

Nearly 59% of Americans incorrectly believe the U.S. is in a recession, largely due to rising costs and financial pressures. Despite economic resilience, this perception reveals a gap between overall growth and individual financial experiences. Some experts refer to this as a "vibecession," where the economy remains stable, but many households face increasing financial challenges.

🏃‍♂️ California and New York Lead in Wealthy Resident Exodus 

California and New York are losing wealthy Americans at the highest rate due to high taxes and living costs. SmartAsset reports a net outflow of 24,670 high-earners from California, with an average AGI of $1.3 million, and 12,040 from New York, with an average AGI of $1.1 million. These individuals are relocating to lower-tax states like Florida and Texas.

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WORLD

✈️ Blinken Arrives in Israel to Push Cease-Fire Deal Amid Doubts

Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel to push a U.S.-backed cease-fire deal aimed at ending ten months of fighting in Gaza. He will meet with Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu and Herzog, to address Israeli military presence in Gaza and border control. Doubts persist, as both sides accuse each other of stalling. Blinken stated, “There are things we can be flexible about.”

💣 Iran Could Become Nuclear Weapons State by Year's End, Says House Intelligence Chair 

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner warned that Iran might declare itself a nuclear weapons state by year-end, blaming the Biden administration's policies for this potential escalation. He argued that the situation would have been avoided under Trump's "maximum pressure campaign." Turner criticized the current administration's handling of Iran, stating, "What we see now...they might declare themselves a nuclear weapons state." 

🇺🇸🇰🇷 US, South Korea kick off joint military drills 

Source  -  Ahn Young-Joon/AP

The U.S. and South Korea began the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield drills after North Korea accused them of invasion plans, justifying its nuclear ambitions. The exercises, involving 19,000 South Korean troops, focus on defending against North Korean threats like missiles and cyberattacks. U.S. regional deployments have increased, intensifying tensions. North Korea's Foreign Ministry stated the need to “maintain the balance of power.” 

SCIENCE & TECH

🎧 Apple to Launch Two New AirPods with iPhone 16 Next Month

Source - Phone Arena

Apple is expected to launch two new fourth-generation AirPods variants next month with the iPhone 16. The lower-priced model will replace the second-gen AirPods, offering basic features, while the higher-priced version will introduce Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to non-Pro models. Both will feature USB-C charging cases, aligning with Apple's broader transition—announcement anticipated on September 10.

🌊 Study Reveals Massive Underground Ocean on Mars

A recent study reveals evidence of a vast underground ocean on Mars, discovered through seismic data from NASA’s InSight Lander. Scientists detected liquid water buried 11-20 km beneath the surface, hinting at ancient water systems. This finding raises the possibility of life, as lead researcher Vashan Wright notes, “The conditions necessary for life as we understand it may exist beneath Mars’ surface.”

🚨 Pelosi Criticizes California AI Bill as 'Well-Intentioned But Ill-Informed'

Nancy Pelosi criticized California's SB 1047, aimed at regulating AI, as "well-intentioned but ill-informed." On August 18, 2024, Pelosi, joined by Reps. Zoe Lofgren, Anna Eshoo, and Ro Khanna, argued the bill would stifle innovation, citing concerns from AI experts. The bill, which mandates safety testing for AI models, passed the state Senate in May.

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

🏀 Caitlin Clark Sets New WNBA Rookie Assist Record in Fever's 92-75 Win Over Storm

Source - AP news

Caitlin Clark shattered the WNBA rookie assists record, logging 232 assists this season, surpassing Ticha Penicheiro's 224 from 1998. Clark added 23 points, helping the Indiana Fever secure a 92-75 win over the Seattle Storm. Kelsey Mitchell scored 27 points, and Lexie Hull added a career-high 22. Clark stated, “This is just the beginning.”

🎩 Indiana Jones' Hat Sells for $630K at Auction

Source - Getty Images

The iconic fedora worn by Harrison Ford in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" fetched $630,000 at auction. The hat, created by Herbert Johnson Hat Company, was worn in memorable scenes by Ford or his stunt double, Dean Ferrandini. Notably, it features "I J" initials, a special mark for the Indiana Jones saga. This fedora surpasses the $431,000 sale of a similar hat in 2021.

OTHER NEWS

🛑 U.S. Military Sexual Assault Rates Far Exceed Government Estimates

The number of sexual assaults in the U.S. military is two to four times higher than government estimates, with 75,569 cases in 2021 and 73,695 in 2023, compared to the Department of Defense's 35,900 and 29,000. A Brown University study highlights ongoing issues and reforms, noting that post-9/11 wars have worsened the problem.

🔨 George Santos to Plead Guilty in NY Federal Fraud Case 

Former Congressman George Santos will plead guilty on October 23, 2023, to federal fraud charges in New York. Expelled from Congress, he faces allegations of misusing campaign funds and fabricating his education, work history, and family background. These lies were central to his schemes. Previously pleading not guilty, Santos could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. 

THIS DAY THAT YEAR

Source - Britannica

On August 19, 1934, 90% of the German public voted in favor of Chancellor Adolf Hitler assuming the newly created title of "Führer und Reichskanzler" (Leader and Chancellor). This pivotal vote followed the death of President Paul von Hindenburg earlier that month, solidifying Hitler's grip on power.

BRAIN TEASER

How do you make the number 7 even without addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division?

Nailed it or stumped? Hit us with a reply and find the correct answer 🎯

Here’s what Friday’s teaser was:

How can you drop a raw egg on the concrete floor without cracking it?

The answer is: Concrete are very hard to crack.

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