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🏦 2023 sees banks tighten loan protocols, says Fed

U.S. banks have hardened their lending standards due to economic uncertainty and regulatory changes, says a Federal Reserve survey. Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve Chairman, states, "The overall picture is of tight and tightening lending conditions," following the Fed's highest interest rate hike since 2001. Loan demands are weakening, potentially indicating a recession, though Powell maintains confidence due to strong economic growth. Notably, regulations could soon increase capital requirements for large banks by 16%.

📉 Oil Inventory Declines: Brace for Price Hike

Oil inventories are dropping as demand outpaces supply, partially due to Saudi Arabia's production cuts, contributing to an expected rise in prices. "We are on the cusp of supply tightness," says Christopher Haines of Energy Aspects. While declines vary geographically, U.S. inventories specifically show signs of tightness. JP Morgan forecasts Brent prices reaching $86 a barrel by Q3's end, slightly easing in Q4. Increasing Chinese and Japanese crude stocks offset the Mideast Gulf drop, indicating no global onshore crude inventory drawdown yet.

🌍 Saudi Arabia Steers US-Ukraine Peace Talks, Russia Observes

Saudi Arabia will host multinational talks on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's proposed peace plan, excluding Russia from participation. Several countries, including the U.S. and Brazil, are invited to the talks in Jeddah. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded, stating, "No, it is impossible" to reach a peace settlement with Kyiv's current stance, but Moscow will "keep an eye on this meeting."

🤝 First US-Taliban Dialogue Post Afghanistan Seizure

U.S. and Taliban officials have met in Qatar for the first time since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan two years ago. They discussed confidence-building measures such as the lifting of sanctions, travel bans, and the return of Afghan central bank assets. The U.S. expressed openness for technical talks on economic stability but reiterated concerns about "deteriorating" human rights in Afghanistan, urging the Taliban to reverse bans on girls’ education and women's employment.

🖥️ Windows 11 Boosts Multi-Screen Refresh Rates

Microsoft is testing a Windows 11 update to automatically adjust refresh rates across multiple monitors. The improvement, set to enhance power usage and maintain zero RPM mode in certain Nvidia cards, caters to different content on separate screens. The update also introduces Dynamic Refresh Rate improvements for laptops, reducing the refresh rate when battery saver is enabled. These features are expected to roll out to all Windows 11 users in the coming months.

🔁 Google Assistant Shifting Gears Towards Generative AI

Google Assistant is reportedly undergoing a revamp to leverage large language model (LLM) technology, aiming to enhance its conversational capabilities, according to an internal email. While LLMs can potentially transform chatbots and digital assistants, practical applications remain unproven. Google's initiative indicates a strategic shift towards preparing for an AI landscape where the ability to handle complex dialogues could become invaluable.

💔 'Euphoria' Heartthrob Angus Cloud Passes Away at 25

Angus Cloud, best known for his role as Fezco in HBO's "Euphoria," has tragically died at 25, following a battle with mental health. His family hopes his passing reminds others struggling with similar issues that they're not alone. Remembered for his unique talent, Cloud's portrayal of Fezco won him a beloved place in the hearts of fans.

🎭 'Pee-wee Herman' Star, Paul Reubens, Passes Away at 70

Paul Reubens, creator, and performer of the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, passed away at 70 from cancer. Remembered for his unique comic style, Reubens infused a unique blend of subversiveness into mainstream entertainment, most notably in "Pee-wee's Playhouse". His memorable appearances on Late Night with David Letterman showcased his complete control over the audience's experience, making Pee-wee Herman an enduring symbol of comedic anarchy and impulse.

⚖️ 'Doomsday mom' Lori Vallow Daybell receives a life sentence, no parole, for murder

Lori Vallow Daybell was sentenced to life in prison with no parole for the murder of her two children and the murder conspiracy of her husband's first wife. Found guilty of grand theft and ordered to pay over $60k in penalties, Daybell was admonished by Judge Steven Boyce for choosing "the most evil and destructive path possible." Despite emotional testimony from victims' families, Daybell maintained her innocence, asserting "Jesus Christ knows that no one was murdered in this case.

🔆 Georgia Powers Up the First US-Built Nuclear Reactor in Decades

Unit 3 at Plant Vogtle, Georgia, the first American nuclear reactor built from scratch in over 30 years, is now operational, despite being seven years late and $17 billion over budget. While nuclear power is seen as a way to address climate change, the cost of this project could deter future investment. “In terms of us making additional investments, at this time is not something that we’re going to do," said Chris Womack, CEO of Southern Co.

🔍Call to Limit FBI's Surveillance Power by Intelligence Board

The President’s Intelligence Advisory Board has recommended limiting the FBI’s access to Section 702, a warrantless surveillance program used to search for information on US citizens, advising that it should be used exclusively in foreign intelligence-related investigations. Despite this, the board is advocating for the law's renewal. The FBI responded, stating that renewal should not diminish the program's effectiveness. The advisory board also suggests implementing a two-official sign-off system before queries using Americans' identifiers. The final decision is under White House review.

On this day in 1996, the world first journeyed to Westeros. George R. R. Martin's 'A Game of Thrones', the inaugural novel in the acclaimed 'A Song of Ice and Fire’ series, was published. This masterpiece of fantasy went on to win the 1997 Locus Award, earning nominations for the Nebula and World Fantasy Awards.

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