Companies to Tighten Office Return Rules

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY

📈 Companies to Tighten Office Return Rules by 2025

A ResumeBuilder.com survey reveals that 25% of U.S. companies will increase return-to-office (RTO) requirements in 2025, citing productivity, company culture, employee well-being, and retention. Despite 80% of companies losing talent due to RTO policies, 93% of business leaders support in-office work. Contradictory findings from the University of Pittsburgh indicate RTO mandates do not improve financial performance and decrease employee satisfaction.

📉 US economic growth revised down to 1.3%, yet consumer spending remains steady.

The U.S. economic growth rate for Q1 2024 was revised down from 1.6% to 1.3%, the weakest since spring 2022. The revision was due to increased imports and reduced business inventories. Consumer spending rose 2%, down from 2.5% while core inflation was 3.6%. Bill Adams, Comerica's chief economist, noted, "The impact of the Fed’s tight interest rate policy is clearly visible." 

🌟 IRS makes free tax return program permanent

The IRS announced it will make its free electronic tax return filing system permanent, starting in 2025, and is inviting all states and the District of Columbia to participate. Initially tested in 2024 across 12 states, the program aims to simplify tax filing for individuals with basic W-2 forms. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel stated, "We feel that we have enough information at this point to make the decision."

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WORLD

🔍 Biden secretly authorized Ukraine to use US weapons for strikes inside Russia

Biden secretly authorized Ukraine to deploy U.S. weaponry for strikes within Russia, specifically near Kharkiv to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. The decision, prompted by Russia's offensive on Kharkiv, permits Ukraine to target Russian forces near the border and incoming missiles. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov made a “hard push” to use U.S. weapons in Russia. 

🚫 US to boycott UN tribute for Iran leader killed in helicopter crash

The United States will boycott a United Nations tribute to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash, citing his involvement in human rights abuses. Raisi, a hardliner, was seen as a potential successor to Iran's Supreme Leader. The U.S. boycott, not previously reported, opposes honoring someone linked to oppression. 

🌊 US Gaza pier disabled by rough seas 

A US military-built temporary pier in Gaza has been damaged by heavy seas, rendering it inoperative for at least a week. The pier, part of a humanitarian aid effort, consists of a floating dock and causeway. Heavy seas caused a portion of the causeway to break away, requiring repair in Israel. Despite setbacks, officials are confident in its eventual restoration.

🤝 US Nearing Bilateral Security Pact with Ukraine

The U.S. is close to signing a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine, potentially to improve strained relations. Over 30 countries, including G7 members, have already signed similar agreements while tensions rise as Ukrainian officials express frustration with perceived U.S. reluctance to confront Russia. President Zelensky stated, "We are farther apart than ever since the war started. It is very, very tense." 

SCIENCE & TECH

🍏 Apple and OpenAI Ink AI Partnership Deal

Apple and OpenAI have partnered to integrate OpenAI's generative AI technology into Apple's software, potentially worth billions for OpenAI. Despite opposition from Apple's head of machine learning and concerns from Microsoft's CEO about their existing relationship, the deal signifies a significant win for OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman. Additionally, OpenAI is considering restructuring as a benefit corporation. 

🔓 Ticketmaster breach exposes data of 560M customers

ShinyHunters hacking group, claims to have breached Ticketmaster, stealing data of 560 million customers. They announced on an online forum that the stolen information includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and partial credit card details were available for $500,000. The Australian government is investigating, with FBI assistance. Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, haven't commented yet.

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

🎸 John Lennon's 'Help!' guitar fetches over $2.8 million at auction

John Lennon’s lost 1964 12-string Framus Hootenanny guitar, used for "Help!" and "Rubber Soul," sold for $2.8 million at auction in New York. Missing for 50 years, Lennon gifted it to Gordon Waller before it was forgotten and found in an attic. Darren Julien, of Julien’s Auctions, likened its discovery to finding a "lost Rembrandt or Picasso."

🌟 Ex-NBA Star Drew Gordon, 33, Dies in Car Crash

Former NBA forward Drew Gordon, brother of Denver's Aaron Gordon, died in a car accident in Portland, Oregon, confirmed by his agent Calvin Andrews and the Nuggets to ESPN. Aged 33, Gordon had a diverse career spanning the NBA, G League, and international teams. A UCLA and New Mexico alum, he leaves behind his wife, Angela, and three children. 

OTHER NEWS

🚨 Trump Convicted on 34 Felony Counts in Hush Money Trial

Trump was found guilty on all 34 charges of falsifying business records, becoming the first former U.S. president convicted of a felony relating to hush money paid to Stormy Daniels. The Manhattan DA emphasized the jury's unanimous decision based on evidence and law while Trump's attorney plans post-trial motions and appeals. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated "Today's verdict underscores the importance of upholding the law.  

🚨 Texas GOP Eyes Death Penalty for Abortion Patients in 2024 Agenda

The Texas GOP is considering endorsing the death penalty for abortion providers and patients in their 2024 platform. This proposal emerged during the state’s GOP Convention, reflecting the party’s shift to the far right to classify abortion as homicide and includes various conservative stances.  

🚨 LGBTQI+ individuals and events at risk: US State Department issues global security alert

The US State Department issued a worldwide security alert on Friday, cautioning US citizens about potential terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against LGBTQI+ people and events. The alert comes before Pride Month begins on June 1. The department warned US citizens to stay alert in locations that tourists often visit “including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ persons.” 

THIS DAY THAT YEAR

On May 31, 1889, the South Fork Dam in Pennsylvania collapsed, unleashing the catastrophic Johnstown Flood. The deluge claimed over 2,200 lives in the town of Johnstown, situated 60 miles east of Pittsburgh in a valley intersected by the Allegheny, Little Conemaugh, and Stony Creek Rivers. Nestled on a floodplain prone to frequent disasters, Johnstown was particularly vulnerable to such a devastating event.

BRAIN TEASER

I don’t have eyes, but once I did see. Once I had thoughts, but now I’m white and empty. What am I?

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

Here’s what yesterday’s teaser was:

People walk on me day and night. I never sleep. Who am I?

The answer is: A sidewalk

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