Elon VS Zuck Date Set?

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What’s Hot? In a surprising tech titan face-off, Mark Zuckerberg has challenged Elon Musk to a cage match on August 26. As Zuckerberg gears up and jests about Musk's choice of streaming the match live on X, Musk hints at health considerations before the showdown. Overseeing this unexpected spectacle is UFC's Dana White. Who will land the first blow in this tech battle?

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🎒 Back-to-school costs soar amid inflation

Americans are bracing for a record-high back-to-school shopping bill this year amid rising inflation, with the National Retail Federation forecasting an unprecedented $41.5 billion spend, up from last year's $36.9 billion. As per the NRF, families will spend an average of $25 more than in 2022. Phil Rist of Prosper Insights & Analytics remarked, "Consumers are stretching their dollars... and are more likely to shop at discount stores than last year."

📉 US voters view credit downgrade as further proof of the struggling economy

U.S. voters voice their concerns following Fitch's downgrade of America's credit rating from "AAA" to "AA+". A voter lamented on Fox Square, "We're losing our standing in the world... yet this country doesn't seem to say no." Many are feeling the pinch from inflation, with another adding that it's affecting daily life and choices for the 2024 election. While Yellen highlights the government's financial improvements, voters clearly voice their economic worries.

⚓ U.S. sends warships in response to China-Russia patrol near Alaska

In response to a historic joint Chinese and Russian naval patrol near Alaska, the US deployed four navy warships and a reconnaissance plane. This largest-ever flotilla near US territory was labeled "highly provocative" by experts, especially amid global tensions. Although not seen as a direct threat, Alaska's senators remain vigilant. China emphasized the patrol wasn’t targeted at any third party, disconnecting it from current geopolitical issues.

🌍 Ukraine lauds Jeddah talks; Russia deems them futile

In Saudi Arabia, over 40 nations, excluding Russia, convened to support Ukraine's peace terms, focusing on Russian troop withdrawal and the return of Ukrainian territories. Ukraine claimed the talks were “very productive”, but Russia dismissed them as a "doomed effort" to gain Global South's support for Ukraine. China's involvement suggests a possible stance shift, highlighting Saudi Arabia's diplomatic influence.

✈️ Niger shuts airspace amid presidential reinstatement refusal

Niger closed its airspace following threats of 'military intervention' by West African nations after coup leaders failed to reinstate ousted president Mohamed Bazoum. This coup is the latest in the Sahel region, crucial to the U.S. and global powers for its resources and strategic position. As quoted, a junta representative affirmed, "Niger's armed forces... are ready to defend the integrity of our territory." Both U.S. and France have evacuated their nationals amidst growing tensions.

🌐 Biden allocates $42B for high-speed internet boost

President Biden announced a $42 billion initiative to bridge the "digital divide" by expanding high-speed internet access nationwide. This landmark effort aims to bring reliable broadband to all by 2030. The president compared the plan to the 1930s' electrification of rural America, highlighting that about 7% of the U.S. still lacks standard broadband. Funds will be allotted to states to develop and implement broadband strategies, reflecting the nation's most significant investment in internet connectivity to date.

🍏 Apple rumored to be testing M3 Mac mini for fall release

Apple is reportedly testing a new Mac with its M3 chip, hinting at a potential Mac mini update. Mark Gurman's "Power On" Bloomberg newsletter revealed that the M3 chip, similar to its M2 version, features four efficiency and four performance cores for the CPU and a ten-core GPU. Despite speculations about a fall release, Gurman suggests a 2024 launch is likelier. Upcoming M3 variations will also boost performance with increased cores.

🎬 "Barbie" Hits $1B Box Office Milestone!

Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" earned over $1 billion globally, becoming the first female-directed film to hit this mark in just 17 days. Warner Bros. reports it's their fastest-selling film ever. Previously, Jia Ling's "Hi, Mom" held the record with $822 million. Jeff Goldstein states, "Barbie's success shows a strong female lead can attract real attention at the box office."

⚽ Cristiano Ronaldo's 3rd season goal propels Al Nassr to Arab Cup semis

Cristiano Ronaldo is two victories away from securing his first trophy as Al Nassr's captain after leading them to a 3-1 win over Morocco's Raja Club Athletic in the Arab Club Champions Cup quarter-finals. Ronaldo netted the opener, followed by goals from Sultan Al-Ghannam and recent signing Seko Fofana. Al Nassr meets Iraqi champions Al-Shorta SC in the semi-finals next.

🏛️ Trump's Defense Lawyer Claims Legal Immunity, No Constitutional Violation

Donald Trump's attorney, John Lauro, argues that Trump's attempts to influence election outcomes, including pressuring Pence and asking Georgia's secretary of state to "find" votes, weren't unlawful. Recently indicted on charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, Trump believes the legal actions boost his campaign popularity. Contrarily, Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin stated, “A technical violation of the Constitution is a violation of the Constitution,” emphasizing the gravity of Trump's actions.

📉 Remote workers found to be less productive than in-office peers

A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed an 18% drop in productivity among remote workers compared to in-office counterparts. Based on data-entry employees in Chennai, India, the research monitored "net speed" using laptop camera snapshots every 15 minutes. Results indicated two-thirds of the productivity dip was immediate, while the rest resulted from slower learning among WFH workers. Amidst the rise of remote work during the pandemic, companies like JPMorgan are advocating for in-office or hybrid work models.

🌊 Alaska's capital hit: Glacier flooding takes two homes

Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska caused record-breaking flooding, destroying homes and causing significant damage. The unusual flooding, which began in 2011, exceeded prior levels by three feet. National Weather Service's Andrew Park remarked, “This is still a recent phenomenon," hinting at potential climate change ties. City officials declared an emergency, bracing for unpredictable annual floods.

On 7 August 1964, the U.S. Congress approved the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, granting President Lyndon B. Johnson authority to take whatever steps he deemed essential for retaliation and ensuring international peace in Southeast Asia. This marked a pivotal escalation in America's role in the Vietnam War.

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