EU Targets Tech Giants

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📉 Mortgage demand hits a 27-year low due to interest rate decline.

Mortgage applications hit their lowest since December 1996, dropping 2.9% last week despite rates easing to 7.21% for 30-year loans. Refinance and purchase applications fell 5% and 2% respectively. Joel Kan of MBA remarked, "Prospective buyers remain on the sidelines due to low housing inventory and elevated mortgage rates." The 7% rate appears to be the new benchmark, affecting home prices.

🚀 US Gas Prices Hit Season Decade-High as Summer Ends

U.S. gas prices hit a decade-high summertime level of $3.80/gallon, reported by Bloomberg. Despite the typical post-holiday demand drop, rising crude oil costs, influenced by supply cuts from major producers like Saudi Arabia and Russia, have driven prices up. This surge, with Brent crude at $90 a barrel, further challenges the Federal Reserve's inflation control measures.

🚫 China Prohibits iPhone Usage in Government Tasks

China bans officials from using foreign-branded phones, including iPhones, in a move to decrease dependency on foreign tech and bolster cybersecurity, says WSJ. This impacts Apple significantly, given China's pivotal role in its market and supply chain. Meanwhile, the US has targeted Chinese tech firms like Huawei and TikTok, with chip sale restrictions allegedly expanding.

📢 DOD Boosts Ukraine Security with $175M

The U.S. Defense Department has pledged an additional $175 million in security aid for Ukraine against Russia's aggression, marking its 46th support installment since August 2021. Secretary Blinken, visiting Kyiv, emphasized the need to ensure Ukraine possesses a "strong deterrent, strong defense capacity." The Biden administration's total security aid to Ukraine now exceeds $43 billion.

🔌 iPhone 15 with USB-C Could Lure Android Users, Survey Finds

Apple's move to USB-C in the iPhone 15 is attracting attention. 63% of iPhone users plan to upgrade to USB-C, with 37% looking forward to a single cable for all Apple devices. Remarkably, 44% of Android users may switch to the iPhone 15 due to USB-C compatibility, with 35% valuing cross-device charger compatibility. This shift complies with European universal charging standards and coincides with Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 launch on September 12.

🌐 EU Targets Google Search, WhatsApp, TikTok, and 19 Others with New DMA

The European Commission has designated Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and ByteDance as "gatekeepers" under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), targeting Big Tech's dominance. These companies must align with DMA regulations for 22 core platform services by March 2024. European Commissioner Thierry Breton emphasized, "DMA means more choice for consumers ………fostering competition and interoperability in tech services."

🚑 Kourtney Kardashian's Baby Saved Through Urgent Fetal Surgery

Kourtney Kardashian recently disclosed her harrowing experience with "urgent fetal surgery" to save her unborn child. She described the ordeal, saying, "I don't think anyone... can begin to understand that feeling of fear." Travis Barker, who paused his Blink-182 tour to be with her, the couple expects their first child together. After briefly postponing, the tour resumes on Friday.

🏈 NFL Sunday Ticket debuts on YouTube this weekend!

Launching this weekend, YouTube had clinched a seven-year deal for the NFL's "Sunday Ticket", succeeding DirecTV, for a $2 billion per season deal with the NFL. Offered on YouTube TV and Primetime, it includes multi-game views, chats, and polls. Jon Cruz, YouTube's sports head, remarked, "From small events to... 'Sunday Ticket,' I couldn’t be happier." Priced from $299, discounts are available for students and Verizon offers it free to new and existing customers.

👋NFL's First Openly Gay Active Player, Carl Nassib, Retires After 7 Seasons

Carl Nassib, the NFL's first openly gay player, has retired after seven seasons to focus on his company, Rayze, connecting people with nonprofits. Nassib thanked supporters, including agent Brian Ayrault, and expressed gratitude for his football journey, saying, "Football has given me more than I ever could have imagined. I can truly hang up my helmet for the last time knowing I gave it everything I had."

🏙️ NYC Regains Control: 15K Unlicensed Short-Term Rentals Banned by Airbnb Rule

New York City's Airbnb listings have dropped by 15,000 due to a new rule mandating short-term hosts to register with the city. Now, only 3,400 apartments are available for short-term bookings, prompting Airbnb to label it a “de facto ban.” As a result, many listings shifted to long-term, with the average stay rising to 29 days. Tom Cayler noted, "If you were a legal host... you have nothing to worry about."

🚫 California Becomes First US State to Outlaw Caste Discrimination

California's legislature has approved a groundbreaking bill banning caste discrimination, awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's signature. It aims to protect South Asian individuals from unfair treatment as it intends to include caste in California's anti-discrimination categories. Senator Aisha Wahab, who sponsored the bill, highlights "We shined a light on a long-hidden form of discrimination thousands of years old."

🚗 Tesla Leads 'Creepiest' Carmaker List, 25 Brands Flunk Data Privacy Tests

The Mozilla Foundation rated cars as the most concerning for data privacy, with top brands like Tesla, Nissan, and Hyundai failing their review. Renault, Dacia, and BMW fared slightly better, but all brands excessively collected personal data. Jen Caltrider of Privacy Not Included remarked, "Consumers have almost zero control... other than simply buying an older model. Regulators and policymakers are behind."

🎵 AI 'Ghostwriter' for Drake Drops New Song, Eyes Grammy

Ghostwriter, known for an AI-Drake track, launched "Whiplash" on TikTok, using AI voices of Travis Scott and 21 Savage. This release emphasizes music's digital evolution. While Ghostwriter's prior song, "Heart on My Sleeve", is vying for Grammys, it faces distribution and copyright issues. Ghostwriter's claim: “The future of music is here.”

On 7 September 1996, American rapper and actor Tupac Shakur, a major figure in 1990s gangsta rap, was shot four times in the chest by an unidentified individual in a white Cadillac at a Las Vegas stoplight. He tragically passed away six days later, on September 13, 1996.

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