IRS: Online Tax Filing from 2025!

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🛢️ Saudi's oil cut continues despite US gas prices reaching 9-month peak

Saudi Arabia extends its voluntary oil production cut by a million barrels per day for September, for a second time, causing US gas prices to reach a nine-month high. Russia is also cutting oil exports by 300k barrels daily. Robert Yawger of Mizuho Securities remarks, "This move contradicts US efforts to curb inflation, with both nations reliant on higher oil prices to finance their budgets.

💻 IRS to Launch Online Tax Filing for Majority of Americans Next Year

From 2024, most US taxpayers will be able to file taxes paperlessly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), speeding up refund times. By 2025, the IRS aims to process all filings digitally, potentially saving 200 million sheets of paper annually. Backed by the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act, the move marks a significant step towards a more efficient tax processing system.

📉 Majority believes US economy continues to decline, poll reveals

A recent CNN poll suggests that 51% of Americans perceive the economy as deteriorating, despite indicators such as exceeding GDP growth expectations and the smallest annual inflation increase in over two years. A further 28% feel economic recovery has yet to begin, although these figures indicate a slight rise in optimism compared to previous polls.

🌍 EU Slaps Sanctions on Belarus for Protests Suppression, Russia Backing

The EU has imposed sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, on 38 Belarusian officials and state oil company Belneftekhim for their roles in a government crackdown and supporting Russia's Ukraine war. This move escalates restrictions, which now affect 230 individuals and nearly 40 entities since President Lukashenko's disputed re-election in 2020, followed by widespread protests and repression.

🛳️ US Military May Arm Commercial Ships Against Iran Seizures

U.S. military considers placing armed personnel on commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, to deter Iran's aggressive actions, American officials reveal. This unprecedented move comes as Iran continues to seize ships to pressure the West amidst a collapsed nuclear deal. While officials underline no final decision has been made, thousands of Marines and sailors are en route to the Persian Gulf, potentially providing security for this critical oil passageway."

🏪 Amazon Fresh Shifts to Self-Checkout, Bidding Adieu to 'Just Walk Out' Tech

Amazon Fresh plans to introduce self-checkout kiosks at select stores, aiming to appeal to a broader customer base. Amid redesign efforts in Chicago and Southern California stores, the company considers the adoption of this ubiquitous retail feature alongside existing 'Just Walk Out' technology, recognizing that not all customers are comfortable with the latter, says Tony Hoggett, Amazon's SVP of worldwide grocery stores.

📱 Apple Gears Up for September 13 iPhone 15 Pro Event

Apple's iPhone 15 reveal is expected on September 13th, according to insider info reported by 9to5Mac. Redesign rumors suggest a thinner bezel, curved edges, and a transition to USB-C. Pro models may feature a titanium frame and an advanced A17 chip. However, a possible $200 price increase and supply shortage delays are also speculated.

🏈 Tom Brady is Now a Minority Owner of Birmingham City

NFL legend Tom Brady is now a minority owner of English soccer's Championship club, Birmingham City. In partnership with Knighthead Capital Management, Brady will become chairman of the club's advisory board, applying his leadership experience to health, nutrition, and recovery systems. "BCFC is built on teamwork and determination and I'm excited to...make our Second City club second to none," Brady said.

🎬 SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher Warns of AI Threat to Hollywood

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher has called for strict regulation of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), used in Hollywood to write scripts and duplicate images of performers, amidst concerns over misuse. She insisted on the necessity of compensation and consent for artists whose work is mimicked by AI and warned of potential dehumanization in the industry. The guild proposed guidelines around informed consent and fair compensation for digital replica use, which have been contested by companies.

🔒Two US Sailors Detained on China Espionage Charges

Two U.S. Navy sailors, Jinchao "Patrick" Wei, and Wenheng Zhao, have been arrested on charges of spying for China, having allegedly leaked national defense information for cash. Matthew Olsen, the Justice Department's assistant attorney general for national security, said this underscores China's determination to "obtain information critical to our national defense by any means." Wei, who was onboard the USS Essex, and Zhao, based at Naval Base Ventura County, worked separately, but each allegedly passed information to Chinese intelligence officers.

🚫 Florida Effectively Bans AP Psychology, Says College Board

The College Board has announced it will no longer support Advanced Placement Psychology in Florida after the state's Department of Education demanded the removal of a section on gender and sexual orientation. The Board stated: “Any A.P. Psychology course taught in Florida will violate either Florida law or college requirements." The Department refuted that it had banned the course and urged the Board to continue its provision.

⚖️ Court Upholds Biden's Asylum Policy for Now"

The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has allowed the Biden administration to continue implementing its contested asylum policy, which restricts migrants passing through other countries from seeking asylum in the U.S., during an appeal process. Circuit Judge Lawrence VanDyke criticized the decision, arguing the new policy mirrors Trump-era rules. The ACLU, involved in the lawsuit, expressed confidence that they will eventually prevail in court.

On 4 August 2007, NASA launched the Mars Phoenix lander as part of the Mars Scout Program. The spacecraft, primarily managed by the University of Arizona, aimed to study the history of water on Mars, potentially habitable zones, and the planet's climate and geology. After successful course corrections and a voyage spanning nine months, Phoenix touched down on the Martian surface on 25th May 2008.

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