Good morning! Today’s news covers a range of topics, from political campaigns to economic data to technological controversies. Let’s dive in.
First up, Google and Meta (formerly Facebook) have come under fire for a secret deal targeting under-18s with ads promoting Instagram on YouTube. This marketing project deliberately targeted a group of users labeled as „unknown“ in Google’s advertising system, which skewed towards under-18s. Despite denials of wrongdoing from Meta and Google, the project has been canceled after facing scrutiny for potentially circumventing rules around ad delivery to minors.
Moving on to political news, Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro’s fear campaign, dubbed „Operation Knock Knock,“ has been terrorizing opposition figures and generating alarm among the public. Human rights groups report over 1,100 arrests and 24 deaths since Maduro’s disputed election victory, raising concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
In the US, Hispanic voters are emerging as a crucial demographic that could decide the upcoming presidential election. Historically leaning Democratic, Hispanic voters are slowly shifting rightward, potentially impacting the outcome of the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The shifting political landscape among Hispanic voters is a key factor to watch as the election approaches.
On the economic front, the US is set to release initial applications for state unemployment aid data, while the Central Reserve Bank of Peru makes a rate decision and Argentina releases June industrial production data. Companies like Cheniere Energy, Petrobras, and Paramount Global are also reporting their financial results, giving insight into the state of various industries.
In other news, defence technology start-up Anduril Industries has raised $1.5 billion to accelerate the production of autonomous weapons for the US and its allies. This investment reflects a growing interest in advanced military technology and the potential implications for global security.
Lastly, NASA may enlist SpaceX to retrieve two astronauts stuck at the International Space Station due to technical difficulties with the Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. The decision on how to bring home astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore highlights the challenges of space travel and the importance of reliable transportation systems.
Overall, today’s news highlights a mix of political, economic, and technological developments that are shaping our world. Stay informed and engaged with the latest updates on these important issues.