Good morning. It's Friday, April 30, and we're covering a boost in economic figures, the reopening of America's largest city, and much more. Have feedback? Let us know at [email protected].

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NEED TO KNOW

Economic Surge

The US economy grew by 1.6% in the first quarter of 2021, according to government estimates released yesterday. The figure is equivalent to 6.4% annualized growth and marks the second-biggest quarterly expansion over the past decade, outside of a 7.5% jump last fall that followed near-complete economic shutdowns due to the pandemic. Analysts said the surge was driven by a rebound in consumer spending, fueled by more than $400B worth of recently sent stimulus checks. 

Separately, initial unemployment claims fell slightly last week to 553,000, the third straight week first-time filings were under 600,000. For context, the prepandemic average was just over 200,000 new claims per week (see data). An estimated 16.6 million people were enrolled in some form of unemployment benefits program as of the week of April 10. 

Despite the gains, data from the Labor Department show 8.4 million fewer jobs on payroll compared to February of last year. Analysts expect the economy to add around 500,000 jobs per month over the short term. 

NYC Eyes Reopening

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said yesterday the city would aim to fully reopen July 1, lifting restrictions on restaurants, gyms, and all other businesses. A return to normal would mark a symbolic moment for both New Yorkers and the country—America's most populous city was a global epicenter early in the pandemic, registering an average of 800 deaths per day last April. 

The city is averaging roughly 1,700 new cases per day, down 70% since January ($$, Bloomberg), reporting about 30 deaths per day. Just over 40% of city residents have received at least one vaccine dose. Many states have either fully or mostly lifted restrictions on businesses and ended outdoor (and some indoor) mask mandates. See your state's status here.

Overall, the US is averaging around 52,000 new cases of COVID-19 per day, more than a 25% decline from mid-April (see data). Deaths continue to decline slightly, averaging around 680 per day. Almost 55% of US adults have received at least one vaccine dose, with almost 40% fully vaccinated; see how your state is doing here. 

Finally, US officials urged any Americans in India to leave the country, where cases have spiked to 350,000 per day. The crisis has forced family members to resort to mass cremations for loved ones (see photos). 

(Possible) Directed Energy Attacks

Federal agencies are reportedly investigating two possible instances of directed energy attacks on US soil, according to reports that surfaced yesterday. At least one of the incidents was said to be in the vicinity of the White House. While many details are unknown, the incidents mirror a series of suspected attacks on US diplomats in Cuba and China in recent years. 

A December report from the National Academy of Sciences concluded focused microwave energy was the most likely culprit for symptoms, including brain fog and acute headaches, reported by diplomatic staff in previous attacks. In line with auditory hallucinations, scientists pointed to the Frey effect—where electromagnetic waves interact with the brain's auditory cortex, among other regions. The central mysteries—who is behind the attacks and how the radiation is generated—remain unsolved, though the former Soviet Union is known to have repeatedly irradiated the US embassy in Moscow during the Cold War. 

Separately, the Pentagon warned that US troops may be vulnerable to directed energy attacks on the battlefield.  

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HOW MUCH?

Guess how much is spent annually on treatment for osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis).

Whatever you thought it was: guess again. The answer is a whopping $180B, and—with US incidence of osteoarthritis expected to reach 25% by 2030—that number doesn't seem likely to decrease anytime soon. But, unfortunately, Big Pharma has been unable to-date to find a solution addressing the multiple complex molecular mechanism driving osteoarthritis. Most treatments just address symptoms, but Cytonics’ innovation lies with a comprehensive approach at the root cause. Cytonics has developed a genetically engineered protein to attack the many destructive molecules responsible for osteoarthritis, and could crack the market for treatments wide open.

Today only, 1440 readers have the opportunity to invest in Cytonics' cutting-edge technology, which has the potential to reverse the progression of cartilage damage in arthritic joints. They've already raised over $15M to-date: check out the Cytonics investment opportunity to learn more today—the round closes at midnight tonight (4/30).

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IN THE KNOW

Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

> Former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence taken No. 1 overall by Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 NFL Draft (More) | See full first-round draft results (More) | Reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers reportedly wants out of Green Bay after 16 seasons (More)

> Five arrested, three charged with attempted murder in February shooting of Lady Gaga's dog walker; woman who returned Gaga's dogs charged as an accessory to the crime (More)

> Essential Quality (2-1) is favorite at tomorrow’s 2021 Kentucky Derby (coverage begins 2:30 pm, post time at 6:57 pm ET, NBC); see full preview and predictions (More) | Human rights activists seek to bar Essential Quality’s owner, United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed, from entering the horse in the race (More)

Science & Technology

> Brazil rejects Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, citing lack of transparency around clinical data and alleging the vaccine carries a live version of the virus that causes the common cold (More)

> China launches core module of its planned space station; the future complex will compete with the International Space Station (More)

> Archaeologists find 110 Egyptian tombs along the Nile River; some of the remains predate the predynastic period, with the discovery including two babies buried in jars (More)

Business & Markets

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> US stock markets up (S&P 500 +0.7%, Dow +0.7%, Nasdaq +0.2%); S&P 500 trades at record high on strong gross domestic product and employment figures (More)

> Earnings season: Amazon smashes earnings expectations—posts record quarterly profit, sees revenue grow 44% to $108B (More) | McDonald’s tops expectations—revenue passes prepandemic levels as US same-store sales grow 13% (More) | Twitter sees slowing growth—users grew 3% to 199 million in first quarter, shares down more than 10% (More)  

> US Food and Drug Administration​ announces it is taking steps to potentially ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars (More)

From our partners: $3,039 of value? The Ascent estimates this travel card can earn you over $3K in value after just the first year of use. Combine a massive points bonus with double points on travel and dining, no foreign transaction fees, and competitive travel insurances. You'll be soaring in no time.

Politics & World Affairs

> At least 44 dead in a stampede at Israel's Lag B'Omer religious festival; early reports suggest the crush occurred after attendees slipped on steps, sparking panic (More)

> Withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan formally begins; all troops expected to depart the country by Sept. 11 (More)

> White House says only couples making more than $509K per year would see a tax increase under the $1.8T American Families Plan (More) | See details of plan (More)

IN-DEPTH

How the Vaccine is Made

NYT | Staff. A visually rich overview of how Pfizer manufactures its COVID-19 vaccine. (Read)

Lost on Sullivan's Island

Truly*Adventurous | Dustin Waters. A hefty reward for a millionaire's lost cat sets off a scramble on a ritzy South Carolina island. (Read)

No Silver Bullet

The Associated Press | Frank Bajak. Lost in high-profile cyberattacks are the thousands of US organizations hit by ransomware attacks each year—a problem with no clear solutions. (Read)

BIOTECH BREAKTHROUGH

In partnership with Cytonics

Cytonics' revolutionary CYT-108 protein is based on a naturally occurring molecule, and research shows it has the potential to reverse the progression of cartilage damage in osteoarthritis.

But that's enough of the molecular biology mumbo-jumbo. Today's your chance to invest in Cytonics. It's the first treatment for osteoarthritis with the hopes of attacking the source, not just symptoms. More than a massive $180B is spent on treatment for osteoarthritis every year; check out Cytonics' investment opportunity today, round closes at midnight tonight!

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THE BEST OF APRIL 2021

Editor's note: More than 1.5 million monthly clicks can't be wrong. Here are the most popular stories we ran in April. Enjoy!

(4/22/21) Three simple questions to become more likable.

(4/15/21) Americans rank US states from best to worst.

(4/7/21) The Great Ketchup Shortage is upon us.

(4/14/21) Pentagon says leaked video of UFOs buzzing Navy ships is legit.

(4/12/21) A brutally honest dog adoption ad.

(4/26/21) Visualizing the depth of the Great Lakes.

(4/14/21) The 100 best companies to work for in 2021.

(4/7/21) Meet the Americans who don't use the internet.

(4/29/21) Sweden's biggest problem is exploding whale carcasses.

(4/19/21) Where millennials are moving.

(4/19/21) The best state park in every state.

(4/21/21) Photo captures the Northern Lights above an erupting volcano.

(4/5/21) The best movie filmed in every state.

(4/9/21) Ranking America's best chocolate makers.

(4/23/21) The world has a new busiest airport.

(4/21/21) Clickbait: Because sometimes you just need photos of ducks that look like George Washington.

(4/22/21) Bonus clickbait: Wyoming jogger fends off bear with rational conversation.

Historybook: George Washington becomes first president of the US (1789); Louisiana Purchase land deal between US and France doubles the size of the US (1803); Adolf Hitler commits suicide in underground bunker (1945); HBD Gal Gadot (1985).

"Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected."

- George Washington

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