Good morning. It's Saturday, Aug. 6, and in this weekend edition, we're covering an unexpected growth in US employment, China's response to Pelosi's Taiwan visit, and much more. Have feedback? Let us know at [email protected]. |
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US employers added 528,000 jobs in July, more than twice the estimated 250,000 jobs economists had expected, according to government data released yesterday. Unemployment fell to 3.5%, down from 3.6% in the previous month, regaining all 22 million jobs lost since the pandemic began. The unemployment figure is the lowest since February 2020 and ties for the lowest rate since 1969. See data breakdown here.
Analysts say the figures indicate the US labor market remains strong enough to allow the Federal Reserve to continue to raise interest rates without triggering a recession. The Fed has hiked rates four times this year to curb 40-year high inflation, with plans for three more increases.
Recession concerns rose after data showed the US economy contracted for two consecutive quarters—commonly considered the start of a recession (see 101). Official recognition of a recession, however, is made by the National Bureau of Economic Research, which looks at the wider economic picture, including employment. |
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China suspends military ties and talks on key issues with the US.
China is halting all dialogue with the US on a range of areas, including military defense, climate, illegal drugs, and transnational crimes. The action follows House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D, CA-12) visit to Taiwan, which China views as de facto recognition of the island's sovereignty. See more on China and Taiwan here.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill an Islamic jihad militant group leader.
The airstrikes come amid tensions on the border of Israel and Gaza, and follow the arrest of another senior militant in the occupied West Bank earlier this week. The Israeli military claims the militant group was preparing to conduct attacks against Israel. At least 10 Palestinians were killed, including a 5-year-old girl, and more than 40 were injured in the strike.
Milwaukee selected to host Republican National Convention in 2024.
The GOP announced the pick Friday, choosing Milwaukee over Nashville, Tennessee, and making Milwaukee a convention host for the second straight presidential cycle. Wisconsin is typically seen as a key swing state (see 101). Democrats have yet to announce where they will host their convention.
Polioviruses found in wastewater sampled in two New York counties.
New York State health officials in June and July found the positive wastewater samples in counties north of New York City: Rockland County and Orange County. About two weeks ago, a man in his 20s in Rockland County was found to be paralyzed by vaccine-derived polioviruses (see 101).
Kevin Spacey ordered to pay $31M to "House of Cards" producers.
A Los Angeles judge ruled Spacey and his production companies must pay the creators of the Netflix political drama because of losses incurred after the 63-year-old Oscar winner was fired in 2017. Spacey was removed from the show following sexual misconduct allegations, which he has denied. |
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Heartwarming portraits of 50 dads explore the meaning of fatherhood. (More)
An 18-year-old lifeguard helps deliver a baby at a YMCA pool in Colorado. (More)
... and a newborn surprises parents by kissing her dad's cheek. (More, w/video)
Mother-daughter duo make history by piloting a Southwest flight together. (More)
Children sing "We Don't Talk About Bruno" on NYC subway in cute video. (More)
Oklahoma City mail carrier celebrates 70 years with the US Postal Service. (More)
Deaf 11-year-old girl delighted when Disney princess communicates in American Sign Language. (More) |
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Today, we're sharing a story from reader Laureen C. in Texas.
"On our recent vacation, our grandson's luggage never arrived to our location after being lost. We needed to purchase clothes for a 10-year-old who only had what was worn to travel in. We arrived at a port and went directly into a store to buy him a few shirts. The owner took pity on us when I told him about our grandson’s missing luggage and gave me two additional nice shirts in the bag. It brought tears to my eyes, and I will never forget it."
What act(s) of kindness did you experience this week? Tell us. |
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Historybook: Actress Lucille Ball born (1911); Pop artist Andy Warhol born (1928); "Little Boy" atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, killing more than 70,000 (1945); HBD actress Michelle Yeoh (1962); Voting Rights Act signed (1965); Curiosity rover lands on Mars (2012). |
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"Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world."
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Why 1440? The printing press was invented in the year 1440, spreading knowledge to the masses and changing the course of history. Guess what else? There are 1,440 minutes in a day and every one is precious. That’s why we scour hundreds of sources every day to provide a concise, comprehensive, and objective view of what's happening in the world. Reader feedback is a gift—shoot us a note at [email protected].
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