Taylor Swift's Influence Looms Large Over 2024 Election
While Taylor Swift has yet to make an official endorsement, politicians are reportedly taking notice of her massive cultural sway as the 2024 presidential election approaches. After Swift's record-breaking Eras tour generated billions for local economies and her Netflix documentary broke viewership records, a Swift nod could significantly impact voter turnout - especially among younger demographics. Incumbent Joe Biden would seemingly stand to benefit most, given Swift's liberal fanbase, though she has never publicly supported a presidential candidate before. As speculation intensifies, only time will tell if the queen of pop will put her influence on the line next election cycle.
UPS to Cut Over 12,000 Jobs
Package delivery giant UPS announced it will lay off 12,000 employees as part of a cost-cutting plan to save $1 billion annually. The move comes as UPS adjusts its revenue projections for 2023 to between $92-94.5 billion - lower than previous forecasts. In a statement, CEO Carol Tomé said the job cuts were a necessary "action to better position our company for future success" in a challenging economy. Investors responded negatively, with UPS stock plunging almost 9% following the news.
Toyota Recalls 50,000 Vehicles Over Airbag Issues
Toyota issued a "Do Not Drive" advisory impacting certain vehicles from 2003-2005 that may contain faulty Takata airbags linked to prior recalls. If deployed, these airbags pose serious risks including injury or death due to exploding metal fragments. The recall affects around 50,000 Toyota models across various brands. It's the latest fallout from the massive Takata airbag recall, considered the largest in automotive history, which has forced numerous automakers to address potentially deadly defects over the past decade.
Neuralink Implants First Brain Chip in Human
Elon Musk's neurotech startup Neuralink made history by implanting its first brain-computer interface chip in a human patient. The procedure, performed in California, represents an important milestone on Neuralink's mission to create devices enabling paraplegics to use smartphones with their minds. However, the company has faced questions around safety protocols in the past, including fines from federal regulators and investigations into animal testing practices. As the first human trial gets underway, Neuralink will aim to prove its chip can be implanted safely and help restore communication for those with severe spinal injuries or neurological disorders.
Universal Orlando Announces New Theme Park
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Universal Orlando Resort unveiled plans for its highly anticipated fourth theme park, Epic Universe, which is slated to open in 2025. Spanning over 750 acres, Epic Universe will feature immersive lands dedicated to beloved franchises like Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal Monsters. At the center will be a multi-acre Celestial Park area with gardens, waterways and pathways connecting the lands and their state-of-the-art attractions. The new park represents Universal's largest investment and expansion to date, aiming to build on the success of its existing resort and continue driving tourism in Florida.
UPS layoffs