Newsletter Aug 18, 2021

President Joe Biden is expected to announce today plans to distribute and administer a third COVID booster shot eight months after full vaccination.
3 things you must know

  • Biden administration set to approve booster shots today

    Health officials are hoping that the third time is a charm when it comes to fully vaccinating Americans. This comes as the US is ready to recommend a third shot of the COVID-19 booster vaccine for those with compromised immune systems and other health issues.

    As soon as today the Biden administration is expected to lay out a plan for recipients of the two-shot Moderna and Pfizer vaccines to receive a booster shot eight months after their final inoculation. Some outlets are already providing the booster to those most at risk.

    FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET A THIRD BOOSTER SHOT

  • Automobiles a driving force behind mixed economic numbers

    Given America’s long-running love affair with their cars, it should come as no surprise the major role the automobile played in some of the key economic indicators that came out Tuesday. What is surprising, however, is Tuesday's automotive mixed messages.

    American automakers experienced an 11.2% increase in production in July despite continuing microchip shortages, fueling a better-than-expected overall industrial production report of nearly 1% for the month. Meanwhile, a drop in car sales led a disappointing US retail sales report, with overall sales down just over 1% in July. It looks like more two-way traffic on the road to a full economic recovery.

    FIND OUT HOW THE NON-AUTOMOBILE SEGMENTS FARED

  • Home buying sentiment hits its lowest level in over a year

    The housing market again showed signs of slowing with the release of the National Association of Home Builders’ monthly confidence report, which revealed the steepest drop in single-family home buying sentiment since the early days of the pandemic.

    Three key areas in the report saw 5-point drops, indicating that prospective buyers may be waiting to make their move. That’s because home and building material prices remain at all-time highs and appear to be deterring some prospective buyers from taking the plunge until the costs come back down to earth.

    FIND OUT WHEN ANALYSTS THINK HOME PRICES WILL FALL
Markets
DJIA 35,343.28 -0.79%
S&P 500 4,448.08 -0.71%
Nasdaq Composite 14,656.18 -0.93%
Japan: Nikkei 225 27,424.47 -0.36%
UK: FTSE 100 7,181.11 0.38%
Crude Oil Futures 66.61 0.03%
Gold Futures 1,787.60 -0.01%
Yen 109.56 -0.02%
Euro 1.17 0.01%
* As of market close
Afghan airlift aims to evacuate thousands

The horrific scenes of Afghans clinging to airplanes as the took off from Kabul Airport has sparked an international effort to transport the refugees to safe havens. Between civilian and military flights running around-the-clock missions, the Biden administration hopes to transport 9,000 per day.

But even that lofty goal might not be enough to accommodate the thousands trying to flee the Taliban as other countries lend a hand to the massive effort. Taliban checkpoints were allowing internationals to proceed to the airport while preventing Afghan citizens from escaping. Those who helped the US during its 20-year stay fear for their lives.

SEE THE MASSIVE INTERNATIONAL EFFORT TO AIRLIFT AFGHANS
Biden's new crime bill a priority for passage

President Joe Biden may have his hands full between the fall of Afghanistan and the surge of COVID-19, but another priority campaign pledge is forcing him to address criminal justice reform. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors have come together to call for immediate action.

Biden is seeking support for his new crime bill, which hits a few high notes for those calling for legal change. Among the recommendations are no cash bail, decriminalization of marijuana, no arrests for drugs, halting mandatory minimum sentences and abolishing the death penalty.

FIND OUT IF AND WHEN BIDEN'S NEW CRIME BILL WILL PASS

Contactless pay gets popular in pandemc

The contactless transaction trend was already well under way before COVID-19 came along and pushed the alternative payment system over the top. The result if a massive increase in contactless pay options and in the numbers of businesses and consumers using the convenient method.

So how much did contactless transactions grow during the pandemic? Nearly half of US consumers said they wouldn't even shop at a store that doesn't carry it, two-thirds of all businesses have experimented with offering it; and three in four Americans say they have made the switch. It's proof that if you can't operate like an old general store in the 21st century.

FIND OUT THE FUTURE FOR CONTACTLESS TRANSACTIONS

Out of cash

Contactless transactions may be new, but not the concept of cashless payments. What was the first credit card option in the US and what year?

Tuesday’s answer: Ian Murphy, aka Captain Zap, became the first cyber criminal in 1981 after he was convicted of hacking AT&T and tampering with the clock to give callers discounted calls during peak hours (for you millennials, yes, people used to pay by the minute to use land lines).

SEND YOUR ANSWER HERE TO SHOW OFF YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Fast Start for friends

There's no better way to start your day than by waking up with Fast Start, except perhaps sharing it with friends. Spread the word by forwarding today's copy to your crew and tell them to let us know you sent them.

HERE'S THE EMAIL ADDRESS YOUR FRIENDS WILL NEED

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

IBTimes will always protect your security and privacy. Please read our detailed Privacy Policy. Please do not reply to this email. Click here to adjust your notification preferences or unsubscribe. 
© Copyright 2021 IBTimes LLC. All Rights Reserved.