Newsletter Jun 26, 2024

Quick Six

Surgeon general declares gun violence a 'public health crisis'
The US surgeon general on Tuesday issued a landmark advisory declaring gun violence a "public health crisis" and calling for wide-ranging firearm controls that have historically met stiff political opposition. The advisory by Vivek Murthy is the first major report on gun violence from a surgeon general, whose office has limited authority but plays a significant role in public health issues. A similar report on tobacco in the 1960s is viewed as a key first step to altering the perception of the substance's danger, ultimately leading to new regulations and a steep decline in consumption.
WHAT THE DECLARATION CAN DO TO HALT GUN VIOLENCE

Yellen announces $100M plan for more affordable housing
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen revealed a $100 million financing initiative in a bid to address soaring housing costs ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential election. The plan, aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing, is part of President Joe Biden administration's broader strategy to tackle the ongoing housing crisis, a significant factor in inflation and a source of public dissatisfaction with the administration's economic policies.
FIND OUT HOW YELLEN PLANS TO PAY FOR THE INITIATIVE

Walmart announces July sale to rival Amazon Prime Days
Walmart has announced that it will be having a big July sale, starting on Monday, July 8, days prior to the scheduled Amazon Prime Day Sale on July 16. The Walmart Deals sale will be the largest held by the retail chain, with discounts on toys, electronics, and more as the back-to-school season approaches. Walmart timed its four-day sale to proceed the major sales event held by its rival, Amazon Prime Day, which will take place July 16 and 17.
SEE WHICH SALES EVENT WILL OFFER THE BEST DEALS

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Markets

DJIA	39,112.16	-0.76%
S&P 500	5,469.30	0.39%
Nasdaq Composite	17,717.65	1.26%
Japan: Nikkei 225	39,173.15	0.95%
UK: FTSE 100	8,247.79	-0.41%
Crude Oil Futures	80.78	-1.04%
Gold Futures	2,331.60	-0.55%
Yen	159.64	-0.03%
Euro	1.07	-0.01%
* As of market close

US pressing Israel to avoid Hezbollah war

The US is pressing Israel to avoid a major war against Lebanon's Hezbollah, with American officials urging a diplomatic solution in order to prevent another Middle East crisis. Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah are exchanging fire on a near-daily basis, and the Israeli army said that plans for an offensive in Lebanon have been "approved and validated." Washington is working to lower the temperature, but those efforts may further add to tensions between the leaders -- US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

WHY THE US FEARS ANOTHER CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Snapchat rolls out 'sextortion' safety rules

Snapchat rolled out safety measures Tuesday designed to protect teenagers, making it harder for predators to target them for "sextortion" -- a scam that exploits victims sexually and financially. Snapchat said the new features that it will be integrating in the app include expanded warning pop-ups, which the user would receive the moment someone not on their contact list tries contacting them. Blocking tools were also implemented, making it harder to create new accounts on the app.

HOW THE NEW REGULATIONS WILL WORK IN THE REAL WORLD

Brazil votes to decriminalize personal weed

Brazil's Supreme Court said Tuesday a majority of judges had voted to decriminalize possession of marijuana for personal use, after a lengthy and divisive trial. Eight of the top court's 11 judges voted for small amounts of cannabis possession to remain an "illicit act" -- but one that is not punished by criminal proceedings. The judges must decide what quantity of marijuana will differentiate a casual user from a trafficker.

SEE WHY THE TRIAL HAS TAKEN NEARLY A DECADE TO DECIDE

Extra point

How many countries have legal recreational marijuana laws nationwide?

Tuesday's answer: The first Olympics held outside Europe was in 1904. Due to Russo-Japanese War tensions, they were held in St. Louis, Mo.

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