Today’s topics

• Americans get creative with their income streams

• NYC’s colossal octopus sculpture

• Turning grief into a high-tech, comforting experience

• The Great Reboot or CrowdStrike’s glitchy update

  and more…

On Monday, the S&P 500 snapped its three-day losing streak, buoyed by a resurgence in tech stocks. Investors, who had recently shifted focus to smaller companies, returned to their tech favorites as expectations of potential Federal Reserve rate cuts loomed. The Nasdaq led the charge with a 1.6% gain, while the S&P 500 rose by 1.1%, and the Dow made a modest 0.3% advance.

Side hustle surge: Americans cashing in with $891 monthly boosts. Americans are getting creative with their income streams, with 36% of adults now boasting a side hustle, according to a new Bankrate survey of 2,332 people. The average side hustler is raking in $891 per month, up from $810 in 2023—a notable 10% increase, making the practice “quite a bit more lucrative,” says Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate. While not everyone is pocketing hundreds monthly, the trend is growing, with generational differences highlighting the diversity in side gig earnings and opportunities.

Cadillac unveils the Sollei: a luxe leap into electric elegance. On Monday, Cadillac unveiled the Sollei, an ultra-luxury concept electric convertible that marries heritage with cutting-edge tech. Named from 'SOL' (sun) and 'LEI' (leisure), the Sollei builds on the hand-crafted Celestiq, showcasing what’s possible in custom vehicle design. According to John Roth, Cadillac's VP of Global Operations, the Sollei represents a bold "design exploration," pushing the limits of luxury as seen in collaborations with Celestiq clients and the innovative Escalade IQ.

AI Brings Loved Ones Back to Life

In a groundbreaking fusion of technology and sentimentality, Chinese companies are now offering AI avatars that allow people to 'resurrect' their deceased loved ones. These digital creations, developed by startups like Silicon Intelligence, use artificial intelligence to replicate the likeness and voice of the departed. This emerging industry in China is providing a unique way for individuals to connect with the memories of their loved ones, turning grief into a high-tech, comforting experience.

The Great Reboot: how a CrowdStrike update gave computers a blue Monday. A glitchy CrowdStrike update sent computers worldwide into a reboot frenzy, affecting everything from air travel to hospitals. The notorious "blue screen of death" reigned supreme, spotlighting the vast market share of both CrowdStrike and Microsoft. Despite the chaos, the incident underscores the critical role of cybersecurity and software updates in our tech-dependent world. According to FlightAware, around 115,000 flights were delayed globally. Delta Air Lines and others are working tirelessly to get back on track, as recovery efforts ramp up, the race to restore normalcy is on.

Sulfur Crystals: Groundbreaking Discovery on Mars

NASA's Curiosity rover has stumbled upon a "mind-blowing" discovery on Mars: vibrant yellowish-green sulfur crystals, never before seen on the Red Planet. This unexpected find occurred as Curiosity traversed the ancient Gediz Vallis channel, cracking open a rock and revealing the startling crystals. "Finding a field of stones made of pure sulfur is like discovering an oasis in a desert," says project scientist Ashwin Vasavada. This astonishing revelation has scientists eager to unravel the mystery of why these crystals exist in such an unlikely place.

Deep Sea 'Dark Oxygen' Sparks New Theories on Life’s Origins

In the pitch-black depths of the Pacific Ocean, scientists have uncovered a surprising source of oxygen—metallic lumps called polymetallic nodules. These lumpy formations, which produce oxygen in total darkness, operate in a process strikingly similar to photosynthesis but without sunlight. Found four kilometers below the surface in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, these nodules are rich in metals like cobalt and nickel, hinting at their potential role in early Earth's environment. This unexpected discovery could revolutionize our understanding of life's origins, suggesting that life’s beginnings might not have been confined to sunlight-rich environments.

NYC Subway to Boost Safety with AI Gun-Detecting Scanners

Mayor Eric Adams announced that AI-powered gun-detecting scanners will soon be deployed in the New York City subway. This initiative follows NYPD data revealing that subway crime has fallen below pre-pandemic levels, a decline partly credited to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s deployment of National Guard soldiers and state police officers. MTA Chair Janno Lieber also highlighted other crime-reduction measures, including increased security cameras and more mental health professionals in the transit system.

NYC’s newest attraction: world’s largest octopus and friends. Prepare to be swept away by an underwater marvel! Renowned artists Gillie and Marc have unveiled their colossal octopus sculpture—now the world’s largest—right outside the World Trade Center. This monumental marine masterpiece is part of a larger exhibition featuring a host of impressive animal sculptures, making Wall Street a bit more tentacled and adventurous. It’s a playful twist on the financial district, where art meets sea life in grand style.

Llama love at Portland airport. Travelers at Portland International Airport were delighted by two emotional support llamas trotting through the terminal, decked out with bows and “I love PDX” blankets. Their unexpected visit added a fluffy touch to the travel experience. Watch the video.

CRISPR reveals common drug as cobra venom antidote. Scientists from Sydney and Liverpool have made a breakthrough by using CRISPR to identify a widely available blood thinner that also acts as an antidote to cobra venom.

TikTok of the day: watch here

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