Today’s topics

• New Texas Stock Exchange

• Amex’s newfound popularity with Gen Z

• Boeing Starliner finally makes it to ISS

• The Bajau people’s unique biological trait

  and more…

Wall Street wrapped up a strong week, with the S&P 500 hitting a record intraday high on Friday. The Dow Jones posted a modest 0.29% gain, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite surged ahead with a 2.38% climb. U.S. stock futures held steady Sunday night following a winning week, as traders anticipated the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate decision and the release of May inflation data.

Texas tussle: new stock exchange challenges Wall Street. Wall Street is about to get some Southern competition with the launch of the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE). Backed by heavyweights like BlackRock and Citadel Securities, TXSE has raised $120 million to take on the NYSE and Nasdaq. The new electronic trading platform aims to shake up the financial world by increasing competition in quote activity, liquidity, and transparency. TXSE's bold move highlights growing frustration with New York's financial duopoly and signals a potential shift in America's financial capital.

From Boomers to Zoomers: Amex’s newfound popularity with Gen Z. American Express, once the preferred card of baby boomers, has now become the "lifestyle" card of choice for Gen Z. Traditionally seen as elitist due to its hefty annual fees and exclusive travel perks, Amex is now resonating with younger generations. In 2023, millennials and Gen Z accounted for 75% of new consumer platinum and gold accounts, drawn by perks like entertainment credits, Uber cash, and airport lounge access. Despite high fees, more merchants are accepting Amex than ever, shedding its fussy reputation and appealing to younger consumers who value brand affiliation and premium experiences.

Starliner Finally Takes Flight: A Tumultuous Trek to the ISS

After conquering a series of mid-flight malfunctions, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore finally docked safely at the International Space Station on Thursday. This decade-long mission from Cape Canaveral marked Boeing's third attempt, plagued by helium leaks in the Starliner capsule, aptly named Calypso by Williams. Despite meticulous handling and scientific finesse, the astronauts faced further helium leaks both pre- and post-launch. As the earth clung tightly to Calypso, it took the combined force of Atlas V’s rockets and the capsule’s own thrusters to finally stabilize its orbit, just in time for mission control to interrupt their much-needed rest.

Who owns the Moon: the new frontier in space competition. The current lunar frenzy sees nations and private companies vying for dominance and resources on the Moon's surface. From China's recent missions to India and Japan's spacecraft landings, to NASA's plans for permanent bases and private companies like Intuitive Machines making their mark, the competition is heating up. However, amidst this space race, tensions may arise as the age-old question of ownership looms large, challenging the principles of the Outer Space Treaty and bringing earthly politics to the lunar landscape.

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Beneath the Waves: The Bajau People's Genetic Aquatic Mastery

Nestled in Southeast Asia, the Bajau people boast a fascinating genetic adaptation that facilitates their life beneath the waves. For nearly a millennium, they've called the sea home, residing in stilted abodes to remain intimately connected to their aquatic environment. Through generations of subsistence fishing and shellfish gathering, they've not only perfected their maritime skills but also developed enlarged spleens, possibly in response to their underwater lifestyle. This unique biological trait enables them to spend an impressive five hours daily submerged, showcasing the incredible resilience of the human body to adapt to its surroundings.

Wildlife Crossings: From Fish Doorbells to Elephant Tunnels

As humans encroach on natural habitats, traditional wildlife paths have become treacherous for animals, prompting creative solutions worldwide. From fish doorbells facilitating upstream journeys to elephant tunnels ensuring safe crossings, these innovations reflect a growing commitment to wildlife conservation. Take, for instance, the Dutch fish doorbell, a quirky solution in Utrecht to prevent fish pile-ups at a lock notorious for staying closed during spawning season, proving that even the most unusual crossings can make a significant impact.

Tipping over the edge. Tipping fatigue is widespread, with 1 in 3 Americans finding it "out of control," yet tipping remains crucial for workers' wages, with an average gratuity of 20% at sit-down restaurants. Additionally, tipping for takeout and personal services is customary, but navigating cashless systems defaulting to 15-25% tips can be awkward, so understanding service charges is key before opting out.

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