>>Solar Eclipse Could Bring Boom To Businesses
(Undated) -- Today's solar eclipse will briefly block out the sun, but it's expected to shine some light into the economy. As millions prepare to witness the rare celestial event, experts are forecasting upwards of a one-point-five-billion-dollar boost to businesses within the eclipse's corridor. Lodging and travel, such as Airbnb, hotels and airlines, will be the major beneficiaries with an estimated four million travelers on the move along its path from Texas to Maine. Retailers are also expected to continue seeing an uptick in sales for eclipse-related products, from viewing glasses to portable chairs. History shows the stock market is likely to have a positive response with the Dow finishing the year with notable gains 10 times out of 13 total solar eclipse events since 1900.
>>Experts Warn Against Fake Eclipse Glasses
(Washington, DC) -- Experts are warning people about fake eclipse glasses. The American Astronomical Society is reminding stargazers to wear only approved eclipse glasses to watch today's event, and to make sure they aren't counterfeit. Real eclipse glasses are specially made to block almost all visible light, but the AAS notes the market is full of cheap knockoffs that could cause blindness. The society has provided a list of reputable makers of eclipse eye protection, for the roughly 32 million people who will be able to see the total solar eclipse where they live.
>>Brazilian Judge Orders Inquiry Into Elon Musk
(Brasilia) -- A Brazilian supreme court judge is opening an inquiry into Elon Musk after Musk said he would reactivate some accounts on his social media platform X. The accounts in question had been ordered blocked by the judge. Musk countered by saying he would re-instate the accounts and that the judge should resign. It's not clear which accounts were ordered blocked but the judge is investigating fake news and hate messages spread online during the presidency of far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro [[ JAA-eer BOL-zo-na-ro ]]. The judge is threatening fines of nearly 20-thousand-dollars a day if Musk does not comply.
>>Meta Wants Antitrust Case Dismissed
(Undated) -- Facebook parent company Meta is asking a federal judge to dismiss the Federal Trade Commission's antitrust case against them. The FTC sued Meta back in 2020, claiming the company illegally maintained a monopoly on personal social media by its acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp. Now, Meta claims the Federal Trade Commission has failed to provide plausible evidence in their ongoing antitrust lawsuit. The social media giant has asked the judge to dismiss the case entirely.
>>Apple Lays Off Hundreds
(Santa Clara, CA) -- Apple is laying off over 600 people from eight different locations in Santa Clara, California. No layoffs are scheduled for the company's main campus in Cupertino. The tech company filed a WARN Notice about the planned layoffs but did not say if it was in relation to any projects. Those notified will be out of work effective late next month
