Good morning,

Grab your shuriken and get ready to chuckle, because today we're diving into the mysterious world of ninjas - or rather, the lack thereof. Who would've thought that the land of the rising sun, Japan, would be facing a ninja shortage?

In a twist that could have come straight out of a quirky comedy, it seems that "ninja shows" are in high demand, but the ancient art of ninjutsu is not what it used to be. Companies are practically on a stealth mission themselves, trying to hunt down properly trained ninjas to entertain the masses. Talk about a disappearing act!

It's almost as if the ninjas are taking their jobs a bit too seriously, blending into the shadows so well that they're becoming a dying tradition. We can't help but wonder if there's an underground ninja job fair, where these elusive warriors gather to discuss the latest in smoke bomb technology and how to properly fold origami shuriken.

So, as you go about your day, spare a thought for those seeking to keep the ninja spirit alive. And remember, if you ever find yourself in need of a career change, there might just be a high-flying opportunity waiting for you in Japan. Just be prepared to keep your new job a secret - after all, that's the ninja way!

Have a stealthy and splendid day, and remember: even in the face of a ninja shortage, you can always count on laughter to brighten your day!

Late-Night Shows on Hiatus Amid Writers' Strike

Late-night TV shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show, Daily Show, Tonight, and Late Night have gone on hiatus due to the start of a new writers' strike in Hollywood. HBO is also suspending live production of Real Time with Bill Maher and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Fox News Channel's Greg Gutfeld's 11 p.m. panel program will continue to broadcast new shows, however. When the Writers’ Guild of America last went on strike in 2008, the hosts were off the air for two months.

Late-night shows play a major role in catching the pulse of the public. The strike has the potential to thwart business plans and may further harm late-night TV shows in their struggle to maintain viewership levels. In 2018, seven late night programs drew around $698 million in advertising, which reduced to $412.7 million in 2022, equating to a drop of approximately 41% in five years. The networks have started to cut back on their late-night programs, with NBC getting out of programming the 1:30 a.m. hour, and CBS planning to install a game show that James Corden used to occupy.

The strike could, therefore, lengthen the shows’ hiatus and could lead viewers to switch off permanently given the growing availability of streaming entertainment and COVID-19 pandemic forcing the shows to alter their formats. Comedy Central executives are presently testing various guest hosts for Daily Show, including appearances by the program’s cadre of faux-news correspondents.

Apple and Google Unite for Bluetooth Safety

person holding black android smartphone — Brett Jordan | Unsplash

Apple and Google are working together to draft a specification to prevent unwanted tracking from Bluetooth devices. In a joint announcement, the companies said they will lead an industry-wide initiative to develop a standard that will quickly alert users if they are being stalked or tracked by Bluetooth devices. The companies submitted a proposed specification, inviting other interested parties to review and comment over the next three months. After that, they will release a production implementation of the specification by year's end. Apple's AirTag has been the most popular Bluetooth tracker, and after reports of misuse, Apple has been working on new features for privacy warnings and alerts.

The new initiative by Apple and Google addresses safety concerns and intends to make it standard rather than a feature set. Apple has already released AirTag protections, but the new standard aims to offer tools across both iOS and Android platforms. The specification will make unwanted tracking alerts available on any platform, and it also includes more privacy warnings, alerts, and expanded documentation. By introducing a new solution, the companies demonstrate their commitment to the safety and protection of users.

Various advocacy groups, such as the National Network to End Domestic Violence and the Center for Democracy & Technology, praised the initiative. They recognized it as a "welcome step" to prevent misuse of Bluetooth trackers and to protect vulnerable individuals. This collaboration by Apple and Google is not new as the companies worked together on products that benefit their respective customer bases, such as the COVID-19 tracing tool for iOS and Android users in 2020.

More on Tech News

IBM is pausing or slowing hiring for back-office roles to potentially replace them with AI systems. Around 7,800 positions may be affected, but IBM is still hiring for software development and customer-facing roles. This reflects the growing concern over the impact of AI on human jobs and the continuing trend of companies using it as a reason for workforce restructuring and layoffs.
T-Mobile suffers another data breach, with 836 customers' personal information compromised, including social security numbers and account PINs. The company is offering free credit monitoring and PIN resets for affected customers. This breach is smaller in scale than T-Mobile's previous breaches, but highlights the ongoing vulnerability of personal information and the need for proactive protection.

Headline Roundup

Babies Die Without Ventilators: At a hospital in Afghanistan, mothers must hold oxygen tubes near their babies' noses because the masks designed to fit their small faces are not available and ventilators are nonexistent. According to the UN children's fund UNICEF, 167 children in Afghanistan die every day from preventable diseases, but visiting the pediatric ward of the main hospital in Ghor province makes one wonder if that estimate is too low. Basic facilities such as medication, equipment, and trained staff are missing, and public health care has never been adequate in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban seized power, foreign money, which almost entirely funded it, was frozen. The Taliban's recent ban on women working for NGOs means it's becoming harder for humanitarian agencies to operate, putting even more children and babies at risk.

Spanish Drought Crisis: A severe and prolonged drought in Spain is impacting the country's agricultural heartlands, with over 60% of the countryside affected and crop losses predicted to be significant. Crops are withering and drying out through lack of water, and many farmers are struggling to make ends meet. The lack of water is exacerbating fears for a repeat of last summer when the country saw extreme heatwaves and wildfires that burnt through hundreds of thousands of acres. Scientists have suggested that human-caused global heating is making droughts and heatwaves more common and more extreme, pointing to a new reality for parts of Europe. As the summer approaches, Spain is sounding the alarm on what might be in store if significant rainfall does not arrive.

"40,000 Troops for Counteroffensive": Ukraine has formed eight new brigades, including up to 40,000 troops, who will take part in a future counteroffensive against Russian forces in the Bakhmut area. It is not yet clear if the newly formed force will be part of the 12-brigade force required to break through the Russian front line, and the volunteers will need two to three weeks of training before being deployed. Questions have been raised about how successful the recruitment process has been considering that the war has already lasted 15 months and shown few signs of ending. Russian forces have suffered over 20,000 casualties over the last five months, but are still engaged in attritional fighting with Ukrainians over Bakhmut.

China's Luxury Spending Rebound

Luxury spending in China is back stronger than ever, especially after the pandemic-era restrictions are lifted. Many Western fashion and luxury brands are coming out on top, reaping the benefits of the renewed consumer mindset in China. Edouard Aubin, an equity analyst at Morgan Stanley, says that big brands "at the top of the pricing pyramid" like Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton are outperforming rivals. LVMH, the world's largest luxury goods group by sales, posted a 17% increase in first-quarter revenue and became the first European company to surpass $500 billion in market value.

According to China's National Bureau of Statistics, luxury spending in China, specifically retail sales of jewelry, gold, and silver, soared 37.4% in March from a year earlier, more than three times as fast as the rebound in overall retail sales. Luxury spending in China is bouncing back even faster than the country's overall economy. This desire for big-name luxury in China isn't new, as China powered the Western luxury market for over a decade.

Many luxury brands have raised prices in recent months, notably in China, although international travel remains far from pre-Covid levels. As domestic destinations continue to gain popularity, and retail hot spots continue to emerge, the pivot by Chinese shoppers to buying more domestically is expected to continue. Claudia D'Arpizio, a senior partner at the consultancy Bain, estimated that the population of middle- and high-income consumers in mainland China will double to 500 million by 2030. The sheer size of the Chinese luxury market makes it unique and of great strategic importance.

More on Economy and Business

The US job market is experiencing a softening trend as job openings fall for the third straight month and layoffs increase to the highest level in over two years, with the construction industry shedding the most jobs. The labor market ratio remains above the range that would generate inflation, but a softening trend could potentially impact investment plans, consumer spending, and overall economic growth.
Eurozone inflation increased by 7% in April, following five months of decline, mainly due to rises in food, drink, and energy prices connected to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The European Central Bank (ECB) could raise interest rates on Thursday in response to the increase, though the decision may depend on last week's sluggish GDP growth report. The ECB is working towards reducing runaway inflation rates, which are causing significant economic difficulties for households across Europe.
Go First, a budget airline in India, has filed for bankruptcy after being grounded due to financial difficulties brought about by its faulty Pratt & Whitney engines. Its collapse has impacted the Indian aviation sector, and creditors will meet to decide on their action. Go First's market share had also declined, forcing the airline to delay its planned IPO for $440m in 2021.

Scholz visits East Africa

statue of man with wings — Jan Rosolinor | Unsplash

Who is German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and where is he visiting?

Olaf Scholz is the German Chancellor and he is visiting Ethiopia and Kenya in East Africa.

What are the main topics Scholz will be discussing during his visit?

Scholz aims to discuss the conflict in Sudan, show support for the peace process in Ethiopia, and explore cooperation on green hydrogen with Kenya.

Who will Scholz be meeting with in Ethiopia?

Scholz will be meeting with the prime minister and the interim leader of the Tigray region in Ethiopia to discuss peace progress after a two-year war and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to discuss economic cooperation and global challenges.

What is the purpose of Scholz’s visit to Kenya?

Scholz will be meeting with the president of Kenya to discuss trade and other issues, as well as visiting Africa’s biggest geothermal plant to explore green hydrogen production.

What is the significance of Germany’s energy partnership with Kenya?

Germany’s energy partnership with Kenya, which derives 90% of its power from renewable sources, will hold a forum on green hydrogen during Scholz’s visit. Kenya is interested in producing green hydrogen for fertilizer production and potentially exporting to Germany if supply is extensive, strengthening Kenya’s position as a leader in climate protection and renewables on the African continent. The article highlights the increasing competition for influence and trade in Africa, as the West seeks to counter China’s growing presence in the region.

More on African News

Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill has been amended to remove the criminalization of identifying as homosexual without engaging in homosexual acts, but retains other extreme elements such as the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality". The amended bill will now be sent back to President Museveni who will decide whether to sign it into law or veto it.
Kenyan cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and his co-accused are facing charges of terrorism, murder, kidnapping, cruelty towards children, and child trafficking due to their involvement in the deaths of 109 people who were allegedly incited to starve themselves to death to "meet Jesus". This case highlights the need for regulation of unscrupulous churches and cults that have dabbled in criminality and has attracted both national and international attention.
Ugandan deputy minister for gender and labour, Charles Okello Engola, was shot and killed by a soldier assigned to his security detail, Wilson Sabiiti, who then turned the gun on himself, leaving a ministerial aide wounded. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but reports suggest that Sabiiti may have been suffering from mental health issues. The incident has highlighted the importance of mental health checks and support for military personnel.

Your meme dose

Enjoyed this?

Thank you for reading our newsletter! We hope you found it informative and enjoyable. If you had a good time reading it, we would love it if you could share it with your friends and spread the fun together.

Our newsletter is free and we take pride in providing concise and informative summaries of the latest news, removing all the unnecessary fluff. Plus, we add some entertainment and memes to keep things light-hearted and fun.

So go ahead and hit that forward button, and let your friends know where they can find a great source of news and entertainment. Thank you for your support!

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Update your email preferences or unsubscribe

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205

New Day Digest

☀️ Ninjas Needed