Good morning, Quartz readers!
Here’s the essential information you should be aware of:
Caution advised on purchasing solar eclipse glasses: Experts warn against buying solar eclipse glasses from Amazon, Temu, or eBay due to the prevalence of counterfeit and unsafe options. The American Astronomical Society highlighted this concern ahead of today’s eclipse in the U.S. On a separate note, the eclipse has led to increased business for hotels and Airbnb.
Incident involving a Boeing engine part: During takeoff from Denver International Airport, a Southwest flight experienced an engine cowling detachment, striking a wing flap on the 737-800 aircraft. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the plane safely returned to Denver.
Record-breaking Powerball win: Oregon sold a single winning ticket for the massive $1.3 billion jackpot, marking the eighth largest Powerball win in U.S. history.
GE Aerospace boosts dividend by 250%: Following its split into three separate entities, with GE Aerospace now operating as an independent company, General Electric Aerospace has announced a significant 250% increase in its dividend.
Microsoft raises concerns about AI manipulation in elections linked to China
Microsoft has raised alarms regarding China’s utilization of AI to orchestrate misinformation campaigns aimed at influencing foreign elections.
In a recent report by Microsoft Threat Intelligence, it was revealed that China is actively engaged in creating and amplifying AI-generated content to serve its interests leading up to significant elections in the U.S., South Korea, and India.
The report disclosed that a Chinese Communist Party-backed online operation known as “Spamouflage” or “Dragonbridge” has begun leveraging AI to influence public opinion in Taiwan and Canada. Notably, in Taiwan, Spamouflage utilized AI to fabricate audio clips of a former candidate endorsing another individual, despite the candidate having withdrawn from the race months earlier.
This marks the first instance where Microsoft Threat Intelligence has observed a nation-state actor employing AI-generated content to interfere in a foreign election.
Noteworthy figure: $44 billion
Samsung’s reported investment in a Texas semiconductor hub
Samsung, the South Korean tech giant, is set to invest a substantial $44 billion in establishing a semiconductor plant outside Austin, Texas. This move is expected to be supported by significant subsidies from the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, with Samsung likely to receive one of the largest payouts under this act to a single company.
Additional insights from Quartz:
🚢 The Baltimore port is anticipated to partially reopen post the Key Bridge collapse later this month.
🤑 Wall Street analysts are among the highest-paid professionals globally, thanks to substantial bonuses.
🍿 Cinemark’s stock is on the rise as the cinema industry experiences a resurgence.
🧐 A lawsuit alleges that Tesla failed to compensate workers for overtime, sick leave, and vacation time.
📉 Teladoc’s CEO departs abruptly amidst a decline in stock value.
🥪 Jersey Mike’s, the sandwich chain, is contemplating a billion-dollar sale.
Intriguing discoveries in the news:
Possible collision between a dead star and a black hole: Unique gravitational waves originating 650 million light-years away suggest a potential collision.
Insight into Voyager 1’s glitches: NASA attributes the spacecraft’s recent malfunctions to a corrupted memory hardware issue, which is less severe than initially feared.
Tesla’s stockpile reaches a record high: The company produced 46,561 more electric vehicles than it delivered in the first quarter.
Pricey purse sale: One of the most expensive purses ever sold fetched $3.6 million, featuring numerous diamonds.
Major heist in Los Angeles: Over the Easter holiday, robbers stole $30 million from a facility operated by security firm GardaWorld.
If you didn’t know, we offer two premium weekend email services—one providing weekly news analysis and the other curating the best reads from Quartz and beyond to kickstart your week. Consider becoming a member or gifting a membership for exclusive access!
Wishing you a productive day ahead. For news, feedback, celestial events, or luxury accessories, reach out to [email protected]. Today’s Daily Brief was compiled by Morgan Haefner and Laura Bratton.
