U.S. fed up with tipping, USWNT loses, and the iPhone photo awards.

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Business & Economy

Back-to-school shopping to cost Americans more than ever amid inflation spike

Last weekend kicked off back-to-school shopping as nine states across the U.S. declared a sales tax holiday. The National Retail Federation predicts Americans will spend a record $41.5 billion, up from last year’s $36.9 billion. Families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $890.07 on back-to-school items, about $25 more than last year's record, per NRF's survey of 7,843 consumers. (More)

The new world of tipping

The pandemic ushered in a new culture of tipping to help support industry workers but now some consumers are frustrated with the new normal. Tipping prompt screens have become common at counter-service spots, movie theaters, and self-service car washes. The constant requests are causing fatigue among customers, with 66% of Americans reporting they have a negative view of tipping according to a Bankrate survey. 65% say they always tip servers, down from 73% last year and 77% in 2019. (More)

EV maker Lucid slashes prices of Air sedan as part of offer amid heating competition

Lucid is trying to stay competitive in the cheapening EV market by reducing the price of the Air Pure by $5,000 to $82,400 from $87,400. They also cut the prices of the more powerful Touring and Grand Touring versions by $12,400 to $95,000 and $125,600, adding that the offer would stand as long as supplies last. (More)

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US News, Politics, & Government

US military responded to Chinese and Russian vessels near Alaska

The Chinese and Russian naval patrol operated off the coast of Alaska last week in a show of force that prompted the U.S. military to respond. NORTHCOM and the North American Aerospace Defense Command deployed planes and ships to monitor the foreign patrol, which stayed in international waters. Officials ultimately decided the operation did not pose a threat. (More)

AP Psychology can be taught ‘in its entirety’, says Florida official

Florida’s government reversed its initial stance which had informed school superintendents that the AP Psychology course offered to high schoolers violated the state’s new law prohibiting instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. Florida’s education commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said that the state now believes the course could be taught “in its entirety.” (More)

California bear ‘Hank the Tank’ captured in Lake Tahoe and will be relocated

State biologists plan to transport the captured bear to a wildlife sanctuary in Colorado. DNA evidence has tied her to 21 home invasions and she is suspected of causing property damage and breaking into several other homes. The bear’s young cubs, who have accompanied her on recent home invasions, will potentially be moved to a rehab center, with the hope that they can unlearn the negative behaviors they picked up from their mother and be returned to the wild. (More)

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World

Syrian baby born under earthquake rubble turns 6 months

The baby girl who was born under the rubble of her family home destroyed by the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria six months ago is healthy, happy, and loves her adopted family. Afraa survived 10 hours under the rubble that killed her family and was still attached to her mother’s umbilical cord when she was found. She was adopted by her paternal aunt and her husband who are raising her along with their 7 children. (More)

Dozens die in train crash in southern Pakistan after 10 carriages derail

The accident killed 30 people and injured more than 90. Officials said the crash could be due to a mechanical fault or the result of sabotage. Train crashes often occur on poorly maintained railway lines in Pakistan, where colonial-era communications and signal systems haven’t been modernized and safety standards are poor. (More)

‘Monster hunters’ wanted in new search for the mythical Loch Ness beast

The Loch Ness Centre in Scotland is organizing what it’s calling the largest search for the Loch Ness Monster since the 1970s. The centre said that modern technology such as drones that produce thermal images will help “search the waters in a way that has never been done before.” The search is planned for the weekend of Aug. 26 and 27. (More)

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Sports & Entertainment

USWNT loses to Sweden on penalties, crashes out of World Cup in Round of 16

The game went to penalty kicks after neither team scored in 120 minutes of regulation. Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, and Kelly O’Hara missed their kicks, and Sweden clinched the shootout 5-4, knocking the U.S. out of the World Cup in the Round of 16 for the first time in history. (More)

Simone Biles wins U.S. Classic in return after 2-year layoff

Biles returned to gymnastics competition on Saturday night where she won the all-around, balance beam, and floor titles and had the highest score on vault. With this win, Biles qualified for the U.S. national championships next month. However, she didn’t confirm her status for the 2023 Olympics but hinted she’s working towards it. (More)

Lucas Glover wins Wyndham Championship, earns spot in FedEx Cup playoffs

PGA golfer Lucas Glover won for the first time in more than two years and earned a spot in the postseason in doing so. Justin Thomas needed a birdie on the last hole to make the playoffs, but his shot from 100 feet hit the pin and settled inches away. This marks the first time in his career he will miss the playoffs. (More)

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Science, Health, & Tech

Elon Musk Says Twitter Will Pay Legal Fees Of Any Users Punished For Posting

Elon Musk tweeted Saturday “If you were unfairly treated by your employer due to posting or liking something on this platform, we will fund your legal bill. No limit. Please let us know.” He didn’t make it clear how people should reach out or define what “unfairly treated” means. (More)

The FDA approves the first pill specifically intended to treat postpartum depression

The drug, called Zarzuvae, mimics a derivative of progesterone, the naturally occurring female hormone needed to maintain a pregnancy. Levels of the hormone can plunge after childbirth, which may play a role in postpartum depression. The pill begins to work almost immediately and is only taken for 14 days, unlike traditional antidepressants, which take a few weeks to kick in and are prescribed for longer periods. (More)

Google Makes It Easier to Delete Your Deets

Last year, Google rolled out its Result About You tool that allows users to monitor what personal details about them appear in a Google search. The tool makes it easy to request the removal of certain personal information like your email address, homes address, or phone number. The newest update is a dashboard that shows you what contact information is showing up in Google searches. It also can alert you when new results displaying your personal info appear in searches. (More)

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Bonus Material

Ranked: America’s best hospitals by specialty.

Why people sleepwalk and how to prevent it. 

Check out the winning shots from the 2023 iPhone Photography Awards. 

These are the most valuable Beanie Babies.