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FTC Probes Surveillance Pricing, GM Focuses on Chevy Bolt & Cocaine-Contaminated Sharks
Jeroen Seghers
July 24, 2024 • Reading Time: 4 minutes
Good morning! It’s Wednesday, and your daily Brief is here to kickstart your day with the top stories you need to know. Let’s dive in and get you up to speed.
Today’s top stories
FTC is investigating “Surveillance Pricing”.
The FTC is investigating 'surveillance pricing,' where companies use algorithms and personal data to set individualized prices. While Revionics denies such practices, the probe could lead to further actions if misconduct is found, and companies like Mastercard have pledged cooperation.
Quartz + 10 • AI • US News
General Motors has halted development of its custom robotaxi 'Origin' to focus on a new Chevy Bolt, incurring a $583M charge and impacting its stock market performance. Cruise, GM's self-driving car unit, will now utilize a next-gen Bolt for autonomous driving, following public incidents and regulatory issues. |  |
Brazil's coastal waters show alarming levels of cocaine contamination in sharks, spotlighting the nation's drug consumption and disposal issues. The discovery raises significant concerns about marine life health and calls for urgent legislative action to monitor and mitigate this environmental threat.
Psych.org + 19 • Science
France's leftist New Popular Front has nominated Lucie Castets for Prime Minister, challenging President Macron's authority amid a narrow legislative victory. Macron's delay in appointing a new PM underscores the political deadlock, as he seeks a parliamentary majority through potential coalitions.
Yahoo News + 20 • EU News • World News
Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, have agreed to form a national unity government during talks in China, despite opposition from Israel and the U.S. The move follows escalating violence in the West Bank and aims to resist displacement and settlement expansion.
NYTimes + 30 • World News
NASA has awarded SpaceX a $112.7 million contract to launch the JPSS-4 mission in 2027, a critical endeavor for climate and weather research. This mission underscores SpaceX's growing role in satellite deployment and its broader collaboration with NASA.
NASA + 7 • Space News
NOAA has issued a G2 geomagnetic storm watch for July 24 following a coronal mass ejection on Sunday, potentially disrupting radio frequencies and spacecraft operations. High aurora visibility and minor power grid fluctuations are expected, particularly in the northern hemisphere.
Forbes + 12 • Science
That’s a wrap for today’s Brief. Stay informed and ahead of the curve by visiting Brief on the web for more updates. If you enjoyed today’s edition, share the love and pass it on!
Talk soon,
The Brief Team