Month: August 2024

RealPage faces Justice Department lawsuit over alleged collusion in rentals

RealPage faces Justice Department lawsuit over alleged collusion in rentals

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Justice, along with attorneys general from eight states, filed a lawsuit against RealPage, a software company, accusing it of illegally collaborating with landlords to reduce competition and keep rent prices high, affecting millions of tenants. The civil lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in North Carolina, alleges that RealPage uses its technology to manipulate and distort market dynamics. “RealPage operates as a digital intermediary that aggregates and misuses critical rental property data,” according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that the company profits at the expense of tenants, who face inflated prices, and honest…
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A  million bet: the authenticity of Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” T-shirt

A $20 million bet: the authenticity of Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” T-shirt

When a Yankees away jersey allegedly worn by Babe Ruth during his iconic "called pitch" in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series surfaced in the 1990s, it quickly became a prized possession for collectors. However, a recent photomatching controversy has cast doubt on its authenticity, potentially impacting its value at an upcoming auction. Experts in the field of photomatching, a technique used to verify the authenticity of memorabilia, are divided over the shirt's origins. While several companies have confirmed that it matches match photos, Resolution Photomatching, a leading company in the field, has issued a verdict of "no match."…
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U.S. Customs Service seizes methamphetamine disguised in watermelon at the San Diego border

U.S. Customs Service seizes methamphetamine disguised in watermelon at the San Diego border

In a stunning interception at the San Diego border crossing, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized a truck carrying methamphetamine disguised as watermelons from Mexico. The discovery was made on August 16 during a full inspection of a semi-truck at the border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection detailed that the illicit drugs, estimated to be worth more than $5 million, were cleverly hidden between real watermelons. During the inspection, officials discovered 1,220 packages carefully wrapped in green and red paper to mimic the appearance of watermelons. The total weight of these packages was 2,080 kilograms (about 4,587 pounds). Subsequent…
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Midday stock market highlights: significant moves in Cava, Intuit, Ross Stores, Workday and more

Midday stock market highlights: significant moves in Cava, Intuit, Ross Stores, Workday and more

As we head into the afternoon trading session, the stock market is showing some significant moves among noteworthy companies. Among those catching the spotlight today are Cava, Intuit, Ross Stores, and Workday. Each of these stocks has shown notable price movements that warrant closer analysis to understand the underlying factors and potential implications for investors. Cava takes a dive Cava, a fast-casual restaurant chain, has seen a dramatic rally in its stock price today. This move could be attributed to the recent earnings report that beat expectations, driven by a surge in consumer dining and a rise in menu prices.…
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Former cryptocurrency lobbyist charged with campaign finance violations amid FTX scandal

Former cryptocurrency lobbyist charged with campaign finance violations amid FTX scandal

On August 22, 2024, federal authorities in New York charged Michelle Bond, a prominent former cryptocurrency lobbyist, with campaign finance violations. These charges are part of a broader investigation stemming from the infamous collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The allegations center on a 2022 incident in which Bond, in an attempt to secure a congressional seat on Long Island as a Republican, allegedly received an illicit $400,000 payment. The transaction was allegedly facilitated by Ryan Salame, a high-ranking FTX official and Bond associate who previously pleaded guilty to related charges last year and received a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The lawsuit…
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Exploring the intersection between psychedelic experiences and near-death phenomena.

Exploring the intersection between psychedelic experiences and near-death phenomena.

Researchers conducted a unique study involving 31 individuals, mostly males from the United States and the United Kingdom, who shared their experiences with both near-death states and psychedelics. The results of this study were recently published, shedding light on the complex relationship between these two profound states of consciousness. Study participants provided detailed descriptions of their encounters during near-death experiences and while on psychedelics. Although each experience was unique, notable similarities were also reported, suggesting an intriguing overlap between the two. One participant described experiencing an overwhelming sense of peace and love during his near-death experience, a feeling echoed by…
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RFK Jr. leaves Arizona rally amid rumors of possible collaboration with Trump

RFK Jr. leaves Arizona rally amid rumors of possible collaboration with Trump

In a surprising turn of events, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has left an evening meeting in Arizona just before a series of engagements that would have put him in close proximity to former President Donald Trump in Phoenix. The departure comes amid growing speculation that Kennedy may be moving away from his independent stance toward one more aligned with Trump and his Republican base. Scheduled to speak in Phoenix at 2 p.m. EDT about “the current moment in history and the path forward,” Kennedy’s campaign agenda appears to be taking a significant turn. Later, Trump is expected to host a…
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Jennifer Lopez wants her maiden name back after divorcing Ben Affleck

Jennifer Lopez wants her maiden name back after divorcing Ben Affleck

Under the professional name "Jennifer Affleck," Jennifer Lopez has found little traction. Recent divorce court documents, reviewed by CNN, indicate that the artist wants to return to her maiden name, "Jennifer Lynn Lopez." Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck around the second year of their marriage, which took place in Riceboro, Georgia, in 2022. Notably, she marked April 26, 2024 as the official date of their separation, which puts the length of their marriage at nearly two years. The couple had reportedly been living on opposite coasts all summer, an event that took place alone in late July, when…
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Nvidia in the spotlight in the last week of a volatile August

Nvidia in the spotlight in the last week of a volatile August

As we bid farewell to another tumultuous month in the financial markets, Nvidia stands out as a beacon of interest for investors and market analysts. The technology sector, known for its rapid growth and equally rapid fluctuations, has seen its fair share of ups and downs this August. In this context, Nvidia’s performance in the coming week is highly anticipated, potentially offering insights into broader market trends and the health of the sector. Why Nvidia? Nvidia, a leader in graphics processing units (GPUs) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, often serves as a barometer for the technology industry. The company’s innovative…
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Rick Pitino’s office burglary: ceremonial sword and megaphone stolen

Rick Pitino’s office burglary: ceremonial sword and megaphone stolen

In a surprising incident at St. John's University, a ceremonial sword and a megaphone were reported stolen from basketball coach Rick Pitino's office. A spokesperson for the Queens-based Catholic university confirmed that the theft occurred Tuesday night around 8 p.m. in the athletic department's offices, which are housed in Carnesecca Arena, home court of Pitino's Red Storm team. Brian Browne, a university spokesman, said the theft was part of an unauthorized entry by two individuals who were then seen fleeing west on Union Turnpike on a moped. An ongoing police investigation has yet to confirm whether other items were stolen…
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