A trip to space? That’ll cost you $500,000 a seat.

Today’s topics

• CEO Salary Skyrockets

• AI Is About to Take Over Your Ads

• Blue Origin Launches 6 on Brief Space Hop

• Japan Tests Universal Artificial Blood

• Flying Alone? Prepare to Pay More

  and more…

CEO Salary Skyrockets

The 2024 CEO pay report just dropped — and the numbers are wild. Per the Wall Street Journal, half of the highest-paid execs earned at least $17.1 million last year, up $1.3 million from 2023. It's another record-breaking year for those already breaking records. Since 1978, CEO compensation has surged 1,085%, while average worker pay has only inched up 24%. Back in 1965, CEOs made 21 times more than the average employee — now it's 290 times more. That sound you hear? Reality cracking. Leading the list is Axon CEO Rick Smith, who pulled in $164.5 million — a shocking 999% raise. Talk about a jolt.

Nvidia Reclaims the Throne as World’s Most Valuable Company

Nvidia has overtaken Microsoft (again), becoming the most valuable company on the planet with a jaw-dropping $3.444 trillion market cap — yes, that’s trillion with a T. The stock has surged nearly 50% since April, fueled by insatiable demand for its AI chips. Its latest earnings report crushed expectations, proving Nvidia’s money machine keeps running strong — even without China in the picture.

The company’s next-gen Blackwell servers are shipping smoothly despite supply chain hurdles, and Big Tech giants like Microsoft can’t get enough. While Nvidia soars, Microsoft settles for second place, and Apple’s off polishing its Vision Pro in the shadows.

Meta’s AI Ambitions Go Nuclear

Meta just inked a 20-year deal to fuel its AI future with nuclear power, tapping energy from Illinois' Clinton Clean Energy Center — a plant that was nearly shut down. Starting in 2027, the facility will ramp up output by 30 megawatts, enough to power a small city or, in this case, Meta’s power-hungry AI servers.The move places Meta alongside Microsoft, Google, and Amazon in the growing club of tech giants betting on nuclear to keep their AI dreams (and data centers) running clean and steady. Meanwhile, the U.S. still struggles to build new reactors on time or on budget. But hey — at least your Reels won’t buffer

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AI Is About to Take Over Your Ads

Meta is gearing up to fully automate ad creation using AI by the end of next year. Just upload a product photo, set your budget, and let the algorithms handle everything else — from writing the copy and choosing images to targeting users and optimizing spend. It’s a “no thoughts, just ads” future. Meta is also developing tools to personalize ads based on location, so your friend in Miami might see beachwear while you get served rain gear in Seattle. 

Google’s Pixel 10 Drops August 13

Google will unveil its Pixel 10 lineup on August 13 at the “Made by Google” event, with devices landing in stores on the 20th. Leaks point to four models: the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and a new foldable — the Pixel Pro Fold.

The standard Pixel 10 gets a telephoto lens for the first time but trims features elsewhere to balance the cost. The Pro models stick with familiar designs, refreshed only by the new Tensor G5 chip and some extra AI flair to make things feel “next-gen.” Expect the Pixel Watch 4 to make an appearance too. Same rectangle, new tricks.

Blue Origin Launches 6 on Brief Space Hop

Blue Origin sent six passengers to the edge of space on Saturday aboard its 12th New Shepard mission — a speedy suborbital trip that offered just enough time for a taste of zero gravity. Among the crew: a Panamanian diplomat, a Canadian, a New Zealander named (no joke) Mark Rocket, and three Americans.

They soared 65 miles up — technically space if you tilt your head — before parachuting back down to Texas. The highlights? Big windows, three minutes of weightlessness, and plenty of “life-changing” interviews afterward. Welcome to the era of space tourism: part thrill ride, part spiritual retreat, all wrapped in a very pricey ticket.

NASA's Juno Mission Discovers Massive Lava Lake on Jupiter's Moon Io

NASA's Juno spacecraft has uncovered a massive lava lake on Io, Jupiter's most volcanically active moon. The lake, named Loki Patera, spans approximately 200 kilometers and exhibits smooth, reflective surfaces indicative of rapid cooling, forming obsidian rock. This discovery offers valuable insights into volcanic processes beyond Earth, enhancing our understanding of geological activity within the solar system. Read more

Japan Tests Universal Artificial Blood

Japan is pioneering tests on artificial blood designed to work for all blood types and remain viable on shelves for up to two years — the ultimate breakthrough in blood donation. The first human volunteers received this sci-fi serum in March, and if no one starts glowing in the dark, the trials will progress to the next stage.

This innovation aims to tackle global blood shortages, especially during emergencies, surgeries, and childbirth — situations where running out of the right blood type can be life-threatening. While other countries have attempted similar solutions, Japan is now pushing forward with renewed urgency. Considering only 16% of the world’s population lives in high-income countries that supply 40% of global blood donations, artificial blood could be the game-changer we need.

U.S. Rivers Face Growing Salt Contamination Crisis

Freshwater rivers across the United States, including the Anacostia, Potomac, and Delaware River basins, are experiencing a significant increase in salinity. This rise is primarily due to excessive road salt used during winter and saltwater intrusion from oceans during droughts and rising sea levels in coastal regions. For instance, the Anacostia River's salt levels have surged by 500% over four decades. Elevated salt levels can corrode infrastructure, harm aquatic life, and even affect drinking water quality. Experts are exploring solutions such as reduced salt application and alternative de-icing strategies to mitigate this issue. Read more

Rapid Snowmelt and Budget Cuts Heighten Wildfire Risks in the U.S. West

Unusually rapid snowmelt across the western United States, driven by record springtime warmth, is heightening concerns about a severe wildfire season. Many mountainous areas, particularly within the Colorado River headwaters, are snow-free earlier than ever before, intensifying flood risks and exacerbating drought conditions. This environmental threat is compounded by budget cuts and staffing reductions mandated by the Trump administration, which have significantly hampered wildfire preparedness. Key agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, EPA, and FEMA are understaffed, and firefighting resources are stretched thin. Experts warn that the U.S. may lack sufficient firefighting teams to tackle anticipated large fires. Read more

MLB: Yankees Triumph Over Guardians

In a decisive matchup, the New York Yankees secured a 4–0 victory against the Cleveland Guardians on June 5. This win highlights the Yankees' strong performance as they continue to lead the AL East.

Flying Alone? Prepare to Pay More

Some airlines have quietly started charging solo travelers more than those booking in pairs. Thrifty Traveler spotted this on select one-way domestic flights with Delta, United, and American Airlines. After being called out, Delta and United dropped the extra solo fee, but American Airlines still applies it on some routes. No official reason has been given—just algorithm-driven pricing. While it’s not widespread yet—appearing in about 5 to 10 out of 100 searches—this is often how these pricing tweaks begin. Today it’s random routes; tomorrow, your solo trip to see grandma might cost you an extra $42 just for flying alone.

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