America Abbai Newsletter 9/11/24

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Top News

Kamala Harris had a strong debate performance, effectively promoting her policies and setting traps that Donald Trump repeatedly fell into, including revisiting his claims about the 2020 election. Harris used the opportunity to contrast herself with Trump, both in policy and demeanor, while presenting herself as a prepared and composed candidate. Trump's reliance on familiar talking points and missteps during the debate highlighted his vulnerability, potentially bolstering Harris' standing among undecided voters.

Inflation in the U.S. hit a three-year low in August, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising 2.5% annually, signaling some relief for households. While food prices, particularly in restaurants, continue to rise, grocery prices have mostly stabilized, though items like eggs and beef remain costly. On the positive side, prices for used cars, electronics, and gasoline have dropped, but auto insurance has surged, marking a 47-year high with a 16.5% annual increase.

Apple iPhone 13 Dan Baker / Digital Trends

Apple introduced four new iPhones—the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max—at its "It’s Glowtime" event, while discontinuing the iPhone 13, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Despite being retired, these older models will still receive software updates for years, though the new Apple Intelligence feature will only be available on the iPhone 16 series and the iPhone 15 Pro models. Additionally, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and updates to other devices, including AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max.

Bryce Durbin / TechCrunch

The tech industry continues to experience significant layoffs in 2024, with over 60,000 job cuts across 254 companies, according to Layoffs.fyi. Major companies like Tesla, Amazon, Google, TikTok, Snap, and Microsoft have been at the forefront of these reductions, alongside smaller startups, some of which have ceased operations entirely. These layoffs are partly attributed to companies embracing AI and automation, reshaping jobs previously considered secure, while highlighting the human and innovative impacts of these cuts.

Here’s a breakdown of 2024 layoffs:

- January: 34,107 employees laid off

- February: 15,639 employees laid off

- March: 7,403 employees laid off

- April: 22,423 employees laid off

- May: 11,011 employees laid off

- June: 10,083 employees laid off

- July: 9,051 employees laid off

- August: 26,024 employees laid off

These numbers provide insight into the ongoing challenges in the tech sector, driven by evolving market dynamics.

File photo of Jhye Richardson (centre) with KL Rahul

Australian bowler Jhye Richardson has opened up about his struggles with mental health, particularly during the 2021 IPL when he played for Punjab Kings. Richardson revealed that his mental health began to deteriorate during the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by the stress of being away from home. He encouraged young cricketers to prioritize their mental well-being, comparing it to practicing for difficult situations on the field. At one point, his condition worsened to the extent that he required professional intervention. Richardson praised the support from his Western Australia cricket team, noting that the stigma around mental health has lessened, with more resources and understanding available in the sport today.

Movie News

Mahesh Babu, one of the top stars in the industry, is expanding his business ventures beyond acting. Along with his investments in a clothing brand, multiplex business, and a restaurant in Hyderabad, he is now set to invest in the wellness brand Fitday, a Hyderabad-based nutraceutical startup offering health supplements like plant protein, gummies, chips, and protein bars. On the film front, Mahesh Babu will soon start working on an S. S. Rajamouli project.

Actor Jiiva, known for his roles in Rangam and 83, was involved in a car accident on Wednesday evening in Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu. Jiiva and his wife, who were traveling together, escaped unhurt despite the car being heavily damaged after hitting a road divider. Videos of the incident quickly went viral, showing Jiiva visibly upset with onlookers making comments as he assisted his wife.

Recently, Jiiva had made headlines for his remarks on the Hema Committee Report regarding sexual harassment in the Tamil film industry. At a public event, Jiiva denied that such issues exist in Kollywood, emphasizing that his focus was on maintaining a positive atmosphere in the industry.

Bagheera, an action drama starring Kannada actor Srii Murali, is set to release in theatres on October 31. Written by KGF director Prashanth Neel and directed by Dr. Suri, the film is produced by Hombale Films, known for backing KGF, Salaar, and Kantara. Rukmini Vasanth plays the female lead, while Prakash Raj, Rangayana Raghu, Achyuth Kumar, and KGF fame Garuda Ram are in key roles. With music by B Ajaneesh Loknath and cinematography by AJ Shetty, the movie promises high-octane action directed by Chethan D'Souza.

Aarti Ravi, the wife of Tamil actor Jayam Ravi, has publicly addressed the recent announcement of their separation, which was made by Jayam Ravi without prior notice to her. In her statement, Aarti expressed deep shock and sadness, emphasizing that such a personal issue should have been handled with more respect and privacy. She revealed that she was blindsided by the public disclosure and had hoped for a private and respectful dialogue regarding their 18-year marriage.

Theatre Releases

Source: Filmibeat

Movie

Release Date

A.R.M

Sep 12th

Bhale Unnade

Sep 13th

Mathu Vadalara 2

Sep 13th

Utsavam

Sep 13th

Gorre Puranam

Sep 20th

Devara: Part 1

Sep 27th

Swag

Oct 4th

Streaming Dates

Source: Binged

Source: Binged

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