— What's back at Starbucks today. Better now than latter.
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The Elephants in the Room
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Eight people who weren't Donald Trump made their case for the White House.
Catch me up.
Last night, Americans tuned in to watch seven men and Nikki Haley compete for the Republican nomination in the first 2024 GOP debate. Here were their biggest moments:
Vivek Ramaswamy…wants to deliver a "Reagan 1980 revolution." The 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur with an Obama-esque intro and an Andrew Yang-esque crowd came prepped with the one-liners. He called regulations and climate change a "wet blanket on the economy." And accused the other candidates of being "bought and paid for." Not everyone knew Ramaswamy's name before last night. Many do now.
Ron DeSantis…the frontrunner to the frontrunner. Before last night's debate, Palm Beach Ken was seen as the man to beat Trump, polling a distant second. But last night, Ramaswamy took the spotlight. DeSantis reminded Americans that he kept Florida "free and open" despite the backlash. He said he'd declare a "national emergency" on the US border as president. And talked up his work to undermine critical race theory and gender identity in FL classrooms.
Nikki Haley…channeled her inner Margaret Thatcher. The former UN ambassador and South Carolina governor called out Republicans for their spending bills. As she put it, it's time for an "accountant in the White House." (And guess who has an accounting degree.) Haley wants China and India to bear the brunt of climate change policy — and for the US to give more to Ukraine.
Everyone else…was there. Former VP Mike Pence went head-to-head with Ramaswamy. Former NJ Gov. Chris Christie got the UFO question. Sen. Tim Scott (SC) jumped on the national abortion ban bandwagon. Former AR Gov. Asa Hutchinson refused to support Trump if convicted. And Gov. Doug Burgum (ND) brought his pocket constitution.
What about Trump?
He didn't show. More than 80 million viewers followed the former president to Twitter-turned-X for his 46-minute interview with Tucker Carlson. He used the time to praise the Jan 6 crowd and talk up his lead in the polls. Today, Trump plans to turn himself into Georgia authorities and pay $200,000 in bail over the state's election interference investigation. He hasn't said whether he'll show up for debate 2 next month.
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If any of Trump's competitors wanted to cut into his double-digit polling lead, last night was their first big opportunity to do it. Some — like Ramaswamy — had their moments. But they'll each may need a lot more where that came from to get close to a nomination.
The Wagner boss's reported death. Yesterday, Russian state media reported that Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a private jet that crashed in Russia. All 10 passengers are reported to be dead. In late June, Prigozhin launched a short-lived armed rebellion against Russia's military leaders in what was considered one of the strongest challenges to Russian President Vladimir Putin. It ended with a deal that exiled Prigozhin and Wagner soldiers in neighboring Belarus. Still, there've been reports that Prigozhin popped into Russia from time to time. Now, social media channels are speculating that Russian air defenses shot down the plane. As the news of the crash broke, Putin was speaking at a commemorative event.
What's carrying the S&P 500 right now...
Nvidia. Yesterday, the AI chip company beat already sky-high quarterly earnings, sending its stock price flying. The tech industry relies on Nvidia's chips to power the majority of AI systems, including ChatGPT. Now, Q2 revenue is up to over $13 billion from this time last year, with profit up 9x — sending shares up around 9% in after-hours trading. If the stock continues to rise today, it's expected to beat another record high.
What's about bloody time...
Free period products. Yesterday, New Jersey passed a law requiring schools to give free menstrual products for grades six through 12. The law will ensure that at least half of the girls' and gender-neutral bathrooms have the products available. Now, the state is one of at least 10 that offer free menstrual products in schools. One lawmaker called the products "a necessity, not a luxury." Period.
What crossed 'moon landing' off its bucket list…
India. Yesterday, it landed its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the unexplored south pole of the moon, becoming the first country to ever do so. India joins the ranks of US, Russia, and China to reach the moon's surface.
Core memory time: The school year just started and you're doodling on the inside of your new notebook. The bell rings, and you pull out a fresh notebook for the next subject to start the process over again. Ah, youth.
There's nothing like back-to-school season to get the nostalgia flowing, but sometimes newer is better. This year, skip the analog and snag the one supply that'll certainly set up your student for success: an Intel Evo Certified HP Laptop from Best Buy®. It's vibrant-screened and wide-angled to help them do it all — with a touchscreen to put inspiration at their literal fingertips. Endless doodling real estate included.
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Fan-fave sneaker collabs so good, they're bound to sell out.
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2. A skincare must-have that's finallyyy back in stock.
This viral, all-in-one 'luminizer' can be used as a primer, highlighter, and glow-booster. With a clean, lightweight formula that'll leave your skin nourished, hydrated, and dewy. Our advice? Grab a few while you can.*
3. An immune-strengthening superfood that'll have you glowing inside and out.
This sustainably sourced wonder has over 400 science-backed nutrients. It'll give your metabolism, skin, hair, and gut health a boost. Psst…get 15% off your first order with code SKIMM.*
Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Back at it…Kathryn W (CA). She recently went back to work at the Friendship Center, a non-profit adult day care center for those living with dementia. She's taking on her new role after gaining more experience at the Alzheimer's Association for a few years.
