B-2 Bombers, Trump's White House Return, Extreme Heat, and AI Developments

Geopolitical Tensions and Military Posturing

• ✈️ B-2 stealth bombers, capable of dropping bunker buster bombs, have reportedly taken off from the U.S. and may be headed over the Pacific, potentially for a strike on Iran.
• 🏛️ President Trump is scheduled to return to the White House and may meet with his national security team to discuss potential action against Iran's nuclear sites.
• 🇮🇷 Iran's foreign minister warned the U.S. against entering the conflict but stated Iran is ready to negotiate a new nuclear deal if Israeli air attacks stop.
• 💥 Iran has fired missiles and drones at Israel, and Israel has struck several Iranian areas, including the Esfahan nuclear site.
• 🚢 Yemen's Houthis have threatened to target U.S. vessels in the Red Sea if the U.S. supports Israeli attacks on Iran.

Domestic Concerns and Economic News

• ⚠️ Extreme heat warnings are in effect for New York City and Boston, with stress on the power grid.
• 🤝 President Trump is considering a deal with Harvard University that could resolve a standoff jeopardizing billions in funding.
• 🌍 The U.S. is reportedly demanding unilateral concessions in trade talks with the EU, potentially leading to EU counter-measures.

Technology and AI Developments

• 💡 Apple executives are discussing potentially bidding for the AI startup Perplexity AI to enhance its AI talent and technology, possibly for an AI-based search engine.
• 🤝 Alternatively, Apple might team up with Perplexity AI, integrating it as a search engine option in Safari and Siri.
• 🚗 Tesla's Robotaxi Service is set to launch in Austin, Texas, though Bloomberg's analysis suggests a slow rollout with limited initial impact.

Financial Markets and Policy

• 📈 Fed Chair Jay Powell is scheduled to testify about the economy and interest rates on Capitol Hill.
• 🗣️ President Trump has indicated he is considering firing Fed Chair Powell.
• 📉 The Fed recently held interest rates steady.
• ⛏️ The Democratic Republic of Congo is extending a temporary ban on cobalt exports for an additional three months due to high stock levels.