Hard Numbers: Messi in GOP primary, Indian oppo bloc, Brits sour on Brexit, ChatGPT for cybercriminals, Phoenix melts, Michigan fake electors charged

July 18, 2023

Leo Messi presents his jersey next to Inter Miami owners (Jorge Mas, Jose Mas, and David Beckham) during Messi's presentation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

40,000: To meet the 40,000-donor threshold for the Republican presidential debate on Aug. 23, long-shot GOP primary hopeful and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez is raffling off two front-row tickets to watch soccer GOAT Leo Messi's debut game for Inter Miami for a $1 donation. Resellers are currently hawking the same tickets for more than $110,000.

55: More than seven years after the UK voted to leave the EU, a YouGov poll shows that 55% of Brits now think it was the wrong thing to do — the highest number since Brexit. An outside observer might naturally conclude that perhaps it's time for a new referendum, but realistically that's as unlikely as a second vote on Scottish independence.

26: Twenty-six Indian opposition parties have joined an alliance to unseat the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of PM Narendra Modi in the 2024 election. The coalition's name is "INDIA," an original yet effective way to avoid the mouthful "Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance."

550: In the growing global freakout over AI, hackers see ... opportunity. Meet WormGPT, the ChatGPT for cybercriminals, which a developer is reportedly selling access to in a popular hacker form. Fortunately, WormGPT ain’t cheap — the launch price is 550 euros ($617) per year.

19: Last week, we flagged that Phoenix, AZ. was on track to beat its 1974 record of 18 consecutive days in which the temperature topped 110 F. On Tuesday, the city surpassed the mark amid the mother of all sizzlers in the Northern Hemisphere.

16: On Tuesday, Michigan's attorney general charged 16 Republicans for allegedly masquerading as state electors in a failed attempt to overturn former US President Donald Trump's 2020 defeat. The charges are the first to be brought against 2020 fake electors, and a similar probe is ongoing in Atlanta.

Jihadist violence surges in Nigeria as terror networks expand

An armored vehicle of Nigerian Security Forces drives by newly built homes, ahead of the community re-opening ceremony which was destroyed by Boko Haram armed militants in 2015, in Ngarannam, Borno State, Nigeria, October 21, 2022.

REUTERS/Christophe Van Der Perre

There has been a rise in attacks in northeastern Nigeria by Boko Haram and a rival group called the Islamic State West Africa Province, spurring concerns that jihadists might be making a strong return in the region.

Carney wins power, but showdown with Trump looms over Canada’s future

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks with members of the media as he walks into his office after the Liberal Party staged a major political comeback to retain power in parliamentary elections, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on April 29, 2025.

REUTERS/Jennifer Gauthier

Prime Minister Mark Carney may have won the battle for power in Canada, but his country’s war of words with US President Donald Trump is only just beginning. And before that all begins, the Liberal leader must form a government.

Walmart’s commitment to US manufacturing helps small businesses grow

Walmart

Proud Source became a Walmart supplier in 2021. Today, its team has grown by 50%, and it's the largest employer in Mackay, ID. Walmart supports small businesses across the country, and nearly two-thirds of Walmart's product spend is on products made, grown, or assembled in America. It’s all a part of Walmart’s $350 billion investment in US manufacturing, which helps small businesses grow and supports US jobs. Learn more about Walmart’s commitment to US manufacturing.

Investing in American leadership in quantum technology

Microsoft

Quantum technology offers the next frontier of innovation. As the global race for quantum technology intensifies, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith highlights the need for the United States to harness its heritage of scientific innovation and outlines three strategic actions to ensure American quantum leadership. These actions include increasing government-funded quantum research, developing a skilled quantum workforce, and securing the quantum supply chain. Learn more here.

Hard Numbers: Messi in GOP primary, Indian oppo bloc, Brits sour on Brexit, ChatGPT for cybercriminals, Phoenix melts, Michigan fake electors charged

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Hard Numbers: Messi in GOP primary, Indian oppo bloc, Brits sour on Brexit, ChatGPT for cybercriminals, Phoenix melts, Michigan fake electors charged

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More from GZERO Media

There has been a rise in attacks in northeastern Nigeria by Boko Haram and a rival group called the Islamic State West Africa Province, spurring concerns that jihadists might be making a strong return in the region.

Prime Minister Mark Carney may have won the battle for power in Canada, but his country’s war of words with US President Donald Trump is only just beginning. And before that all begins, the Liberal leader must form a government.

Fifty years ago today, North Vietnamese troops seized Saigon, and ended the Vietnam war with a communist victory.

GZEROMEDIA

Subscribe to GZERO Media's newsletter: Signal

If there’s a winner from President Donald Trump’s trade wars, India is a good candidate. Its longtime rivalry with China gives Prime Minister Narendra Modi ample motive to build new bridges with the United States.

April 30 marks 50 years since North Vietnamese troops overran the capital of US-aligned South Vietnam, ending what is known locally as the Resistance War against America.

Mark Carney leads the Liberals to victory in Canada. So, what's next for the US-Canada relationship? The conclave will pick the next pope. How is it relevant for the wider geopolitical landscape? Ian Bremmer shares his insights on global politics this week on World In :60.