Category: News
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Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalates with deadly pager explosions
What happened: On September 17, 2024, a series of coordinated explosions rocked Lebanon and Syria, as thousands of pagers used by Hezbollah operatives detonated simultaneously. The explosions believed to have been rigged by Israeli intelligence, killed at least 12 people and wounded over 2,750, primarily Hezbollah members. A second wave of explosions, targeting walkie-talkies, followed the…
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Portugal battles deadly wildfires as three firefighters among seven dead
Three firefighters died on Tuesday while combating wildfires in central Portugal, raising the death toll to seven since the weekend, as the country grapples with over 50 active blazes amid extreme weather conditions. Why it matters: By the numbers: The big picture: What they’re saying: International response: Impact on communities: What’s next: Context: Go deeper:
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China to Gradually Raise Retirement Age Amid Aging Population Concerns
Beijing takes steps to address shrinking workforce and pension pressures China has announced plans to gradually raise its retirement age starting next year, marking the first change to the policy since the 1950s. The move comes as the nation grapples with a rapidly aging population, declining birth rates, and increasing pressure on its pension system.…
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Biden Administration Targets Chinese Retailers Shein and Temu to Curb Trade Loophole Abuse
What’s happening: The Biden-Harris administration announced a series of actions to curb the exploitation of the de minimis trade exemption, which allows shipments valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free with minimal screening. The move targets foreign e-commerce giants, particularly China-founded platforms, using this loophole to flood the U.S. market with low-value goods. Why it…
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Polaris Dawn astronauts ‘stand up’ on first commercial spacewalk
Private astronauts have conducted a spacewalk for the first time, marking a significant milestone in commercial space exploration. Driving the news: Polaris Dawn crewmates Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis took turns emerging from the upper hatch of SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft “Resilience” on Thursday, performing history’s first commercial stand-up extravehicular activity (SEVA). Why it matters: This event signifies…
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Trump vs. Harris: A Pivotal Showdown in Philadelphia
The 2024 United States presidential race took a significant turn on Tuesday night as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off in their first and possibly only debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The event, broadcast live by ABC News, allowed both candidates to present their vision for the…
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Apple Unveils iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and New Apple Intelligence at Cupertino Event
Apple’s 2024 showcase highlights a new era of AI integration with enhanced hardware and advanced health features. The Big Picture: Apple revealed its much-anticipated iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and introduced its AI suite, Apple Intelligence, during a highly anticipated event in Cupertino on September 9, 2024. These announcements mark Apple’s…
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Kendrick Lamar to Headline Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show
The big picture: Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar will headline the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. The NFL, Roc Nation, and Apple Music’s announcement on Sunday marks a significant moment for both Lamar and hip-hop as the genre continues to dominate the music scene. Why it matters: Lamar is…
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Selena Gomez Reaches Billionaire Status
Selena Gomez Joins the Billionaire Club, Thanks to Rare Beauty’s Success Selena Gomez has become one of the youngest self-made billionaires, with a net worth of $1.3 billion. According to Bloomberg, the 32-year-old pop star, actress, and entrepreneur owes most of her wealth to her beauty brand, Rare Beauty, which has skyrocketed in popularity since its…
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Sérgio Mendes, Bossa Nova Legend, Dies at 83 Due to Long-Term Covid Complications
Summary: Sérgio Mendes, the Brazilian musician who helped bring bossa nova to the world stage, has passed away at 83 in Los Angeles. Mendes, famed for his band Brasil ’66 and his global hit “Mas Que Nada,” had been facing health issues from long-term Covid. Mendes’ family confirmed his peaceful passing, with tributes pouring in from…