January 1, 2024 - Monday

[WORLD] Felix Tshisekedi has won re-election as the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the opposition calls the vote a 'farce'.

Felix Tshisekedi has won re-election as the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), securing more than 70 percent of the vote. The election results were announced amidst demands for a rerun due to logistical problems. The opposition and civil society groups have questioned the validity of the results, expressing concerns about the massive logistical problems that undermined the voting process. Tshisekedi's victory is likely to fuel further doubts and opposition to the election. Despite the controversy, Tshisekedi thanked his supporters and promised to work towards more jobs and purchasing power for the country.

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[NATION] Massive waves and coastal flooding continue to cause havoc along the California coast, leading to beach closures, water rescues, and damage to homes and businesses.

High surf, reaching over 20 feet, has prompted beach closures and caused flooding in several coastal communities in California. Waves have surged over seawalls, washed away cars, and flooded streets, homes, and businesses. Dangerous surf and rip currents have led to water rescues and injuries. A series of storm systems in the Pacific Ocean is responsible for the rough seas. Some areas, like Ventura County and Seal Beach, have issued evacuation warnings due to the high surf and flooding.

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[BUSINESS] Major retail stores, grocery stores, and restaurants will be open on New Year's Eve, but some with modified hours.

Travelers and last-minute party planners will have plenty of shopping and dining options on New Year's Eve, as most major retailers, restaurants, and grocery stores will be open. However, it is advised to check with individual locations for their specific hours as they may vary. Some services like banking and postal delivery will already be closed on New Year's Eve due to it falling on a Sunday. On New Year's Day, wholesalers such as Costco and Sam's Club will be closed, but major grocery chains like Walmart and Kroger will be open regular hours.

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[TECHNOLOGY] The article highlights the 6 worst tech fails of 2023, including issues with social media, AI, gaming conventions, and financial institutions.

The year 2023 was marked by several tech fails, ranging from a new kind of tech-focused Sinophobia during TikTok hearings to billionaires engaging in pathetic online slap-fights. Besides these superficial issues, more pressing matters, such as the decline of cryptocurrencies and financial institutions, the demise of the E3 gaming convention, and the obnoxious lights flashing from the Twitter office, also took place. The article specifically mentions the fiasco surrounding Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition and the chaos witnessed on the social media platform. Overall, 2023 was a year filled with notable tech failures.

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[SPORTS] The Green Bay Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 33-10 in Sunday Night Football as Jordan Love threw three touchdowns.

The Green Bay Packers secured a dominant 33-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Sunday Night Football. Jordan Love led the Packers' offense by throwing three touchdowns, including a 33-yard pass and a 25-yard pass to Jayden Reed. The Vikings struggled, with rookie QB Jaren Hall throwing an interception and losing a fumble, leading to two of the Packers' touchdowns. The Packers' win keeps their playoff hopes alive as they now face the Chicago Bears in a must-win game next week.

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[SCIENCE] Places like Shadowland, Texas, Moon Beach, New York, and Corona, Missouri will experience totality during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

In 2024, several astronomical events are expected, including 12 full Moons, meteor showers, eclipses, and Supermoons. The calendar highlights events such as the Quadrantid meteor shower peak in January, Mercury visible before sunrise, and the Full Wolf Moon. Additionally, the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, will be a significant event, visible in parts of the US, Canada, and Mexico. Indianapolis has been named one of three official viewing spots for this eclipse. Overall, the year is filled with opportunities to witness rare celestial events that should not be missed.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] A Massachusetts resident died from Legionnaires' disease after staying at the Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield, New Hampshire.

A Massachusetts resident has passed away from Legionnaires' disease after staying at the Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield, New Hampshire. Two severe cases of the disease have been identified in people who stayed at the resort, prompting an investigation by New Hampshire health officials. Legionnaires' disease is caused by inhaling water droplets containing the Legionella bacteria. The investigation is focused on testing showers, hot tubs, water fountains, and faucets. The family of the deceased woman believes more should have been done to prevent additional illnesses.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Grammy-winning entertainer Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit against executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, accusing him of sexual assault and harassment.

Paula Abdul has sued executive producer Nigel Lythgoe for sexual assault, alleging that he assaulted her twice during her time on "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance." In response, Lythgoe denies the allegations, stating that they are false and offensive. The lawsuit outlines two separate incidents that Abdul alleges occurred in the early 2000s and in 2015.

No sources available.