December 13, 2023 - Wednesday

[WORLD] The UN General Assembly has voted for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, rebuking the US who previously blocked ceasefire calls in the Security Council.

The United Nations General Assembly has voted in favor of a nonbinding resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. This comes after the United States repeatedly blocked ceasefire resolutions in the Security Council. While the General Assembly vote holds moral weight, it is nonbinding unlike a Security Council resolution. The resolution calls for a ceasefire, compliance with international law, and humanitarian access to hostages. Israel has launched a military campaign against Hamas in retaliation for their attack on Israel, resulting in extensive casualties and devastation in Gaza.

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[NATION] 'Freedom is on the line': Biden, Zelenskyy push for Ukraine aid in joint news conference.

President Biden and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy held a joint news conference, urging Congress to provide aid to Ukraine as it faces a Russian invasion. Biden stated that Ukraine's freedom is at stake and called on Congress to act. The visit comes as Republicans in Congress push for major changes to border policy in exchange for the aid package. The two leaders highlighted the need for the U.S. to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia.

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[BUSINESS] Zara has pulled advertising images that were criticized for referencing Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, apologizing for the misunderstanding.

Spanish fashion brand Zara has faced backlash and calls for a boycott after releasing an ad campaign featuring images that some believed referenced the conflict between Israel and Gaza. The images included models with mannequins wrapped in white cloth and bodies wrapped in white plastic. Zara has apologized for the misunderstanding and has removed the remaining pictures from the campaign.

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[TECHNOLOGY] Apple's iOS 17.2 update includes a new journaling app called "Journal" for iPhone users, along with other features like translation and spatial video recording.

Apple has released the iOS 17.2 update, which includes a new app called "Journal" that allows iPhone users to capture and write about everyday moments and special events in their lives. The update also brings other features like translation capabilities and spatial video recording. The Journal app highlights Apple's focus on AI, as it runs on the device itself rather than on a cloud server, providing privacy advantages. This update is part of Apple's strategy to continue investing in new iPhone features to protect its market dominance.

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[SPORTS] The Dallas Cowboys, under head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Dak Prescott, are proving to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders with their recent victories.

Despite criticism in recent years, Mike McCarthy's coaching abilities are shining through as the Dallas Cowboys excel with a 10-3 record. The Cowboys' victory over the Eagles demonstrated their ability to defeat a team with a winning record. While McCarthy's play-calling is crucial, quarterback Dak Prescott's outstanding performance is the key to the team's success. Prescott leads the league with 28 touchdown passes and has shown remarkable improvement since October. Contrary to initial expectations, the Cowboys' offense is not run-heavy but rather relies on the talent of Prescott and emerging star CeeDee Lamb.

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[SCIENCE] SpaceX has postponed the launch of the Falcon Heavy rocket carrying the X-37B space plane for the US military due to a ground issue.

SpaceX has delayed the launch of the Falcon Heavy rocket, which was scheduled to carry the secretive X-37B space plane for the US military. The launch has been postponed until further notice due to a ground issue. This is the final Falcon Heavy mission of 2023 and is part of the US military's efforts to explore space. SpaceX has not provided a specific reason for the delay but is aiming for a backup opportunity on Tuesday, December 12.

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[HEALTH] Flu activity is high in New Jersey and across the country, with a total of 12 deaths reported. COVID-19 and RSV cases are also increasing.

Flu activity has reached a high level in New Jersey, following an increase in cases nationwide. The CDC reports a rise in flu cases, with the most commonly reported strain being A(H1N1). Four children died from the flu last week, bringing the total for the season to 12. The CDC estimates that there have been at least 2.6 million flu illnesses, 26,000 hospitalizations, and 1,600 deaths so far this season. In addition to flu, cases of COVID-19 and RSV are also on the rise. The CDC recommends wearing masks and getting vaccinated to protect against these illnesses.

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[ENTERTAINMENT] Andre Braugher, star of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "Homicide: Life on the Street," dies at 61 after a brief illness.

Andre Braugher, the renowned actor known for his Emmy-winning role in "Homicide: Life on the Street" and his beloved character Captain Raymond Holt in "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," has passed away at the age of 61. Braugher's portrayal of stoic yet compassionate characters made him a fan favorite throughout his career. He leaves behind a legacy of exceptional acting and memorable performances.

No sources available.