January 17, 2024 - Wednesday

[WORLD] The US military carried out additional strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, destroying anti-ship ballistic missiles in response to an imminent threat.

The US military carried out new strikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, targeting and destroying four anti-ship ballistic missiles that presented an imminent threat to merchant and US Navy vessels. However, the Houthis later launched an anti-ship ballistic missile into international shipping lanes, hitting a Maltese flagged bulk carrier. Despite this attack, the ship sustained minimal damage and continued its journey. This is the third time the US has targeted Houthi sites used for Red Sea attacks. The Houthis possess bottleneck power as they control the narrow passageway into the Red Sea, allowing them to disrupt global shipping flow.

No sources available.

[NATION] Iowa Caucus results show Trump winning in a landslide, solidifying his position as the GOP frontrunner for the 2024 election.

Former President Trump dominates the Iowa caucuses and secures a 30-point victory, confirming his status as the likely Republican candidate to challenge President Biden in the general election. However, the caucus results also reveal a split decision between Governor DeSantis and Ambassador Haley, with both earning a fifth of the votes. This outcome further deepens the division within the anti-Trump faction of the Republican Party. Despite adverse weather conditions, the Iowa caucuses proceed as scheduled, showcasing the state's role in the presidential nominating process.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] China's fourth-quarter GDP growth fell short of estimates, while the country resumed reporting youth unemployment data.

China's fourth-quarter GDP growth for 2023 was 5.2%, below the forecast of 5.3%, signaling a transition in the economy. The property sector's decline in investment has made the economy more reliant on the manufacturing and service sectors. The resumption of reporting youth unemployment data highlights China's economic challenges. Critics argue that China's statist approach and refusal to embrace free market capitalism are contributing to economic stagnation and debt burdens. The narrative of China's economic prowess may not align with the reality of debt, deflation, and demographic challenges.

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[TECHNOLOGY] Microsoft releases a paid version of its Copilot AI software, called Copilot Pro, priced at $20 per month per user for access to additional capabilities.

Microsoft has launched Copilot Pro, a paid version of its generative AI-powered Copilot platform for consumers. Priced at $20 per month per user, Copilot Pro offers access to the latest AI models, improved AI image generation, and priority access to models during peak usage hours. Users will be able to access Copilot across Microsoft's Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote apps. The move comes as Microsoft aims to monetize its investment in OpenAI and capitalize on the momentum behind generative AI.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] The Philadelphia Eagles will face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in tonight's NFC wild card playoff game.

The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC wild card playoff game tonight. This rivalry match has a long history, with the two teams having faced off in the postseason multiple times. The Buccaneers enter the playoffs in good form, with five wins in their last six games, while the Eagles have struggled, losing five of their last six. Unfortunately for the Eagles, star receiver A.J. Brown will be absent due to a knee injury. It remains to be seen how the Eagles will fare without him.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] Cloned rhesus monkey Retro, born in 2020, is only the second primate species successfully cloned, highlighting the limitations and low efficiency of cloning.

Retro, a cloned rhesus monkey born in 2020, is the second primate species to be successfully cloned. While the achievement marks a significant step forward in cloning, researchers acknowledge the low efficiency compared to fertilized embryos and the lack of another live birth. Cloning has been used to create genetically identical animals for medical research, with the hope of speeding up drug testing and providing more certain results. However, concerns about animal welfare and the limitations of cloning still exist.

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[HEALTH] Consumption of 100% fruit juice is associated with a small increase in weight in children and adults, according to a new analysis of previous studies.

Drinking a glass or more of 100% fruit juice each day was associated with a small increase in weight in children, according to a study. The research found that consuming fruit juice can easily lead to overconsumption of calories and a spike in blood glucose. Over time, this can contribute to health conditions such as insulin resistance, obesity, and heart disease. The study did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, but the findings highlight the importance of limiting fruit juice consumption, especially for young children.

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[ENTERTAINMENT] The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards saw "The Bear" and "Succession" as the biggest winners, with six awards each. Netflix's "Beef" also had a successful night.

Despite being postponed, the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards celebrated the success of shows like "The Bear" and "Succession," which picked up six awards each. "The Bear" won Best Comedy, while "Succession" won Best Drama. Netflix's "Beef" also had a great night, winning for Best Limited Series, Best Actress in a Limited Series (Ali Wong), and Best Actor in a Limited Series (Steven Yeun). Other winners included Niecy Nash-Betts, Jennifer Coolidge, and Quinta Brunson. The event also saw Elton John become an EGOT winner.

No sources available.