December 18, 2023 - Monday

[WORLD] Calls for a truce in Gaza increase after Israel's conduct, including the mistaken killing of three hostages. Pressure mounts from European allies and the US.

Israel is facing growing international concerns about its conduct in the 10-week-old war in Gaza. Calls for a cease-fire have come from European allies, and the US is expressing unease about civilian casualties. The killing of three Israeli hostages has intensified the calls for a truce. The war has caused significant destruction, civilian casualties, displacement, and dependence on humanitarian aid in Gaza. Israel is expected to face pressure to reduce major combat operations during a visit by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

No sources available.

[NATION] Republican strategist Jeff Roe has resigned from the pro-DeSantis super PAC, Never Back Down, amid internal turmoil and departures.

Jeff Roe, the chief strategist for Never Back Down, the super PAC supporting Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign, has announced his resignation from the group following recent turmoil. Several top officials were fired after the arrival of the PAC's new chairman, and a statement critical of former employees was published in The Washington Post. Roe's departure is the latest sign of internal conflict within the pro-DeSantis group.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] No winning ticket for the $535 million Powerball jackpot was sold, increasing the jackpot to an estimated $543 million.

The Powerball jackpot of $535 million was not won on Saturday, December 16. The winning numbers were 3, 9, 10, 20, 62, and the Powerball was 25. However, two tickets matched 5 numbers to win $1 million each. The next drawing will be on Monday, December 18 with an estimated jackpot of $543 million. The Mega Millions jackpot of $28 million was also not won on Friday, December 15, with no one matching all six numbers.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] Apple is expected to focus on wearables in 2024, with the launch of the Vision Pro headset and updates to the AirPods and Apple Watch.

In 2024, Apple is set to move beyond the iPhone and shift its focus to wearables, according to Mark Gurman. Apple will launch Vision Pro, a new product category, alongside updated AirPods, AirPods Max, and an Apple Watch with new health features. This marks a significant change for Apple, which has primarily focused on the iPhone for the past 15 years. While Wall Street isn't expecting a major impact on Apple's fiscal year, this period will be crucial for the company as it introduces new products and technologies. Gurman expects the Vision Pro to launch between late January and February.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] The Detroit Lions dominate the Denver Broncos with a 42-17 victory, fueled by Jared Goff's excellent performance and contributions from rookie players.

The Detroit Lions secured a decisive 42-17 triumph over the Denver Broncos, led by quarterback Jared Goff who threw for three touchdowns in the first half. Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta for scores. The Lions' defense played a pivotal role by shutting down the Broncos' run game and securing an early takeaway. With this victory, the Lions improve to 10-4 on the season and remain in contention for the NFC's top seed.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] A geomagnetic storm caused by solar activity could result in the Northern Lights being visible across the United States.

NOAA has issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch due to increased solar activity, which may result in a display of the Northern Lights. The agency has observed multiple coronal mass ejections from the Sun, sending plasma particles towards Earth. The event could be a 6 on the Kp index scale, potentially causing dancing colors of green, red, and purple to be visible. This comes shortly after the strongest solar flare in over six years, which caused radio blackouts and may produce auroras as far south as New York and Idaho.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] Hospitals may have to ration care due to a surge in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and flu, warns the CDC.

New federal data shows that 17 states in the US are experiencing high levels of respiratory illness activity while COVID-19 and flu hospitalizations continue to increase. COVID-19 hospitalizations have been rising for five consecutive weeks, reaching levels not seen since February. Hospitalization rates are highest among those aged 65 and older. The CDC warns that if the surge of respiratory illnesses continues, hospitals may have to ration care. Public health officials are also concerned about the rise in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children caused by COVID-19 and the growing influenza activity in the country.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] "Wonka," starring Timothee Chalamet, leads the box office with a $39 million domestic debut and a global total of $151.4 million.

Timothee Chalamet's musical film "Wonka" has had a strong start at the box office, earning $39 million domestically and $151.4 million globally. The film, directed by Paul King, surpassed expectations and performed well internationally. This is a promising start for the musical genre, which has struggled in recent years. "Wonka" is a whimsical origin tale about the famous chocolatier Willy Wonka. Despite some criticism of its departure from previous adaptations, the film has been well-received by audiences.

No sources available.