November 20, 2024 - Wednesday

[WORLD] 45 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong sentenced to 4-10 years in biggest national security case under Beijing-imposed law.

In Hong Kong's significant national security case, 45 ex-lawmakers and activists were sentenced to 4-10 years in prison for their involvement in an unofficial primary election aimed at challenging the government. Among them, legal scholar Benny Tai received the longest sentence of 10 years. Despite some sentences being reduced for lack of awareness of the plan's unlawfulness, lawyers Benny Tai and former lawmaker Alvin Yeung faced unchanged penalties.

Sources: apnews.com , nbcnews.com

[NATION] Donald Trump selects Linda McMahon as his choice for Education secretary, opting for the former WWE CEO to lead the Department of Education

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Linda McMahon, a former WWE CEO and Republican donor, as his choice for Secretary of Education. Trump praised McMahon's leadership experience in business and education and emphasized his plans to decentralize education decision-making. McMahon has a notable history with Trump, including her previous role in the Small Business Administration and involvement in Connecticut's Board of Education.

Sources: cnn.com , foxnews.com , hindustantimes.com

[BUSINESS] Nvidia stock surged pre-earnings on AI demand and favorable chip outlook with analysts raising price targets.

Nvidia's stock rose ahead of earnings following optimistic notes from analysts on strong chip demand. Analysts raised price targets, citing future growth potential fueled by AI spending and robust chip sales. Analysts and investors anticipate a positive trend as supply chain data signals a promising outlook for Nvidia's new GPU generation. The company's CEO, Jensen Huang, shared insights on the company's collaborations and future endeavors in AI and supercomputing.

Sources: finance.yahoo.com , forbes.com

[TECHNOLOGY] Microsoft unveiled AI "agents" at Ignite 2024 to act autonomously, aiming to enhance work efficiency and productivity.

Microsoft introduced AI tools at the Ignite 2024 conference, empowering agents capable of executing tasks independently. This innovation targets productivity enhancement, although concerns exist over the high cost. The company envisions a future where organizations adopt these agents to assist with various functions, from simple prompts to full autonomy. In parallel, Microsoft revealed the Windows 365 Cloud Link, a PC facilitating access to cloud-based programs, marking a strategic move to propel workplace efficiency.

Sources: finance.yahoo.com , cnbc.com , news.microsoft.com , inc.com

[SPORTS] Cowboys set NFL record for trailing by at least 20 points in six consecutive home games, resulting in a 34-10 loss to the Texans.

The Cowboys' streak of trailing by at least 20 points in six consecutive home games, setting an NFL record, continued as they suffered a 34-10 loss to the Houston Texans. Running back Joe Mixon's three-touchdown performance for the Texans led to their victory, with Mixon crediting the offensive line for his success. Despite having opportunities, the Cowboys failed to seize them, ultimately falling short in their matchup against their in-state rivals.

Sources: cbssports.com , espn.com , nfl.com , dallascowboys.com

[SCIENCE] A gene from choanoflagellates was used to reprogram mouse cells into stem cells, leading to the creation of a living mouse.

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by reprogramming mouse cells into pluripotent stem cells utilizing a gene from choanoflagellates, showcasing the existence of key genes for stem cell formation in ancient unicellular ancestors. These resulting stem cells were then used to generate a living mouse through a series of precise procedures, marking a significant milestone in scientific research. The experiment, approved by ethical committees, sheds light on the ancient genetic tools driving the formation of animal stem cells.

Sources: neurosciencenews.com , nature.com , techexplorist.com , dailygalaxy.com

[HEALTH] USDA confirms first case of bird flu in domestic flock in Hawaii since 2022 outbreak.

The United States Department of Agriculture has verified the presence of bird flu in Hawaii, specifically in a domestic flock, marking the first instance in the state since the current outbreak began in 2022. The virus has notably infected millions of poultry flocks and various wildlife across the US, with Hawaii now joining the list of affected states. The outbreak in Hawaii has raised concerns about potential exposure at a recent pet fair and highlights the challenges posed by the Pacific flyway for bird-related diseases.

Sources: reuters.com , cidrap.umn.edu

[ENTERTAINMENT] The highly-anticipated Wicked film adaptation receives rave reviews for defying expectations and delivering stunning performances.

The Wicked film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, impresses critics and audiences alike by defying expectations and honoring the beloved Tony-winning origin story for the witches of Oz. Lead actors Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande shine in their roles, making the film a worthy cinematic treatment of the Broadway musical. Despite some criticisms about its length, early reviews suggest that Wicked has successfully transitioned to the big screen and is poised to be a massive hit.

Sources: playbill.com , ign.com , editorial.rottentomatoes.com , yahoo.com