September 21, 2024 - Saturday

[WORLD] Hezbollah's top commander killed in Israeli airstrike on Beirut; tensions escalate in the midst of regional conflicts.

Hezbollah confirmed the death of one of its top commanders, Ibrahim Aqil, after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Aqil, wanted by the United States for his alleged involvement in past terrorist attacks, including the 1983 bombing of a U.S. Marines barracks, was targeted by the Israeli Defense Forces. The strike has heightened tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, following previous skirmishes in the region.

Sources: cnn.com , foxnews.com

[NATION] Porn scandal involving NC GOP nominee Mark Robinson surfaces, revealing inflammatory comments made on a porn site message board.

A CNN investigation unveiled past inflammatory comments by NC GOP nominee Mark Robinson on a porn site, including self-identification as a 'black NAZI!' and support for slavery. Robinson also praised Hitler's Mein Kampf. Despite denying the comments, Robinson faced backlash. NC Sen. Thom Tillis urged him to address the issue promptly. The scandal emerges amidst the 2024 election race where Robinson aims to become NC's first black governor.

Sources: washingtonpost.com , bbc.com , foxnews.com , cnn.com , newrepublic.com

[BUSINESS] Long-term CDs remain valuable for savers despite slight interest rate declines in light of the Federal Reserve's recent half-point cut.

Despite a slight decline in interest rates, long-term CDs are still considered a valuable investment option for savers following the Federal Reserve's significant half-point rate cut. The Fed's decision was influenced by an easing labor market and aims to support the economy, although only a total of half a point in additional cuts are anticipated for the rest of the year. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell expressed confidence in the economy and job market despite slower job growth.

Sources: cbsnews.com , usatoday.com , edition.cnn.com

[TECHNOLOGY] Apple Store Pickup available for iPhone 16 models. Review discusses reasons to upgrade and highlights new features.

Apple's latest iPhone 16 models are now available for store pickup, offering unique features such as macro photography and enhanced button functionality. Reviews suggest the entry-level iPhone 16 is a strong contender compared to the Pro models, but upgrading may depend on personal preferences and needs. The new models also feature improved cameras, larger screens, and Apple's new Apple Intelligence platform, making them worth considering for users of older iPhones.

Sources: macrumors.com , cnn.com , cnbc.com , finance.yahoo.com

[SPORTS] Shohei Ohtani earns a standing ovation after reaching 50-50, then achieves 52 homers and 52 stolen bases in MLB history.

Shohei Ohtani received a standing ovation for his historic 50-50 milestone in MLB, only to follow it up by hitting his 52nd home run and stealing his 52nd base in a game against the Colorado Rockies. His incredible performance has solidified his place as a legendary figure in baseball, prompting comparisons to all-time greats like Babe Ruth. Ohtani's exceptional talent and achievements make him a favorite to win his third MVP award this season, with the possibility of securing a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Sources: sports.yahoo.com , foxnews.com , abcnews.go.com , mlb.com

[SCIENCE] Earth will have a temporary second moon, a "mini-moon" from September to November 2024, captured by Earth's gravity.

Earth is set to have a mini-moon, a 10-meter asteroid named 2024 PT5, in orbit from late September to late November 2024. Mini-moons are rare occurrences where asteroids are briefly captured by Earth's gravity until they get dislodged. This mini-moon, although not visible to the naked eye, can be observed through a telescope. Such events are infrequent, happening once every 10-20 years, with mini-moons typically staying in Earth's orbit temporarily before continuing their journey in space.

Sources: scrippsnews.com , forbes.com , aljazeera.com , npr.org , space.com

[HEALTH] Cases of whooping cough in Nebraska nearly tripled from 2023 levels, reaching pre-pandemic numbers seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nebraska reports a significant increase in whooping cough cases, with 35 cases this year, close to three times the 2023 number. The infections have not only impacted children but also teenagers, as stated by health officials. This surge hints at a return to the levels witnessed before the COVID-19 outbreak. The situation is paralleled in Wisconsin, with a striking rise in reported pertussis cases, especially affecting children and teens, underscoring a potential broader health risk.

Sources: ketv.com , newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org , jsonline.com

[ENTERTAINMENT] Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, has been placed on suicide watch as he awaits trial on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering.

Sean "Diddy" Combs, a prominent figure in the music and entertainment industry, is facing charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, which led to his arrest and current detention. As he awaits trial, he has been placed on suicide watch at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Combs' influential career, spanning from producing major hits to establishing successful ventures, is now overshadowed by legal troubles and uncertainties about his mental state.

Sources: independent.co.uk , people.com , time.com , businessinsider.com