October 22, 2024 - Tuesday

[WORLD] Vladimir Putin gathers Brics allies in a summit to defy Western pressure, showcasing global support amid Russia's Ukraine conflict.

Putin convenes Brics summit with over two dozen world leaders to showcase unity and defiance against Western isolation due to the conflict in Ukraine. The gathering aims to display strength and solidarity among the major emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now expanded to include additional countries like Egypt and Iran. This significant event highlights a growing coalition supporting Putin amid global tensions.

Sources: bbc.com , timesofindia.indiatimes.com , dw.com , cnn.com

[NATION] McDonald's did not give Trump permission to serve fries during a campaign event, showcasing the independence of its franchise model.

McDonald's was unexpectedly featured in the 2024 election when Trump served fries at a Pennsylvania location without the company's approval. The franchise model allows individual owners to invite political figures. McDonald's emphasized its neutral stance towards Trump while recognizing its significance in American culture. Trump's staged McDonald's shift was part of a calculated political move, generating impactful images for his campaign.

Sources: cnn.com , newstatesman.com

[BUSINESS] Goldman Sachs predicts S&P 500 will achieve a modest 3% annual return over the next decade, compared to the previous 13%.

Goldman Sachs analysts anticipate a significant slowdown in S&P 500 performance, forecasting a modest 3% annual return over the next ten years, trailing the 13% seen in the previous decade. This projection diverges from current market expectations and hints at a shift in investment dynamics towards other asset classes like bonds. The analysis stresses the need for investors to recalibrate their strategies as the era of remarkable stock market gains appears to be fading.

Sources: finance.yahoo.com , finance.yahoo.com , fortune.com , investopedia.com

[TECHNOLOGY] Apple introduces new Hearing Health features for AirPods Pro 2, turning them into over-the-counter hearing aids with iOS 18.1 update.

Apple unveils clinical-grade hearing aid functionality, a hearing test, and enhanced hearing protection features for AirPods Pro 2 with iOS 18.1. The update aims to raise awareness of hearing health and marks a significant step towards addressing hearing loss concerns in the US and Canada. Users can assess their hearing scores, access hearing aid settings, and receive protection from loud sounds, potentially revolutionizing the use of earbuds for health purposes.

Sources: 9to5mac.com , theverge.com , cnet.com , cnbc.com

[SPORTS] The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a high-scoring matchup on Monday night football.

The Baltimore Ravens secured their fifth straight victory as Lamar Jackson shined with five touchdowns, leading to a 41-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Injuries plagued both teams, with top receivers like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin sidelined. The Ravens' aggressive play turned the tide after trailing, sealing a significant win and moving into a first-place tie in their division.

Sources: sports.yahoo.com , usatoday.com , pff.com , espn.com

[SCIENCE] Orionids meteor shower peaks, offering a chance to witness bright fireballs from Halley's Comet debris.

Tonight marks the peak of the annual Orionid meteor shower, providing the opportunity to witness 10 to 20 meteors every hour. These meteors, known for their brightness and speed, are remnants from Halley's Comet. Best viewing times start at 11 p.m. with visibility worldwide except Antarctica. The fast meteors can leave glowing debris trails, creating a visually stunning spectacle for skywatchers.

Sources: al.com , wmur.com , foxweather.com

[HEALTH] New guidelines from the American Stroke Association emphasize preventing strokes by addressing risk factors and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

A new set of stroke prevention guidelines from the American Stroke Association highlights the importance of understanding and addressing risk factors to prevent strokes, which are a leading cause of death and disability. The guidelines stress the need for healthcare workers to screen for factors like high blood pressure and obesity to reduce the high number of preventable stroke cases. Additionally, the guidelines underscore the rise of strokes in younger individuals and the significance of following lifestyle measures to reduce the risk of strokes.

Sources: foxnews.com , nypost.com , dailymail.co.uk , medscape.com

[ENTERTAINMENT] Liam Payne, former One Direction singer, died from a fall in Buenos Aires with drugs in his system, according to reports.

Liam Payne, a former member of the popular boy band One Direction, tragically passed away after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, sustaining fatal injuries and hemorrhages. Sources revealed that he had multiple drugs in his system at the time, including substances like crack, cocaine, benzodiazepine, and "pink cocaine." Autopsy results confirmed the cause of death as multiple traumas and hemorrhage, with authorities suggesting alcohol and drug consumption led to the incident.

Sources: forbes.com , foxnews.com , yahoo.com