September 25, 2024 - Wednesday

[WORLD] Deadly attacks in Lebanon and Gaza by Israel and Hezbollah spark panic and displacement, leading to the deadliest day in Lebanon since 2006.

Israel's extensive airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah have led to mass displacement and casualties, including women and children. The death toll continues to rise, with fear and uncertainty gripping the region as Lebanon deals with the aftermath of its deadliest day in years. In a separate incident, a senior Hezbollah commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, adding to the escalating tensions in the area. #Israel #Lebanon #Hezbollah #airstrikes #MiddleEast

Sources: cnn.com , nytimes.com , foreignpolicy.com

[NATION] Caroline Ellison, key witness against Sam Bankman-Fried, sentenced to 2 years in prison for FTX-related fraud and conspiracy.

Caroline Ellison, 29, received a 2-year prison sentence and an $11 billion forfeiture for her involvement in the FTX collapse and fraud conspiracy. Ellison's testimony against her ex-boyfriend and former boss, Sam Bankman-Fried, led to his conviction on seven fraud charges and a 25-year prison sentence. Despite her cooperation, Judge Kaplan emphasized the need to deter financial fraud with Ellison's sentencing.

Sources: nbcnews.com , cnbc.com , nytimes.com

[BUSINESS] China's monetary easing lacks focus on weak consumer demand, risking growth targets; fiscal policies may be needed for effective stimulus.

China's central bank's aggressive easing measures aim to address economic challenges but fall short as weak consumer demand remains untargeted. Analysts suggest a fiscal stimulus to boost demand and counter deflationary pressures, property downturn, and poor consumer confidence impeding growth and hitting the 5% target. Experts doubt the overall effectiveness of the current monetary actions, anticipating the need for additional fiscal policies to spur economic performance.

Sources: finance.yahoo.com

[TECHNOLOGY] Sony's PlayStation State of Play in September 2024 revealed new games like Ghost of Yōtei and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered.

Sony's recent PlayStation State of Play event showcased over 20 upcoming PS5 and PS VR2 games, with highlights including the announcement of Ghost of Yōtei from Sucker Punch and a DLC for Alan Wake 2. Additionally, a remastered version of Horizon Zero Dawn for PS5 was revealed. The event also offered insights into the PlayStation 5 Pro's impact on gaming experiences.

Sources: mashable.com , ign.com , insider-gaming.com

[SPORTS] Brett Favre disclosed his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease to Congress while testifying about potential misuse of taxpayer funds.

Brett Favre, former NFL quarterback, revealed his Parkinson's diagnosis while testifying to Congress about misusing taxpayer money, including redirecting funds to his alma mater. He mentioned losing an investment in a concussion drug company. Favre expressed gratitude for the support and love received from his family and fans. The disclosure comes amidst a welfare spending scandal in Mississippi, where public funds were used improperly.

Sources: nbcnews.com , foxnews.com , npr.org

[SCIENCE] Russian Soyuz returns 3 fliers after record mission, making way for upcoming launches to International Space Station.

Russian Soyuz spacecraft safely returned cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, Nikolai Chub, and NASA veteran Tracy Dyson to Earth, concluding their record-breaking mission on the International Space Station. While preparing for the next mission with NASA and SpaceX, the returning crew members were greeted by recovery crews upon landing in Kazakhstan. Additionally, new crew members are set to launch, enhancing the rotation of astronauts aboard the space station.

Sources: cbsnews.com , nasa.gov

[HEALTH] Obesity rates in the US show a plateau, while severe obesity rates are on the rise, marking a concerning trend, per CDC.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that the general rate of obesity among US adults has stabilized, yet severe obesity rates are increasing. Despite a slight decrease in overall obesity, the prevalence of severe obesity is on an upward trajectory. Data from CDC's National Center for Health Statistics highlights the persistent high obesity rate, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address this public health concern, as outlined in the national "Healthy People 2030" plan.

Sources: nypost.com

[ENTERTAINMENT] 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story' debuts on Netflix but falls short of 'Dahmer' viewership in its opening weekend.

The latest installment of Ryan Murphy's Monster anthology, 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,' debuted on Netflix with 12.3M views in its opening weekend, trailing behind 'Dahmer.' Netflix adjusted its viewership reporting method since 'Dahmer's release, leading to different comparison metrics. Murphy responded to Erik Menendez's criticism, defending the series' portrayal and approach to presenting multiple perspectives on the well-known case.

Sources: deadline.com , deadline.com