January 26, 2024 - Friday

[WORLD] Biden plans to send CIA Director William J. Burns to broker a Gaza deal involving the release of all hostages and a cessation of hostilities.

CIA Director William J. Burns is expected to hold meetings with the intelligence chiefs of Israel, Egypt, and the Prime Minister of Qatar to discuss a potential deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas and a pause in the Gaza conflict. The meetings will take place in Europe and are part of ongoing negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive agreement. Israel's proposal includes a 60-day cessation of fighting in exchange for a phased release of captives. The CIA has not commented on the matter.

No sources available.

[NATION] Alabama death row inmate Kenneth Eugene Smith faces the first-ever US execution by nitrogen inhalation after losing last-minute appeals.

Kenneth Eugene Smith, a death row inmate in Alabama, is facing execution by nitrogen gas after his last-minute appeals were denied by the Supreme Court and a federal appeals court. Smith's lawyers argue that this method is "cruel and unusual" and could cause unnecessary suffering. Opponents also raise concerns about the potential harm to people present in the execution room in case of a gas leak. Smith was convicted in 1989 for the murder of Elizabeth Sennett. His death warrant is set to expire early Friday morning.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] Nasdaq 100 futures slide after Intel's disappointing guidance, with Intel shares dropping in extended trading.

Intel's fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 financial results showed a 10% YoY increase in revenue for Q4, but a 14% YoY decrease for the full year. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.63 for Q4 and $0.40 for the full year. Intel's first-quarter 2024 revenue forecast of $12.2 billion to $13.2 billion and an EPS forecast of $(0.25) disappointed investors, resulting in a drop in Intel's stock price.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] Apple's new EU Core Technology Fee could bankrupt free and freemium app developers in the European Union.

Apple is implementing a new fee for app developers in the EU, requiring them to pay a fee for each app install over one million. This has the potential to bankrupt free and freemium app developers, as the fees can become astronomical if an app goes viral. Developers may need to charge upfront or rely on paying users to cover the fees. Additionally, Apple is making changes to allow alternative browser engines on iOS for users in the EU.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] Jim Harbaugh will be leaving his position as head coach of the Michigan football team, creating a vacancy for the top job in Ann Arbor.

Michigan will be looking for a new head football coach after Jim Harbaugh leaves for the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite previous challenges, Harbaugh has brought success to the program, winning a national championship and three consecutive Big Ten championships. The job is highly regarded, with ample resources, but a rebuild is necessary as several key players will be leaving. The program's ability to compete in NIL recruiting is also a factor to consider.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] Japan's first moon lander successfully hit its target on the lunar surface, but landed upside-down.

Japan's space agency, JAXA, announced the successful landing of its lunar mission, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM). However, despite hitting its target, the lander appears to be lying upside-down. This is a significant achievement for Japan, making it the fifth country in history to reach the moon. The mission aimed to demonstrate JAXA's pinpoint landing system. The next mission, Artemis II, is scheduled for launch next year.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] Health officials are concerned about the rising cases of measles worldwide, with falling vaccination rates and increased travel contributing to the outbreaks.

Health officials worldwide are concerned about the resurgence of measles due to falling vaccination rates and increased travel. The UK, previously declared measles-free, is now facing a measles emergency as cases continue to rise. Europe as a whole has seen a more than 30-fold increase in measles cases in 2023 compared to the previous year. Urgent measures are needed to combat the spread of the virus and protect public health.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Sofia Richie Grainge, model and social media personality, announces her first pregnancy with husband Elliot Grainge.

Model Sofia Richie Grainge has announced she is pregnant with her husband Elliot Grainge. In an interview with Vogue, she revealed they are expecting a girl. Richie shared the news on Instagram, posting photos from the Vogue shoot. She expressed excitement about becoming a mother and revealed that her due date is uncertain as the baby is growing quickly. Richie also shared that they did a gender reveal by purchasing two party poppers, one pink and one blue.

No sources available.