December 29, 2023 - Friday

[WORLD] North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered preparations for war with the US, citing confrontational behavior by the US and its allies.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has instructed the country's military and industrial sectors to prepare for war with the United States, citing "unprecedented" confrontational activity by the US and its allies. South Korea's spy agency believes that North Korea is likely to carry out military provocations ahead of major elections in both South Korea and the US. Kim's statements indicate that North Korea will continue to conduct weapons tests to modernize its nuclear arsenal. This move is seen as a potential leverage for future diplomacy with Washington.

No sources available.

[NATION] Nikki Haley fails to mention slavery as a cause of the Civil War, stating instead that it was about how the government would run.

Nikki Haley, a presidential hopeful, did not mention slavery as a cause of the Civil War when asked about it at a campaign event. She instead emphasized the government's role in the conflict. Haley has since clarified her comments, acknowledging that slavery was indeed the cause of the war, but also emphasizing the importance of individual freedom and limited government interference. The incident has sparked backlash and accusations that the questioner was a Democratic "plant".

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] Mortgage rates have decreased again, but pending home sales have remained stagnant, suggesting that the declines have not yet stimulated the housing market.

Mortgage rates have continued to decrease, with the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage falling to 6.61% and the rate for a 15-year fixed mortgage dropping to 5.93%. However, pending home sales have not seen any significant improvement and remain at a record low. The decrease in rates is expected to provide relief for potential homebuyers, but the limited inventory of existing homes and rising prices are still impacting affordability. As the new year begins, there may be a stronger response from homebuyers if rates remain low.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] The Game Informer Reader Vote 2023 results are in, highlighting the top PC games of the year, including Baldur's Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077.

The Game Informer Reader Vote 2023 revealed the top PC games of the year, showcasing the resurgence of Baldur's Gate 3 and the success of Cyberpunk 2077. The list includes a mix of PC exclusives and games that excel with mouse and keyboard controls or offer PC-exclusive graphics options. This year's selection of games highlights the best of PC gaming in 2023, demonstrating the diversity and quality of releases for PC gamers.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] Russell Wilson is expected to be benched by the Denver Broncos for their final two games and is likely to be cut in March.

The Denver Broncos have decided to bench quarterback Russell Wilson for their final two games and start Jarrett Stidham instead. Sources confirm that Wilson expects to be cut in March, just two years after the Broncos traded a significant package to acquire him. While Wilson has had a productive season with the Broncos, his contract and salary guarantees pose concerns for the team going forward. It remains to be seen which NFL team may be interested in acquiring Wilson in 2024.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] Space travel in 2023 had moments straight out of a sci-fi movie, including SpaceX's exploding Starship rocket and NASA's asteroid sample return mission.

The year 2023 witnessed remarkable events in space travel, resembling scenes from science fiction. SpaceX's Starship rocket experienced two historic flight attempts, with one ending in an explosion and the other reaching outer space. The renewed interest in space exploration comes from NASA, the US government, and countries like India and China, along with substantial investment from private-sector organizations. Additionally, space tourism became a reality as more tourists embarked on space trips. These events mark significant milestones in the 21st-century space race.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] A new formulation of nitazenes, a class of powerful opioid analgesics, has been linked to an overdose death in Colorado.

Nitazenes, a class of powerful opioid analgesics, have recently been found in overdose toxicology reports and are being seen in the illicit drug market. The first overdose death linked to a new formulation of nitazenes called N-Desethyl etonitazene has been reported in Colorado. This emergence of nitazenes comes as there has been a decrease in fentanyl overdoses. Nitazenes are a group of compounds that have been around for decades and are unregulated, posing risks due to the lack of quality control.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who pleaded guilty to helping kill her abusive mother, has been released from prison on parole.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who admitted to assisting her boyfriend in killing her abusive mother, has been released from prison early on parole. Blanchard had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2016 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. She convinced her boyfriend to stab her mother to death while she slept. Her case shed light on Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a condition her mother is believed to have suffered from. Blanchard's release comes after serving 8 years in prison.

No sources available.