January 31, 2024 - Wednesday

[WORLD] Iran warns of direct conflict if the US strikes Iranian soil while waiting for Joe Biden's response to the killing of US servicemen.

Iran has issued a warning to the US, stating that it will hit back at American assets in the Middle East if the US strikes directly on Iranian soil. This comes as Iran anxiously awaits President Biden's response to the killing of three US servicemen by a Tehran-backed militia. In a surprising move, Kataib Hezbollah, the most powerful Iranian-backed militia in Iraq, has announced the suspension of its military operations against US forces. President Biden has stated that he holds Iran responsible for supplying weapons to the attackers.

No sources available.

[NATION] A man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for attempting to burn down an Ohio church that planned to host a drag event.

An Ohio man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to federal charges for attempting to burn down a church in Chesterland. A week before the incident, the church had planned to host two drag show events. The man used Molotov cocktails in his attempt to burn the church down. The court found him guilty of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act and using fire and explosives to commit a felony. He will also face three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] Microsoft's quarterly revenue exceeded expectations due to its investments in artificial intelligence and the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, making gaming its third largest business.

Microsoft reported revenue of $62 billion, up 18% YoY, and net income of $21.9 billion in the second quarter. Its focus on AI and Azure cloud computing resulted in strong performance, with Microsoft Cloud revenue rising 24%. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard contributed to gaming revenue surpassing Windows revenue for the first time. However, Surface sales declined, impacting devices revenue which is expected to decline further in the next quarter.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a high-end phone with cutting-edge AI features, but the AI parts are not exclusive to the Ultra.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a feature-packed smartphone with high-end hardware and cutting-edge AI features. It comes with a bright anti-glare display that is easy to use outdoors, a fantastic camera system with a portrait mode, and a built-in stylus. The AI features, such as live translation for phone calls and voice recording summaries, are impressive but not always perfect. The phone's battery performance is average, and the new flat-screen design has sharp corners that can be uncomfortable to hold. Overall, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a great phone, but its AI features are not its standout aspect.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] The Baltimore Orioles are being sold to a group led by private equity billionaires, with the deal valuing the club at $1.725 billion.

The Baltimore Orioles, led by CEO John Angelos, will be sold to a group of investors including private equity billionaires David Rubenstein and Mike Arougheti. Rubenstein, a Baltimore native and co-founder of the Carlyle Group, will become the "control" partner in the new ownership group. The deal, which values the team at $1.725 billion, will initially give the group a 40% stake in the Orioles. The remainder of the Angelos family share will be transferred later on. The sale is subject to league approval.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] First-ever footage of a newborn great white shark has been released, potentially providing insight into their elusive early life.

Wildlife filmmaker Carlos Gauna and a biology student captured what is believed to be the world's first footage of a live newborn great white shark off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. This discovery could shed light on the mysterious birth and early stages of great white sharks, which have never been witnessed before. The footage was captured using drone cameras and has been published in the Environmental Biology of Fishes journal.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] The US is experiencing a syphilis epidemic, with cases rising by 9% in 2022, while gonorrhea cases dropped for the first time in a decade.

According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, syphilis cases in the US have reached their highest count since 1950, with a total of over 207,000 cases in 2022. The infectious cases of syphilis rose by 9%, with a particular increase observed in heterosexual men and women, as well as newborns. Meanwhile, gonorrhea cases decreased by 9%, though it is still unclear why this decline has occurred. This epidemic highlights the need for tailored prevention strategies and robust public health systems.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Broadway legend Chita Rivera, known for her iconic roles in "West Side Story" and "Chicago," has passed away at the age of 91.

Chita Rivera, a renowned Broadway star and singer best known for her performances in musicals such as "West Side Story" and "Chicago," died at the age of 91. Rivera had an illustrious career spanning several decades, earning 10 Tony Award nominations and winning two. She was considered a vibrant and versatile performer, captivating audiences with her dance skills and powerful voice. Her legacy in the world of musical theater will be remembered for years to come.

No sources available.