NASA Unlocks Asteroid Sample

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY

📈 Inflation Surges Unexpectedly in December

In December, U.S. consumer prices rose unexpectedly, with a 0.3% increase in CPI, leading to a 3.4% annual rise. Core inflation, minus food and energy, dipped to 3.9%. The shelter index notably surged, driving half the gains. Ellen Zentner of Morgan Stanley anticipates "gradual disinflation with sticky services inflation." Despite market expectations, Federal Reserve officials suggest a cautious approach to future rate cuts.

📈 Credit Card Delinquencies Exceed Pre-Pandemic Highs

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia reports a significant rise in credit card delinquency in the U.S., exceeding pre-pandemic levels. With 33.18% of accounts not fully paying off balances and banks reducing credit lines, America faces a credit debt crisis. Ted Rossman of Bankrate warns, "Just paying 20%+ interest every month, the minimum payment math is brutal," amidst soaring inflation and interest rates.

WORLD

📉 Gaza's Daily Death Toll Surpasses All Major 21st Century Conflicts, Reports Oxfam

Human Rights Watch condemns Israel's actions in Gaza as "acts of collective punishment amounting to war crimes," with over 23,469 Palestinians killed since October 7. Oxfam reports an unprecedented civilian death rate, exceeding any 21st-century conflict. Omar Shakir of HRW urges international action against these atrocities. Meanwhile, South Africa accused Israel of "genocide" at the International Court of Justice.

🎯 US and UK Launch Joint Military Strikes Against Yemen's Houthi Rebels

The U.S. and Britain struck Houthi targets in Yemen, supported by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, to counter threats to Red Sea shipping. President Biden declared, "These targeted strikes...will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation." The operation aims to secure global commerce and deter further Houthi aggression, with Iran implicated in backing the Houthis.

SCIENCE & TECH

🚀 NASA Successfully Accesses Asteroid Sample Previously Hindered by Stuck Fasteners

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, after a complex procedure using surgical steel tools, successfully accessed trapped asteroid samples from Bennu. These findings, indicating water and carbon, support theories of Earth's early hydration. Dr. Nicole Lunning commended, "The curation team showed impressive resilience and did incredible work," and Dante Lauretta highlighted, "We’re seeing the way that water got incorporated into the solid material." Some samples are preserved for future research.

🏛️ House Rejects Biden's EV Charger 'Buy America' Waiver Request

The House voted to revoke a Biden waiver allowing federal funds for EV chargers using non-U.S. steel and iron, challenging a policy meant to support chargers assembled in the U.S. Critics argue it benefits foreign industries. Despite Senate support, the White House plans to veto, citing concerns of "undermin[ing] U.S. manufacturing of the chargers" and suggesting revisiting a 1983 exemption.

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

🏈 Bill Belichick Departs Patriots Following 24 Seasons and Six Championships

Bill Belichick ends his 24-year tenure as New England Patriots coach, leaving behind six Super Bowl titles. In mutual agreement with owner Robert Kraft, who praised him as "the greatest coach of all time," Belichick looks to continue coaching elsewhere. Linebackers coach Jerod Mayo is a leading candidate for his successor, as the Patriots face a significant era shift.

🏈 NFL Playoff Game Exclusive to Peacock Paywall, Marking New Era in Streaming Embrace

The AFC wild card game, a quarterback duel between Miami's Tua Tagovailoa and Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes, marks the NFL's first playoff game streamed exclusively on Peacock. Fans must subscribe (starting at $5.99/month) to watch, a move criticized by Chris Russo on ESPN for complicating access, particularly for older fans. This historic shift reflects the NFL's strategy to adapt to evolving media platforms.

🎤 Michael Jackson Biopic Scheduled for 2025 Release

"Michael," a biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, is set for release on April 18, 2025. The film, distributed by Lionsgate and Universal, promises a "riveting and honest portrayal" of Michael Jackson's life, balancing his personal struggles and artistic genius. Co-produced by Jackson's estate, it will also address his controversial allegations, maintaining a focus on his creative legacy.

OTHER NEWS

🎉 OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Celebrates Wedding

Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO, married Oliver Mulherin in a private, intimate ceremony, confirmed by Business Insider. The wedding included Jewish traditions, officiated by Altman's brother Jack. Despite rumors, the photos circulating on social media are real, not AI-generated. The couple, both involved in AI, live in San Francisco and recently shared plans to start a family soon.

🛑 Texas Takes Over Park, Denies Border Patrol Entry in Move Against Illegal Immigration

Texas National Guard seized Shelby Park, Eagle Pass, intensifying federal tensions in a move to curb illegal immigration. Governor Abbott's action, surprising local authorities, restricts Border Patrol access. The Border Patrol Union backs Abbott, with spokesperson Judd stating, "He is enhancing them." The White House criticizes these measures as unsafe and dehumanizing, amidst ongoing legal battles over border policies.

🚨 Teen Drug Overdoses Surge to Record Levels Due to Fentanyl, Report Reveals

In 2022, U.S. high school teens faced a record surge in drug overdose deaths, predominantly from fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills, with a weekly average of 22 deaths. Dr. Scott Hadland of the study stated, "Fewer teens than ever are actively using drugs, and yet more teens than ever are dying." Hotspots included Arizona, Colorado, and Washington. 

THIS DAY THAT YEAR

On 12 January 2010, Haiti was struck by a catastrophic magnitude-7.0 earthquake, causing severe devastation, particularly in Port-au-Prince. The disaster resulted in over 200,000 fatalities and left more than 1,000,000 people homeless, triggering a substantial international relief effort.

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