U.S. Debt Reaches $34 Trillion

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BUSINESS & ECONOMY

🌐 Expansion of BRICS, 25 Countries Set to Join in 2024

The 2024 BRICS summit in Russia might see around 25 new countries joining, aiming to replace the US dollar with local currencies for trade. South African BRICS ambassador Anil Sooklal confirmed the widespread interest. This move challenges the US dollar's supremacy and could impact American financial stability, signaling a major shift in international trade practices.

📉 U.S. National Debt Hits Record High of $34 Trillion

The U.S. national debt has soared to a record $34 trillion, escalating concerns over fiscal sustainability. Michael Peterson of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation highlights the debt's "damaging and unsustainable path." Projections suggest a surge to 181% of GDP by 2053, intensifying risks to the economy and national security. Rising interest rates are set to triple debt service costs, outpacing major federal spending programs.

WORLD

🚀 Russia Strikes Ukraine's Two Major Cities with Hypersonic Missiles

Russian missile strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv killed four and injured 100, escalating tensions. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy vowed, "Russia will answer for every life taken away," following the use of scarce Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. Poland deployed F-16s in response. The attacks are the deadliest since the invasion, with Putin promising intensified strikes after Ukraine's counterattack on Belgorod.

🔥 Assassination of Hamas Deputy in Beirut Escalates Gaza Conflict Risk

Israel escalated the Gaza conflict by killing Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut, risking war expansion. Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, vowed a "severe reaction" to such assassinations. The incident intensifies regional tensions, with protests in the West Bank and threats from Iranian-backed groups.

🔪 South Korean Politician Lee Jae-myung Recovers from Neck Stabbing Attack

In a shocking incident, South Korea's liberal opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed in the neck during a Busan visit. The disguised attacker, aiming to kill, was arrested. Lee, known for his harsh criticism of government policies, underwent emergency surgery. President Yoon Suk Yeol condemned this "serious threat to democracy," intensifying the political tension in South Korea.

SCIENCE & TECH

🌠 Quadrantid Meteor Shower Promises 120 Shooting Stars Hourly This Week

The Quadrantid meteor shower, peaking January 3-4, 2024, offers a spectacular sky show with up to 120 meteors per hour. Despite a 51% full moon and potential clouds, NASA heralds it as one of the best annual showers, known for bright fireballs. Originating from the near-Earth object 2003 EH1, the best views of the Quadrantids come from dark, secluded spots or through the Virtual Telescope Project's live stream.

📱 Samsung's Unpacked Event Set for Silicon Valley's Core

Samsung's Unpacked event on January 17th, themed "go big or go home", invites tech enthusiasts to its 10 AM PT Livestream for a first look at the new Galaxy series, likely the S24. The event, promising advancements in AI and a possible titanium S24 Ultra, entices with a $50 credit for preorders.

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

🐭 Mickey Mouse Stars in New Horror Films as 'Steamboat Willie' Becomes Public Domain

Mickey Mouse stars as a horror villain in two films, post "Steamboat Willie" copyright expiration. Steven LaMorte's film explores the dark side of the iconic character, noting that "beneath that cheerful exterior lies a potential for pure, unhinged terror." Disney maintains rights over modern Mickey, avoiding confusion. This shift mirrors the utilization of public domain characters, as seen in "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey."

🏛️ Jimmy Kimmel Plans Legal Response to Aaron Rodgers' Epstein Accusation

Aaron Rodgers hinted Jimmy Kimmel could be named in unsealed Epstein case documents on "The Pat McAfee Show." Kimmel fiercely denied any Epstein ties, saying, "Your reckless words put my family in danger," and threatened court action against Rodgers. Their feud, including previous clashes over vaccines and UFOs, continues, with both shows under the Disney network.

🎵 Taylor Swift Surpasses Elvis in Total Weeks at No. 1 as a Solo Artist on Album Charts

In 2023, Taylor Swift surpassed Elvis Presley, setting a new record for the most weeks at No. 1 as a solo artist on the Billboard 200 album chart, with her album "1989 (Taylor's Version)" leading to 68 weeks on top. Her "The Eras Tour" also became the highest-grossing concert film of all time, earning over $250M. Additionally, her hit "Cruel Summer" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

OTHER NEWS

🔍 Trump Challenges Maine's Exclusion from Primary Ballot

Former President Trump is contesting Maine Secretary of State Bellows' decision to disqualify him from the GOP primary ballot, citing her alleged bias and the insurrection clause. Trump's eligibility, also challenged in Colorado, hinges on his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Bellows, uniquely invoking the clause, stated, "No presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection."

🔍 Senator Menendez Accused of Accepting Gifts from Qatar Amid Corruption Allegations

Senator Bob Menendez faces extended bribery charges, accused of receiving gifts from Qatar and Egypt in exchange for political favors. Denying wrongdoing, Menendez claims the allegations lack proof, his attorney Adam Fee calling them "baseless assumptions and bizarre conjectures." The indictment alleges he received Formula One tickets and other benefits, failing to disclose them on financial forms.

📈 US Abortion Medication Stockpiling Soars Amid Legal Uncertainty, Study Reveals

Following Roe v. Wade's overturn, Aid Access saw a surge in advance medication abortion requests, totaling over 48,000 orders. Primarily wealthier, white individuals over 30 sought these, reflecting structural barriers. Amidst legal uncertainties, Governor Kathy Hochul affirmed, "New York will always be a safe harbor for abortion care," highlighting the fight for reproductive autonomy.

🎉 Michigan Resident Wins $842 Million Powerball on New Year's Day, a First for the Game

On New Year's Day, a Michigan ticket won the first-ever $842.4 million Powerball jackpot on that date, becoming the fifth-largest in Powerball and 10th-largest in U.S. history. Sold at Food Castle, Grand Blanc Township, the store owner Bill Nannoshi celebrated, "It's great for this community." The win offers a pivotal choice between annuitized or lump sum payments.

THIS DAY THAT YEAR

On April 1, 1976, college dropouts Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computer, Inc., aspiring to revolutionize computer perception. They envisioned transforming computers into compact devices suitable for home and office use, ultimately leading Apple to become a globally recognized innovator in computers and electronics.

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