September 1, 2023 - Friday

[WORLD] The Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam have rejected China's map claiming sovereignty in the South China Sea, calling it baseless.

China's release of a new national map has sparked objections from neighboring countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and India. These countries have issued strong statements rejecting China's claims to their territories. The Philippines specifically cited the inclusion of a dashed line around contested areas in the South China Sea, which goes against an international tribunal ruling in favor of Manila in 2016. The disputed map is seen as an attempt by China to legitimize its sovereignty claims, but it is deemed to have no basis under international law.

No sources available.

[NATION] Former Proud Boys leaders Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl have been sentenced to prison for their roles in the January 6th Capitol attack.

Joseph Biggs, former leader of the Proud Boys' Florida chapter, and Zachary Rehl, former leader of the Proud Boys' Philadelphia chapter, were handed lengthy prison sentences for their roles in the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol. The judge accepted the government's request to treat their crimes as acts of terrorism. Biggs received a 17-year sentence, while Rehl received 15 years. Prosecutors had sought even longer sentences for both men.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index, rose in July, with the core PCE increasing to 4.2% year over year.

The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure, the PCE Index, edged higher in July as the core PCE rose to 4.2% and the headline PCE rose to 3.3% year over year. Consumer spending also increased by 0.8%, driven by strong performances in the entertainment sector. Despite the increase in inflation, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated the Fed's commitment to bringing inflation down to the 2% target. The PCE Index is the preferred measure for the Fed as it directly impacts GDP. Overall, the data reinforces the Fed's focus on inflation and its efforts to achieve its target.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] Google accidentally leaked the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel Watch 2 on its official website.

Google accidentally revealed its upcoming flagship phone, the Pixel 8 Pro, and the Pixel Watch 2 on its official website. This leak occurred on the same day that Apple announced the launch date of the iPhone 15 series. The Pixel 8 Pro was spotted on the Google Store website's subscriptions page, revealing its design and colorway. Additionally, Google has filed for FCC approval for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, just hours after announcing the date for its fall Pixel hardware event.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] Bryson Barnes, Utah's backup quarterback, made an impressive start in the game against Florida by throwing a 70-yard touchdown pass on his first play.

Bryson Barnes, a former walk-on, started in place of the injured starting quarterback for Utah's game against Florida. On his first play from scrimmage, Barnes threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Money Parks, giving the Utes an early 7-0 lead. Barnes is known for his ability to throw deep, and he proved it with this impressive play. Utah went on to win the game 24-11, with Barnes finishing with 159 yards passing and a touchdown.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] Human ancestors were close to extinction 900,000 years ago, with a population of just 1,280 individuals for more than 100,000 years.

A new study analyzed the genetic lineages of modern humans to trace their characteristics backward in time and found that between 813,000 and 930,000 years ago, an unknown species of early human experienced a drastic reduction in population, coming close to extinction. This event may have played a role in the evolution of modern humans and their extinct relatives, the Neanderthals and Denisovans. The findings suggest that our ancestors faced a "close call with extinction" that lasted for over 100,000 years before recovering.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] Approximately 25% of nursing homes in New Jersey have reported COVID-19 outbreaks, as cases slowly rise in the state, according to health department data.

As COVID-19 cases slowly rise in New Jersey, about one in four nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the state have reported outbreaks in the past week. Despite the increase in cases, there have been no recent policy changes from the state or federal government, and nursing home operators are now responsible for managing the cases. The rise in cases is being seen in other parts of the country as well, but the numbers remain relatively low, and there is no need to panic.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] 'Exorcist: Believer' moves release date to avoid Taylor Swift's concert film, creating chaos and anger in the industry.

Universal and Blumhouse's "Exorcist: Believer" moves its release date from Friday the 13th to October 6th to avoid the premiere of Taylor Swift's concert film, causing chaos and anger among studios and exhibitors. The concert film, distributed by AMC, is expected to be a major hit and has already sold out many theaters. Distributors and exhibitors were caught off guard by the announcement, leading to frustration and confusion in the industry.

No sources available.