August 8, 2023 - Tuesday

[WORLD] Coup leaders in Niger refuse to let a senior US diplomat meet the president, who is under "virtual house arrest."

A senior US diplomat was denied a meeting with Niger's president by coup leaders who are resistant to US pressure for a return to civilian rule. Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland expressed concern for the detained president and emphasized the potential consequences for US assistance if democracy is not restored. The US considers cutting off aid when a democratically elected government is toppled unconstitutionally. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has also condemned the coup and implemented sanctions to restore democracy.

No sources available.

[NATION] Two firefighting helicopters collide while responding to a blaze in Southern California, killing all three people on board.

Two firefighting helicopters collided while responding to a blaze in Southern California, resulting in a fatal crash that claimed the lives of all three individuals on board. The crash occurred in the desert, east of Los Angeles, involving a Sikorsky S-64E and a Bell 407 helicopter. One helicopter landed safely, while the other crashed, tragically leading to the death of the three crew members. The victims were identified as Cal Fire Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Cal Fire Capt. Tim Rodriguez, and contract pilot Tony Sousa.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] Paramount has agreed to sell Simon & Schuster to private equity firm KKR for $1.6 billion in cash.

Paramount has reached an agreement to sell Simon & Schuster to private equity firm KKR for $1.6 billion in cash. The book publishing company will become private once the deal is closed and will maintain its current leadership under Jonathan Karp and Dennis Eulau. This sale follows a failed attempt by Paramount to sell Simon & Schuster to Penguin Random House, which was blocked by the Department of Justice due to antitrust concerns. The sale will help Paramount pay down its debt.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] Apple has secured a deal with TSMC where the chip manufacturer will not charge Apple for defective 3 nm chips, saving Apple billions of dollars.

Apple has secured a deal with TSMC that allows them to purchase every 3nm chip they produce while shifting the cost of defective processor dies to TSMC. This agreement will help Apple reduce costs for their next-generation iPhones and Macs, which will use chips manufactured using TSMC's new 3nm process. This is beneficial for Apple as it helps ensure a stable supply of chips while lowering expenses associated with chip defects.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] Donald Trump gloats about USA's Women's World Cup elimination, criticizing Megan Rapinoe and suggesting it reflects the state of the nation.

Donald Trump took to social media to gloat about the US women's national team's elimination from the 2023 Women's World Cup, expressing satisfaction over their loss and criticizing player Megan Rapinoe. The team lost to Sweden in the second round of the tournament. Trump, a longtime vocal critic of the team, claimed that the defeat was emblematic of the state of the nation.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft enters lunar orbit, bringing it closer to a soft landing on the moon's South Pole on August 23.

India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has successfully entered lunar orbit, marking a major milestone in India's mission to land on the moon's South Pole. The spacecraft underwent a planned orbit reduction maneuver and is scheduled to touch down on August 23. Chandrayaan-3 aims to collect data in the challenging terrain of the lunar South Pole, with the goal of becoming the fourth country to achieve a controlled moon landing. Developed by the Indian Space Research Organization, the mission includes a lander, propulsion module, and rover.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] The US FDA has approved zuranolone, the first oral pill in the US specifically for postpartum depression.

The US FDA has granted approval for zuranolone, an oral medication, as the first FDA-approved pill for the treatment of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a serious mental illness that can affect new mothers, and this approval provides a beneficial treatment option. The medication will be sold under the brand name Zurzuvae and is to be taken once daily for 14 days. While the drug has potential side effects and may impair a person's ability to drive or operate heavy machinery, it marks a significant step forward in addressing postpartum depression.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Oscar-winning director William Friedkin, known for directing "The Exorcist" and "The French Connection," has passed away at the age of 87.

William Friedkin, an acclaimed director of the 1970s, has died at the age of 87. He was known for his visceral and realistic films like "The Exorcist" and "The French Connection," for which he won an Oscar for best director. Friedkin's death was confirmed by his executive assistant and son, who stated that he had passed away after a long illness.

No sources available.