September 8, 2023 - Friday

[WORLD] President Biden aims to offer funding for development projects in emerging markets as an alternative to China's Belt and Road initiative at the G20 summit.

President Biden plans to use the G20 summit as an opportunity to present the United States as an alternative to China's Belt and Road project for fast-growing economies in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. With China's President Xi Jinping absent from the meetings, Biden hopes to promote World Bank reform and increase funding for climate and infrastructure aid in developing countries. Meanwhile, Biden's bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be more fruitful than the G20 summit for tangible outcomes.

No sources available.

[NATION] Biden's approach to mask mandates amid a COVID surge will be closely watched as voters decide whether to grant him another four years in office.

The reintroduction of mask mandates in some parts of the country has sparked a political battle over COVID-19 response that is testing President Biden's leadership and influencing the upcoming 2024 election. Biden, who consistently wore a face mask during his 2020 campaign, has faced criticism from Republicans who oppose mask mandates. As local governments implement masking policies, Biden's approach to the issue will be closely watched by voters as they decide whether to reelect him for another four years in office.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is seeking a 46% pay raise for its members over four years, ahead of contract expiration with Detroit automakers.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is pushing for a substantial pay increase of 46% over four years for its members as contract negotiations with General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford continue. The UAW is not alone in demanding significant wage hikes, as workers across various industries have been calling for higher wages due to stagnant wages and companies' healthy profits. The push for higher wages has been successful in some sectors, leading to wage increases that exceed the expected rate of inflation. The UAW has warned of a potential strike if agreements are not reached by the contract deadline.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] Apple has unveiled a YouTube video countdown leading up to its upcoming iPhone 15 event.

Apple has launched a YouTube video countdown for its highly anticipated iPhone 15 event, which is scheduled to take place on September 12. The event, named "Wonderlust," is expected to showcase four new iPhone models, including the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as introduce changes to the charging ports. The countdown serves as a reminder of the event and builds anticipation among Apple enthusiasts.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] The Detroit Lions rally to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in a mistake-ridden NFL season opener.

The Detroit Lions come from behind to clinch a victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL season opener with a score of 21-20. Despite missing two key players, the Chiefs were unable to support their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, as they succumbed to defeat in Kansas City, Missouri. The Lions capitalized on the Chiefs' mistakes to secure the win.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] Japan has successfully launched its lunar exploration spacecraft, SLIM, in a mission to become the fifth country to land on the moon next year.

Japan's space agency, JAXA, launched the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) on an H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center. Despite multiple delays due to unfavorable weather, SLIM is expected to land within 100 meters of its target site on the lunar surface. The mission, costing $100 million, is scheduled to begin its landing approach in February 2022. Meanwhile, JAXA also launched the XRISM satellite, a joint mission with NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency, to reveal celestial objects in a new light.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] Covid-19 variant BA.2.86, nicknamed "Pirola," is not as concerning as initially feared, according to new data from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech.

Recent data from Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, and laboratory studies indicate that the Pirola variant of COVID-19, which has a high number of mutations, is not as concerning as initially feared. Experts believe that the variant is not significantly more transmissible or resistant to vaccines compared to other variants. While COVID-19 transmission is increasing, it is unlikely that the Pirola variant will cause a major surge. However, ongoing monitoring and sequencing efforts are important to detect and address any new variants.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the rape of two women in the early 2000s.

Actor Danny Masterson, known for his role in That '70s Show, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the rape of two women that occurred in the early 2000s. Masterson chose not to speak during the hearing, and the judge verbally dismantled his defense. The victims provided emotional statements during the hearing, and Masterson's attorney stated that they will appeal the sentence. The judge emphasized that Masterson's actions took away another person's choice and voice, and that he was not the victim in this case.

No sources available.