July 9, 2023 - Sunday

[WORLD] Zelenskyy visits Snake Island to commemorate 500 days of war, while Russian rocket strikes in eastern Ukraine kill 8 civilians.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Snake Island in the Black Sea to mark 500 days of war, laying flowers at a memorial and releasing wreaths onto the water. The island was previously captured by Russian forces but later retaken by Ukraine. In ongoing battles, Ukrainian forces have launched a counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-controlled territory. The Biden administration has announced an $800 million cluster munitions weapons package for Ukraine. Meanwhile, a Russian rocket strike in the town of Lyman killed 8 civilians and injured 13 others.

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[NATION] US decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine raises concerns over civilian casualties and the moral and political implications.

Following reports of Russian troops using cluster munitions against Ukraine, President Biden's approval to supply Ukraine with cluster munitions is criticized by U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy and Jeff Merkley. They argue that while military aid is necessary to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression, the use of cluster munitions would result in disproportionate civilian casualties and long-lasting effects on innocent civilians. They emphasize the importance of adhering to laws of war and minimizing civilian casualties in supporting Ukraine.

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[BUSINESS] The US job market added the fewest jobs in 2-1/2 years in June, but wage growth remains strong. The unemployment rate fell to 3.6%.

The US economy added 209,000 jobs in June, the lowest increase in 2-1/2 years. However, wage growth remains strong and the unemployment rate dropped to 3.6%. The report also showed a decline in job additions in April and May, indicating that higher borrowing costs may be affecting businesses' hiring decisions. Despite the slowdown in job growth, the overall labor market is still tight, suggesting that the Federal Reserve may increase interest rates. Traders adjusted expectations for a second rate hike in September after the release of the job market data.

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[TECHNOLOGY] Jony Ive collaborates with Linn to design a limited-edition $60,000 turntable for the 50th anniversary of the Sondek LP12 model.

Former Apple design chief, Jony Ive, has partnered with Linn to create a limited-edition turntable priced at $60,000. The Sondek LP12-50, designed by Ive's firm LoveFrom, is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Sondek LP12 model. Only 250 units will be produced and will be available from August 2023. Ive describes the project as a "gentle and modest" undertaking driven by their admiration for Linn's craftsmanship. This is Ive's first hardware project since leaving Apple in 2019.

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[SPORTS] Victor Wembanyama has a solid debut for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Summer League, contributing to their win against the Charlotte Hornets.

Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA draft, made his debut for the San Antonio Spurs in the Summer League. Despite shooting difficulties, he scored nine points, grabbed eight rebounds, and recorded five blocks in the Spurs' 76-68 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Wembanyama expressed gratitude for the opportunity and mentioned that he is still learning and hoping to improve in future games. He has been regarded as one of the most promising NBA prospects in recent years.

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[SCIENCE] A solar storm is expected to make the Northern Lights visible in 17 American states, including Indiana and Wisconsin.

A solar storm on Thursday will allow residents in 17 American states, including Indiana and Wisconsin, to witness the Northern Lights. The lights, also known as aurora borealis, are typically seen in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia, but the current 11-year solar cycle is making them visible in more southern regions. A similar event occurred three months ago in Arizona. The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska predicts auroral activity in several US states, as well as Vancouver, Canada. Major cities such as Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Indianapolis are expected to have overhead views of the lights.

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[HEALTH] Hillsborough County teams are conducting mosquito surveillance to prevent the spread of malaria after six locally transmitted cases were reported in Sarasota County.

After six locally transmitted cases of malaria were reported in Sarasota County, Hillsborough County teams have increased their mosquito surveillance efforts to prevent the spread of the disease. There are currently 40 different kinds of mosquitoes in Hillsborough County, with around six or seven of them capable of carrying and transmitting diseases. Manatee and Sarasota counties are currently under a mosquito-borne illness alert, while Hillsborough County teams continue monitoring mosquitoes in the area.

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[ENTERTAINMENT] Britney Spears expresses feeling unequal in the U.S. following a security "slap" incident involving NBA player Victor Wembanyama.

Britney Spears took to Instagram to express her frustration over the recent security "slap" incident, stating that she feels she has never been treated as an equal person in America. In a caption accompanying a video of her reaction to the incident, Spears clarified that she did not share it to play the victim, but rather to express her feelings of helplessness and frustration in various situations. This comes after police announced that no charges will be filed over the incident.

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