September 16, 2023 - Saturday

[WORLD] Majid Tavakoli, a jailed activist in Iran, warns of totalitarianism as the regime cracks down on dissent following protests over the death of Mahsa Amini.

Majid Tavakoli, a prominent political activist in Iran, is starting a six-year jail sentence for his involvement in protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. Tavakoli criticizes both reformists and the communist left and believes that the majority of Iranians long for a liberal democratic government. The Iranian regime is taking steps to prevent protests on the anniversary of Amini's death, including patrols outside her family home. Tavakoli's imprisonment reflects the growing lack of freedom and repression in Iran.

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[NATION] New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham remains silent on Hunter Biden's illegal gun charges while pushing for a ban on carrying firearms.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is facing criticism for remaining silent on the gun charges against Hunter Biden, while simultaneously advocating for a ban on open and concealed carry in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. Hunter Biden was indicted on federal gun charges for lying on a form and illegally possessing a gun. Governor Grisham's silence on this issue has raised questions about her priorities and hypocritical stance on gun control.

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[BUSINESS] United Auto Workers launch strike against Ford, GM, and Stellantis, marking one of the largest strikes in the US.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) have gone on strike against Detroit's Big Three automakers, Ford, GM, and Stellantis, as their contract expired at midnight on Thursday. UAW President Shawn Fain announced that employees at multiple factories would walk off the job, including a GM assembly plant in Missouri, a Ford assembly plant in Michigan, and a Stellantis assembly complex in Ohio. This strike, affecting nearly 150,000 workers, demonstrates a significant shift in power for the working class and could impact the American economy.

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[TECHNOLOGY] Apple has started accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models in over 40 countries.

Apple has opened pre-orders for the iPhone 15, ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max. The Apple Store app is the fastest way to pre-order the new models. The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts improved camera capabilities, but its high price tag may discourage some buyers. The review of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is yet to be completed, but it is expected to be a premium handset based on its features. There are various deals offered by carriers and the official Apple store for those interested in pre-ordering the new iPhones.

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[SPORTS] Deion Sanders continues feud with Colorado State's Jay Norvell by giving Colorado players sunglasses in response to Norvell's comments about Sanders' attire.

Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, has responded to comments made by Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell about his attire. Norvell criticized Sanders for wearing sunglasses and a hat during interviews. In retaliation, Sanders gifted sunglasses to his entire team and had them wear the shades during a meeting. The feud between the coaches adds intrigue to their upcoming matchup.

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[SCIENCE] A Russian Soyuz spacecraft carrying two cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut successfully arrived at the International Space Station.

The Russian Soyuz spacecraft, named MS-24, docked with the International Space Station approximately three hours after lifting off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The three astronauts, including NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara, began their voyage on the Soyuz spacecraft and will spend six months to a year on the ISS. This marks the first time in nearly a year that Russia has launched astronauts to the space station. The crew will prepare to take over operations from the current trio of crew members on the ISS.

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[HEALTH] Health officials are now recommending the newly updated COVID-19 shots as the "2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine" or simply the "updated COVID-19 vaccine" instead of "boosters".

Health authorities are changing the terminology for this year's COVID-19 shots, moving away from using the term "booster." Instead, officials are calling them the "2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine" or the "updated COVID-19 vaccine." This change aligns with the idea of COVID-19 being treated similarly to influenza, with a new vaccine recommended annually. Americans ages 6 months and older are now advised to get one dose of the updated shots from Moderna or Pfizer, regardless of their previous vaccinations. The change in terminology aims to simplify the schedule of authorized and approved COVID-19 vaccines.

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[ENTERTAINMENT] Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness have announced their amicable separation after nearly three decades of marriage.

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness have decided to end their marriage and pursue their individual growth, according to an exclusive statement shared with PEOPLE. The couple, who have been married for almost 3 decades, expressed their gratitude, love, and kindness as they navigate this new chapter in their lives. They prioritize their family and ask for privacy during this transition. Jackman, known for his successful acting career, has a net worth of $190 million in 2023.

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