September 23, 2023 - Saturday

[WORLD] Questions about Russia's influence in the ex-USSR region grow after their peacekeepers failed to prevent Azerbaijani forces from seizing Nagorno-Karabakh.

The apparent impotence of Russian peacekeepers stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh to prevent Turkish-backed Azerbaijani forces from seizing the area has raised questions about Moscow's clout in the region. Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, has been run by a breakaway administration since the 1990s. Russian influence in the region is under pressure from Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran, while Russia is also distracted by its war in Ukraine.

No sources available.

[NATION] Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife have been indicted on bribery charges for allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for the use of the senator's influence.

Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife are facing charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, honest services fraud, and extortion under color of official right. The indictment alleges that the couple received bribes including cash, gold bars, mortgage payments, and a luxury vehicle. Federal agents found over $480,000 in cash in their home, hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe. Menendez has called the charges baseless and expressed confidence that the matter will be resolved in his favor.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] Lachlan Murdoch will take over as the head of Fox News, but viewers are unlikely to notice any significant changes in the network's conservative-leaning programming.

When Rupert Murdoch steps down and hands control of his media empire to his son Lachlan, viewers of Fox News are not expected to notice any significant changes. Lachlan, who has been in control of the cable-news giant's parent company since 2019, is considered to be as conservative as his father. Despite speculation about a shift in sensibility with the next generation of Murdochs, it appears that the conservative-leaning programming of Fox News will continue under Lachlan's leadership.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] The iPhone 15 is now available for purchase with carriers offering up to $1,000 off, but customers must switch to the most expensive plans.

As the iPhone 15 hits stores, major carriers such as T-Mobile and Verizon are offering discounts of up to $1,000 for customers who switch to their priciest plans for financing the new phone. This strategy of locking customers into long-term commitments is not new, but it is now being applied to the iPhone 15. With analysts reporting strong pre-orders for the new phone, now may be a good time to upgrade, but customers should carefully review the terms and prices to ensure they get the best deal.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] The 49ers secured a 30-12 victory against the Giants, with strong second-half adjustments and offensive performances from Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle.

The San Francisco 49ers dominated the New York Giants in a 30-12 victory. The 49ers showcased effective second-half adjustments on defense, leading to shorter passes from Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and limited passing yardage. The team's offensive playmakers, including Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle, contributed to the strong offensive performance. The 49ers demonstrated that they do not solely rely on strong quarterback play in order to succeed offensively.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] Jellyfish, despite lacking centralized brains, can learn and retain information through associative learning, challenging previous beliefs.

New research has revealed that Caribbean box jellyfish can engage in associative learning, challenging the notion that organisms without centralized brains cannot learn. Scientists trained the jellyfish to dodge obstacles, showing their ability to learn and adapt their behavior. This finding suggests that jellyfish, with their limited number of nerve cells, are more complex than previously thought. The study provides insights into the evolutionary basis of learning and memory.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] The CDC recommends a new vaccine, Abryvso, to protect newborns from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by vaccinating expectant mothers.

The CDC has recommended a new vaccine, Abryvso, to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The vaccine, which is given to expectant mothers during late pregnancy, aims to prevent RSV lower respiratory tract infection in newborns. The recommendation follows a nearly unanimous vote by CDC advisors. The maternal vaccine, produced by Pfizer, will be available in the US this fall, providing an additional tool for protecting infants against RSV illness.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Sophie Turner files a petition requesting Joe Jonas to return their children to England from New York City.

Sophie Turner, known for her role in "Game of Thrones," has filed a petition in New York City asking her ex-husband Joe Jonas to return their two children to their home in England. Turner claims that the children were wrongfully retained in New York City and that England has been their permanent home since April 2023. Jonas had been caring for the children while on tour with his band, The Jonas Brothers, but Turner had planned to bring them back to England this month. Jonas' representative states that they had reached an understanding for co-parenting.

No sources available.