August 31, 2023 - Thursday

[WORLD] The United States accuses Russia of making "shameful" moves towards new arms deals with North Korea, in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

The United States has accused Russia of actively advancing talks for new arms deals with North Korea, in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The accusations come after a U.S. intelligence report claimed that Russia was supporting Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and seeking additional weapons from North Korea. The U.S. urged North Korea to cease its arms negotiations with Russia and to abide by its commitments to not provide or sell arms to Russia. The alleged arms talks are happening as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues with no resolution in sight.

No sources available.

[NATION] Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell freezes for the second time in weeks at a press event, raising concerns about his fitness to lead.

Senator Mitch McConnell froze for about 30 seconds while speaking with reporters in Covington, Kentucky, after being asked about running for reelection in 2026. An aide had to prompt him if he had heard the question. McConnell eventually responded after a member of his detail spoke to him, but the incident has raised questions about his fitness to lead the Senate Republican caucus.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] CNN has appointed Mark Thompson, former CEO of The New York Times, as its new chief executive and chairman.

Mark Thompson has been chosen as the next leader of CNN, replacing Chris Licht. Thompson is a seasoned media executive with experience as the CEO of The New York Times and the director-general of the BBC. He will officially begin his role on October 9 and will also serve as the network's editor-in-chief. Thompson expressed his excitement to join CNN and highlighted the importance of accurate and trustworthy news in today's world. His appointment comes at a critical time for CNN, as the network faces various challenges.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] Google accidentally leaked the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel Watch 2 on its official website, coinciding with Apple's iPhone 15 launch announcement.

Google unintentionally revealed its upcoming flagship phone, the Pixel 8 Pro, on its website, along with a possible smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 2. The leak happened on the same day as Apple's iPhone 15 launch date announcement. The marketing render of the Pixel 8 Pro was spotted on Google Store's subscriptions page. In addition to the Pixel 8 Pro leak, Google also filed for FCC approval for five new devices, possibly including the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Rumors suggest that the Pixel 8 devices will introduce new features and improvements, including a new Tensor G3 chip.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] Ten quarterbacks, including Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott, are entering a pivotal season and facing a crossroads in 2023.

As the focus turns to passers, ten quarterbacks are highlighted as players to watch in the 2023 season due to various factors such as age, contracts, injuries, performance, and off-the-field issues. The list includes notable names like Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott. The article emphasizes the importance of these quarterbacks' performances and the potential impact it could have on their careers and teams.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] The rare occurrence of a Super Blue Moon, which is a combination of a supermoon and a Blue Moon, will be visible on August 30th.

This unique event will feature the second full moon of August, making it a Blue Moon, along with the moon appearing larger and brighter due to its proximity to Earth as a supermoon. The full moon will rise in the Aquarius constellation just after sunset and set before sunrise the next day. In case of bad weather, a livestream will be available to watch the Super Blue Moon. Following this event, the moon will gradually wane until the next new moon on September 14th. This will be the last supermoon of the year.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] COVID-19 hospitalizations in North Carolina are on the rise, reaching their highest levels since March.

North Carolina is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, with current numbers close to January levels this year. However, hospitalizations remain significantly lower than pre-vaccine levels. Recent data shows a 12% increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations compared to the previous week, the highest since March. Flu-related hospitalizations have decreased. Wastewater virus particles are also up 9% since the previous week. Despite the rise, hospitalizations are still much lower than the peak in January 2023. A COVID-19 booster is expected to be available next month to target new variants and enhance protection against the virus.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] Damien Chazelle, the jury president at the Venice Film Festival, showed support for Hollywood strikes, wearing a "Writers Guild on Strike" shirt and pin.

Damien Chazelle, the jury president of the Venice Film Festival, expressed his support for the ongoing strikes in Hollywood during the event's first press conference. He wore a t-shirt and pin that showed solidarity with the Writers Guild on Strike. Chazelle's support for the strikes highlights the importance of the art and creativity in the film industry over other concerns.

No sources available.