Total Coverage Today: Your Daily News
US NEWS
Heart Disease Remains Leading Cause of Death in US: Heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death in the United States, despite a significant decline in mortality rates since the 1950s. According to the American Heart Association, there were 931,578 heart-related deaths in 2021, slightly higher than the previous year. The decline in smoking rates and advancements in diagnosis and treatment have contributed to the reduction in deaths. However, heart disease, including conditions like high blood pressure, still poses a major threat to American health.
Historical Events on January 24: This day in history includes several significant events: the discovery of gold at John Sutter's mill in 1848, the formation of the first Boy Scout troop in 1908, the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the income tax in 1916, the launch of Apple's Macintosh in 1984, and the 2011 suicide bomb attack at Moscow's Domodedovo airport, killing 37 people.
GLOBAL NEWS AND WORLD EVENTS
US Military Strikes in Iraq Against Militia Groups: In a significant military action, the United States carried out strikes on three facilities in Iraq, utilized by KH and other Iran-aligned militia groups. These operations were a direct response to escalated attacks on U.S. and coalition forces in the region. The U.S. maintains its presence in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi Government, primarily to combat the enduring threat of ISIS and to ensure the protection of coalition and Iraqi military personnel.
NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 Begins with USS Gunston Hall: The USS Gunston Hall has departed from Norfolk for the NATO exercise Steadfast Defender 2024, marking the start of NATO's largest military exercise in decades. This exercise involves about 90,000 forces from 31 Allies and Sweden, aiming to demonstrate NATO's rapid deployment capabilities and its readiness to defend Europe. The exercise will also showcase NATO's ability to conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations across several months.
Russia Raises Concerns Over US Military Actions in Korea: Russian officials have expressed concerns over the military actions of the United States, South Korea, and Japan, suggesting preparations for conflict with North Korea. This follows joint naval exercises involving an American aircraft carrier and discussions on nuclear-related cooperation. Tensions in the region have escalated with North Korea's recent provocative weapons tests and threats. Russia, maintaining a developing relationship with North Korea, views these actions as concerning for regional stability.
Cyprus Rescues Syrian Migrants Lost at Sea: Cypriot authorities rescued 60 Syrian migrants who had been lost at sea for six days. Several individuals from this group were hospitalized following their ordeal. The rescue highlights the ongoing challenges faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe via perilous sea routes.
Farmers Protest in Brussels Against Environmental Legislation: Farmers held demonstrations outside the European Parliament in Brussels, expressing their discontent with environmental policies. The protests are part of a broader movement across the continent against various agricultural and environmental regulations that farmers claim are detrimental to their livelihoods.
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Pre-Market Stock Movers: In the financial markets, notable pre-market stock movements include Getaround (GETR) surging over 86% after securing $20 million in new financing, Evaxion Biotech (EVAX) rising over 41% following an investment from Merck, and Nxu (NXU) increasing more than 31% with new electric vehicle charging patents. Meanwhile, Aquabounty Technologies (AQB) and Meta Materials (MMAT) saw significant declines, with MMAT announcing a reverse stock split.
Boeing Implements "Quality Stand Down" for 737 Max: Boeing announced a temporary halt in production, known as a "quality stand down," at its Washington factory to address issues with the 737 Max planes. This move allows employees involved in the production of the aircraft to focus on evaluating and improving quality processes. The decision follows a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 flight, where a door plug detached mid-flight, prompting an emergency landing and subsequent grounding of the model for safety investigations. Boeing's actions, including the stand down and the appointment of a special adviser for quality improvements, aim to address safety concerns and restore confidence in its 737 Max series.
U.S. Business Activity Increases, Inflation Cools: According to a survey by S&P Global, U.S. business activity picked up in January 2024, with a significant decrease in inflation. The composite PMI Output Index, tracking manufacturing and services sectors, rose to its highest level since June of the previous year. This increase is seen as a strong start to the year for the U.S. economy, suggesting continued growth, albeit at a moderate pace. However, there are concerns over rising material delays which could potentially exert upward pressure on raw material prices.
Mixed Close on Wall Street: The stock market experienced a mixed close, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average slightly down, and the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 posting gains. The S&P 500 continued its record performance, marking its third consecutive session of hitting new highs. The market's mixed performance is attributed to strong but varied quarterly earnings reports from major companies.
"Magnificent 7" Megacap Companies Awaited for Quarterly Reports: Market participants are eagerly waiting for upcoming quarterly reports from a group of megacap companies, known as the "Magnificent 7," to assess the market's momentum. The S&P 500, having recovered from a historic low, is trading at significantly higher times forward 12-month earnings estimates compared to its long-term average. These reports are expected to provide further insights into the direction of the market amidst a mixed start to the earnings season.
POLITICS
Trump Secures Victory in New Hampshire Primary: Former President Donald Trump has won the New Hampshire primary, a significant step in his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. This victory follows his earlier success in the Iowa caucuses, solidifying his lead in the race. Trump's primary competitor, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, faced a critical setback despite her popularity with New Hampshire independents. President Joe Biden, not on the ballot in New Hampshire due to a primary-scheduling conflict, still managed to outperform other Democrats through a write-in campaign.
UAW Endorses Biden, Labels Trump as 'Scab': The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has officially endorsed President Joe Biden for re-election. This endorsement contrasts significantly with their criticism of former President Donald Trump, who they labeled as a 'scab' for his inaction during a critical 40-day strike in 2019. Biden's historical support for the union, especially during a six-week strike last year, played a crucial role in this endorsement. The UAW's support is seen as pivotal, given Biden's efforts to win over white working-class voters and union households.
President Biden Focuses on Abortion Access in First 2024 Rally: President Biden held his first political rally of 2024 in Virginia, focusing on abortion rights. He criticized former President Trump for the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. Biden's speech was disrupted by protesters criticizing his handling of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
U.S. Conducts Ninth Attack in Yemen Against Houthi Missiles: The U.S. military carried out its ninth attack in Yemen in less than two weeks, targeting two Houthi anti-ship missiles. The missiles, which officials said posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels in the southern Red Sea, were located in areas under Houthi control. These strikes are part of the U.S. efforts to protect freedom of navigation and enhance the security of international waters, especially in light of the recent attacks on commercial shipping by the Houthis in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
SPORTS
Jim Harbaugh Joins Los Angeles Chargers as Head Coach:
Jim Harbaugh has left the University of Michigan to become the new head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. Harbaugh, who recently led the Wolverines to a national title, was sought after by several NFL teams. His move to the Chargers marks a significant shift, especially following the team's performance with a 5-12 record in the previous season.
Milwaukee Bucks Dismiss Another Coach:
The Milwaukee Bucks have made a coaching change, though specific details about the new appointment or the reasons for the dismissal were not immediately available.
Alexander Zverev's Stunning Win at the Australian Open:
German tennis player Alexander Zverev delivered a remarkable performance at the Australian Open, defeating second seed Carlos Alcaraz to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Zverev won the match with scores of 6-1, 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-4.
NFL MVP Favorite Lamar Jackson in Spotlight:
NFL MVP favorite Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens is a player to watch. The Ravens, being the top-seeded team, are set to host the emerging Houston Texans in a highly anticipated match.
Preview of Lamar Jackson vs. Patrick Mahomes in Playoffs:
An exciting playoff match-up is on the horizon with quarterbacks Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs set to face off. This game is attracting significant attention due to the caliber and popularity of both players.
ENTERTAINMENT
2024 Oscar Nominations Lead by Oppenheimer: The 2024 Oscar nominations were announced with the film Oppenheimer, a cinematic exploration of the Atomic Age, receiving 13 nominations, the highest this year. Trailing closely is Poor Things, with 11 nominations. Other significant nominations include Killers of the Flower Moon and Barbie, with the latter securing eight nods including Best Picture. Notable snubs this year include director Greta Gerwig and actress Margot Robbie. Lily Gladstone's nomination for Best Actress marks a historic moment as the first Native American to receive this honor.
Emma Roberts Discusses Working with Kim Kardashian on American Horror Story: Emma Roberts shared her experience working with Kim Kardashian on the latest season of American Horror Story: Delicate. Kardashian, in one of her first major acting roles, played the character Siobhan Corbyn, a publicist, and worked closely with Roberts' character, Anna. Roberts praised Kardashian for her professionalism and preparation.
Elle King Postpones Concert After Controversial Performance: Singer Elle King postponed a scheduled concert at Billy Bob's Texas, originally set for January 26, to September 21, 2024. This decision follows a recent performance where King admitted to being "hammered" on stage during a tribute to Dolly Parton at the Grand Ole Opry, where she reportedly forgot lyrics and slurred her speech.
Oscar-Nominated Movies Available for Streaming: With the Oscars approaching, the 2024 Best Picture nominees have been announced. For those looking to catch up on these films, a guide has been released detailing where each of the nominated movies is available for streaming. This comes as a convenient resource for movie enthusiasts and Oscar followers alike.
BRIT Awards 2024 Nominees Announced: The full list of nominees for the 2024 BRIT Awards has been revealed. The BRIT Awards, a significant event in the UK music industry, recognizes and celebrates the achievements of both British and international artists. The list of nominees reflects the diverse and dynamic landscape of the current music scene.
