Week of 9/22/24
Tensions rise as Israel assassinates Hezbollah leader, prompting concerns of a broader conflict, while Hurricane Helene hits the Southeast U.S., leaving millions without power, and more...
Top 3:
🇮🇱Israel Assassinates Hezbollah Leader
Nasrallah, along with other top commanders, was killed in a massive airstrike in Beirut on Friday, and his body was recovered intact. Nasrallah’s leadership made Hezbollah a major force in Lebanon and a key part of Iran's Arab network. His loss is seen as a significant blow.
As of today (Sunday) Israel’s offensive continues steadily, striking dozens of targets including large weapon stores, through airstrikes. Israel’s navy also intercepted 8 projectiles from Lebanon.
1,000 Lebanese were killed and 6,000 wounded in the past two weeks, according to the Lebanon Health Ministry, and a fifth of the population has fled their homes.
Continued escalation worries world leaders, and fears of a wider conflict involving Iran and the U.S. are growing.
On Saturday, President Joe Biden said, "It's time for a ceasefire" when asked about the possibility of an Israeli ground offensive. He also praised the killing of Nasrallah as a step towards justice for Hezbollah’s victims. Reuters
🌀 Hurricane Helene Hits Southeast U.S.
Florida’s Big Bend region (the curve on the Gulf coast) was hit by Hurricane Helene. The storm caused at least 64 deaths, and left 4.2 million without power through Florida and surrounding states. 140 mph winds and storm surges caused significant damage, flooding, and flight delays. AP
🏙️ New York City Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Corruption Charges
Adams made history as the first sitting NYC mayor to be indicted. He has pleaded not guilty to federal bribery charges, which allege that he accepted illegal campaign contributions and luxury perks, including overseas travel. The indictment accuses Adams of accepting $100,000 in flights and luxury hotel stays, tied to foreign interests, particularly from Turkey, and using illegal campaign donations to qualify for public campaign funds.
The investigation also expanded to the rest of his office, with subpoenas and searches continuing. Adams could face up to 20 years in prison. Despite calls to resign, Adams maintains his innocence and plans to stay. AP
🇺🇸 U.S.
Harris is balancing public criticisms of big business with private discussions seeking corporate support. Her economic plan focuses on manufacturing, AI, and middle-class growth. NYT
Trump delivered a speech in Wisconsin attacking undocumented immigrants and escalating insults toward Vice President Kamala Harris. He called for stricter immigration policies, focusing heavily on violent crimes by immigrants, calling them "monsters" and "vile animals." Reuters
US health regulators approved the first self-administered, at-home influenza vaccine. It gets delivered via nasal spray! Link
🌎 World
UNGA Kicks Off - The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly is officially in progress. More than 130 world leaders will meet in New York to discuss and address global issues. AP
Ukrainian troops praise U.S.-Supplied Bradleys in their fight against Russia. They credit the vehicles to key protection on the front lines. WSJ
Sudan’s Army Launches Offensive in Khartoum - Sudan’s army resumed air and drone strikes against the RSF militia in the capital, escalating a conflict that has displaced millions and killed over 16,000 since April. BBC
A Chinese nuclear-powered submarine sank earlier this year while under construction, according to U.S. defense officials. This is a setback for China's military and their lack of confirmation raises concerns about corruption in the defense industry and overall transparency. BBC
🧪 Tech & Science
OpenAI started as a not for profit model, but is shifting to a for profit model. It’s causing a lot of disagreement internally, leading to executive turnover. Reuters
Meta’s smart Ray-Ban glasses have raised privacy alarms, with critics questioning the potential misuse of built-in cameras and voice-activated features.
FDA approves Cobenfy, a groundbreaking treatment for schizophrenia. It’s the first new class of schizophrenia treatment in many decades. Unlike previous treatments it targets a new pathway opening up treatment options for patients who previously didn’t respond to existing medications. NPR
📺 Sports & Culture
Earlier this month, the NFL went global with its first regular-season game in Brazil. The Eagles defeated the Packers 34-29. This is part of a bigger plan for the NFL to expand to international markets.
Nike welcomes back Elliott Hill as CEO. He started as an intern years ago, taking calls and moving boxes in a warehouse and worked his way up in his decades-long career. After a brief retirement he’s back to oversee the entire company. Fortune
Created with TradingView Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre revealed he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Dame Maggie Smith, known for roles such as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey, died at 89. PBS
Hoda Kotb will be leaving NBC's "Today" show next year for new role at NBC News.
🏎️ Fast Five
Amazon announced plans to stock Narcan, the opioid overdose reversal drug, in its warehouses to address workplace safety concerns. WSJ
Octopuses hunt with other fish, but if you're not pulling your weight, you might get punched! NPR
Credit: Unsplash.com More home screen customization than ever, new messaging features like bolding, italicizing, and more in iOS 18. NYT
Bill Buda retired from his 31 year career as a mailman. He was loved by his community and they all came out to celebrate his years of service. GMA
Little boy sits in doorway of his home to surprise his dad with a warm welcome after he returns from work. USA Today
Have a great week!