The Daily Factum
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Breaking News
Ingrid Andress' Controversial National Anthem Performance at 2024 T-Mobile Home Run Derby
Broke On: Monday, 15 July 2024Country music artist Ingrid Andress sang a divisive national anthem at the 2024 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, preceding exciting home run displays by MLB's top hitters. 
Samsung and Google's XR Collaboration: Delayed Launch, Key Employee Exodus, and Next-Gen Experiences
Broke On: Saturday, 13 July 2024Samsung unveiled its next-generation Galaxy Z devices and hinted at an upcoming XR headset collaboration with Google and Qualcomm during its Unpacked event on July 12, 2024. The XR headset, which has been in development for some time, is expected to run on Android XR software provided by Google and feature the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset. Samsung's partnership with Google aims to create a new era in mobile computing and bring next-generation experiences across Galaxy products. 
GM Shifts Electric Vehicle Production Goals Amid Market Uncertainty and Software Issues
Broke On: Tuesday, 16 July 2024GM's EV production goal of 1 million vehicles in North America by 2025 is uncertain due to market challenges and software issues. CEO Mary Barra will build to demand and prioritize customer preferences, as GM faces delays from infotainment screen and DC fast charger problems, as well as production issues at EV component factories. 
Kaspersky Lab to Shut Down US Operations Due to Government Sanctions
Broke On: Monday, 15 July 2024Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab announces the shutdown of its US operations due to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government, effective July 2024. 
Two Merchant Vessels Attacked in Red Sea: MT Bentley I and Chios Lion Targeted by Houthi Group
Broke On: Tuesday, 16 July 2024On July 16, 2024, in the Red Sea, the Panama-flagged and Israeli-owned MT Bentley I was attacked by small craft and an unmanned vessel, while the Greek-owned and managed Chios Lion tanker sustained damage from Houthi drones. Both incidents occurred amid heightened regional tensions and mark the latest in a series of attacks on merchant vessels since November 2023. 
Hungary's Orbán Defies EU Critics with Controversial World Tour and Diplomatic Maneuvers
Broke On: Monday, 15 July 2024Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán embarks on a controversial world tour, holding meetings with foreign leaders despite EU criticism. His pro-Russian stance and lack of coordination raise concerns during Hungary's EU presidency. Critics accuse Orbán of acting against EU interests and sacrificing unity for private political purposes. 
Two Tornadoes Strike Chicago: Widespread Damage and Resident Reactions in Belmont Cragin and Elburn
Broke On: Monday, 15 July 2024Two tornadoes struck Chicago's Elburn area and South Side on July 15, 2024, leaving widespread damage including uprooted trees and crushed cars in Belmont Cragin neighborhood. 
California Governor Signs Laws Protecting Transgender Students' Privacy in Schools
Broke On: Monday, 22 May 2023California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed three bills into law on July 15, 2024, protecting transgender students' privacy and rights in schools. The new laws prohibit staff from disclosing a student's gender identity or sexual orientation without permission and provide resources for LGBTQ students and their families. Opponents argue these policies infringe on students' privacy and could jeopardize their safety if parents don't approve of their gender identity. The bills sparked heated debate in the state legislature, with some sharing stories about coming out to families. These laws mark a significant victory for LGBTQ advocates in California. 
Former President Trump's Emotional Return to the RNC After Assassination Attempt: Uniting Our Nation
Broke On: Tuesday, 16 July 2024Former President Trump, recovering from an assassination attempt, delivered a subdued yet determined speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Accompanied by family and running mate J.D. Vance, Trump vowed to unite the nation and requested an end to ongoing prosecutions. 
Five Poultry Workers Diagnosed with Bird Flu in Colorado and Texas
Broke On: Saturday, 13 July 2024Five poultry workers in Colorado and Texas have been diagnosed with bird flu, raising the US total to nine cases since 2022. Health officials suspect the cases resulted from direct contact with infected birds during culling operations. Bird flu has spread among mammals and was recently detected in U.S. livestock, circulating in cattle across several states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises avoiding close exposure to sick or dead animals, their poop or bedding, and assures that properly handled poultry products remain safe to eat.