The Daily Factum
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Central Banks' Final 2023 Decisions Set Stage for 2024 Economic Trends
Broke On: Friday, 08 December 2023Gold prices hit a record high in 2023 and are predicted to remain strong in 2024 due to geopolitical tensions and continued central bank buying. The Federal Reserve is working towards a 'soft landing', aiming to bring inflation back to target without triggering a recession. Interest rates for 60% of the world economy will be set in a whirlwind 60-hour window. Market participants are eagerly awaiting information about when central banks will begin to lower benchmark interest rates. John Whitmire Elected as Houston's Mayor in Runoff Election
Broke On: Friday, 08 December 2023John Whitmire has been elected as the next mayor of Houston The election was nonpartisan and had significant implications for addressing concerns about public safety and a looming budget crisis Whitmire heavily outspent Jackson Lee in the campaign University of Wisconsin Regents Reject Deal to Reduce Diversity Positions
Broke On: Saturday, 09 December 2023The University of Wisconsin regents rejected a deal with Republicans that would have provided pay raises and funding for a new engineering building in exchange for reducing diversity staff positions. The deal was voted down in an emergency meeting with a 9-8 vote. The decision has been met with criticism from Republican leaders and support from Democratic leaders. Recent Poll Indicates Potential Shift in 2024 Presidential Race
Broke On: Saturday, 09 December 2023Former President Donald Trump leads President Joe Biden by 4 percentage points in a one-on-one contest, and by 6 percentage points when third-party and independent candidates are included. Biden maintains only 87% of his 2020 supporters, compared to 94% of 2020 Trump voters who say they would back the Republican now. Voters believe Trump's policies have been more helpful than Biden's in areas such as the economy, crime, and border security, but Biden is seen as better able to handle issues like abortion and tone in politics. Windows 11 Notepad to Introduce Character Count Function
Broke On: Thursday, 07 December 2023Microsoft is introducing a character count function to Notepad on Windows 11. Users will now be able to edit directly in Notepad from the right-click menu in File Explorer. The character count function only provides the number of characters, not words. Microsoft's move to deprecate WordPad may be seen as a push to get people to sign up for Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Microsoft has been continuously adding new features to Notepad, such as autosave, tabs, and dark mode. CPSC Issues Warning and Recalls on High-Powered Magnetic Ball Sets Linked to Ingestion Hazards
Broke On: Thursday, 07 December 2023The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning to consumers to immediately stop using and dispose of Allvre's 216 Piece 5mm Magnetic Ball Sets and XpressGoods' colorful metal magnetic balls due to the risk of serious injury or death if ingested by children. The CPSC has linked seven deaths to the ingestion of these small, high-powered magnets. The CPSC estimates that between 2017 and 2021, there were approximately 2,400 emergency room visits related to magnet ingestions. In addition to the recall of the Allvre and XpressGoods products, the CPSC has issued warnings about similar products from five other companies. Yemen's Houthis Threaten to Target All Israel-Bound Ships in Red Sea
Broke On: Friday, 01 December 2023Yemen's Houthi rebels have warned they will target all ships heading to Israel via the Red Sea, regardless of their nationality. The rebels have already attacked and seized several ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea, and have launched ballistic missiles and armed drones at Israel. The Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, have been firing at Israel and ships in the Red Sea in support of the Palestinians. Israeli defense officials have intelligence that Iran is urging its regional allies, including the Houthis, to increase their attacks against Israel. Fatal Clash Between Villagers and Criminal Gang in Central Mexico Sparks Political Debate
Broke On: Saturday, 09 December 2023A clash between a criminal gang and villagers in central Mexico resulted in multiple fatalities. The Familia Michoacana drug cartel, known for its violent activities, has been dominant in the area for years. The clash reportedly erupted when the gang demanded extortion fees from local farmers. The incident has sparked political debate in the lead up to the presidential elections. Shohei Ohtani Signs Record-Breaking $700M Contract with Dodgers
Broke On: Saturday, 09 December 2023Shohei Ohtani has agreed to a record-breaking 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The contract is valued at $700 million, making it the largest in sports history. The deal includes a $70 million average salary, which is the highest in baseball history. Ohtani joins a lineup that includes Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Army-Navy Game 2023: A Testament to Tradition, Honor, and Unity
Broke On: Thursday, 07 December 2023The Army-Navy game is a longstanding tradition in American collegiate football, showcasing the triple-option offenses of both teams. The 2023 game will be held at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts and will be televised on CBS at 3 p.m. ET. At the end of the game, players and cheerleaders from both teams come together to sing each academy's alma mater, symbolizing honor, tradition, compassion, civility, and unity. The game is known for its aggressive and intense nature, with winning considered an eternal imperative.