The Daily Factum
Deprogramming the News
Breaking News
US and Israel at Odds Over Postwar Gaza
Broke On: Thursday, 07 December 2023The United States and Israel have conflicting visions for the future of Gaza after the war with Hamas. The United States has not given Israel a firm deadline to end major combat operations against Hamas in Gaza. The Biden administration is pressuring Israel to spare Gaza civilians in its war against Hamas, but Israel is pushing back. Electric Eels' Electric Discharges Can Induce Genetic Modification in Fish Larvae
Broke On: Friday, 01 December 2023Electric eels can generate enough electricity to induce genetic modification in small fish larvae. This process, known as electroporation, involves the use of an electric field to create temporary pores in cell membranes, allowing for the transfer of genetic material. The study challenges conventional ideas about electroporation, suggesting it could occur naturally in the wild. SmileDirectClub Ceases Global Operations Amid Financial Struggles
Broke On: Friday, 08 December 2023SmileDirectClub, once valued at $8.9 billion, is shutting down its global operations. The company's closure follows failed negotiations to save it from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Customers on the SmilePay plan are expected to continue making monthly payments until payment has been made in full. Texas Supreme Court Temporarily Halts Emergency Abortion Ruling
Broke On: Friday, 08 December 2023Texas Supreme Court has temporarily halted a lower court's ruling that permitted a pregnant woman, Kate Cox, to undergo an emergency abortion. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton petitioned the high court to intervene in the case. Cox sought court authorization for the abortion due to a fatal genetic abnormality in her fetus. The legal battle is significant as it tests the near complete abortion bans enabled by the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of abortion rights last year. Rise in Respiratory Viruses and Hospitalizations in Illinois
Broke On: Friday, 08 December 2023Illinois is experiencing a surge in respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported an increase in hospitalizations across 44 counties. A new study by Northwestern Medicine highlights the impact of long Covid on patients. 76ers Secure Victory Over Hawks, Embiid Shines Despite Injury Scare
Broke On: Saturday, 09 December 2023Joel Embiid scored 38 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, leading the 76ers to victory despite a late leg injury scare. The Hawks played without Trae Young and Jalen Johnson due to illness and injury, respectively. Tyrese Maxey contributed 30 points, including a crucial 3-pointer, to the 76ers' win. Android Devices Now Capable of Sending Medical Data During 911 Calls
Broke On: Thursday, 07 December 2023Android phones now have the capability to automatically send medical data during 911 calls. The feature is available on select devices running Android 12 or higher with the Personal Safety app installed. The feature relays information such as age, weight, blood type, and allergies to a platform called RapidSOS. This feature has been available for iPhone and Apple Watch users since 2020. The Personal Safety app is currently only available for Nothing Phone 1 and Pixel 4-8 Pro users, as well as the Pixel Watch 2. Man Charged After Firing Shots Outside Albany Synagogue on First Night of Hanukkah
Broke On: Thursday, 07 December 2023Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, a 28-year-old US citizen born in Iraq, fired shots outside Temple Israel synagogue in Albany, New York, on the first night of Hanukkah. Alkhader was arrested and federally charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person due to his unlawful use of marijuana. No injuries were reported, but the synagogue's nursery school was forced into lockdown. The incident is being investigated as a potential hate crime. Alkhader reportedly shouted 'Free Palestine' during the incident and later told authorities that events in the Middle East had impacted him. First Case of 'Zombie Deer Disease' Detected in Kentucky
Broke On: Thursday, 07 December 2023First case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) reported in Kentucky. The disease was detected in a 2 ½-year-old male white-tailed deer in Ballard County. CWD spreads through contact with contaminated body fluids and tissue or through the environment. The disease does not naturally infect cattle or other domesticated animals. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officials have implemented a CWD response plan in response to the detection. US Space Force's X-37B Prepares for Seventh and Highest Flight Yet
Broke On: Wednesday, 06 December 2023The X-37B space plane is set to embark on its seventh and highest flight yet. The launch is scheduled for December 10 on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The X-37B is capable of traveling 150 to 500 miles above Earth while in orbit and then landing like a plane. This will be the first time the X-37B flies with SpaceX.