The Daily Factum
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Financial Planning and Retirement Considerations for 2024
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023Many individuals are taking steps to set up their finances for a better 2024. Older Americans are turning to gig economy jobs to supplement their income during retirement. Over five million individuals over the age of 50 in the UK are considering early retirement due to a lack of technology skills. Many individuals who took early retirement during the pandemic are not planning to return to work. UK Accuses Russian FSB of Sustained Cyber-Espionage Campaign
Broke On: Thursday, 07 December 2023The UK government has accused Russia's Federal Security Services (FSB) of conducting a sustained cyber-espionage campaign against high-profile politicians, civil servants, journalists, and charities in the UK since 2015. The UK has identified a unit within the FSB, known as Centre 18, and a group called Star Blizzard as being responsible for these operations. The hackers reportedly used spear-phishing techniques to steal information from a significant number of parliamentarians from multiple political parties. The UK has taken diplomatic action in response to these cyber-attacks. The Russian ambassador has been summoned and sanctions have been imposed on two individuals, one of whom is a serving FSB officer. Rabies Warning Issued for Skunks Purchased from Michigan Breeders
Broke On: Wednesday, 06 December 2023A skunk purchased from a Michigan breeder has tested positive for rabies. Michigan has reported 53 cases of rabies as of December 1, 2023. Symptoms in animals include fever, lethargy, vomiting, lack of appetite, brain dysfunction, difficulty walking, paralysis, seizures, difficulty swallowing, abnormal behavior, and aggression. Residents cannot have skunks bred in captivity without a permit from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Brooklyn Nets Edge Out Atlanta Hawks in Thrilling Encounter
Broke On: Thursday, 07 December 2023The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 114-113 on December 7, 2023. Mikal Bridges scored 32 points, including the game-winning shot with 4.5 seconds left. Trae Young scored 30 points for the Hawks, but missed a last-second shot. Global Landscape of Cryptocurrency Regulation: A Patchwork of Diverse Approaches
Broke On: Wednesday, 06 December 2023JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has called for the shutdown of Bitcoin due to concerns about its use in illegal activities. Cryptocurrency is legal in 119 countries and four British Overseas Territories, with El Salvador and the Central African Republic adopting it as legal tender. New Jersey has introduced a bill to classify cryptocurrencies as securities, and the US federal government is considering the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act. Research from MIT Sloan highlights the need for consumer financial protection and the implications of a crypto crash on the broader economy. Washington Post Journalists Stage 24-Hour Strike Amid Contract Negotiations and Layoff Threats
Broke On: Wednesday, 06 December 2023The strike is the first general work stoppage at The Washington Post since 1975-76. The strike involves approximately 750 staff members and is one of the largest labor strikes in Washington D.C. in recent years. The Post Guild, the union representing the employees, has expressed concerns about pay equity, raises, and remote work policies. Three Dead, One Injured in University of Nevada, Las Vegas Shooting
Broke On: Wednesday, 06 December 2023Three people were killed and one injured in a shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus. The suspect, a man in his 60s, was also found dead at the scene. The shooting began on the fourth floor of Beam Hall before moving to multiple floors. University police responded quickly and engaged the suspect in a shootout, preventing further harm. The campus was placed on lockdown, and armed police officers cleared the buildings. The motive for the shooting is still unknown. The incident occurred just a few miles away from the site of the deadliest mass shooting in US history, the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. This marks the 80th school shooting in the US so far this year. The university will be closed for the rest of the week, and a basketball game between UNLV and Dayton was canceled. There are conflicting reports about the suspect's profession. Some sources suggest that the suspect was a former professor who had applied for a job at UNLV, while others do not mention the suspect's profession. The FAA issued a ground stop at the nearby airport in response to the incident. President Joe Biden expressed sympathy for the families of those affected and called on Republicans in Congress to pass a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Horoscope Guidance for December 7, 2023
Broke On: Thursday, 07 December 2023The horoscope for December 7, 2023, provides guidance for each zodiac sign. The horoscope emphasizes the importance of reciprocity in relationships and encourages readers to explore their sensual side, nurture their connection with Source, express themselves creatively, and embrace abundance and gratitude. Notable birthdays on this day include Noam Chomsky, Yuzuru Hanyu, and Nicholas Hoult. The horoscope predicts good fortune for the first night of Hanukkah. Apple Plans Major iPad Lineup Refresh in Early 2024
Broke On: Wednesday, 06 December 2023Apple is planning a major refresh of its iPad lineup in early 2024, including new iPad Air and iPad Pro models. The iPad Air is expected to come in two sizes, 10.9 inches and 12.9 inches, with the larger version being more affordable than the iPad Pro. The iPad Pro models are rumored to feature OLED displays and may include a glass back for wireless charging. Apple is also planning to release a MacBook Air M3 with updated chips. Apple has confirmed that RCS texting will be coming to the iPhone in 2024. China's Exports Rise in November, Breaking Six-Month Decline
Broke On: Thursday, 07 December 2023China's exports in November increased by 0.5%, marking the first rise since April. Imports fell by 0.6%, indicating weak domestic demand. The rise in exports is attributed to seasonality and exporters slashing prices to gain market share. Trade with major partners such as Japan, Southeast Asian countries, the European Union, and the U.S. has declined.