The Daily Factum
Deprogramming the News
Breaking News
Shell Takes $2 Billion Impairment Hit from Singapore and Rotterdam Plants
Broke On: Friday, 05 July 2024Shell faces up to $2 billion in impairment charges due to market conditions halting construction at its Rotterdam biofuels facility and the planned divestment of its Singapore refining and chemicals plant. These impairments, along with declining gas trading, will significantly impact Shell's second-quarter results. 
Hungarian PM Orbán Visits Putin Amid EU Presidency and Ukraine Tensions
Broke On: Friday, 05 July 2024Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, EU Council president and Putin's closest EU ally, visited Moscow for talks on July 5, 2024. Despite his intention to advocate for Ukraine peace during the presidency, Orbán's trip marked a rare occasion for a European leader to meet Putin since Russia's invasion. 
Major Democratic Donors Call for Joe Biden to Drop Out After Dismal Debate Performance
Broke On: Friday, 05 July 2024Major Democratic donors, including Abigail Disney and Rep. Lloyd Doggett, have called for President Joe Biden to step down from the race following his poor performance in the first presidential debate against Donald Trump. Some are looking to alternative candidates like Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the party in November. Despite promises from Biden's campaign team to make him more visible, skeptical donors are withholding support. 
Labor Market Slows Down: Nonfarm Payrolls Up by 206,000, Unemployment Rate at 4.1%, and Average Hourly Earnings Rise by 3.9%
Broke On: Friday, 05 July 2024The US labor market showed signs of a slowdown in June with nonfarm payrolls rising by 206,000 and the unemployment rate increasing to 4.1%. Government and health care dominated hiring, but temporary help fell significantly. Average hourly earnings climbed by 3.9%, but wage growth has been moderating since late 2021. The median time to find a job rose to 9.8 weeks, and the unemployment rate for Black workers increased to 6.3%. These reports come after the Federal Reserve signaled potential interest rate cuts due to economic growth concerns. 
Marine Le Pen's National Rally Wins One Third of Votes in European Elections: Implications and Reactions
Broke On: Friday, 05 July 2024In the European elections on June 9, 2019, France's far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, secured one third of the votes. This victory could lead to a potential takeover of France's government and cause concern for neighboring Germany. The election campaign was marked by violence resulting in over 50 attacks on candidates and activists, with several high-profile victims including government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot. Despite efforts to block their advance, polls showed the National Rally on track to win between 190 and 240 seats. Hurricane Beryl Regains Strength as Category 3 Storm, Makes Landfall in Mexico: Death Toll Rises to Nine
Broke On: Friday, 05 July 2024Hurricane Beryl, a record-breaking Category 3 storm, made landfall on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula on July 5th, bringing dangerous winds and heavy rain. The hurricane had already caused nine deaths in other Caribbean countries before reaching Mexico. With maximum sustained winds of 115 mph at landfall, the National Hurricane Center issued warnings for the Yucatán Peninsula coast. As American tourists hunkered down and flights were canceled, the storm set records as the first Category 4 hurricane in June and the earliest Category 4 storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. 
Biden Campaign Boosts Ad Spending, Canvassing Efforts Amidst Calls for Change
Broke On: Friday, 05 July 2024Joe Biden's campaign boosts ad spending to $100 million, announces door-knocking plan, and focuses on key issues in battleground states amidst poll dip and calls for change. 
Biden's Interview with George Stephanopoulos: Addressing Concerns over Mental and Physical Fitness
Broke On: Friday, 09 February 2024Amidst renewed scrutiny over his mental and physical fitness, President Joe Biden grants an interview to ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos on July 5, 2024. The interview follows a previous one in 2020 that revived Biden's campaign during the Democratic primaries. This time around, it will cover his plans for the remainder of his presidency and address concerns over his condition. 
Keir Starmer Elected as UK's New Prime Minister in Labour Party's Landslide Victory
Broke On: Friday, 05 July 2024Keir Starmer leads Labour Party to landslide victory, becoming UK's new prime minister following Conservative Party's devastating defeat. Starmer's centrist platform and leadership resonate with voters amid low turnout, marking a significant shift in British politics. 
Indoor Sun Exposure and the Necessity of Daily Sunscreen: Protecting Against UVA, UVB, and Blue Light
Broke On: Wednesday, 03 July 2024Dermatologists stress the importance of wearing sunscreen daily, debunking the myth that it's only necessary outdoors. Indoors, UVA, UVB, and blue light can penetrate through windows and harm skin. Mineral sunscreens provide a physical barrier against these rays for comprehensive protection.
