The Daily Factum
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Ilya Sutskever Launches Safe Superintelligence Inc. to Build Safe and Powerful AI Systems
Broke On: Wednesday, 19 June 2024Ilya Sutskever, former chief scientist of OpenAI, announces the launch of Safe Superintelligence Inc. (SSI), a new company focused on building safe and powerful AI systems. With concerns about the safety and regulation of AI technology growing in the industry, SSI's mission is timely and important. Co-founded by Daniel Gross from Apple and Daniel Levy from OpenAI, SSI plans to address potential risks associated with superintelligent AI systems. 
Gilead's Lenacapavir Shows 100% Efficacy in HIV Prevention Trials: First Zero Infections
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024Gilead's lenacapavir shows 100% efficacy and superiority in HIV prevention trials, marking the first Phase 3 study to demonstrate zero infections. The independent data monitoring committee recommended stopping the blinded phase and offering open-label lenacapavir to all participants due to its superiority over daily Truvada. This development brings Gilead closer to introducing a new form of PrEP and broadening its HIV business. 
Record-Breaking Heat Claims Over 1,100 Lives During the 2024 Hajj Pilgrimage in Mecca
Broke On: Wednesday, 19 June 2024Over 1,100 pilgrims lost their lives during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca due to record-breaking heat conditions. Temperatures reached up to 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit), causing hundreds of deaths from heat exhaustion and related complications among the 1.8 million Muslims gathered for this mandatory religious journey. 
Putin's Diplomatic Move: Deepening Ties with Vietnam Amid International Isolation
Broke On: Wednesday, 19 June 2024During his visit to Vietnam in June 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed deals on trade, education, and energy while showcasing diplomatic unity amid international isolation over Ukraine. Hanoi's non-aligned foreign policy and historical ties with Moscow made it a natural choice for Putin's trip. Key takeaways include strengthened economic cooperation, ongoing arms sales, and Vietnam acting as a geopolitical counterweight to the West. CNN Debate: RFK Jr. Falls Short of Qualifications, Biden and Trump Set to Square Off
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. missed CNN's debate qualifications due to insufficient state ballot placements and polling, leaving Joe Biden and Donald Trump as the confirmed participants. 
Multiple Injuries and Fatalities at Juneteenth Celebrations: Oakland and Round Rock Shootings Following Illegal Sideshows
Broke On: Wednesday, 19 June 2024Multiple people were injured and two killed during shootings at Juneteenth celebrations in Oakland, California, and Round Rock, Texas on June 19, 2024. The incidents followed illegal sideshows involving vehicles and motorbikes that attracted large crowds. In Oakland, a fight broke out leading to multiple shootings with at least four people transported to hospitals with gunshot wounds. No arrests have been made. In Round Rock, two people were killed and 14 others injured including children. The investigations into both shootings are ongoing. 
Russia and North Korea Sign Mutual Defense Pact: What It Means for Asia
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024During his first visit to North Korea in 24 years on June 19, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defense pact with the country. According to the agreement's text released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, if one party is attacked, the other will provide military aid. 
Supreme Court Upholds Controversial Tax Provision: Section 965 and Its Implications on Individual Rights and Tax System Integrity
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024The Supreme Court upheld Section 965 of the 2017 tax package, imposing a one-time tax on offshore earnings. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as maintaining fiscal responsibility and others as an attack on property rights. The provision, part of larger corporate tax cuts, raised questions about Congress' powers and potential implications for wealth taxes and income inequality. 
New Study: Microplastics Found in Human Penises - Potential Link to Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Issues
Broke On: Tuesday, 01 August 2023New study identifies microplastics in human penises for the first time, linking them to erectile dysfunction and potential heart risks. Seven types of microplastics found in samples from six men, with younger men having higher concentrations. 
Stonehenge's Hidden Lunar Alignment: Unveiling the Secrets of the Major Lunar Standstill in 2023
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024On June 21, 2023, a major lunar standstill will occur at Stonehenge, aligning the ancient monument with the southernmost moonrise. Researchers believe that Stonehenge may have been designed not only to mark solstices but also lunar events. The investigation into this celestial alignment invites people to attend events and watch a livestream of the lunar standstill moonrise online.