The Daily Factum
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WhatsApp Reaches 100 Million Monthly Active Users in the US: Bridging the Gap Between Blue and Green Bubbles
Broke On: Thursday, 25 July 2024Meta's WhatsApp surpasses 100 million monthly active users in the US market (July 2024), marking a significant milestone and bridging the gap between 'blue and green bubble' users. With a focus on advertising opportunities, double-digit message growth, and privacy concerns, WhatsApp aims to attract more US users amidst competition from dominant messaging platforms like Apple's iMessage. 
CrowdStrike's Software Update Bug Causes Global IT Outage, Costing Top Companies $5.4 Billion
Broke On: Wednesday, 24 July 2024A global IT outage occurred on July 19, 2024, due to a bug in CrowdStrike's software update that caused Microsoft's Windows operating system to crash. The issue affected over 8.5 million machines worldwide and led to significant financial losses for top US companies, estimated at $5.4 billion (€4.1 billion). Recovery efforts are ongoing, with Microsoft releasing tools to expedite the process. 
Nasdaq Suffers $1 Trillion Loss as AI Investor Sentiment Turns: Nvidia, Broadcom, Google Affected
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024On July 24, 2024, the Nasdaq 100 Index suffered its worst day since October 2022, with losses totaling over $1 trillion due to investors souring on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. The sell-off was led by semiconductor companies and raised concerns about substantial investments in AI and its potential return on investment. 
Palestinian Factions Unite in Beijing: Skepticism and Divided Public Opinion Amid Ongoing Conflict
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah signed a unity agreement in Beijing amidst skepticism and divided public opinion, with recent polls indicating continued support for Hamas' violent struggle against Israel. 
Venezuelan Presidential Election 2024: Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia Challenges Nicolas Maduro Amidst Crisis and Emigration Wave
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024Venezuela's presidential election on July 28, 2024, may mark the end of President Nicolas Maduro's rule and the United Socialist Party's decades-long hold on power. Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a former diplomat with significant support from the population, challenges Maduro's administration amidst allegations of crimes against humanity. The opposition has faced numerous obstacles in their campaign efforts, and the UN reports over 7.7 million people have already left Venezuela due to crisis-induced emigration. 
Paris Olympics: Unprecedented Opening Ceremony Overcomes Sabotage and Rain with Resilience and Musical Performances
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024Amidst unexpected sabotage and heavy rain, Paris's unyielding spirit shone through during the unprecedented 2024 Olympics opening ceremony along the River Seine. Notable figures like LeBron James and Coco Gauff braved the elements, while Lady Gaga kicked off a series of musical performances celebrating France's cultural heritage. 
Vice President Harris Reaches Out to Family of Sonya Massey after Deputy's Controversial Shooting: Accountability Demanded
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024Vice President Kamala Harris reached out to the family of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman fatally shot by Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson after a 911 call for help. The incident, captured on body camera footage, has sparked national outrage and calls for justice. Grayson has been charged with multiple counts including first-degree murder and official misconduct. The Department of Justice is investigating the shooting, which has led to protests and calls for accountability. 
California's Largest Wildfire of the Year: The Destructive Park Fire
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024The Park Fire in Northern California, sparked by a man pushing a burning car into a ditch, has become the state's largest and most destructive wildfire this year, engulfing over 164,000 acres and causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. With potential for thunderstorms and lightning, firefighters struggle to contain the blaze amid windy conditions. The fire has forced evacuations in Chico and nearby communities, with over 4,200 structures threatened. 
Paris Olympics Eve: Arson Attacks Disrupt France's High-Speed Rail Network
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024On the night before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, unknown saboteurs disrupted France's high-speed rail network by targeting five signal boxes and electricity installations between 1:00 and 5:30 local time, causing significant train service disruptions. 
Dengue Fever Surge: 10 Million Cases in Americas, Georgia Warned of Rising Numbers and Severe Symptoms
Broke On: Friday, 26 July 2024A surge in dengue fever cases, now the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease globally, has been reported across North, Central, and South America. Over 10 million cases have been documented in the region alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns of rising numbers in Georgia and the US has seen approximately 2900 cases so far in 2024. Preventative measures include avoiding mosquito bites and consulting healthcare professionals after travel to high-risk areas.