The Daily Factum
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Bob Dylan: From Struggling Musician to Global Icon - An Intriguing Journey
Broke On: Wednesday, 24 July 2024Bob Dylan's transformative journey from struggling musician to global icon left an indelible mark on folk and rock music. 
Humble Games Layoffs: 36 Employees Let Go Amidst Uncertainty in the Game Industry
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024Humble Games, an indie game publisher under Humble Bundle and IGN Entertainment, has laid off all 36 employees. The company, which had published successful titles since 2017 like Unpacking and Slay the Spire, is facing uncertainty due to economic instability and changing market trends. Reasons for the layoffs remain unclear, but concerns have been raised about industry volatility and treatment of game developers. 
Tech Giants Alphabet and Tesla Send Stocks into Downturn: Disappointing Earnings Reports and Rising Interest Rates
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024On July 24, 2024, disappointing earnings reports from Alphabet and Tesla triggered a market selloff affecting major indices like the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq. Alphabet's higher-than-expected AI spending and missed YouTube advertising revenue estimates caused a near 4% drop in shares, while Tesla's missed profits and postponed autonomous taxi unveiling led to a 12% decline. This comes amidst scrutiny of the tech sector as investors consider the impact of rising interest rates on high-valuation stocks and ahead of earnings reports from other tech giants. 
Delta's IT Outage: 400 Flight Cancellations, 860 Delays, and the Road to Recovery
Broke On: Wednesday, 24 July 2024Delta Air Lines, the world's premier international airline, is working to restore normal operations following last week's CrowdStrike outage that caused over 400 flight cancellations and approximately 860 flight delays. The incident resulted in significant disruptions and apologies from CEO Ed Bastian. Delta is taking care of affected customers with meals, accommodations, vouchers, and SkyMiles as investigations continue. 
Five Lives Lost in Separate Explosions at Mexican Tequila Factories: Casa Cuervo's La Rojeña and Becle's Rojeña
Broke On: Wednesday, 24 July 2024Five workers have been killed in separate explosions at Casa Cuervo's La Rojeña Factory and Becle's Rojeña plant in Mexico, both located in Jalisco state. The incidents involved ruptured tequila vats and resulted in injuries to additional workers. Casa Cuervo, the world's largest tequila producer, is investigating the cause of the first explosion which killed five and injured two. A second explosion at Becle's plant took three tanks down with it, resulting in five fatalities. 
23-Year-Old Surfer Kai McKenzie Bitten by 10-Foot White Shark at Port Macquarie, New South Wales: Critical Condition After Severed Leg
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024A 23-year-old surfer, Kai McKenzie, was critically injured after being attacked by a 10-foot white shark while surfing at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie, New South Wales on July 23, 2024. The incident resulted in the amputation of McKenzie's leg and increased security measures including the deployment of two additional SMART drumlines by the NSW government's shark team. Despite this, McKenzie remains in critical but stable condition at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. Shark attacks are rare but increasing in Australia, particularly for surfers. 
Palestinian Factions Hamas and Fatah Agree to Form Unity Government, Skepticism Remains Amidst Israeli Denouncement
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024On July 23, 2024, Hamas and Fatah reached a historic agreement in Beijing to form a unity government for the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The announcement comes after years of division between the two major Palestinian factions and follows widespread criticism of the corrupt Palestinian Authority. Israel denounced the deal, raising concerns about prolonged military control over Gaza. 
Unexpected Hydrothermal Explosion in Yellowstone National Park: No Injuries Reported but Area Remains Closed for Assessments
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024A hydrothermal explosion occurred at Yellowstone National Park's Biscuit Basin on July 23, 2024, near Sapphire Pool. No injuries were reported but visitors were advised to evacuate. The sudden expansion of fluids under high pressure caused significant damage and is believed to be the result of a build-up in geothermal system pressure. Hydrothermal explosions are not volcanic eruptions but can create craters up to a mile wide, with one occurring on average every 700 years in Yellowstone. Despite safety measures, they are difficult to predict and visitors should follow guidelines and stay on designated boardwalks. 
Israeli PM Netanyahu to Address US Congress Amidst Ongoing Conflict with Hamas
Broke On: Wednesday, 24 July 2024Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses US Congress on 24th July, 2024, bolstering support for Gaza conflict. Meets Biden, Harris, and Trump during visit to present case. 
Bird Flu Outbreak: Over 100 Million Birds Infected, Human Cases Reported in Colorado, Experts Concerned About Transmission and Mutation
Broke On: Wednesday, 24 July 2024The United States is facing an outbreak of bird flu (H5N1) that has infected over 100 million birds and been detected in cattle, leading to six human cases in mid-July 2024. While transmission to humans remains low, concerns grow over potential mutation and further spread. Current diagnostic tools are deemed insufficient for early detection and containment; experts call for rapid tests to identify infected animals promptly. Collaborative efforts by global health organizations aim to develop adequate tools and prevent the virus's spread among livestock populations.