The Daily Factum
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Breaking News
ANC and DA Form Historic Coalition Government in South Africa: A New Chapter in Political History
Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024In a political first, South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) have agreed to form a coalition government following the ANC's electoral decline in May 2024. The deal brings together contrasting ideologies, with the ANC retaining power and the DA securing key cabinet positions and policy influence. Negotiations, met with mixed reactions, aim to address unemployment and public services while maintaining unity among diverse factions. Ramaphosa's re-election as president is expected in Parliament on [insert date]. 
US Military's Alleged Disinformation Campaign Against China's Sinovac Vaccine: A Closer Look
Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024During the COVID-19 pandemic, unconfirmed reports suggest the US military ran a covert campaign to discredit China's influence using fake social media accounts and disinformation. Targeted countries included the Philippines, with an anti-vaccine narrative against China's Sinovac vaccine spreading under the slogan #Chinaisavirus. 
Russian and US Naval Fleets Stir Controversy in Caribbean: A Show of Solidarity or Escalation?
Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024Two naval fleets, one Russian and one American, have made headlines by docking at different Caribbean ports. The Russian fleet's visit to Havana, Cuba marks a show of solidarity between Russia and Cuba amid tensions with the US. Meanwhile, the USS Helena's arrival in Guantanamo Bay is described as routine but comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and the US over various issues. Both visits have raised concerns about potential escalations. 
Two Tragic Events in Lincoln, Nebraska: A Teen's Drowning and Trump's Capitol Hill Return
Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024On June 14th, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska, a teenager named Ali Al-Baaj drowned during an unauthorized swim at Holmes Lake. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump visited Capitol Hill for the first time since the Jan. 6 riot and met with House Republicans to discuss policy plans and offer support for reelection candidates. 
South Florida Experiences Historic Flooding: 18 Inches of Rain, Flight Disruptions, and State of Emergency Declared
Broke On: Tuesday, 11 June 2024Severe weather hit South Florida from June 12-14, 2024, causing heavy rainfall and flooding that disrupted travel and daily life. Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airports reported numerous cancellations and delays. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in several counties due to the life-threatening flooding, which dropped over a foot of rain in some areas. 
Putin's Peace Offer Rejected by Zelenskyy: Conditions for Ukraine Cease-Fire Disputed
Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposed cease-fire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with conditions for peace talks rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Putin demanded troop withdrawals and abandonment of NATO aspirations, while Zelenskyy called it a 'sham' and compared Putin to Hitler. The conflict began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, with around a fifth of Ukrainian territory occupied since then. Previous peace efforts have failed, and international support for Ukraine includes $50 billion in loans and increased weapon supplies. Supreme Court Overturns Ban on Bump Stocks: What Does This Mean for Gun Control in the US?
Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024The Supreme Court overturned a Trump-era ban on bump stocks, ruling they don't transform semiautomatic rifles into machine guns. The 6-3 decision allows civilians to legally possess these devices, sparking mixed reactions. :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(761x172:763x174)/Kate-Middleton-061424-tout-d1cc85a37ab843ea8ba2d9c6cf03fc4e.jpg)
Princess Kate's First Public Appearance Since Cancer Diagnosis: A Look at Her Upcoming Trooping the Colour Debut
Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024Princess Kate Middleton, recovering from cancer, to make first public appearance since diagnosis at King Charles III's birthday celebration on June 17. She expressed gratitude for support and optimism in a statement, sharing a new photograph taken at Windsor Castle. 
NHS England Warns Against Misuse of Weight-Loss Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for Achieving 'Beach Bodies'
Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024Britain's top doctor, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, warns against misuse of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for those seeking a 'beach body'. Concerned about reports of normal weight and underweight individuals obtaining these drugs without proper checks, Sir Stephen urges caution and stresses they should only be used by those with obesity or diabetes due to potential dangerous side-effects. The surge in popularity of these drugs has led to concerns over their easy access online and through beauty clinics, resulting in young girls suffering side-effects despite not being overweight. 
New Drug-Resistant H1N1 Influenza Strains Identified in the US: I223V and S247N Mutations Reduce Oseltamivir Effectiveness
Broke On: Monday, 01 May 2023Two new drug-resistant H1N1 influenza strains, I223V and S247N, identified in the US resistant to oseltamivir but still susceptible to other antiviral drugs. The CDC emphasizes early treatment for hospitalized patients and those at risk. These mutations have also been detected in other countries and were first identified during the 2009 swine flu pandemic causing over 491,000 cases and 18,000 deaths globally. Vaccination remains the best defense against influenza.