The Daily Factum
Deprogramming the News
Breaking News
Oil Prices Rebound: EIA Reports Biggest Daily Drawdown of US Crude Stockpiles in 2024, Bringing Inventories to Lowest Level Since February
Broke On: Thursday, 18 July 2024Oil prices rebounded on July 18, 2024, after three consecutive weekly declines in US crude stockpiles. The Energy Information Administration reported a drawdown of 4.87 million barrels last week, bringing inventories to their lowest level since February. OPEC+ extended production cuts and Russia announced output reductions, contributing to the rebound. Despite concerns over weak demand from China, US crude stockpiles have declined by over 20 million barrels in the last three weeks alone. 
Tech Billionaires Split: Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz and Elon Musk Donate to Trump's Campaign While Mark Cuban Expresses Concerns
Broke On: Wednesday, 17 July 2024Prominent tech billionaires Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz of Andreessen Horowitz announce donations to Trump's campaign, while Mark Cuban expresses concern over Biden's debate performance. The tech industry's political leanings shift rightward as some business leaders criticize the Biden administration and question the left-leaning consensus. 
Global Markets Volatility: U.S.-China Trade Tensions Spark Tech Rout and Strong Q2 Results
Broke On: Wednesday, 17 July 2024Amidst rising US-China trade tensions, tech stocks faced significant declines while Asian markets dropped. Discover Financial and Beyond Meat saw contrasting stock price movements due to their Q2 results and potential balance sheet restructuring discussions. The Nasdaq Composite experienced its worst day since late 2022 as investors shifted towards economically sensitive sectors in anticipation of interest rate cuts. Violent Protests Erupt in Bangladesh Over Controversial Government Jobs Quota System: At Least Five Dead, Dozens Injured
Broke On: Tuesday, 16 July 2024Violent protests erupted in Bangladesh as students and activists demanded an end to the government's jobs quota system, which reserves positions for family members of war veterans. At least five people were killed and dozens injured during clashes between protesters and security forces. The protests began after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina refused to meet with student leaders advocating for a merit-based system. The Awami League party defended the quota system, but students argued it was discriminatory and did not address high youth unemployment rates. Protests spread across Bangladesh, resulting in police using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. International organizations condemned the violence. 
Israel Strikes Gaza: IDF Targets Hamas Commander, Rafa'a Salameh; Muhammad Deif's Status Unconfirmed
Broke On: Saturday, 13 July 2024Israeli forces strike Gaza compound, killing Hamas commander Rafa'a Salameh; alleged mastermind Muhammad Deif's status uncertain. At least 90 people, including a child, died in the attack. Critics question PM Netanyahu's past policy on targeting Deif. Over 60 Palestinians killed in recent Israeli bombings, triggering mass displacement and civilian casualties. 
Five Tornadoes Strike New York: Historic Buildings Damaged, Thousands Without Power
Broke On: Tuesday, 16 July 2024On July 16, 2024, several major storms hit New York and upstate areas, causing extensive damage including destroyed buildings and downed power lines. At least five tornadoes were confirmed in Rome and surrounding areas, leaving thousands without power. Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency as cleanup efforts begin. Former President Trump Surprises at RNC Amid Security Concerns: JD Vance Introduced as Running Mate
Broke On: Wednesday, 17 July 2024Former President Donald Trump, who survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally, made a surprise appearance at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee on July 17, 2024. Ohio Senator JD Vance was introduced as Trump's running mate. Vance addressed tensions between his politics and those of the Republican Party and spoke about opposing NAFTA and the Iraq War during his capable speech. The RNC focused on foreign policy failures under President Joe Biden, with Gold Star families criticizing his handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Trump's security was bolstered, but he remained vulnerable yet determined. 
President Biden Tests Positive for Covid-19: Mild Symptoms and Continued Duties from Isolation in Delaware
Broke On: Wednesday, 17 July 2024President Joe Biden tested positive for Covid-19 on July 18, 2024, during a campaign visit to Las Vegas. He is experiencing mild symptoms and self-isolating in Delaware while continuing to carry out his duties. The diagnosis comes amidst growing concerns about his health and ability to effectively campaign against Donald Trump. 
New Studies Show Vaccines Reduce Risk of Long Covid: Findings from the New England Journal of Medicine
Broke On: Wednesday, 17 July 2024Recent studies in the New England Journal of Medicine reveal that vaccination reduces the risk of long Covid by nearly half during Delta and Omicron waves. The research shows that 72% of this improvement is due to vaccines, while 28% is attributed to variant changes and improved medical care. Vaccinated individuals have significantly lower rates of long Covid compared to unvaccinated people, according to the second study. However, it's crucial to note that the risk of long Covid still exists for vaccinated individuals and remains substantial for those who are unvaccinated. SpaceX's Powerful Dragon Spaceship: The Chosen One to Deorbit the International Space Station
Broke On: Thursday, 18 July 2024NASA and SpaceX plan to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) using a powerful Dragon spaceship, outfitted with a new high-powered trunk and 46 Draco engines. The upgraded Dragon will have four times the power and six times the propellant of a regular ship, making it capable of pushing the ISS out of orbit. The ISS is expected to come down around 2031 in a remote part of the ocean, with NASA considering this complex mission an honor for SpaceX.
