dailycast

Latest News Headlines for Wednesday January 17, 2024 – The Biden administration is considering reclassifying Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a global terrorist organization in reaction to their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as per an informed official. This Iranian-supported group was initially labeled as a terrorist organization in January 2021, a decision that sparked concern among humanitarian organizations. They feared that the accompanying restrictions would severely hamper efforts to deliver aid to Yemen’s impoverished population. — The United States has executed another airstrike, targeting a Houthi missile facility in Yemen, as reported by U.S. Central Command. “Around 4:15 a.m., U.S. Forces successfully hit and obliterated four Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles ready for launch in Houthi-controlled Yemen,” U.S. Central Command announced. This marks the third U.S. military strike against Houthi targets, prompted by the imminent threat these missiles posed to merchant ships and U.S. Navy vessels, according to two U.S. officials. — Former President Donald Trump achieved a record-breaking victory margin in the Iowa caucuses on Monday, highlighting his widespread popularity in the initial stage of the 2024 Republican nomination process. The previous Iowa GOP caucus record, since the start of the modern primary system in 1972, was set by Sen. Bob Dole in 1988, who surpassed evangelical leader Pat Robertson by 13 points. Dole garnered 37.4% of the votes, compared to Robertson’s 24.6% and George H.W. Bush’s 18.6%. — ABC News and WMUR have decided to cancel their scheduled Republican primary debate in New Hampshire on Thursday due to insufficient candidate participation. This cancellation followed the deadline imposed by ABC News and New Hampshire’s WMUR for responses from former President Donald Trump and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley regarding their debate invitations. Neither campaign confirmed their attendance by the specified Tuesday afternoon deadline. — A plane taxiing for departure clipped another aircraft at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Sunday evening, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration on Monday. No injuries were reported. Boeing is facing increased scrutiny following recent mechanical issues and the grounding of its Boeing 737 Max 9 model after an emergency exit door malfunction led to an emergency landing last week. The cause of Sunday’s incident and its potential link to manufacturing defects remain unclear. — James Dolan, CEO of Madison Square Garden Entertainment and owner of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, faces allegations of sexual assault and trafficking in a new lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The lawsuit also accuses Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault. The federal lawsuit claims that Dolan and Weinstein, on separate occasions, sexually assaulted massage therapist Kellye Croft in 2013 and 2014 while she was working with the band the Eagles. Representatives for both Dolan and Weinstein have publicly denied these allegations. — Senator Chuck Grassley, currently the oldest active member of the U.S. Senate, is undergoing treatment with antibiotic infusions at a hospital for an infection, according to a statement from his office. The 90-year-old Iowa Republican is reportedly in good spirits and is expected to resume his duties following his doctor’s advice. Intravenous antibiotic treatments are typically used for serious infections or those not effectively managed with oral antibiotics. — The parent company of Burger King, Restaurant Brands International Inc., is set to acquire its largest franchisee in the U.S., Carrols Restaurant Group Inc., in a deal valued at approximately $1 billion. This acquisition includes plans to renovate numerous locations. Restaurant Brands International Inc. will purchase all shares of Syracuse, New York-based Carrols Restaurant Group Inc. that it doesn’t already own for $9.55 per share. Carrols operates 1,022 Burger King restaurants across 23 states, representing about 15% of all U.S. Burger King locations, and also manages 60 Popeyes restaurants. — An issue of The Amazing Spider-Man No. 1, dated March 1963, recently fetched a staggering $1.38 million at auction, setting a new record. This iconic comic, showcasing Spider-Man’s initial interaction with the Fantastic Four, is one of only two known copies graded as Near Mint/Mint 9.8 by the Certified Guaranty Company. Released just seven months following Spider-Man’s first appearance in Amazing Fantasy No. 15, this issue was sold by Heritage Auctions for an unprecedented $1.38 million, surpassing the previous record of $520,380 set in July 2023 for the same title. Additionally, the auction featured a copy of Superman No. 1, which sold for $2.34 million, and a 1942 issue of All Star Comics No. 8, marking Wonder Woman’s debut, which garnered $1.5 million.

Latest News Headlines for Tuesday January 16, 2024 – Since 2020, the world’s five wealthiest individuals have seen their combined fortunes soar from $405 billion to $869 billion. Meanwhile, nearly 5 billion people globally have experienced a decline in wealth, as highlighted in a recent report urging public intervention against rising inequality. Oxfam’s Inequality Inc., released in conjunction with the World Economic Forum’s commencement, notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated wealth disparities, with extreme wealth surging as global poverty persists. The report warns that if this trend continues, the world may see its first trillionaire in a decade. — The Ukrainian military has claimed a significant achievement by shooting down two Russian aircraft over the Sea of Azov, including an A-50 early warning and control aircraft. Ukraine’s Armed Forces commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi announced via Telegram that, alongside the A-50, an Il-22M airborne command post and electronic intelligence aircraft were downed. Ukrainian media reports corroborated Zaluzhnyi’s claim, emphasizing the strategic significance of these Russian aircraft. — The Biden administration has formally requested Texas authorities to permit federal Border Patrol agents access to a section of the U.S. southern border currently controlled by state National Guard soldiers. The administration has labeled these restrictions as “clearly unconstitutional,” as per a recent letter. Should Texas’s National Guard disregard the Biden administration’s directive and continue hindering Border Patrol access to a public park in Eagle Pass, the Department of Homeland Security intends to involve the Justice Department and examine alternative measures. — Ecuador’s security forces have successfully regained control of several prisons previously overrun by gang members, following the release of over 200 officials held captive inside. The country’s ongoing security crisis escalated last week as the government and major narcotic gangs entered open conflict, spurred by the jailbreak of a notorious drug lord. Gang-controlled riots erupted in prisons, resulting in hostage-taking of guards and staff. Concurrently, a surge of street violence has claimed 19 lives. — Residents and activists in Rankin County, Mississippi, are demanding the removal of the county sheriff following repeated sentencing delays for deputies convicted of torturing and sexually abusing two Black individuals. Tasha Parker, co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee, emphasized the need for orderly leadership for a just system. The Rankin NAACP, Local Organizing Committee, and local residents held a press conference on January 15 to address the second postponement of sentencing for the six former officers convicted in August 2023. — The trial of Victoria Jacobs, an Uzbekistan native accused of financing Syrian-based terrorist groups with cryptocurrency, commenced with opening statements on Tuesday. Jacobs is charged with laundering $10,661 for Malhama Tactical through cryptocurrency, Western Union, and MoneyGram transfers from global supporters, and directing the funds to Bitcoin wallets controlled by the group. The indictment also alleges she bought Google Play gift cards for the organization. — Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was discharged from the hospital on Monday after a two-week stay for an infection following prostate cancer surgery. Austin’s hospitalization, initially undisclosed to officials, sparked controversy and calls for investigation among lawmakers. The Department of Defense stated, “The Secretary is recuperating well and will, as per doctors’ advice, continue his duties remotely before returning full-time to the Pentagon.” — In response to a measles outbreak in Philadelphia, a group of doctors is providing free measles vaccines to the community. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has confirmed eight cases of measles since late December, all in unvaccinated individuals. The outbreak began with a child admitted to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in December, where at least three other unvaccinated children were subsequently exposed and infected. —

Four individuals have been apprehended following an incident where a sheriff’s deputy interrupted an alleged robbery at a convenience store. Store video captures the moment the individuals entered the store, situated at Victoria Street and Avalon Boulevard in Carson, approximately at 1:30 a.m. on Saturday. The video shows the individuals swiftly jumping over the counter while the store clerk was present at the register. Of the suspects, three made their entry through the main entrance, while a fourth entered through a side door.

Latest News Headlines for Monday January 15, 2024 – In the Republican primary, while many voters see Donald Trump as a strong contender for November, Nikki Haley currently shows a greater lead over Joe Biden in potential head-to-head matchups than either Trump or Ron DeSantis. As the GOP presidential nomination race unfolds, Trump, Haley, and DeSantis all appear to have a national advantage over President Biden should they become his challenger. However, Haley and DeSantis face more challenging paths to the nomination, trailing significantly behind Trump at this stage. — London’s Metropolitan Police apprehended six pro-Palestine activists over an alleged scheme to disrupt operations at the London Stock Exchange. The investigation revealed that members of the Palestine Action group intended to inflict damage and attach themselves to infrastructure on Monday morning to prevent the stock exchange building from opening. “These are significant arrests,” stated Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas. — John Kerry, U.S. special envoy on climate, is reportedly stepping down from his role in the Biden administration in the coming weeks, according to sources familiar with his plans. Kerry, with a background as a senator and secretary of state, was appointed shortly after Joe Biden’s election in 2020 to spearhead global climate change initiatives for the administration. A key figure in drafting the 2015 Paris climate accords, Kerry brought extensive international experience to the role. — Denmark’s Prime Minister announced Frederik X as the new king following Queen Margrethe II’s formal abdication. The historic event drew massive crowds celebrating the succession from a revered monarch to her esteemed son. Queen Margrethe, at 83, became the first Danish monarch in nearly 900 years to voluntarily abdicate the throne. Thousands gathered outside the palace to witness the royal transition, marking the first Danish succession in over fifty years not prompted by a monarch’s death. — Ecuador’s prison agency announced the release of all prison guards and administrative staff held hostage by inmates amid nationwide civil unrest. According to the SNAI prisons agency, 178 employees were taken hostage across five prisons on Monday. Tragically, one guard was killed in the El Oro prison. The hostages, held in facilities in Azuay, Cañar, Tungurahua, Cotopaxi, and Napo, were eventually released. — A tragic hot air balloon crash in Eloy, Arizona, resulted in four fatalities and one critical injury on Sunday morning, according to the Eloy Police Department. The crash occurred in a rural desert area of Pinal County, about five miles north of Eloy, at 7:30 a.m. local time. Eloy’s mayor confirmed that 13 individuals were aboard the balloon, including eight skydivers, four passengers, and a pilot, as reported by local ABC Arizona affiliate KNXV. — Following Hurricane Otis’s impact on Acapulco on October 25, the Mexican government deployed 25,000 troops to the resort city. Despite this, violence continued throughout the week. The Acapulco business chamber reported significant disruptions due to gang threats and attacks, causing approximately 90% of the city’s passenger vans to cease operations, affecting the primary transportation mode. The violence also led to early business closures on Thursday and Friday. The Category 5 hurricane resulted in 52 deaths, 32 missing persons, and extensive damage to nearly all resort hotels. — Ruth Ashton Taylor, a pioneering journalist and the first female newscaster on the West Coast, has passed away at the age of 101. Taylor died on Thursday at an assisted living facility in San Rafael, California, as confirmed by her family. The cause of death was not disclosed. Her daughter, Laurel Conklin, shared on Sunday that her mother’s passing was sudden. Born in Long Beach in 1922, Taylor had an over 50-year career spanning radio and television news.

Stuck in the Middle Radio Show cartoon edition. Allen discusses the Hunter Biden investigation and gives his personal feelings about it. MAGA callers revolt! This is another edition of the REAL centrist radio talk show with a cartoon overlay.

Latest News Headlines for Saturday January 13. 2024 – Over the weekend, Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of more than 30 Palestinians, including young children, as reported by officials. Concurrently, a U.S. strike against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen intensified concerns about the Israel-Hamas conflict potentially escalating into a broader regional confrontation. Since the war’s onset, triggered by a deadly attack on southern Israel by Hamas and other Gaza militants on October 7, the conflict has rapidly expanded. New battlefronts have emerged, involving Iran-supported groups such as the Houthi rebels in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and militias in Iraq and Syria, leading to various attacks. — Top United Nations officials have called for the return of civilians to their homes in the Gaza Strip, amid ongoing Israeli military operations against Hamas. This appeal was made during a U.N. Security Council meeting. Martin Griffiths, the U.N.’s humanitarian affairs chief, depicted the dire situation in Gaza, where displaced civilians are being pushed into increasingly limited areas due to Israel’s military actions. Members of the Security Council have described the situation in Gaza as a “catastrophe.” — The 2024 election season kicks off in Iowa with the state’s high-profile caucuses. This event marks the first major test of former President Donald Trump’s influence in the Republican Party during this election cycle. Trump currently maintains a substantial lead, but his competitors are hopeful for an upset. Success in Iowa is not essential for securing the party nomination, but a strong showing can provide crucial momentum. The state offers only 40 delegates, a fraction of the 1,215 required for nomination. — Lai Ching-te has secured victory in Taiwan’s presidential election, with his opponents conceding after a competitive three-way race. This election’s outcome will significantly influence Taiwan’s relations with China for the next four years. The focus is on the stability and peace of the strait separating China from the self-governed island of Taiwan, which China claims as its own. The Chinese government previously framed the election as a choice between peace and conflict. — A sequence of earthquakes shook Oklahoma from Friday evening into Saturday morning, including two of magnitude 4.4. The USGS reported a 3.2 magnitude quake near Arcadia, northeast of Oklahoma City, at 9:37 p.m. CT. Approximately 10 minutes later, a 4.4 magnitude quake occurred west of Arcadia. This was followed by two smaller quakes of 2.7 and 2.5 magnitude. On Saturday morning, a 2.6 magnitude quake was recorded near Acadia at around 4:45 a.m. CT. — The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating two fatal vehicle-train collisions at the same high-speed rail crossing in Florida last week, resulting in three deaths. On Friday, a Brightline train collided with a Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck, killing both the driver and passenger, according to Melbourne police. Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey reported that the vehicle attempted to beat the train. This incident occurred two days after a similar collision involving a Brightline train and a Honda Element SUV at the same crossing. — In Idaho, authorities have recovered the body of a man killed in an avalanche while backcountry skiing with two others who were rescued the previous day. The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office responded to a GPS alert indicating a potential avalanche fatality near Stevens Peak, close to the Montana border. The rescue operation took place on Thursday afternoon, as stated in an announcement on social media. — The Quaker Oats Company, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, has broadened its previous recall from December to include a wider range of granola bars and cereal products due to potential salmonella contamination. The expanded recall now encompasses popular items like Cap’n Crunch Treats cereal bars and Gatorade Protein Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars, with expiration dates ranging from Jan. 11, 2024, to Oct. 31, 2024. This update was recently announced on the Food and Drug Administration’s website, detailing the extended range of products under recall.