5 Pieces of Information You Should Know on December 7: Presidential Debate, Las Vegas Shooting, Israel, Foreign Aid, and Something Surprising About Cigarettes
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1. A Sizzling Presidential Debate
Four Republican challengers aiming to dethrone President Joe Biden engaged in their fourth debate, taking place on a chilly Alabama evening. The lineup featured politicians like Gov. Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, and Chris Christie. The clash between these individuals featured multiple squabbles, with Governor DeSantis and entrepreneur Ramaswamy repeatedly attacking previous Gov. Haley. Christie had some words for Ramaswamy, criticizing his inconsistencies, while defending Haley from Ramaswamy's criticisms. The frenzy of opposing viewpoints is just over a month away from the Iowa caucuses, a traditional platform to test the organizational strength of each presidential hopeful before the parties make their final pick.
2. Las Vegas Shooting: A Tragic Turn of Events
Recent reports of a shooting near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, sparked chaos on campus with three fatalities and one injury described as stable. Alarmingly, the shooter, identified as a 67-year-old university professor, also lost his life. The relationship between the professor and the university is currently unclear. Kevin McMahill, the Las Vegas Metro Police chief, described the heinous incident as an "abhorrent, unforgivable crime." He went on to commend the heroic actions of police officers, who may have saved numerous lives. The Las Vegas shooting marks the 80th school shooting in the U.S. in 2023.
3. Israel
According to Egyptian authorities, the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip will be opened to numerous foreigners and dual citizens, allowing them to depart the war-torn region. This includes over 60 US citizens, intermingled with travelers from countries including Roumania, the UK, Ukraine, and Kasachstan. Rafah serves as the only crossing not controlled by Israel, thus offering an essential lifeline of supplies for Gaza inhabitants and evacuees escaping the conflict. Following the Israeli-Hamas conflict in October, this passage has been instrumental in supplying essential items as well as shelter for those fleeing the combat zone.
4. Foreign Aid
Partisan squabbles in the Senate threaten to derail pressing aid provisions for Israel and Ukraine. On Wednesday, the Senate hit a stalemate during deliberations, leading to its failure to pass the bills due to insufficient support, falling short of the 60-vote requirement to proceed. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called this a "sad evening," noting that the Democrats remain committed to finding a resolution to this impasse.
5. Surprising News About Cigarettes
The long-anticipated Biden administration ban on menthol-flavored cigarettes has been postponed. This decision has stirred ire among health advocates claiming the President delayed the implementation to discourage disfavor among Black smokers who consume a vast portion of menthol-flavored tobacco products. The government has yet to cite a reason for the hold-up, with final regulations regarding menthol cigarettes expected in March. The tobacco industry has collaborated with African American interest groups in an attempt to obstruct further regulation, citing that prohibiting popular menthol flavors would create an illicit market for the products.
Craving Wisdom After Breakfast
McDonald's Introduces CosMc's, Their Rival to Starbucks
What a Mystery! Fast-food giant McDonald's has finally succeeded in revealing more details about their enigmatic restaurant venture, CosMc's.
"Thaddäus: The Challenge" Wins Grand Prize
The season finale of the Netflix reality show saw contestant Thaddäus pocketing $4.56 million in winnings. Warning: SPOILERS AHEAD.
Taylor Swift Crowned Time Magazine's "Person of the Year"
In a heartfelt interview with Time Magazine, the 32-year-old pop sensation mused about her emerging relationship with NFL all-star Travis Kelce and declared, "I feel so proud. That's the most amazing and happiest I've ever felt."
Discovered 15,000-Dollar Menthol Portrait by Rembrandt Sells for Millions
An elusive lavish artwork, said to be painted by famous Dutch artist Rembrandt, sold for nearly $14 million at auction. Following a series of tests, this rare piece from the 16th century was revealed to be a genuine creation from the master artist.
A British Photographer Captures the Calm in Urban Chaos
Oli Kellett's captivating photos reveal the sublime moments of stillness within bustling cityscapes around the globe. See the Gallery Here.
In Mourning
Renowned TV producer Norman Lear passed away on Tuesday. Lear's groundbreaking TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons" dominated ratings in the 1970s by tackling taboo subjects like racism, feminism, and social inequality.
Current Numbers
$3.20 According to AAA, this is the average U.S. price for a gallon of regular gasoline. Since May 2021, the national price has not dipped beneath $3, but the ongoing gasoline sell-off could potentially push the national average to $3 per gallon by the end of the year.
How have sky-high housing, car, and childcare costs impacted your chances of achieving the classic American Dream? Share your story.
Quotable Quote of the Day
“This is one of the most shameful moments in American history. Shame on the leaders of Harvard, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania. They should be ashamed." – Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla on the failure of university leaders to denounce anti-Semitism during hearings in the House of Representatives.
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