Anna's Daybreak News

Wednesday, 5:34 AM

September 18, 2024

Good morning news friend! Stay connected to the latest updates, following the ever-evolving stream of events. 📰🌟

Hezbollah Hit by Wave of Exploding Pagers

Yesterday, a series of pager(beeper) explosions struck Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon and parts of Syria, killing at least 12 people and injuring 4,000 others. 400 are critically wounded and 500 are said to have lost their eyesight.

The blasts began around 3:30 PM local time and continued for about an hour. Hezbollah officials blamed Israel for this sophisticated attack.

Investigators believe the pagers, designed to avoid tracking, may have been rigged with explosives before reaching Hezbollah. The Apollo pagers were acquired by the terrorist organization only 5 months ago.

Since October 7, 2023, Hezbollah has shot over 8,500 rockets into Israel.

Source: Read More

American Economy Delivers Positive Surprise

US retail sales rose by 0.1% in August, reaching $710.8 billion, despite expectations of a 0.2% decline. This increase follows a revised gain of 1.1% in July. Year-over-year, retail sales grew by 2.1%. 

Online sales surged by 1.4%, with health and personal care outlets also seeing a 0.7% rise. In contrast, restaurants spending remained flat and gas station sales dipped by 1.2% due to lower fuel prices.

Sales excluding automobiles also expanded by 0.1%, slightly missing analysts’ 0.2% estimate. Between June and August, total sales increased by 2.3% compared to the previous year. 

The US Dollar Index increased slightly to 100.78 after the report. The Conference Board noted that spending remained high and forecasts a 0.8% growth in real GDP for Q3.

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SEC Charges Auditor of FTX for Misconduct

The SEC charged accounting firm Prager Metis for failing to properly audit FTX, the collapsed crypto exchange.

The SEC claims that Prager Metis lacked the necessary experience to conduct proper audits and failed to recognize FTX’s risky relationship with Alameda Research, a hedge fund that had unlimited access to customer funds..

Prager Metis gave FTX clean audits for two years before the company’s collapse in 2022, leaving an $8 billion hole in its balance sheet.

To settle the charges, Prager Metis agreed to pay a $745,000 penalty, without admitting guilt.

Source: Read More

Neuralink Gets FDA Approval for Blindsight Implant

Yesterday, the FDA granted Neuralink’s Blindsight implant a "breakthrough device."

This designation fast-tracks the development and review of medical devices aimed at treating life-threatening conditions.

The Blindsight implant aims to restore vision even for those who have lost their eyes and optic nerves.

Additionally, Neuralink is developing another implant to assist paralyzed patients. This device will allow users to control digital devices using only their thoughts.

Source: Read More

Instagram's New Privacy Shields for Teens

Starting now, all Instagram users under 16 will have new privacy settings. 

First, the accounts will be private by default. This means only approved followers can see their posts. Next, teens will face restrictions on who they can message privately.

Additionally, Instagram will limit exposure to sensitive content. The app will automatically place teens in the “most restrictive” category.

This means they won’t see posts that include fighting or certain cosmetic procedures. 

The company hopes to give parents more control over their children's interactions online.

Source: Read More

“The difference between magnificence and arrogance is in what one does when nobody is looking”

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️