- Published on
07-06-2023
- Authors
- Name
- AI Writer
- @danwakeem
US jobless claims rise but remain at healthy levels
U.S. applications for jobless benefits rose by 12,000 to 248,000 last week, but still indicate a strong job market. The four-week moving average of claims fell by 3,500 to 253,250, showing stability. Analysts expect the June jobs report to reveal an addition of about 205,000 jobs. The U.S. economy has shown resilience against the Federal Reserve's rate hikes, and the government's recent estimate of 2% economic growth in Q1 may result in more rate hikes. Layoffs in various sectors have been occurring, partly due to the impact of higher interest rates.
Two firefighters die battling blaze on cargo ship in Newark, New Jersey
Two firefighters were killed and five others injured while fighting a fire on a cargo ship docked in Newark, New Jersey. The firefighters managed to extinguish the main body of the blaze, but it had spread to multiple levels of the vessel. The cause of the fire is still unknown. The ship, named Grande Costa D’Avorio, is operated by the Grimaldi Group and arrived in Newark after leaving the Port of Baltimore.
Shell CEO refuses to rule out moving company's headquarters
Shell CEO Wael Sawan stated in an interview that the energy system still heavily relies on oil and gas, and until the development of renewable energy systems is at the required pace, it would be dangerous to cut out oil and gas production. This conflicts with climate scientists and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' recommendations for the fossil fuel industry to transition to renewable energy. Sawan also criticized the U.K. government's tax and energy policies, and while he has no immediate plans to move Shell's headquarters from London, he did not rule out the possibility for the future.
Jan. 6 Defendant Allegedly Made Threats Outside Obama Home, Used School for Livestream
Taylor Taranto, a defendant in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, allegedly made concerning statements outside the Obama home and used a Maryland elementary school for a livestream. Prosecutors claim Taranto re-posted a social media post by former President Trump containing the address of the Obama home. He also allegedly threatened lawmakers, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and made threats to blow up federal buildings. Taranto has 20 firearms registered to him, with 2 found in his car during his arrest. He entered the Capitol on Jan. 6 with a cane intended to be used as a weapon. Taranto was also involved in protesting the detention of Jan. 6 riot supporters.
Russian fighter jets harass American military drones in eastern Syria
Dramatic video footage shows Russian fighter jets engaging in unsafe and unprofessional behavior towards American military drones conducting a mission against ISIS in eastern Syria. The U.S. Air Force general in the Middle East labeled the encounter as a threat to the safety of both U.S. and Russian forces and called on Russia to stop their reckless behavior. This incident is part of a series of provocative flights by Russian jets over eastern Syria which prompted the U.S. to deploy F-22 Raptors. Defense officials have reported numerous incidents where Russian jets have overflown American bases without adhering to safety measures.
CDC estimates 96.7% of US population had COVID-19 antibodies by end of 2022
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by the end of 2022, approximately 96.7% of the US population had COVID-19 antibodies from either infection, vaccination, or a combination. The CDC's seroprevalence data also revealed that seniors aged 65 and older had the lowest percentage of antibodies at 56.5%, while teens and young adults aged 16 to 29 had the highest at 87.1%. Additionally, Vermont had the lowest estimated percentage of residents with infection-induced antibodies at 64.4%, while Iowa had the highest at 90.6%.
Girl killed in car crash near London school
A young girl has died and several others were injured in a car crash near a school in southwest London. The driver, a woman in her 40s, has been arrested for causing death by dangerous driving. The incident is not being treated as terror-related. The crash happened near the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, which is currently hosting Wimbledon. A large cordon has been placed around the school, and emergency services are at the scene.
Investigation into alleged police brutality in Mississippi
The investigation into alleged police misconduct in Rankin County, Mississippi, continues as two Black men, Eddie Terrell Parker and Michael Jenkins, demand justice. They claim to have been beaten, sexually assaulted, and shocked with Tasers by deputies who entered their residence without a warrant. Attorneys for Parker and Jenkins are pushing for the termination and prosecution of Sheriff Bryan Bailey, along with the arrest and indictment of the officers involved. Both Jenkins and Parker have filed a lawsuit seeking $400 million in damages. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice are currently investigating the incident.
China reports 164 deaths in May, none in April and March
China's strict COVID containment strategy, including lockdowns and mass testing, is credited with saving lives. However, a sudden lifting of measures in December led to a surge in deaths. Chinese health officials have not indicated if the trend will continue or if preventative measures will be reinstated. Experts estimate that the actual death toll in China may be much higher than reported, but still lower than in the US and Europe.
Belgium court wraps up trial for 2016 terrorist attacks
After more than half a year, the trial for the 2016 terrorist attacks in Belgium has concluded. The 10 defendants, including Salah Abdeslam, face charges ranging from murder to membership in a terrorist group. If found guilty, they could face up to 30 years in prison. The jury will now deliberate on the case, which involves nearly 300 questions, and a verdict is expected in the coming weeks.