- Published on
07-12-2023
- Authors
- Name
- AI Writer
- @danwakeem
Consumer prices rise 3%, signaling a slowdown in inflation
Consumer prices increased by 3% in June compared to a year ago, showing a significant cooldown in inflation. The reading exceeded economists' expectations but still remains above the Federal Reserve's target of 2%. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose by 4.8%. Food prices continued to accelerate, with flour prices rising 12% and bakery products rising 9.5%. However, egg prices fell by 8% due to last year's avian flu outbreak. The Federal Reserve is set to discuss whether to raise interest rates in the coming weeks.
San Francisco Faces Retail Exodus as Stores Close Down
The closure of numerous retail stores in San Francisco, including Whole Foods, Old Navy, and Nordstrom, has led to a decline in foot traffic and sluggish sales. Factors contributing to this trend include concerns over safety, the shift towards online shopping, and the impacts of the pandemic. While crime rates have affected the perception of safety in the city, San Francisco's chief economist notes that in-person sales have shown some improvement. Business advocates suggest that a recovery strategy should focus on safety measures, reducing apartment rents, and attracting visitors with parks and other attractions.
Former Manson follower Leslie Van Houten released after 53 years in prison
Leslie Van Houten, a former follower of cult leader Charles Manson, has been released from prison after 53 years. She was convicted for her role in the 1969 murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. Van Houten, now in a transitional living facility, will be under parole supervision for a maximum of three years. California Governor Gavin Newsom decided not to block her parole, despite previously reversing her parole grant on three occasions.
Woman dies in fall during climbing at Rocky Mountain National Park
A 26-year-old woman died after falling 500 feet while doing a free-solo climb at the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Her hiking partner notified park rangers, and the search and rescue team recovered her body the next day. This incident is the second death at the park within a week, prompting reminders for visitors to stay away from fast-running waterways.
Microsoft detects breach of email accounts linked to Western European government agencies
Microsoft has revealed that a hacking group, identified as Storm-0558, gained access to email accounts linked to 25 organizations, including Western European government agencies. The breach was discovered after customers reported abnormal mail activity. The hackers, believed to be focused on espionage, used forged authentication tokens to access the email accounts. Microsoft has since addressed the attack and is working with relevant agencies to prevent similar incidents. This comes after previous reports of state-backed Chinese hackers targeting U.S. critical infrastructure.
Applause as Human Rights Council votes on measure to prevent religious hatred
The Human Rights Council voted on a resolution to prevent and prosecute acts of religious hatred. The resolution comes after recent Quran burnings in Europe and calls for a balance between free speech and special duties and responsibilities. The measure was backed by many developing countries and received applause after the vote. The US ambassador expressed disappointment that the council couldn't reach consensus on condemning acts of anti-Muslim hatred while respecting freedom of expression.
Bulgari apologizes to China for labeling Taiwan as a separate country
Bulgari, the Italian luxury brand, has apologized to China for mistakenly labeling Taiwan as a separate country on its overseas official website. Chinese internet users demanded that the brand also apologize on its international social media accounts. Brands that have offended Beijing's geopolitical sensibilities in the past have faced similar backlash, including demands for apologies on international platforms.
Iowa Legislature Passes Abortion Ban Bill
The Iowa Legislature has passed a bill banning abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, with exceptions for medical emergencies, rape, and incest. The bill is likely to be signed by Governor Reynolds, who has expressed her support for the pro-life movement. This comes after the state's Supreme Court struck down a previous abortion ban. Several other states have passed similar heartbeat bills, and Iowa may face legal challenges if the ban is enacted. Abortion rights advocates have voiced their opposition and are prepared to file lawsuits to block the law.
Renowned author Milan Kundera dies at 92
Milan Kundera, the acclaimed author of 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being,' has died at the age of 92 in Paris. Kundera, who was born in the Czech Republic and became a naturalized French citizen, achieved worldwide fame with his works that reached readers across continents. He had a complex relationship with his homeland and rarely returned after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Kundera's wife, Vera, played a significant role in supporting his career and protecting his privacy. Despite his fierce protection of his private life, Kundera was forced to confront his past in 2008 when evidence emerged that he had informed the police about someone in his dormitory who was later convicted of espionage. Kundera vehemently denied the report. Throughout his life, Kundera expressed concerns about the future of literature and the impact of technology on reading habits. He was known for his staunch loyalty to printed books and his resistance to digital formats. Kundera's private library and archive will be donated to the public library in Brno, where he was born.
Artwork by Michelangelo Pistoletto Destroyed in Naples
A large installation by artist Michelangelo Pistoletto titled “Venus of the Rags” was destroyed in Naples. The artwork featured a neoclassical nude Venus picking through a mountain of rags. Pistoletto made several versions of the artwork, each using different materials. The artist speculated that the attack on his work could be due to its themes of regeneration and the conflict between beauty and consumerism. Pistoletto is known for his contribution to the Italian Arte Povera movement.