Apple’s Smart Tablet Coming in 2025

??13th November 2024 | Houthis Target US Warships Following Yemen Strikes, Germany to Hold February Election After Coalition Breaks Down, John Krasinski Named 2024's Sexiest Man Alive, US Airman Jack Teixeira Gets 15-Year Sentence, Trump Taps Musk and Ramaswamy for Government Efficiency Leadership, and more!

Business and Economy

?? Inflation Expectations Hit 3-Year Low

Americans' inflation expectations for the next year have fallen to 2.6%, marking their lowest level since December 2020, according to the University of Michigan survey. Consumer sentiment also rose to 73, reflecting improved short-term outlooks, while long-term inflation expectations edged up to 3.1%. Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated, “Inflation expectations remain well anchored, reflecting our progress in controlling inflation.”?

?? Grocery Prices Drop for First Time Since 2020

U.S. online grocery prices dropped 0.1% in October, the first decline since January 2020, marking a shift from pandemic-driven inflation. While online grocery spending represents 20% of food purchases, food inflation has cooled, with 2025 costs projected to rise only 1.6%. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated, "Inflation is easing, and that's good news for families."?

World

?? Houthis Target US Warships Following Yemen Strikes

Houthi rebels in Yemen targeted two US warships, the USS Stockdale and USS Spruance, on Monday with drones and missiles while they were passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The US successfully intercepted the projectiles, preventing damage or casualties. This attack followed US airstrikes on Houthi weapon sites in Yemen.? Pentagon spokesperson Major Gen Pat Ryder stated, "There will be consequences for their unlawful actions."

??? Germany to Hold February Election After Coalition Breaks Down

Germany is set to hold elections on February 23 following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition. The turmoil began when Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner over budget disputes. A confidence vote will occur on December 16, with elections scheduled if Scholz loses. The opposition criticized the delay, leading to the February date. Scholz stated, "The crisis has created significant political instability."

?? North Korea Approves Key Defense Pact with Russia

North Korea ratified a defense pact with Russia, promising mutual military assistance if either nation is attacked. Signed by Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin in June, the treaty strengthens ties in military, economic, and technological areas intensifying the Russia-Ukraine conflict. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated, "This agreement may alter global military dynamics."??

Science and Tech

?? Chrome on iPhone Now Supports Text & Image Search

Google Chrome on iOS now enables simultaneous image and text searches using Google Lens. You can upload an image and add descriptive words to narrow results, like finding a shirt by its design and preferred color. The update also adds file-saving to Google Photos/Drive, Shopping Insights for price tracking, and a mini-map viewer for quick location previews.

?? Apple Set to Launch AI-Powered Wall-Mounted Smart Tablet in 2025

Apple is set to release a wall-mounted smart home tablet by March 2025, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The device, with a 6-inch touchscreen, will control smart home appliances, facilitate video calls, and integrate AI for voice control via Siri or the new "App Intents" system. Priced between $100-$250, it plans to compete with Amazon's Echo Hub and Google’s Nest Hub.?

Sports and Entertainment

?? Kyle Singler's Cryptic Instagram Post Sparks Concern

Former NBA player Kyle Singler, 36, shared a cryptic video on Instagram Tuesday, where he expressed feeling mistreated, neglected, and abused, leading to fears for his safety. The video, shared over 1,200 times, drew support from NBA figures like Kevin Love and Isaiah Thomas. In a follow-up post, Singler reassured his supporters, stating, "You aren't alone brother! I'm here for you."?

?? John Krasinski Named 2024's Sexiest Man Alive

John Krasinski has been crowned People magazine’s "Sexiest Man Alive" for 2024, with the announcement made on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Known for Jack Ryan, The Jack Ryan star admitted he initially thought it was a prank. His wife, Emily Blunt, reacted with excitement. He joins other honorees this year, including Benny Blanco. He stated, "You guys have really raised the bar for me."?

?? Warriors Celebrate Klay Thompson in Return to Chase Center vs Mavericks

The Golden State Warriors honored Klay Thompson in his first appearance back at Chase Center on Tuesday, following his offseason move to the Dallas Mavericks. The "Salute Captain Klay" event featured a tribute video and a heartfelt reception from fans. Thompson scored 22 points, but the Warriors secured a 120-117 win, with Stephen Curry's late-game heroics. Coach Steve Kerr stated, "I’m looking forward to it."

Misc

?? Trump Taps Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army veteran, to be his Secretary of Defense. Hegseth's appointment surprised many, as he wasn't on the initial shortlist, but Trump valued their longstanding relationship and Hegseth’s military service. Trump praised Hegseth’s leadership and combat record, stating, "Pete is tough, smart, and a true believer in America First."?

?? US Airman Jack Teixeira Gets 15-Year Sentence

Jack Teixeira, a 22-year-old US Air National Guardsman, was sentenced to 15 years for leaking top-secret Pentagon documents, including intelligence on Ukraine, to an online platform in 2022. Prosecutors argued he committed a grave violation of the Espionage Act. Despite his apology, Judge Talwani stated, “You are young and have a future ahead, but it is such a serious crime.”?

?? Trump Taps Musk and Ramaswamy for Government Efficiency Leadership

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency. The department, operating outside the government, will focus on cutting waste, eliminating bureaucracy, and restructuring federal agencies. Musk highlighted the importance of transparency, with plans for a public spending tracker. Trump stated, “I look forward to Elon and Vivek improving the Federal Bureaucracy.”

This Day That Year

On November 13, 2015, Paris was struck by a series of coordinated terrorist attacks, marking one of the deadliest days in the city’s history. The violence centered on several locations, with the most devastating assault occurring at the Bataclan Theatre and concert hall. In total, at least 130 people lost their lives, and over 350 were injured.

Have a great day and see you Tomorrow??