Daily SumUp

In a surprising move, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., renowned environmental lawyer and advocate for vaccine safety, has been nominated as the United States' top health official. The nomination comes amid a broader reshuffling of the nation's leadership in public health, signaling a shift in priorities as the U.S. continues to address pressing health challenges, from pandemics to environmental toxins. Kennedy, who has garnered significant attention over the years for his outspoken views on vaccine safety and his role in founding the Children’s Health Defense organization, has been a polarizing figure in health and policy circles. His advocacy for caution around certain vaccines has sparked heated debate, especially among health experts who view his stance as controversial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a powerful statement, Pope Francis has called for an international investigation into the ongoing violence in Gaza, urging the global community to examine the situation for potential genocide. The Pope's remarks come amidst escalating tensions in the region, where the conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a growing number of civilian casualties, particularly among Palestinians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an exciting move aimed at regaining its competitive edge in the digital media landscape, HuffPost is set to implement significant changes that could redefine its future. Sources close to the publication reveal that HuffPost is preparing to revamp its editorial strategy, incorporate new technologies, and potentially restructure its leadership to boost engagement and reclaim its spot as a go-to source for news and commentary. As part of the planned changes, HuffPost is expected to focus more on personalized content, targeting specific reader interests with a mix of trending topics, investigative reporting, and diverse voices. Experts suggest that HuffPost might be leaning into cutting-edge AI-driven content curation to enhance reader experience and drive up traffic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a significant move to bolster economic and logistical connectivity, Iran and Russia have renewed their commitment to the development of the North-South Transport Corridor (NSTC). During a high-level meeting held in Tehran, officials from both nations underscored the strategic importance of the corridor in facilitating trade between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The NSTC, a multi-modal trade route spanning approximately 7,200 kilometers, aims to connect Russia and India via Iran, significantly reducing transportation time and costs compared to traditional routes such as the Suez Canal. This initiative has gained renewed focus as both Tehran and Moscow face Western sanctions, prompting them to explore alternative economic partnerships and routes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Onion Buys Alex Jones’s Infowars Out of Bankruptcy, Announces "New Direction" for Conspiracy-Laden Media Empire November 15, 2024 — New York, NY In an unexpected turn of events, satirical news outlet The Onion has officially purchased Alex Jones's beleaguered Infowars out of bankruptcy, securing the rights to the controversial media brand. The deal, valued in the low six-figures, marks the latest chapter in the convoluted saga of the right-wing conspiracy theory platform, which has seen its fortunes plummet in recent years. “We're excited to introduce a ‘new direction’ for Infowars,” said Onion CEO, Ben Berkley. “We’ve always pushed the boundaries of absurdity, but Infowars offers a whole new world of unhinged possibilities. Expect a mix of hardcore political commentary with a touch of, well, reality. Let’s call it Conspiracy Theater.” Jones, who has faced numerous lawsuits and financial difficulties, reportedly agreed to the deal in order to cover his mounting legal fees and take a step back from the daily chaos that defined his media empire. In an official statement, Jones said, “While I am leaving Infowars in capable hands, rest assured that the war against the globalists continues—just with a more ‘scripted’ feel.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stocks of major vaccine manufacturers took a hit on Tuesday following the announcement that former President Donald Trump has chosen Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known vaccine skeptic, to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. The decision sent shockwaves through the pharmaceutical sector, with shares of companies like Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson experiencing significant declines. Kennedy, the environmental attorney and son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, has long been an outspoken critic of vaccines, particularly their safety and the potential risks posed by certain ingredients. His advocacy for vaccine safety, which includes promoting discredited theories linking vaccines to autism, has drawn fierce backlash from the scientific community. Trump’s selection of Kennedy to lead the department responsible for overseeing the nation's health policies has raised concerns among investors, particularly those in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. These companies, which saw massive profits during the COVID-19 pandemic due to vaccine sales, worry that Kennedy's appointment could lead to stricter regulations or policy changes that might negatively impact their business models. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent report from the Pentagon on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs, discloses hundreds of newly documented incidents. The report, however, concludes that there is still no evidence to suggest any of these encounters involve extraterrestrial life. The updated UAP report, part of a congressionally mandated effort to improve transparency on aerial phenomena, documents over 300 new sightings by U.S. military personnel. The report includes incidents observed by pilots and various sensors from Navy and Air Force units. Despite the increasing number of cases and the improved collection techniques, investigators found no conclusive evidence to link these phenomena to alien technology or extraterrestrial intelligence. According to officials familiar with the report, many of the newly documented sightings can be explained by advanced drone technology, weather balloons, and natural atmospheric phenomena. In some cases, UAPs were attributed to sensor malfunctions and other technical anomalies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Roundup, we report on the powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake that has hit Cuba, adding to the country's struggles as it faces severe power outages and recent hurricane damage. As residents grapple with disrupted infrastructure and widespread devastation, experts are assessing the impact and looking at what’s next for recovery efforts. What We Cover in Today’s Video: - Earthquake Details: Location, magnitude, and initial damage reports - Crisis Context: How recent hurricanes and power outages have compounded Cuba’s challenges - Relief and Recovery: Efforts underway to assist affected communities and restore essential services Stay informed with our in-depth look at Cuba’s unfolding crisis and the latest updates on global disaster response. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to catch all our news on The Roundup. #CubaEarthquake #NaturalDisaster #TheRoundup #CubaNews #Earthquake #CrisisInCuba #WorldNews #GlobalDisaster #RecoveryEfforts #BreakingNews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

c As Trump’s transition plans take shape, he’s urging lawmakers to reduce the red tape surrounding cabinet approvals. What could this mean for his administration, and how might it impact the roles of key departments? Key Points in This Video: - Trump’s Call for Streamlined Confirmations: What he’s asking of the Senate and why - Implications for U.S. Governance: How faster approvals could shape the new administration’s efficiency - Recruitment Process: A look into potential cabinet picks and what they might bring to the table Stay tuned for insights on Trump’s transition efforts, the Senate’s response, and what this means for the structure of the U.S. government. Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for all the latest updates on U.S. Elections Update! #Trump #USElections #Senate #CabinetPicks #Transition2024 #TheRoundup #Politics #NewsUpdate #USGovernment #Streamline Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A national symbol of Japan, the respected Mount Fuji usually has a cap of snow by early October. This year, weather experts said snowfall on the top of the mountain took place later than it has since records have been kept. Last year, snow covered the top of the mountain on October 5. But this year, the first snowfall was on November 6, making this year's snowcap the latest to form since 1894 when records started. The Kofu weather station declares the news every year. Officials at the Kofu observatory confirmed snow near the 3,776-meter top of the country's tallest volcano. The office explained that the "first snowfall" on Mount Fuji is the point when the observatory staff can see that all or part of the mountain is covered with snow for the first time after summer. Mamoru Matsumoto is an official of the Kofu observatory office. He said that Mount Fuji's first snowfall has been delayed in recent years although the reasons are still unclear. "I feel relieved to finally see the snow," he added. "The temperature at the Fuji summit has been high since October, so I could foresee quite a big delay in the snowfall, which was giving me an uneasy feeling." Unusually warm weather prevented rainfall from turning to snow this October. The average temperature on the mountain’s peak reached a record of 1.6 degrees Celsius compared to the October average of -2 degrees Celsius, official data showed. Maria Gabriel, a visitor from Texas, came to Japan with plans to see the sacred mountain. She told Reuters, "It's beautiful with the snow, and that was kind of what our expectations were coming (to Japan)," she said, adding that the mountain's snowcapped image was famous worldwide. I’m Jill Robbins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No United States leader has handled relations with North Korea quite like Donald Trump. The former president went from threatening Kim Jong Un with “fire and fury” if the North Korean leader continued testing missiles, to becoming his pen pal, meeting him in a series of unprecedented summits, and boasting that the two had fallen “in love.” Now, that unlikely friendship will be put to the test. The former president is set to return to the White House at a moment of acute alarm among the US and its allies about Kim and the threat posed by his regime. Pyongyang is believed to have sent thousands of troops and tons of munitions to Russia as Moscow wages war on Ukraine, in what Western leaders see as a major escalation. Days before Trump won the US presidential election, it lobbed another threat – testing an intercontinental ballistic missile with the range to strike anywhere in the United States. On the campaign trail, Trump said Kim “misses” him and implied the country would not be “acting up” when he returns to office. But the second Trump administration will face an emboldened and arguably more dangerous North Korean leader. Kim – and potentially his arsenal – are now bolstered by burgeoning ties with Moscow, and he has hardened his stance toward the US and its ally South Korea after the failed diplomacy of the last Trump era. That makes reaching an agreement between the two to rein in North Korea’s weapons program all the more challenging – and raises questions of whether Trump, known for his impulsive foreign policy, might seek to shift the goal posts on what the US wants to see from North Korea, experts say. ‘Closest comrade’ A series of 2018-19 meetings between Trump and Kim in Singapore, Hanoi and the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea created unprecedented optics for both leaders. Then, the president of the world’s democratic superpower was pictured smiling and posing for photos alongside a typically isolated autocrat known for his ruthless rule over his people and drive to build sanctions-defying weapons as a means of preserving his regime. For Trump, the meetings were a bid to accomplish what US presidents have repeatedly sought to do in other ways – curb Pyongyang’s rogue nuclear program. For Kim, they were both a chance to try to get relief from heavy international sanctions – and a rare opportunity to be granted such prestige on the world stage. But talks ended without any breakthrough – with an abrupt ending to a 2019 summit in Hanoi amounting to what experts say was a huge loss of face for Kim. Though the leaders met once more that year, Pyongyang has since refused to reengage with the US, experts say, and restarted weapons testing it had appeared to pause alongside that dialogue. While it has yet to initiate a nuclear test since 2017, Kim has recently vowed to increase the country’s number of nuclear weapons “exponentially.” “The circumstances in which we must deal with North Korea have changed fundamentally compared to five years ago,” said Rachel Minyoung Lee, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center think tank in Washington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US President-elect Donald Trump discussed bilateral relations and global challenges, according to an official statement on Monday. Late Sunday, Scholz called Trump to personally congratulate him once again on his election as the 47th president of the US, German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said in a statement. "Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke on the phone with the newly elected American President Donald Trump and once again personally congratulated him on his election victory," he added. The two leaders exchanged views on the Washington-Berlin relations and current geopolitical issues. Scholz emphasized Germany's commitment to maintaining strong ties with the US, according to the spokesman. "The Chancellor underlined Germany’s willingness to continue the decades-long successful cooperation between the governments of both countries," Hebestreit stated. The two leaders also discussed the latest situation in Ukraine and its defensive war against Russia, according to the spokesman. "They also agreed to work together towards a return to peace in Europe," Hebestreit concluded, without providing further details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former President Donald Trump has won the presidential election, He is the second president to be elected to two nonconsecutive terms and the first convicted of felonies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former President Donald Trump told his supporters early Wednesday that this moment will “help this country heal.” According to CNN projections, Trump only needs four more electoral votes to win the presidency. CNN has not yet called the race for the former president and votes are still being counted in several states. “We have a country that needs help and it needs help very badly. We’re going to fix our borders and we’re going to fix everything about our country,” Trump said. “It’s now clear that we’ve achieved the most incredible political thing… look what happened, is this crazy?” Trump added. At a convention center in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump promised Americans that “every single day I will be fighting for you” and said he would usher in the “golden age of America.” Trump was joined on stage by members of his family and his wife, Melania Trump, as well as his running mate, JD Vance, and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Elections 2024: It's voting day in the United States of America. After a bitter election campaign, the voters will either make Kamala Harris the first woman president in the country's history or deliver Donald Trump a second non-consecutive stint in the Oval office. As polling stations open nationwide on Election Day, Democratic vice president Harris, 60, and Republican former president Trump, 78, are dead-even in the tightest and most volatile White House race of modern times. Donald Trump said he would be prepared to concede defeat after Tuesday's vote "if it's a fair election", while again raising concerns about the use of electronic voting machines. Trump, however, said he feels "very confident" about winning back the White House, after casting his Election Day ballot in Florida in one of the most contentious US elections in decades. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China has a new richest person – and it’s the entrepreneur behind the wildly popular, and controversial, app TikTok. Zhang Yiming, 41, co-founder of TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, topped the 2024 Hurun China Rich List, released Tuesday. His wealth reached $49.3 billion, as assessed by research, media and investment group Hurun Inc, which publishes the ranking of the country’s richest people. Zhang’s ascendency comes after ByteDance’s global revenue grew 30% last year to $110 billion, Hurun said. Since its official launch in May 2017, TikTok has been catapulted to mass global popularity as well as becoming an era-defining social media platform beloved by many young people around the world – and a trailblazing example for other Chinese companies eager to break into US and global markets. But it’s also now facing mounting legal battles in the US, where according to Hurun it has nearly 200 million users. There, TikTok is battling state and federal lawsuits related to alleged failures to protect children using the app, while it and ByteDance are fighting a law that could force a nationwide ban of the app if TikTok doesn’t spin off its US operations. The law – signed in April – follows years of US allegations that TikTok’s ties to China could potentially expose Americans’ personal information to the Chinese government. TikTok strongly denies the allegations, which come as a growing China-US rivalry has fueled broader American national security concerns about Chinese tech firms. TikTok has also rejected the allegations relating to child protection. Other countries have also cited national security concerns, including India which has banned TikTok. Western allies such as Britain, Canada and Australia have restricted TikTok’s use on government devices. But those regulatory hurdles have done little to dent TikTok’s growing global appeal among users. Zhang owns 20% of ByteDance, which he co-founded with college roommate Liang Rubo in Beijing in 2012. He stepped down as its CEO 2021 after building ByteDance into one of the biggest names in Chinese tech. ByteDance also holds China’s popular news app Toutiao and Douyin, TikTok’s sister app in China. Zhang’s rise to the top of the rich list knocked China’s “bottled water king” Zhong Shanshan out of the lead spot for the first time in three years, though he remained second. Zhong faced a wave of online vitriol earlier this year from nationalists who accused him of a lack of patriotism in a campaign that hit the price of shares of his beverage company. In third place was Pony Ma, founder of multimedia and entertainment giant Tencent, which owns China’s ubiquitous messaging and payments platform WeChat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new piece of music believed to have been penned by Frédéric Chopin has been discovered in the vault of a New York museum nearly 200 years after it was written. The unknown waltz was found in the Morgan Library and Museum — which dates it to between 1830 and 1835 — on a card bearing the Polish composer's name, according to The New York Times. It was found by curator Robinson McClellan while he was cataloguing new collections, he told the newspaper. McClellan told the BBC he was initially unsure whether the piece was actually Chopin’s after he photographed the score and played it himself on his keyboard at home. McClellan worked with a leading Chopin expert from the University of Pennsylvania to authenticate the score. It is not signed by Chopin, but the penmanship matched his, including his distinctive bass clef as well, as his doodling characteristic. “What we’re most certain about is it is written in the hand of Chopin, paper that he wrote on himself in his own hand,” McClellan told the BBC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first polls close at 18:00 EST (23:00 GMT) on Tuesday evening and the last at 01:00 EST (06:00 GMT) early on Wednesday. In some presidential races the victor has been named late on election night, or early the next morning. This time, the knife-edge race in many states could mean media outlets wait longer before projecting who has won. Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, the former president, have been running neck-and-neck for weeks. Narrow victories could also mean recounts. In the key swing state of Pennsylvania, for example, a recount would be required if there’s a half-percentage-point difference between the votes cast for the winner and loser. In 2020, the margin was just over 1.1 percentage points. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One week after catastrophic flooding devasted eastern Spain, María Murgui still holds out hope that her father is alive and among the unknown number of the missing. “He was like many people in town who went out to get their car or motorbike to safety,” the 27-year-old told The Associated Press. “The flash flood caught him outside, and he had to cling to a tree in order to escape drowning. He called us to tell us that he was fine, that we shouldn’t worry.” But when María set out into the streets of Sedaví to try to rescue him from the water washing away everything in its path, he was nowhere to be found. “He held up until 1 in the morning,” she said. “By 2, I went outside with a neighbor and a rope to try to locate him. But we couldn’t find him. And since then, we haven’t heard anything about him.” At least 218 have been confirmed dead after a deluge caused by heavy rains late on Oct. 29 and the next morning swamped entire communities, mostly in Spain’s Valencia region, catching most off guard. Regional authorities have been heavily criticized for having issued alerts to mobile phones some two hours after the disaster had started. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.