Author: News Desk

Cliff Notes Resilience of Shoppers: Despite concerns stemming from tariffs and an uncertain economic climate, consumer spending remains robust, with U.S. retailers reporting solid quarterly sales and increased foot traffic compared to pre-pandemic levels. Tariff Impact on Pricing: Many retailers have absorbed some tariff-related costs but have still passed on price increases to consumers, particularly on items sourced from China, leading to a surge in prices for essential categories like toys and household goods. Holiday Sales Predictions: Forecasts from the National Retail Federation indicate an expected increase in holiday sales, with shoppers anticipated to spend between $1.01 trillion and $1.02…

Cliff Notes – Cummins misses Brisbane Test, Australia name unchanged 14 Pat Cummins has not been included in the unchanged Australia squad for the second Test at the Gabba, despite extensive training at the SCG. Usman Khawaja remains in the squad after back spasms limited his participation in Perth, while Travis Head’s performance as opener has sparked discussions about a potential permanent shift. The selectors have retained the same 14 players from the previous Test, with Josh Inglis, Michael Neser, and Beau Webster not making the playing XI. Cummins misses Brisbane Test, Australia name unchanged 14 Pat Cummins has not…

Cliff Notes – US to ‘soon’ take action against Venezuela ‘by land’  President Trump announced that military operations to combat drug trafficking by land in Venezuela will commence “very soon,” following a successful reduction of sea trafficking. The Venezuelan government claims the US military presence is a guise for efforts to oust President Maduro, whom Washington has labelled an illegitimate leader. US planning a land attack against Venezuela US President Donald Trump said Thursday that operations to curb Venezuelan drug trafficking “by land” would begin “very soon.”  The warning comes amid escalating tensions with Caracas and with the military stepping up its activity in the…

Cliff Notes – Anything to make immigration headlines The Trump administration has initiated a comprehensive review of Green Card statuses for immigrants from 19 specified countries following a shooting incident involving National Guard personnel in Washington, DC. This review, directed by USCIS, was prompted by the arrest of an Afghan national linked to the shooting, with critics warning it may unjustly impact lawful residents based solely on nationality. President Trump affirmed the halt on processing immigration applications from Afghanistan, citing national security concerns in light of the recent attack. US ramps up Green Card reviews after Washington DC shooting The…

TL;DR | Science, Climate & Tech News Nucleus Genomics offers a $8,999 service for IVF couples to “genetically optimise” embryos, claiming to reduce disease risk and allow selection of traits like height and intelligence. Critics and experts label this as a form of eugenics, questioning the ethics and scientific validity of the predictive abilities of genetic screening for complex traits. The service gains popularity amidst a broader Silicon Valley movement towards ‘designer babies’, raising significant ethical concerns about reproductive choices and genetic manipulation. Genetics testing start-up offers to ‘genetically optimise’ would-be parents’ babies  If a jeans advert hinting at actress…

Hamilton’s Ferrari Nightmare Continues Amid Disappointing Season Lewis Hamilton’s tumultuous debut season with Ferrari has been marred by setbacks and frustrations, leaving the seven-time world champion grappling with the prospect of a podium-less campaign for the first time in his illustrious career. Following a disappointing performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton offered little satisfaction about his comeback from the back of the grid to claim points, stating simply, “zero.” Muted Responses Reflect Frustration As Hamilton faces mounting pressure, his responses to queries have become increasingly muted, echoing the challenges he faces in his first year with the prancing…

Cliff Notes – Mason Greenwood at World Cup would be ‘farce,’ not ‘fair’ Jamaica players Jamaica players Isaac Hayden and Amari’i Bell expressed concerns over Mason Greenwood potentially joining the squad, labelling it a “farce” and “not fair” to those committed to the team. Hayden emphasised the importance of integrity, stating that players who do not commit to the qualifying process should not be allowed to join the team for the World Cup. Bell highlighted the emotional investment of current players, suggesting that any late additions would create controversy and disrupt team cohesion. Mason Greenwood at World Cup would be…

TL;DR National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has died following a shooting incident near the White House; another victim, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition. The suspected gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, previously served in a CIA-backed Afghan army unit before arriving in the US under a resettlement scheme. Authorities are treating the shooting as terrorism, leading to a review of asylum approvals under the Biden administration. National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom has died after Washington DC shooting, Trump says  One of the National Guard members shot in Washington DC on Wednesday has died from her injuries, Donald Trump has…

TL;DR Israeli forces shot two Palestinian men, al Muntasir Abdullah and Yousef Asasa, in Jenin after they appeared to surrender, raising accusations of extrajudicial killing from Palestinian authorities. The Israeli Defence Forces stated the men were affiliated with a terror network and were engaged in a prolonged surrender procedure when they were fired upon. Human rights groups and the Palestinian prime minister’s office condemned the killings, citing a trend of impunity for Israeli forces in such incidents. Israeli forces kill two Palestinian men in West Bank after they appear to surrender  Israeli forces killed two Palestinian men in the West…

Cliff Notes – Arne Slot vows to ‘fight on’ as Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains committed to Liverpool despite a poor run of form, with nine losses in 12 games, including a 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven. He emphasised the need for collective improvement and acknowledged the pressure that comes with managing a top club, especially during a losing streak. Arne Slot vows to ‘fight on’ as Liverpool manager Arne Slot has vowed to “fight on” at Liverpool following conversations with the club’s hierarchy, despite his team’s dismal recent run of form. Liverpool’s 4-1 UEFA Champions League defeat to PSV…