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Contents: 149 Dead, Hundreds Wounded After China Earthquake Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day The death toll after a recent earthquake in China continues to rise, and it has caused millions of dollars in damages. The quake measured at 6.2 magnitude on the Richter scale and mainly affected the provinces of Gansu and Qinghai, with Gansu being the hardest hit. 149 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds more are wounded, and over 200,000 homes were destroyed. Due to the quake striking a rural area, many of the homes were not built to be earthquake-resistant, which increased the damage. This is one of the area's worst earthquakes in years, and it will take a long time to recover. However, rescue efforts are still finishing up to rescue any remaining survivors. Fact of the Day: Giant squids have eyes the size of volleyballs. Quote of the Day: Stars can't shine without darkness. (Alice Feeney) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Sangfroid (noun)- Sangfroid refers to the ability to stay calm in difficult or dangerous situations. In a Sentence: He displayed remarkable sangfroid when everyone else was panicking during the crisis.

Contents: New COVID Variant, JN.1, on the Rise Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Another new COVID-19 variant is on the rise, named JN.1. It is another mutation of Omicron and has quickly become the most common strain in the United States, but it poses less of a threat. Amid the peak of the winter sickness season, where cold and flu are more prominent, this new variant has emerged and is projected to be the mutation that makes up over 50% of US cases by the end of December. However, scientists say that JN.1 may be more contagious, but it is slightly less severe and will not pose too much of a threat; expect to see the same symptoms and of the similar severity as previous strains. Fact of the Day: The average raindrop falls at about 7 mph. Quote of the Day: When something bad happens, you have three choices: you can either let it define you, let it destroy you, or let it strengthen you. (Dr. Seuss) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Chapfallen (adj)- Chapfallen (less commonly spelled chopfallen) is a synonym of depressed that means "cast down in spirit." It can also mean "having the lower jaw hanging loosely." In a Sentence: Gina was chapfallen when she learned that her best friend's visit would have to be postponed.

Contents: Israeli Airstrike Kills High-Ranking Iranian Officer in Damascus Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Tensions in the Middle East continue to intensify, and they are not just between Israel and Palestine. Iran has put their support behind multiple groups across the area, such as Yemen's Houthi rebels or Lebanon's Hezbollah forces, and they have recently launched attacks on Israel. After clashes with Hezbollah on the Lebanon-Israel border, Israel also launched an airstrike into Syria's capital, Damascus, which killed a high-ranking Iranian general. The attack was specifically targeted at him, and he was hit in one of Hezbollah's numerous offices. Fighting between Israel and Palestine is still going on, and while Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu vows to continue their war against Hamas, they could soon be facing other threats from other forces as well. Fact of the Day: The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows. Quote of the Day: The more light you allow within you, the brighter the world you live in will be. (Shakti Gawain) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Envisage (verb)- To envisage something is to picture it in your mind, or to view or regard something in a particular way. In a Sentence: She envisages many positive changes and opportunities in the New Year.

Merry Christmas to all of our Christian readers! Contents: Maersk Resumes Shipping in Red Sea After Deployment of Maritime Security Force Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day A United States-led force has been deployed to protect ships in the Red Sea from attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels, and Maersk is now preparing to resume operations in the area. After numerous recent attacks by Houthis on cargo ships in support for Palestine, multiple countries have come together and deployed a maritime security force that is solely committed to protecting those ships. Due to this, major Danish shipping and logistics company Maersk decided to resume operations in the Red Sea after suspending them earlier this month. Upcoming Events: Christmas (Monday, December 25) Kwanzaa Begins (Tuesday, December 26) International Day of Epidemic Preparedness (Wednesday, December 27) New Years' Eve (Sunday, December 31) Fact of the Day: Dead people can get goosebumps. Quote of the Day: Sometimes you don't realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness. (Susan Gale) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Luminaria (noun)- A luminaria is a lantern—traditionally used in Christmas celebrations in the southwestern U.S.—that typically consists of a candle (or its electric analogue) set in sand inside a paper bag. Luminaria is also broadly used to refer to a similar lantern lit for other occasions, such as memorials or weddings. Both luminarias and luminaria are acceptable plural forms of luminaria. In a Sentence: One of Anna’s favorite Christmas Eve traditions is lighting luminaria with her family to line their driveway in a festive display.

Contents: Grindavík Residents Allowed to Return Home After Eruption Ceases Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day After the Fagradalsfjall volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted earlier this week, threatening the town of Grindavík, residents are now being allowed to return to their homes after the town was evacuated over a month ago. The volcano's activity seems to have come to an end and earthquakes have ceased, so Grindavík's 3,800 residents are returning to see the damage that it has done to their homes. The lava flow did not reach the town, but the strong earthquakes did do a lot of damage to some homes and almost no damage to some others. Thankfully, the eruption has come to a close, meaning that the people of the Reykjanes Peninsula can get back to their daily lives. However, pollution from the eruption is still plaguing the area, but the haze should fade over the next few days. Fact of the Day: In Alaska, there are more caribou than people. Quote of the Day: If you're lucky enough to be different, don't ever change. (Taylor Swift) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Nobby (adj)- Nobby is a synonym of chic and typically describes people and things that are cleverly stylish. The word is sometimes disapproving in modern use. In a Sentence: The restaurant was a bit too nobby for my tastes, but I did enjoy the food.

Contents: 14 Dead, 25 Injured After Deadly Shooting Outside Prague University Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day 14 people are dead and 25 others are injured after a deadly mass shooting in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. It is one of the deadliest the country has seen in this century, and is a sign of the latest increase in mental health issues around the world. The 24-year-old shooter came from his hometown of Hostouň to the Faculty of Arts building at Charles University in Prague and opened fire before later committing suicide. 10 of the injured victims are in serious condition while 15 others are recovering but mostly healthy. Czech President Patr Pavel has declared a day of mourning for this grave incident, and officials are now conducting a further investigation into the shooting and the events around it. Fact of the Day: Your brain shuts down your sneeze reflex when sleeping, which is why you never sneeze in your sleep. Quote of the Day: When there is no struggle, there is no strength. (Oprah Winfrey) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Purview (noun)- Purview refers to an area within which someone or something has authority, influence, or knowledge. It can also refer to a range of vision, understanding, or awareness. In a Sentence: I’ll do my best to answer your questions, but please note that my field is linguistics, and topics relating to economics are beyond my purview.

Contents: Toyota Announces Recall in February For Over 1 Million Vehicles Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Toyota has announced that they are recalling over 1 million cars due to airbag issues in the front seat. There is a sensor glitch in those cars, which include the 2020-2021 Toyota Camry and Rav4 and the 2020-2021 Lexus ES350 and RX350, that can make the airbag fail to deploy in the case of an accident. This sensor is located in the front passenger seat and some sensors may be dysfunctional due to manufacturing issues. In February 2024, Toyota will notify owners of these models to have them to come to the dealership and have their sensors checked for any issue. Fact of the Day: There are 119 grooves on a United States quarter. Quote of the Day: We must embrace pain and use it as fuel for our journey. (Kenji Miyazawa) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Kafkaesque (adj)- Something described as Kafkaesque has an often nightmarishly complex, bizarre, or illogical quality to it. More broadly, anything relating to or suggestive of the writing of Franz Kafka may be said to be Kafkaesque. In a Sentence: The airline is notorious for its Kafkaesque procedures for changing flights, even in situations where a flight is cancelled due to bad weather.

Today is the winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year! Contents: Hamas Rejects Israeli Ceasefire Offer Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Israel has made another offer to Hamas for peace in Gaza, but they have rejected it. Israel made an offer yesterday to have a 7-day ceasefire in exchange for 40 hostages, and they would also allow more aid into the strip. However, Hamas stated that Israel must stop all operations before they can discuss a deal for peace, and Israel has strongly denied that they will even think about pausing them. Hamas also said that they will only free hostages if Israel offers a permanent ceasefire and frees Palestinian prisoners, so talks for another peace deal could go on for a while before the communities can take some time to recover after the two sides come to an agreement. Fact of the Day: It is impossible to fold a piece of A4 paper more than 7 times. Quote of the Day: We are all broken. That's how the light gets in. (Ernest Hemingway) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Overweening (adj)- To describe someone as overweening is to say that they are arrogant and unduly proud. Overweening also disapprovingly describes qualities or desires, such as greed or ambition, that are seen as excessive. In a Sentence: It’s hard for people to believe every word in speeches by overweening politicians.

Contents: Iceland Volcano Dramatically Erupts in Fiery Fashion Donald Trump Banned From Being on 2024 Election Ballot in Colorado Fact of the Day Quote of the Day Word of the Day Iceland's Fagradalsfjall volcano finally erupted recently after causing evacuations from the Reykjanes Peninsula last month. The entire town of Grindavík was evacuated ahead of the looming eruption, but it never came. However, it has happened, and it is a big one. The volcano sent plumes of ash and smoke over 350 feet into the air while releasing lava from the fissure at hundreds of cubic meters per second. It was originally an underground magma chamber in November, when Grindavík was evacuated, and it soon rose to become a proper fissure on Monday. The eruption does not currently pose a threat to any life, but officials are telling people to keep out of the area as a precaution until the whole situation is figured out. On another note, the Colorado Supreme Court banned former US President Donald Trump from being on the 2024 election ballot in their state on Tuesday, which is huge news for the entire country. Trump has been the frontrunner of the Republican party despite not attending a single GOP debate, but multiple Colorado residents made a case against him citing the 14th amendment. According to the amendment's insurrection clause, a candidate cannot run for office if they are in violation of that, and Trump happens to be due to the infamous January 6th riot from 2021. After this big of a case, it is now being sent to the United States Supreme Court, who will get the final say in what the entire country does- which could possibly disqualify Trump from running for the 2024 election in all states. Fact of the Day: Just over 25% of the bones in your body are located in your feet. Quote of the Day: Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle. (Napoleon Hill) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Bowdlerize (noun)- In its strictest sense, to bowdlerize a book, manuscript, etc. is to modify it by editing so that nothing judged to be morally harmful or offensive remains. More broadly, bowdlerize means "to modify by abridging, simplifying, or distorting in style or content." In a Sentence: The publisher's decision to bowdlerize the classic novel was met with mixed reactions.

Today, we have a YNH Exclusive for our daily update, which offers a deep dive into the US lottery system. Enjoy! A Californian man became $1 billion richer on Thursday when the United States Powerball jackpot was finally won, and the winning ticket was sold in a tiny store in downtown Los Angeles. The win was the third-largest jackpot in Powerball history, after the massive $2.04 billion jackpot from November of 2022 and the $1.536 million jackpot from 2016. However, it's not a straightforward process. First, they give you two options: an annuitized prize of $1.08 billion (which is given over a 30-year period with a 5% increase each year), or a lump sum of $516.8 million; both options are pre-tax estimates. If you select the lump sum option, 24% of the money immediately goes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in taxes, but that's not all. Because of the size of the prize, that tax amount is then increased, but changes for whether you file as a married couple or single individual. For a single individual, you must pay $174,238.25 plus 37% of the taxable income over $578,125 (which includes the lottery prize), and married couples must pay $186,601.50 plus 37% of the taxable income over $693,750. After all of that, state taxes are also applied; all in all, your winnings are drastically decreased! Lastly, for information/stats about Tour de France, check out this article by Mihir Gupta! Quote of the Day (BrainyQuote): Happiness is not by chance, but by choice. (Jim Rohn) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Ameliorate- Ameliorate is a formal word that means to make something, such as a problem, better or more tolerable.