Morocco Earthquake Claims 2,960 Victims: As of Wednesday, September 27th, the death toll from the earthquake that shook Morocco has reached 2,960 people. The magnitude seven earthquake affected the following cities on September 8th: Marrakech, Al Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Azilal and Ouarzazate. Read more at France 24 & Morocco World News.
United Auto Workers Strike: The United Auto Workers went on strike on September 15th at one manufacturing plant each for GM, Ford and Stellantis. The strikes have since expanded on two occasions and now include a total of 25,200 auto workers on the picket lines. The following are among union workers' top demands that they are fighting for: pay raises, additional paid time off, pension benefits and a four-day workweek. Read more at Reuters & CBS News.
Russian & North Korean Summit in Russia: North Korean leader Kim Jon Un visited with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in eastern Russia, marking Un's longest foreign trip since he took power in 2011 and his first foreign trip in over four years. Although the reason for the visit remains uncertain, many speculate that Putin wanted to discuss purchasing weapons to use in the war in Ukraine. Read more at PBS.
More than 15,000 Feared Dead or Missing After Libyan Floods: Libya was struck by historic storms that resulted in the collapse of critical infrastructure such as dams. Although officials have not yet made a conclusive estimate of the death toll, it is believed that more than 15,000 remain dead or missing since the initial Storm Daniel that occurred on September 10th. Read more at United Nations.
Joe Biden Impeachment Inquiry: Since January, House Committees on Oversight and Accountability have uncovered evidence suggesting that President Joe Biden lied about his knowledge and participation in his family’s business and foreign affairs. During the first hearing, they sought to emphasize that President Joe Biden benefited from Hunter Biden's business dealings. Read more at NPR & House Oversight.
Republican Primary Presidential Debate: Seven Republicans took the stage on September 27th for the second debate of the primary for the presidential election. In attendance were Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, Chris Christie, Tim Scott and Doug Burgum. Former President Donald Trump was absent from the debate. The following did not qualify for the debate: Asa Hutchinson, Larry Elder, Will Hurd and Perry Johnson. Francis Suarez has dropped from the race. Read more at NPR.
Hollywood Writers' Strike Concluded, Negotiations Reached: The WGA writers' strike concluded Wednesday after Union leaders reached a deal that will last until May 2026. The deal includes a 5% minimum pay increase, additional bumps in 2024 and 2025, restrictions on the involvement of artificial intelligence in the writing process and new residuals based on viewership. Read more at CNBC.
Biden Announces Additional $325 Million Aid Package for Ukraine: On September 21st, President Joe Biden announced an additional $325 in aid for Ukraine. The package includes $128 million in security assistance and $197 million in arms and equipment. Read more at Axios.
Rupert Murdoch Announces Upcoming Retirement: Rupert Murdoch announced that he will be stepping down as chairman of the boards of both Fox Corp and News Corp with an anticipated effective date of some time in November. Murdoch, 92, will be appointed chairman emeritus of each company. His son, Lachlan Murdock, will become the chairman of News Corp and will continue as Fox Corp's executive chair and CEO. Read more at CNBC.
Oil Prices on the Rise: U.S. oil prices topped $94 a barrel on Wednesday for the first time in over a year. Read more at CNN.
Mass Shootings in US: From September 9th through September 29th, Gun Violence Archive reported a total of 28 mass shootings resulting in 104 victims injured and 24 victims dead.
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