Good morning. As we welcome in the new month of February 2024, and a new weekend and Saturday, the news today comes from Reddit and a curation of news subs by u/nbatman.
Major, the groundhog residing at Second Chances Wildlife Center in Bullitt County, Kentucky, passed away at almost 10 years old. Major, rescued as a baby, had been living at the center and made an impact as a local Groundhog Day prognosticator. The cause of his death was attributed to age-related heart issues. Despite his age, Major maintained energy until the end. Another groundhog at the center, Josie Burrows, has taken over the role of predicting the arrival of spring – ‘He will forever be in our hearts’: Kentucky groundhog dies on Groundhog Day (LEX18 Lexington/NBC ~ NEWS>COVERING KENTUCKY)
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has announced plans to introduce an amendment removing over $10 billion from President Joe Biden’s foreign aid supplemental, intended for offensive weaponry funding for Israel. Sanders emphasizes the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 27,000 Palestinians, including 11,500 children, killed by the Israeli government. He decries the U.S. complicity in the conflict and calls Netanyahu’s actions an “illegal, immoral war against the Palestinian people.” The proposed amendment faces debate but is seen as having little chance of passing, despite growing opposition to U.S. support for Israel. Sanders’ move comes in response to the International Court of Justice’s recent acknowledgment of a “plausible” genocide in Gaza – To End ‘Nightmare’ in Gaza, Sanders Moves to Block Funding for Israeli Weapons (Common Dreams ~ NEWS>GAZA)
The U.S. military conducted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against over 85 targets linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and its allied militias. These strikes were in retaliation for an attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. troops. The targeted sites included command and control centers, rockets, missiles, and drone storage facilities. The strikes marked an escalation of conflict in the Middle East amid Israel’s ongoing war with Palestinian Hamas militants. Despite these actions, the Biden administration emphasizes its reluctance for war with Iran and aims to avoid direct conflict – US starts retaliatory strikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran-linked targets (Reuters ~ World)
Actor Carl Weathers, known for his roles in the “Rocky” films and “The Mandalorian,” passed away at the age of 76. Weathers, born on January 14, 1948, had a career spanning over 50 years with appearances in more than 75 films and TV shows. He played Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise and Greef Karga in “The Mandalorian,” earning a 2021 Emmy nomination for his role. Weathers also showcased his comedy skills in “Happy Gilmore” and had memorable turns in “Predator” and “Action Jackson.” He died peacefully in his sleep, leaving behind a legacy in film, television, and sports – Carl Weathers Dies: ‘Rocky’ & ‘Predator’ Star Who Appeared In ‘Happy Gilmore’, ‘The Mandalorian’ & More Was 76 (Deadline ~ FILM/OBITUARIES)
Amid concerns about high inflation, President Biden is putting pressure on large grocery chains to reduce food prices for American consumers. Biden accuses these stores of reaping excess profits and taking advantage of shoppers. The move reflects the political reality that, while inflation is moderating, voters remain unhappy about grocery prices, impacting Biden’s approval rating. Economic research suggests that staple items like eggs and milk play a significant role in shaping public perception of inflation. While the rate of increase in food prices is slowing, Biden acknowledges that prices remain too high for many families – Biden Takes Aim at Grocery Chains Over Food Prices (The New York Times ~ U.S. Economy)
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