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The United States launched fresh strikes on Iran for the first time since April, renewing fears that the war could continue to escalate. The situation in Iran had remained relatively peaceful since the announcement of a ceasefire on April 8, with the two countries aiming to begin talks and halt the war. However, those negotiations stretched out over the course of the month, and their success fluctuated– delegations would report extensive progress before saying the exact opposite later in the week. Now, the war appears to have re-escalated yet again, with the United States launching strikes on southern Iran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the strikes were a form of "self-defense" to protect American troops, with the projectiles targeted towards Iranian boats and missile launchers. Other officials reported that Iran had launched missiles at multiple vessels in the Arabian Sea belonging to the United States Navy, prompting the response. CENTCOM claimed that the ceasefire was "ongoing," and negotiations would continue, but the attacks renewed fears that the two nations could resume trading strikes in the near future. The war, which began in February, has crippled the global economy due to the obstruction of the Strait of Hormuz– a critical waterway for the world's oil and fertilizer. Gas prices have skyrocketed across the globe, and food prices remain on the rise. The Trump administration continues to claim that negotiations are going extremely well, with Trump announcing this week that a deal could be reached within the next few days. Major disputes over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, an extension to the ceasefire, and Iran's nuclear program have consistently hindered talks, but Trump has made the latter his priority. In fact, the American president even went to the length to respond, "I don't think about Americans' financial situation" when asked whether rising prices were playing into his decision-making. For these reasons, citizens are doubtful that an agreement can be confirmed in such a short timeframe, especially with Iran in no rush to give up the control they have gained over the strait. Delegations from both nations are currently meeting in Qatar to attempt to settle the conflict. Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): Valentine’s Day in South Korea is a little different from the Western world– only women give gifts, not men. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. (J.R.R Tolkien) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Sacrosanct (adj, SAK-roh-sankt) - Sacrosanct is a formal word that describes something too important and respected to be changed or criticized. It can also mean "most sacred or holy." In a Sentence: While the family's new matriarch aimed to maintain the familiar traditions of the holidays, she did not consider the details of their celebration to be sacrosanct. Image credit to AFP

A highly unstable chemical tank full of a toxic compound is on the verge of exploding, forcing tens of thousands of evacuations across southern Los Angeles. The chemical tank is located at a warehouse belonging to GKN Aerospace – an aircraft parts manufacturer based in the United Kingdom – in Garden Grove, a suburb on the southern side the Greater Los Angeles area. On Thursday, officials confirmed that the tank was overheating, leading to an increasing risk of a catastrophic explosion. Within the cylinder is 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a volatile, highly flammable compound used in the production of acrylic plastics, resins, and surface coatings. It is also highly toxic to both humans and the surrounding environment, leading to severe irritation of the lungs, damage to other organs, and possible reproductive problems and birth defects in pregnant women. GKN Aerospace possesses a neutralizing agent to decrease the volatility of the substance, which can be used in case of emergencies, but the company was unable to inject the agent due to clogged entrance pipes. This left the tank completely blocked off, leaving the chemical inside to vaporize. Firefighters and other officials tried desperately to spray cold water on the tank in an attempt to cool it down, but the temperature has continued to rise, increasing the pressure inside. For an undisclosed reason, the engineers are also unable to siphon the chemical out of the tank, likely due to the fact that the pressure is already too high to do so. More than 50,000 residents across Garden Grove, Anaheim, Stanton, Cypress, Westminster, and Buena Park have been evacuated to shelters and centers across southern Los Angeles in case of an explosion. Uber is offering free rides to shelters for evacuees, and U-Haul has announced that they will be offering one month of free self-storage for those affected by the crisis. A state of emergency has also been declared by California Governor Gavin Newsom, allowing the state to allocate more resources and funds to handling the situation. Yesterday, officials found that the bulging tank had cracked, but it is unclear whether the crack has allowed some of the pressure within to escape. They have stated that the crack could decrease the chances of the tank exploding, but a blast is still possible due to the interior's soaring temperature– as of Sunday, it had reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which was the maximum level on the thermometer. As of right now, the best-case scenario would be for the liquid inside to solidify through a separate chemical process, allowing for it to avoid spilling out or combusting. Nevertheless, there is no way for officials to know what is happening inside of the tank, as there are no cameras and all access points are jammed. Others say that the tank could crack completely, allowing the remaining liquid to pour out and into the surrounding area. Police and firefighters have set up walls of sandbags to keep the chemical inside the containment area, limiting its impact to a small toxic cloud. Experts say that the worst-case scenario could be much, much worse. An incendiary rupture would cause a devastating blast that could launch a massive fireball into the sky, landing somewhere within several square miles of the site. Meanwhile, a nearby 15,000 gallon tank within the same complex could also explode if exposed to high temperatures, meaning that an initial blast could spark a second, even larger one. The explosion would also release a toxic chemical cloud that could be swept hundreds of miles by winds, with some estimates claiming that the hazardous fumes could waft as far as Arizona. Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): The Twenty One Pilots fan base is known as the Skeleton Clique. The name stems from the early days of the band when Tyler and Josh, the two current members of the duo, would wear skeleton hoodies during their performances. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): You cannot buy loyalty; you cannot buy the devotion of hearts, minds, and souls. You have to earn these things. (Clarence Francis) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Onus (noun, OH-nuss) - Onus is a formal word typically used to refer to a responsibility, obligation, or burden. It is usually preceded by the word the. In a SentenceL Management has made it clear that the onus is on employees to ask for further training if they don’t understand the new procedures. Image credit to AP

At least 82 people are dead after a massive gas explosion at a coal mine in China's northern Shanxi province, with another 128 injured. Around 247 people were in the mine at the time of the explosion, which took place at the Liushenyu coal mine in the northern Chinese province of Liushenyu. The event is currently under investigation, but officials have confirmed that the incident was due to some sort of gas explosion. Search-and-rescue operations are in full force, but the death toll continues to rise as teams find more bodies inside the mine. At least two other miners are still missing, and 128 have been injured. 82 people have been confirmed dead, up from the initial death toll of just eight but lower than the earlier toll of around 90. Carbon monoxide sensors deep inside the mine indicated that the levels of the dangerous gas had soared past safe levels, leading to dozens more hospitalizations after workers trapped inside the mine inhaled the fumes. Initial reports found that the mine had been flagged in 2024 for being unsafe, along with over 1,100 other mines across China. However, the Liushenyu mine was found to be particularly dangerous due to high gas levels– yet, no action was taken. Unfortunately, mine explosions like yesterday's are relatively common in China, where relaxed regulations and a high population have allowed many mines to avoid abiding by proper safety ordinances. Chinese officials have confirmed that they have found the mining company to be in violation of several of these regulations, and the corporation is likely to face serious penalties after the deaths of dozens of miners. Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): William Shakespeare had a four-line curse engraved on his tombstone to prevent anyone from moving his bones. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark. (Swami Vivekananda) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Expedite (verb, EK-spuh-dyte) - To expedite something is to cause it to happen faster. In a Sentence: We’ll do what we can to expedite the processing of your application. Image credit to AP

The Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical collective created by India's unemployed youth, has taken social media by storm after last week's comments from the nation's chief justice. Last week, Indian Chief Justice Surya Kant compared India's unemployed youth to "cockroaches" and "parasites," claiming in a hearing that they worked towards activism but failed to contribute to the nation and were simply focused on drawing more people to their cause. The comment immediately caused an uproar against India's massive Generation Z population, who viewed his comparison as an insult to all youth. Abhijeet Dipke, a student at Boston University in the United States, started the Cockroach Janta Party just days later, and it quickly exploded in popularity. The name of the party, abbreviated as CJP, is also an imitation of India's current administration, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds power. "Janta" or "janata" in Hindi mean "person" or "people," referring to the population supporting that particular party. In this case, the Cockroach Janta Party clearly states that they require members to be unemployed "by force, by choice, or by principle," physically lazy, chronically online for at least 11 hours a day, and possess the ability to rant professionally using social media-related content like memes. They describe their "headquarters" as "wherever the Wi-Fi works" and have their own website. The satirical collective went viral, reaching Gen Z populations all over India. The party's social media account rapidly gained followers, surpassing the accounts of both the BJP (9.2 million) and their opposition party, the Indian National Congress (13.4 million). Today, the Cockroach Janta Party stands with 21.8 million followers on Instagram, and their hashtag #MainBhiCockroach ("I am also a cockroach") has gone viral on social media. Meanwhile, the collective's X account was shut down after a request from the Indian government, who claimed that the party endangered India's sovereignty and posed a legitimate threat to the nation. Another account was quickly opened up, under the title, "Cockroach is Back." The account's profile picture depicted a cockroach holding its fist up in defiance, with the caption reading, "You thought you could get rid of us? Lol." Dipke later posted, "Cockroaches never die!" Kant later specified that his comments were targeted towards unemployed Indians who had falsified degrees or qualifications in order to obtain certain jobs or positions, but the movement had already eclipsed the issue by the time his statement was issued. As a whole, Gen Zers have used the party as a platform to voice the concerns and worries of the youth– not just around unemployment, but around various government issues, particularly corruption. Many members of India's youth believe that the nation's current political parties fail to cater to their needs while a significant portion of their tax money disappears into mysterious pockets. They feel that the CJP provides them with a platform to declare these needs and concerns over the country's state of affairs, and much of the country appears to be embracing it. In fact, several prominent politicians within the Parliament of India expressed intrigue and fascination with the satirical collective, claiming that it could become a solid platform for the nation's youth to convey their thoughts. Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): In 1846, someone glued an Egyptian desert snail to a specimen card in the British Museum. It spent four years glued there before scientists realized it was still alive, after which the snail was cared for in the museum until its death in 1852. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): Breathing, according to me, corresponds to taking charge of one’s own life. (Luce Irigaray) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Fraught (adj, FRAWT) - Fraught describes something that causes or involves a lot of emotional stress or worry. When fraught is used in the phrase “fraught with,” it means “full of something bad or unwanted.” In a Sentence: The siblings had a fraught relationship. Image credit to Cockroach Janta Party

The Canadian province of Alberta has confirmed plans for a non-binding referendum on the region's secession from Canada, which will take place in October. Separatist movements have long existed within the province of Alberta, dating back to the 1970s due to unfavorable energy and resource policies under the administration at the time. Over time, the movements gained momentum, although they largely died down during the late 2000s and early 2010s. However, after the election of Justin Trudeau in 2015, the independence movements saw a massive resurgence, with thousands of Alberta residents advocating for secession from Canada. These demonstrations were fueled by disagreements with the nation's environmental policies, along with Alberta's growing influence on the Canadian economy. Alberta alone holds more than 97% of Canada's oil reserves – over 163 billion barrels of crude oil – single-handedly providing the nation with the third-largest oil reserves in the world. With a per-capita GDP of over $71,000, the highest in the nation, Alberta makes up for around 15-17% of Canada's GDP despite having just 11.5% of the nation's population. As a whole, the province contributes around 38% of Canada's GDP from natural resources. Nevertheless, separatist movements have remained popular in Alberta due to their lack of control in Canadian politics. Despite the resources that the region provides, Ontario and Quebec hold more than 60% of Canada's total population. This gives the two provinces a disproportionate influence over national matters, leaving Albertans feeling alienated. On top of this, Canada provides federal equalization payments to provinces that cannot generate as much tax revenue, allocating funds to balance the quality of public services in each province. Due to this, Alberta's consistent surplus in GDP and tax dollars flow towards these equalization payments, with Albertan tax dollars funding infrastructure development in more populous areas within Ontario and Quebec. Many Alberta residents feel that their taxes fund areas that fundamentally oppose them on critical political issues – Alberta is much more conservative than other parts of Canada – while they reap none of the benefits. However, many Albertans use the idea of secession as political leverage against the government, forcing them to take the province's interests into account. Polls show that just 16% of Alberta's population remain hardline supporters for the independence movement, while around 30% are open to secession depending on the conditions within the nation. This October, after years of effort, separatists have organized a referendum to poll Albertans on their opinions over the province's independence. The referendum will assess whether Albertans wish to remain part of Canada or leave the nation, but the latter would not immediately deem them independent. If a majority were to vote for independence, it would set up an actual, legally-binding vote to officially establish the province's secession. Then, a complex process involving amendments to the Canadian constitution, government negotiations, and further referendums would take place, though it is unclear what that process would look like– it has never been done before. Nevertheless, October's referendum will be a landmark decision in Alberta's history. The separatists are unlikely to win a majority, but the percentage of the total vote that they make up could spark a major shift in Alberta's influence over the Canadian government, who would do everything in their power to avoid losing the economically prosperous province. Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): Because of the Electoral College, it is possible for an American presidential candidate to win the election with only 23% of the popular vote. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): A true masterpiece does not tell everything. (Albert Camus) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Lacuna (noun, luh-KOO-nuh) - Lacuna is a formal word that refers to a gap or blank space in something—in other words, a missing part. When used with respect to biology, lacuna also refers to a small cavity, pit, or discontinuity in an anatomical structure. In a Sentence: The absence of hemlock pollen from one stretch of the fossil record is a notable lacuna that suggests the tree may have once suffered from some type of blight that nearly wiped out the species. Image credit to Reuters

Various nations have condemned Israel and their security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, after a Gaza protest flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces, leading to the mistreatment and taunting of several activists. The flotilla is just one of a larger array of protest flotillas that have been launched toward Gaza in recent months. Israel's continued bombings on the strip have prevented hostilities from ceding completely, with extremely little to no warning given before strikes. Meanwhile, aid is still trickling into Gaza at an incredibly slow pace, leading to thousands of deaths due to thirst, starvation, and a lack of medical care. The latest protest flotilla had over 430 passengers of various nationalities, including citizens of France, Italy, Canada, Spain, and Australia. However, it was intercepted before reaching Gaza, with Israeli forces taking control of the vessel. Video taken aboard the ship shows Israeli soldiers roughly shoving and surrounding multiple passengers, while the rest of the activists were handcuffed on the floor. Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir could be seen taunting the activists as they kneeled on the floor, holding an Israeli flag above them as the country's national anthem played in the background. The video was captioned, "This is how we receive terror supporters. Welcome to Israel." Numerous nations, including officials from the United States, a close ally of Israel, condemned Ben-Gvir's actions, labeling them "degrading," "despicable," "shocking," "unacceptable," and "disgraceful." In fact, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was another to denounce the mistreatment of the activists, stating that it was "not in line with Israel's values and norms" and ordering the immediate deportment of all activists onboard the flotilla. However, Ben-Gvir refused to apologize for his actions, claiming that the other members of his government were submitting to terrorism. Meanwhile, he claims that he has asked Netanyahu to detain the protesters in terrorist cells for an extensive period of time– though, it does not appear that Netanyahu will follow through on those requests. Ben-Gvir has emerged as one of the most extremist members of the Israeli government, repeatedly calling for the elimination of Palestine as a whole. As the nation's security minister, he also controls Israeli prisons, where reports of mistreatment and abuse towards Palestinian prisoners continue to surface. Countless officials from across the world have cited evidence confirming that Ben-Gvir has consistently incited violence against Palestinian people and encouraged the construction of illegal outposts in the West Bank, allowing Israeli settlers to encroach upon the territory that many nations rightfully believe to belong to Palestine. Nevertheless, the Trump administration later accused the activists of supporting Hamas and labeled them as "pro-terror," despite the earlier remarks of the US Ambassador to Israel. They were quickly criticized for supporting genocide against the Palestinian people, though they are unlikely to shift their stance. Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): The name for a collective group of rhinoceroses is a crash. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): The one who tells the stories rules the world. (Native American Proverb from the Hopi Tribe) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Cordial (adj, KOR-jul) - Cordial describes someone or something that is politely pleasant and friendly. In a Sentence: All the guests were assembled and given a cordial greeting by the host. Image credit to Reuters

The Trump administration ruled yesterday that a controversial weedkiller, atrazine, does not harm endangered species or pose a health hazard to humans. The herbicide was invented in 1958 and quickly became one of the weedkillers of choice for farmers all over the world. It was widely used on crops, particularly corn, sorghum, and sugarcane, before the European Union banned the substance in 2004 after studies found elevated levels of atrazine in groundwater. For years, environmental advocates have been attempting to do the same in the United States, but the farming industry has consistently opposed efforts. Recent studies have discovered that atrazine can disrupt the function of the endocrine system in both animals and humans, leading to reproductive and developmental defects, both before and after fetal growth. Certain studies have also linked the herbicide to breast cancer and prostate cancer, increasing the risk. Furthermore, atrazine is highly water-soluble and maintains a half-life of 30 to 100 days in rivers and lakes. In water sources that lack sunlight and microbes, like groundwater, atrazine can persist for months or even years before it breaks down. However, it remains as persistent as ever in the United States. According to the USGS, over 72 million pounds of atrazine were sprayed over American crops in 2019, though no data has been aggregated since then. A non-profit environmental group managed to bring a case to the US Fish and Wildlife Service this year, claiming that atrazine directly leads to the extinction of local species. They aimed to make a final decision on the threat posed by atrazine this week, but the decision wasn't what environmentalists were hoping for. Instead, lobbyists from the agricultural industry fought back, arguing that a ban on atrazine would decrease crop yields and force food prices higher at a time where many Americans are already facing sky-high prices at the pump and the supermarket. Farmers would also temporarily take on a larger workload and higher chemical costs– alternatives to atrazine are widely available, but they are priced slightly higher and are not as easy to use. Meanwhile, atrazine's primary manufacturer claims that the herbicide actually helps the environment by reducing soil erosion and allowing farmers to plant more crops due to the lack of weeds. In the end, the Fish and Wildlife Service ruled in favor of the farmers, concluding that several minor changes to the product would minimize its environmental impact. They did accept, though, that atrazine poses a major harm to aquatic or wetland areas due to the chemical's ability to limit photosynthesis. For this reason, they maintained that controlling runoff is essential to limiting the herbicide's impact on the local environment. Environmental supporters were outraged, though. They claim that the decision does not stop the issue from the source, rather, it attempts to mitigate the impacts while keeping farmers and large chemical corporations content. They say the decision could cause the extinction of more than 1,000 protected species, and Americans are already facing the consequences of contaminated drinking water. Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): If sheep have long tails when they are born, the tails are cut off in order to prevent infection. Sheep with long tails can easily trap urine and feces in their wool. This warm, damp, unsanitary area becomes a prime breeding ground for blowflies, which lay eggs on the sheep. When the eggs hatch, the emerging maggots feed on the sheep's living tissue, causing a severe, life-threatening parasitic infection that can be prevented by cutting off the tail. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): The first draft is just you telling yourself the story. (Terry Pratchett) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Demeanor (noun, dih-MEE-ner) - Demeanor refers to someone’s outward manner and behavior toward others. In a Sentence: The teacher’s calm demeanor put the classroom at ease. Image credit to EPA

The United States Justice Department announced yesterday that they would use taxpayer money for a massive fund to compensate Trump allies as part of an "anti-weaponization" campaign. The move will see the department create a new fund with $1.776 billion – honoring the nation's founding year – for Trump supporters and allies, though neither Trump himself nor any of his family members are set to receive any of the money. The Justice Department plans to distribute the money to those who claim that they were unfairly treated or targeted during the Biden administration, sending taxpayer money directly to longstanding Trump supporters. Todd Blanche, the current attorney general – the head of the Justice Department – argued that the fund would "right the wrongs" that were done during the Biden administration. Trump and his administration have repeatedly claimed that Democrats misused the law against groups of his strongest supporters during the Biden term, but the lack of evidence supporting their argument remains apparent. Trump later confirmed that the fund was needed to justify the wrongs from "a system that was so corrupt" but claimed that he did not know much about the details of of the new fund. A significant portion of the money is likely to be sent to insurrectionists and radicals who participated in the January 6 riot from 2021– an event that is widely viewed as a major act of domestic terrorism. The Justice Department did not disclose much about the inner workings of the fund, leaving the media and the public largely in the dark. A report released by Blanche later in the day did not reveal much more, and it remains unclear how the department will process claims or validate them. Critics quickly raised concerns over the issue, labeling it a "slush fund" for Trump allies and "one of the single most corrupt acts in American history." The money is set to come from a fund that belongs solely to the Justice Department, and congressional approval is not necessary to gain access to the money. However, the fund is made up of taxpayer money, sparking anger and frustration across the country as Americans continue to deal with skyrocketing inflation, high gas prices, and an unpredictable outlook on the future of jobs as AI grows even more capable. Meanwhile, the announcement came just hours after Trump rescinded his personal lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); the suit demanded that the president be paid more than $10 billion in damages after his personal tax information was accessed and disclosed to the New York Times by an IRS contractor between 2018 and 2020. The contractor later pleaded guilty and faces a five-year prison sentence, but Trump launched a campaign against the IRS to gain compensation for the issue. However, he dropped the suit, along with several others, just hours before the announcement of the fund, raising further concerns of clandestine deals taking place behind the scenes. As a whole, Americans are struggling financially as the war in Iran continues with no end in sight. Trump's approval ratings are still hitting all-time lows, currently hovering around 38.4%, and a host of crucial midterms are coming up later this year. Whether the Republicans maintain control over Congress or the Democrats take over, it will be a tight race, and its results will reshape the future of the United States. Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): The picturesque, world-famous island in Lake Bled is the only natural lake island in Slovenia. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): When we feel safe enough to expose our shadows, that’s when we become free. (Gabby Bernstein) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Vindicate (verb, VIN-duh-kayt) - To vindicate someone is to show that they are not guilty. Vindicate can also mean “to show that someone or something that has been criticized or doubted is correct, true, or reasonable.” In a Sentence: A series of testimonies helped vindicate the defendant. Image credit to AFP

The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency as a severe outbreak of Ebola spreads across central Africa. So far, the outbreak has affected the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, having infected over 336 people in the DRC and two others in Uganda. At least 89 people have been confirmed dead, and the death toll is expected to rise as the virus spreads. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the virus originally spread within the DRC's Ituri Province, located on the northeastern edge of the country. This province also happens to border Uganda, allowing the virus to further propagate into the neighboring country. Local agencies are working with the WHO and CDC to facilitate necessary care and treatment, which is crucial when dealing with Ebola. Ebola is a disease caused by orthoebolaviruses, a specific type of virus that infects the body and rapidly affects the immune system. Often, when the immune system detects Ebola, it releases a large number of cytokines, which are meant to help fend the virus off. However, the virus prompts the body to generate too many of these cytokines, leading to severe tissue damage and inflammation. Meanwhile, the virus itself attacks blood vessels, causing a staggering drop in blood pressure, and creates blood clots in unnecessary places, causing internal and external bleeding. On top of this, the virus causes major fluid loss in the body's organs, leading to severe dehydration. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, high fever, and fatigue. Additionally, the virus spreads through bodily fluids like saliva, sweat, and blood. Patients can also contract the virus by touching contaminated materials, which is a major issue in rural Africa, where medical providers lack sufficient protection to defend against the virus. Ebola has an overall mortality rate of over 50%, but outbreaks in some African regions have seen death tolls reach over 90% of those infected. Mortality rates have improved in recent years with the arrival of new health advancements and more awareness of the condition, but it remains incredibly deadly. Unfortunately, the current outbreak is due to a new, rare strain of the virus known as Bundibugyo. Scientists do not know much about the mutation, and it is often missed in preliminary screenings for this reason. Research has been able to develop a vaccine for the strain, but it is still in its early phases and has never been tested on humans. So far, the outbreak is largely contained, with all travelers coming in and out of the region being scanned for Ebola. International organizations are working to provide local healthcare officials with protective gear to be able to effectively treat the virus without spreading it, but funds are scarce and moving materials takes time. Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): The venom of certain species of tiny box jellyfish will make you feel a strong sense of anxiety and a sense of impending doom, and possibly thoughts of suicide. These symptoms can last up to two weeks and are known collectively as Irukandji syndrome. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): I am thankful for my struggle because, without it, I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength. (Alex Elle) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Affable (adj, AF-uh-bul) - Affable describes someone who is friendly and easy to talk to. It can also describe something, such as someone’s personality, that is characterized by ease and friendliness. In a Sentence: The restaurant’s affable owner can be seen most nights welcoming his guests and making light conversation. Image credit to Reuters

Bulgarian singer Dara became the first-ever Eurovision winner from her nation last night, taking home the grand prize with her explosive hit "Bangaranga." Eurovision is one of the world's most-watched events, drawing around 166 million viewers each year– more than 40 million more than the NFL's Super Bowl in the United States. The contest sees nations all over Europe select one artist to perform for them in the competition, where they perform one performance backed by a song of their own. This year, Bulgaria's Dara won Eurovision for her country, marking the first time the Eastern European country has seen a contestant bring home the grand prize. Her performance, which featured her hit song "Bangaranga," was described as "high-octane," "heavily stylized," and a "tornado" onstage, leaving judges and audiences in awe. Noam Bettan, Israel's contestant, was set to win, but a slew of public sentiment towards the very end of the contest pushed Dara to the win, leaving Bettan in second place. Similar to last year, Israel's contestant was faced with a host of boos during their performance, and many viewers argued that Israel should not have been able to compete in this year's event at all. Broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia refused to telecast Eurovision at all after all three countries withdrew their contestants, boycotting the competition as a way to protest Israel's involvement. Meanwhile, Iceland and the Netherlands withdrew from the contest but continued to broadcast it. Some broadcasters even replaced Eurovision's time slot with Palestinian movies or documentaries, further spreading their message against Israel's brutal tactics across the Middle East. Gaza continues to be bombarded by Israeli missiles and bombs, with Israel confirming the killing of another Hamas leader as of yesterday. Netanyahu and his administration have also continued their war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, having effectively annexed the southern half of the country. Israeli forces are now working to systematically obliterate all infrastructure in southern Lebanon that could be used by Hezbollah, crippling the region even further. Fact of the Day (The Fact Site): The most difficult Chinese character requires between 56 and 70 total strokes to write, depending on the variation of the word. The word, biáng, mimics the loud, rhythmic thwack-thwack sound a chef makes when stretching and slamming thick noodle dough against a wooden work surface. The character is also exclusively used to name biangbiang noodles, a famous, wide, flat noodle dish originating from the Shaanxi province in China. Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): Build your own dreams or someone else will hire you to build theirs. (Farrah Gray) Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Kiki (noun, KEE-kee) - Kiki is a slang term used for an informal gathering among close friends, especially to share lively gossip or frank conversation. It can also refer more broadly to gossipy conversation. In a Sentence: The performers had a kiki backstage before the show. Image credit to AFP