Friday’s Briefing: Top News and Updates
Friday’s briefing is here, bringing you the most important news and updates to kick off the weekend. From international developments to breaking stories, we’ve got you covered.
International News
- Iranian Missile Strikes: A series of Iranian ballistic missiles struck multiple targets in Iraq, including a US military base, in response to the US murder of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani earlier this week. The strikes led to widespread condemnation from the international community, with several countries calling for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.
- UK’s Brexit Vote: The UK Parliament has voted to delay Brexit until January 31, 2020, to allow for more time to negotiate a trade deal with the EU. The decision comes after the UK’s former PM Boris Johnson announced his resignation, citing the "fake news" accusations surrounding his handling of the Brexit process.
National News
- Impeachment Trial: The Senate began the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, who is facing charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his conduct surrounding the Ukraine scandal. The trial is expected to last several weeks, with a verdict yet to be determining.
- California Wildfires: A series of devastating wildfires in California have forced thousands to evacuate, with multiple townships under mandatory evacuation orders. The fires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres, with several injuries reported.
Business and Economy
- Global Markets: Global stock markets experienced a mixed day, with the Dow Jones Index falling 0.5% amid concerns over the Iranian missile strikes and Brexit uncertainty. Asian markets closed mixed, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index rising 0.2% and China’s Shanghai Composite Index falling 0.3%.
- Earnings Season: Major US companies released their quarterly earnings reports, with several reporting strong profits and beating analyst expectations. However, concerns over the ongoing pandemic and global economic uncertainty led to some mixed results, sending stocks mixed.
Sports
- NBA: The Los Angeles Lakers secured their 20th win of the season, defeating the Denver Nuggets 124-116 in a thrilling match. The Toronto Raptors fell to the Boston Celtics 118-113 in another close contest.
- English Premier League: Manchester City won their eighth straight EPL match, trouncing Sheffield United 6-1 in a convincing display.
Entertainment and Pop Culture
- Music: Pop sensation Billie Eilish won six Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Album of the Year. The 18-year-old singer-songwriter made history as the youngest artist to sweep the top four categories.
- Movies: The final episode of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker received a mixed response from critics and fans, with some praising the nostalgic value and others criticizing the pacing and character development.
That’s all for Friday’s briefing! Stay informed, stay up-to-date, and have a great weekend ahead!
