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Apple Offers Discounts on iPhones in China Amid Intensified Competition

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Apple Offers Discounts on iPhones in China Amid Intensified Competition

Apple Inc. (AAPL.O) is offering rare discounts of up to 500 yuan ($68.50) on its latest iPhone models in China, as it moves to defend its market share against increasing competition from domestic rivals, particularly Huawei. 

The four-day promotion, running from January 4 to January 7, applies to several iPhone models and requires purchases made through specific payment methods, according to Apple’s website. 

The flagship iPhone 16 Pro, priced at 7,999 yuan, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, starting at 9,999 yuan, will see the largest discount of 500 yuan. The standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will receive discounts of 400 yuan. 

The discounts come as consumer spending in China remains cautious amid a slowing economy and deflationary pressures. The country’s consumer inflation reached a five-month low in November, further highlighting economic concerns. 

Apple has faced declining market share in China, the world’s largest smartphone market, as local manufacturers, including Huawei, intensify competition. Huawei has reemerged as a formidable rival since its August 2023 return to the premium segment, supported by its domestically produced chipsets. 

Over the weekend, Huawei cut the prices of various high-end devices, including smartphones, by as much as 3,000 yuan on major Chinese e-commerce platforms. 

Apple briefly fell out of China’s top five smartphone vendors in the second quarter of 2024 but regained its position in the third quarter. Despite this recovery, Apple’s smartphone sales in China dipped by 0.3% year-over-year in the third quarter, while Huawei’s sales surged by 42%, according to IDC research. 

The current Apple promotion also extends to older iPhone models, offering discounts of 200 to 300 yuan. Other Apple products, such as MacBook laptops and iPads, are also included in the sale. To qualify for these discounts, customers must use designated payment methods, including WeChat Pay or Alipay. 

Army Veteran Shot Himself in Tesla Cybertruck Before Explosion Near Trump’s Las Vegas Hotel

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Army Veteran Shot Himself in Tesla Cybertruck Before Explosion Near Trump’s Las Vegas Hotel

A decorated Army veteran inside a Tesla Cybertruck shot himself in the head moments before the vehicle exploded outside President-elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel, authorities said Thursday. The explosion caused limited damage due to the steel-sided truck’s design but raised questions about potential motives and military ties.

Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said a handgun was found near the driver’s seat of the vehicle, believed to belong to Matthew Livelsberger, 37, of Colorado. Officials said the gunshot appeared to be self-inflicted.

The explosion “vented out and up” and did not damage the Trump International Hotel, located just a few feet away, McMahill said during a press conference.

“The level of sophistication is not what we would expect from someone with this type of military experience,” said Kenny Cooper, a special agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Authorities recovered several items from the charred vehicle, including a second firearm, fireworks, a passport, a military ID, credit cards, an iPhone, and a smartwatch. Both firearms were legally purchased, officials confirmed.

Although Livelsberger’s remains have not been definitively identified, investigators noted that IDs and tattoos found on the body strongly suggest it is him, McMahill said.

Livelsberger, a Green Beret, served in the U.S. Army since 2006 and was highly trained in counterterrorism operations and military advising. According to an Army statement, he completed deployments to Afghanistan, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Congo. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, including one for valor under fire, a combat infantry badge, and an Army Commendation Medal for bravery. Livelsberger was on approved leave at the time of his death.

The rented Tesla Cybertruck was traced using charging station data and surveillance footage. McMahill displayed a timeline showing the truck’s journey through Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada before arriving in Las Vegas early Wednesday morning.

The FBI is investigating the incident, conducting searches at a home in Colorado Springs connected to the case. Officials said the explosion is not currently being treated as a terrorist attack.

This incident occurred hours after a separate attack in New Orleans, where a truck driver killed 15 people in a crowd before being fatally shot by police. Authorities initially suspected a connection between the two events but later ruled it out.

Seven bystanders sustained minor injuries in the Las Vegas explosion. Tesla CEO Elon Musk addressed the incident on social media, confirming that the Cybertruck’s telemetry data showed no issues with the vehicle itself.

Trump and Musk were not in Las Vegas at the time of the explosion. Both had attended Trump’s New Year’s Eve party in Florida days earlier.

Fireworks, Gas Canisters Found in Tesla Cybertruck That Exploded Outside Trump’s Las Vegas Hotel

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Fireworks, Gas Canisters Found in Tesla Cybertruck That Exploded Outside Trump’s Las Vegas Hotel

Fireworks and gas canisters were discovered packed into the back of a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside President-elect Donald Trump’s Las Vegas hotel early Wednesday morning, killing the individual inside and injuring seven others. Authorities are now investigating the explosion for potential terrorism links.

According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and Clark County Fire Department officials, the explosion occurred near the Trump International Hotel, causing minor injuries to seven people nearby. Investigators have been working throughout the day to recover the body from the vehicle and process evidence found inside. President Joe Biden was briefed on the incident.

Jeremy Schwartz, acting special agent in charge for the FBI’s Las Vegas office, said identifying the individual involved is the top priority, followed by determining whether the explosion was an act of terrorism.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that the Tesla was rented through the Turo app in Colorado, but authorities are withholding the identity of the renter until they confirm if the individual is the same person who died in the explosion. Video footage from Tesla charging stations, provided by CEO Elon Musk, helped investigators trace the truck’s movements. The vehicle arrived in Las Vegas around 7:30 AM, and roughly an hour later, it was driven into the valet area of the Trump International Hotel. About 15 to 20 seconds after entering the area, the explosion occurred.

Footage from the scene showed firework mortars, gas canisters, and other explosive devices inside the truck bed. The blast appeared to be directed upward, as the sides of the truck remained intact.

Musk later confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the explosion was caused by large fireworks and/or a bomb placed in the back of the truck, not by the vehicle itself. He also assured that all vehicle telemetry was normal at the time of the blast.

Musk, who has recently become an ally of Trump, stated that his senior team was investigating the incident. Neither Trump nor Musk were in Las Vegas during the explosion, as both had attended Trump’s New Year’s Eve party in South Florida. Musk has supported Trump financially during the presidential campaign and has been named to help lead efforts to reduce government size and spending.

Sheriff McMahill also addressed concerns about possible political connections, noting that the explosion occurred at the Trump International Hotel and involved a Tesla truck, owned by Musk’s company. “There’s obviously things to be concerned about, and it’s something we continue to look at,” McMahill said.

The explosion came just hours after a deadly truck attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, where a driver rammed a vehicle into a crowd, killing at least 15 people before being shot by police. Investigators are now exploring any potential links between the two incidents, as well as other recent global attacks.

Turo, the car rental company, released a statement saying it is cooperating with authorities. The company added that neither renter involved in the Las Vegas or New Orleans attacks had any criminal history that would have raised red flags.

Witnesses described hearing a series of blasts. Ana Bruce, a visitor from Brazil, said, “The first one was when we saw the fire, the second one was likely the battery, and the third was the big one that smoked the entire area.”

The explosion took place near the 64-story Trump International Hotel, which is located just off the Las Vegas Strip, across from the Fashion Show Las Vegas shopping mall.

Eric Trump, the former president’s son, praised the local fire and law enforcement response on social media, calling it “swift and professional.”

Gaza’s Islamic Jihad claims Israeli hostage attempted suicide

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Gaza’s Islamic Jihad claims Israeli hostage attempted suicide

A spokesperson for Gaza’s Islamic Jihad militant group said Thursday that an Israeli hostage had attempted to take his own life. The spokesman for the Al Quds Brigades, the group’s armed wing, made the claim in a video posted on Telegram. According to the spokesperson, a medical team intervened and saved the hostage’s life, though no further details about the man’s identity or condition were provided.

Israeli authorities have not responded to requests for comment.

The hostage situation began after Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israel has conducted a military campaign in Gaza, leading to over 45,500 Palestinian casualties, according to health officials in Gaza.

Islamic Jihad’s Abu Hamza stated that the Israeli hostage attempted suicide three days ago due to psychological distress. He further claimed that the Israeli government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, imposed new conditions that hindered progress in negotiations for the hostage’s release.

Abu Hamza noted that the man was scheduled to be released during the first stage of an exchange deal with Israel, but did not specify the timing or terms of the deal.

Efforts by Arab mediators, supported by the United States, have failed to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, which could include the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

Islamic Jihad’s armed wing has reportedly reinforced security and safety measures for the hostages, according to Abu Hamza.

In July, the group claimed that some Israeli hostages had also attempted suicide after being treated in a manner similar to the way Israel treats Palestinian prisoners. Israel has denied accusations of mistreatment of Palestinian detainees.

10 Injured in Queens Mass Shooting on New Year’s Day, NYPD Reports

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10 Injured in Queens Mass Shooting on New Year’s Day, NYPD Reports

Ten people were injured in a mass shooting in Queens late on New Year’s Day, the New York Police Department (NYPD) reported. The shooting took place outside a private events club on Wednesday evening. 

The victims included six females and four males, all of whom are expected to recover, according to police. 

Authorities stated that 3-4 male suspects opened fire on a crowd outside the club before fleeing the scene. Police have ruled out terrorism as a motive. 

Images and videos of the aftermath, showing police officers at the site, circulated widely on social media, with users expressing shock over the incident. 

The Queens shooting followed two other violent events in the U.S. earlier on New Year’s Day. In New Orleans, a truck drove into a crowd of revelers, killing 15 people. In Las Vegas, a Tesla truck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel, leaving one person dead and seven others injured. 

Federal authorities are investigating the incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas for potential links to terrorism, while local police in New York are working to identify the suspects involved in the Queens shooting. 

Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Puntland Military Base Attack in Somalia

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Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Puntland Military Base Attack in Somalia

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility on Wednesday for an attack on a military base in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland region that occurred a day earlier. The claim was made via the group’s Telegram channel. 

According to the statement, the attack involved 12 militants and two explosives-laden vehicles, killing approximately 22 Puntland military personnel and injuring dozens. Somali authorities have not yet commented on the incident. 

On Tuesday, Somali security forces reported repelling a suicide attack by Islamic State operatives on the Puntland military base, as confirmed by the state broadcaster and local military officials. 

Captain Yusuf Mohamed, an officer with Puntland’s counter-terrorism forces, told Reuters that nine suicide bombers were killed during the assault, while several soldiers sustained injuries. The attack occurred near Dharjaale in the Bari region. 

Islamic State formally established a presence in Somalia in 2017, operating primarily from the mountainous terrain of Puntland. Historically viewed as a lesser threat compared to al-Shabaab, which controls large areas in southern Somalia, the Islamic State group has expanded its influence in recent years. 

Under the leadership of Abdulqadir Mumin, the group has reportedly gained prominence within the Islamic State’s global network. Security analysts attribute this growth to an influx of foreign fighters and increased revenue through the extortion of local businesses, elevating the group’s status as a key operational hub for IS activities in Africa. 

Djokovic Advances to Brisbane Quarterfinals with Win Over Monfils

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Djokovic Advances to Brisbane Quarterfinals with Win Over Monfils

BRISBANE, Jan. 2, 2025 — Novak Djokovic kept his pursuit of a 100th career ATP title alive with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory over Gael Monfils in the Brisbane International Round of 16 on Wednesday. 

The 37-year-old Serbian will face Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinals after the American edged past Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in two tie-break sets, 7-6 (11-9), 7-6 (7-4). 

Djokovic seized his only break-point opportunity in the first set, quickly building a 4-1 lead before securing the set in just 36 minutes. In the second set, Monfils, 38, missed a routine forehand at 1-1, allowing Novak to break serve. From there, Djokovic held serve three times and broke Monfils again at 5-3 to clinch his 20th career win against the Frenchman. 

The quarterfinal match will mark the first-ever meeting between Djokovic and Opelka. The 24-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged the challenge of facing Opelka’s powerful serve, with the American firing 25 aces in his victory over Arnaldi. 

“Opelka has been dealing with injuries and struggled for a couple of years,” Djokovic said. “My gosh, I’m going to have to step back a few steps for that first serve.” 

Source: bbc.com

Hamas Police Chief Among 11 Killed in Israeli Airstrike on Gaza

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Hamas Police Chief Among 11 Killed in Israeli Airstrike on Gaza

An Israeli airstrike on a tent camp sheltering displaced families in southern Gaza has killed at least 11 Palestinians, including Mahmoud Salah, the Hamas-run police chief, according to medics. 

Three children and two women were reportedly among those killed in the attack on al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis. 

The Hamas-run Interior Ministry condemned what it described as the “assassination” of Salah and his assistant, Hussam Shahwan, stating they had been “performing their humanitarian and national duty.” 

The Israeli military said it is investigating the reports. 

The al-Mawasi area, designated as a “humanitarian zone” for Palestinians displaced by the ongoing conflict, has been repeatedly targeted by Israeli forces. The military accuses Hamas of using the area to conceal operatives among displaced civilians. 

The strike comes amid worsening weather conditions in Gaza, where cold and wet conditions have further deteriorated living standards in makeshift camps. 

In addition to the al-Mawasi incident, deadly airstrikes were reported in a Gaza City suburb, Jabalia in the north, and Bureij in central Gaza. Israeli officials said the attacks targeted locations from which rockets were fired into southern Israel as the new year began. 

Virgin Australia Crew Members Reported Raped and Robbed in Fiji

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Virgin Australia Crew Members Reported Raped and Robbed in Fiji

Authorities in Fiji are investigating allegations that a Virgin Australia crew member was sexually assaulted and another was robbed during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Nadi, a popular tourist destination. 

The incidents reportedly occurred early Wednesday after the crew left a nightclub in Nadi, according to police and officials in the South Pacific nation. 

“These alleged incidents are regrettable,” said Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka in a statement. “Our thoughts and concerns are with the alleged victims and for their health and wellbeing.” 

Fijian police have questioned a suspect in connection with the alleged sexual assault, and investigations are ongoing, according to the country’s tourism and aviation ministry. 

Virgin Australia confirmed it is aware of the incidents and has dispatched staff to provide support to the affected crew members. The Australian government has not issued a public comment. 

The crew members were on an overnight layover when the incidents occurred. They are now staying in a local hotel and are expected to return home by the end of the week, Gavoka said. 

“Regrettably, incidents like this can happen anywhere, and Fiji is not immune,” Gavoka added. “We always remind tourists to exercise caution in nightclub areas and late at night.” 

Fiji welcomed nearly 77,000 visitors in November, primarily from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, according to the latest tourism statistics. 

Australia’s official travel advisory encourages its citizens to exercise normal safety precautions in Fiji, the lowest of the government’s four risk ratings for international travel. 

FBI Seizes 150 Homemade Bombs in Virginia in Major Explosives Case

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FBI Seizes 150 Homemade Bombs in Virginia in Major Explosives Case

Federal agents seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs and other explosive devices from the Virginia home of Brad Spafford in December, marking what prosecutors say could be the largest seizure of such devices in FBI history. 

The explosives were discovered during a search of Spafford’s home following his arrest on a firearms charge. Most of the devices, along with bomb-making tools and materials, were found in a detached garage, according to a federal court filing. 

Prosecutors stated in a Monday filing that additional pipe bombs were located in a backpack inside Spafford’s bedroom, which he shares with his wife and two young children. 

Spafford, 36, faces charges for possessing an unregistered short-barrel rifle, a violation of the National Firearms Act. Prosecutors said they are considering “numerous additional potential charges” related to the explosives. 

Defense attorneys argued Tuesday that Spafford has no history of violence and questioned the functionality of the seized devices. They emphasized his clean criminal record and claimed there is no evidence that he posed a threat. 

The investigation began in 2023 when an informant, a friend of Spafford’s, reported that he was stockpiling weapons and ammunition. According to court documents, the informant alleged that Spafford had injured his hand in 2021 while handling homemade explosives, leaving him with only two fingers on his right hand. 

The informant also claimed that Spafford used images of President Joe Biden for target practice and voiced support for political assassinations. 

On Dec. 17, federal agents and bomb technicians searched Spafford’s property, finding the rifle and explosive devices, some labeled “lethal” and others loaded into a wearable vest. Most devices were detonated on-site due to safety risks, while a few were preserved for further analysis. 

At a hearing Tuesday, a judge ruled that Spafford could be placed under house arrest at his mother’s home. However, prosecutors argued for his continued detention, citing concerns about public safety. 

Prosecutors noted Spafford’s possession of riot gear and his manufacturing of labeled pipe bombs as evidence of potential danger, despite no history of violent acts. 

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