World News

  What is leap day? Is 2024 a leap year? Everything you need to know about Feb. 29 Leap Day Explained: Leap Day , also known as Leap Year Day , is an extra day added to the calendar in leap years . It falls on February 29th and makes the year 366 days long instead of the usual 365. Here's why we have Leap Day: The Earth takes  approximately 365.2422 days  to orbit the Sun. A regular calendar has only  365 days , which causes it to fall slightly out of sync with Earth's orbit over time. Adding a day every  four years  (on average) helps keep the calendar year aligned with the actual seasons. 2024 is indeed a leap year , so today, February 29th, 2024 , is a Leap Day! Bonus Fact: People born on February 29th are called leaplings and only get to celebrate their actual birthday every four years. They may choose to celebrate on February 28th in non-leap years, or March 1st.

  Bitcoin price tops $60,000 for first time since 2021 On February 28, 2024, Bitcoin's price surpassed $60,000 for the first time since November 2021, marking a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency's recent rally. This surge comes after several months of steady growth and coincides with: Increased demand:  Optimism is high that Bitcoin's appeal is expanding beyond its core enthusiasts, attracting a wider range of investors. Spot Bitcoin ETFs:  The approval and subsequent inflows into US-based Spot Bitcoin ETFs are believed to be contributing factors. Approaching Bitcoin halving:  The upcoming halving event in April, where the issuance of new Bitcoin slows down, is historically linked to price increases, further fueling speculation. As of February 28th, Bitcoin's price reached over $63,000, with some analysts even eyeing its all-time high of $69,045 set in November 2021. However, the cryptocurrency market remains volatile, and future price movements are uncertain.

  Richard Lewis, Acerbic Comedian and Character Actor, Dies at 76 Comedian and actor Richard Lewis passed away on February 27, 2024, at the age of 76. He was known for his self-deprecating humor and sharp wit, which he brought to both his stand-up routines and his acting career. Lewis's career spanned several decades, and he found success in both stand-up comedy and acting. He was a regular on the HBO series "Curb Your Enthusiasm," where he played a fictionalized version of himself. He also appeared in films such as "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" and "Anything but Love." His death was attributed to a heart attack.

  Celebrating Lunar New Year Absolutely! Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a vibrant and joyous celebration observed by many cultures around the world. It falls on the first new moon of the lunar calendar, which usually occurs between late January and mid-February. This year, it falls on January 22nd, 2024, marking the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit. Here are some of the ways people celebrate Lunar New Year: Reuniting with Family: This is a time for families to come together, share meals, and exchange gifts. Traditional dishes like dumplings, spring rolls, and fish are served to symbolize abundance and prosperity. Decorating Homes: Homes are adorned with red lanterns, paper cuttings, and lucky couplets to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. The color red is prominent as it symbolizes happiness, good fortune, and vitality. Lion and Dragon Dances: These energetic performances are believed to scare away bad luck and bring good fortune.

  Magnitude-4.6 Malibu earthquake shakes Southern California from coast to inland areas A magnitude-4. 6 earthquake struck near Malibu, California on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 1: 47 PM PST. The shaking was felt from the coast to inland areas of Southern California, including Los Angeles, Ventura County, and Orange County. While the earthquake was widely felt, there were fortunately no reports of major damage or injuries. However, some minor damage was reported, such as broken windows and fallen objects. Here are some additional details about the earthquake: Epicenter:  7 miles northwest of Malibu,  California Depth:  13 kilometers (8 miles) Aftershocks:  Several aftershocks were reported,  including two with magnitudes of 3. 0 and 2. 7 This earthquake serves as a reminder that California is located in an earthquake-prone zone. It's important to be prepared for future earthquakes by having an emergency plan, earthquake kit, and understanding how to stay safe dur