While you were sleeping: 22 February 2016

Uber gunman kills six, and a scrabble for post-Bush supporters.

22 Feb 2016

“Every dreamer knows that it is entirely possible to be homesick for a place you've never been to, perhaps more homesick than for familiar ground.”

– Judith Thurman

Story of the Day

Moment of Reckoning: Is Gordhan’s mission possible?
There has never been a more anticipated speech in the democratic era than Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s 2016 Budget presentation in Parliament. The Budget this week will signal the end of the good times in government and is likely to introduce biting austerity measures for the first time under ANC rule. For a long time, the Treasury did not have the political support it needed to make bold moves and also faced criticism from the Left for being out of kilter with the developmental agenda. Now Gordhan is in the driving seat and has universal support. The question is how long before he is undercut again and politics trumps fiscal prudence? By RANJENI MUNUSAMY.

While you were sleeping

Uber driver kills six in shooting spree
A US Uber driver has shot and killed six people at a restaurant in Michigan. Jason Dalton was arrested several hours into his rampage. According to neighbours and police, Dalton had no prior criminal record and the motivation for his killing spree is currently unknown.
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Rubio and Cruz in post-Bush scramble
Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz are battling to fill the vacuum left in the wake of Jeb Bush's withdrawal from the Republican presidential race. With Bush out, there is a sizeable group of voting Republicans who could aid either candidate in the battle against Donald Trump.
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Fiji cyclone leaves 18 dead
A massive cyclone that ripped through Fiji this weekend has killed 18 people so far. Cyclone Winston has left over 6,000 islanders stranded after their homes were destroyed by the 288km/h winds. The death toll is expected to rise still further.
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New phones and tech at Mobile World Congress Show
The Barcelona event saw tech giants Samsung and LG offer better camera technology, as well as the introduction of VR. Samsung S7 and S7 Edge phones are expected to now boast better night capturing capabilities, and compatibility with existing Samsung VR headsets. Facebook is now teaming up with the tech giant to develop new VR capabilities.
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Bouchard through Qatar Open Round One
Eugenie Bouchard has defeated Latvian qualifier Anastasija Sevastova 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (4). Bouchard, who was ranked fifth in 2014, is returning back to form after a locker room concussion left her out of the tennis world for a significant time. Without several big names at the Open, this championship just may be hers to lose.
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In Numbers

18,232

The number of military personnel currently deployed in the DRC.

Facts of the Day

Today in 1980 the 'Miracle on Ice' occurred. The United States ice hockey team defeated the Soviet Union 4-3 in a thrilling New York showdown.

Fact of the day: Strictly speaking, a tramp only works when they have to, a bum does not work at all, and a hobo is a travelling worker.

Weather & Financial Data

BFN: min: 17° max: 29°, rainy
CPT: min: 16° max: 26°, sunny
DBN: min: 22° max: 26°, rainy

EL: min: 19° max: 26°, sunny
JHB: min: 14° max: 33°, sunny
KIM: min: 18° max: 31°, cloudy
NLP: min: 20° max: 26°, rainy
PMB: min: 15° max: 26°, rainy
PKN: min: 18° max: 32°, rainy
PE: min: 16° max: 24°, sunny
PTA: min: 18° max: 34°, rainy

Oil=$33.01 Gold=$1,226.80 Platinum=$939.40
R/$=15.39 R/€=17.13 R/£=22.18 $/€=1.11
JSE All Share=48,940.43 DJIA=16,391.99 FTSE 100=5,950.23 : Source