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5 essential points for September 12th: SpaceX activities, Tropical Storm Francine's impacts, Post-debate assessments, Ukraine developments, Deli meat product recalls
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1. SpaceX
A four-person team on a commercial mission aboard a SpaceX spacecraft is set to carry out the first commercial spacewalk worldwide. This could be the first extravehicular activity ever conducted by non-government astronauts. All four Polaris crew members will experience the vacuum of space, with billionaire tech CEO Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis exiting the SpaceX spacecraft for approximately 20 minutes. Their crewmates Scott “Kidd” Poteet and Anna Menon will remain inside the spacecraft. Two oxygen lines are assisting the crew's safety, but their spacesuits do not include a Primary Life Support System (PLSS), which is essentially a backpack used by NASA astronauts to move more freely through space for carrying out complex tasks.
2. Tropical Storm Francine
Francine weakened to a tropical storm Wednesday just hours after making landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane, bringing heavy rain and leaving nearly 400,000 homes and businesses without power. A flash flood emergency was announced for New Orleans and surrounding areas, with up to 8 inches of rain falling in certain areas. The storm will continue to lose strength as it moves inland, but it still poses a threat of dangerous storm surge, floods, and tornadoes. Airlines canceled all flights out of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Wednesday, and some additional cancellations have been made today.
3. Debate fallout
Voters and lawmakers have reacted to the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, as Election Day approaches on November 5. According to a CNN flash poll, a majority of registered voters who watched the debate believed Harris performed better than Trump. However, the Harris campaign maintains that the debate did not alter the course of the tight competition. Trump has since criticized ABC News, claiming the debate was “rigged” and blaming moderators who fact-checked him. Some House Republicans defended Trump's performance, but multiple Trump allies described the event as a “missed opportunity.” Trump is now considering a rematch after Harris’ team has proposed a second face-off in October.
4. Ukraine
A growing number of Democrats are advocating for President Joe Biden to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of US-supplied weapons to strike deep inside Russia. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen on Wednesday became the latest senior lawmaker to push for the restrictions to be lifted. Democratic Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin also released a statement calling for the restrictions to be eased given "Vladimir Putin’s relentless attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure." The Ukrainian government has repeatedly requested the restrictions be lifted, but the Biden administration has expressed concerns regarding potential escalation. A US official told CNN that US intelligence has shown that Russia has moved several assets beyond the reach of long-range strikes.
5. Deli meat recall
Nearly two years before a listeria outbreak linked to recalled deli meat, inspectors at a Virginia Boar's Head plant highlighted subpar conditions that could have been a danger, according to USDA Food Safety Inspection Service documents. At least 57 people have been hospitalized due to the listeria outbreak in 18 states, and nine people have died, according to the CDC. The listeria outbreak is now considered the largest since one linked to cantaloupe in 2011. Inspection reports from the Boar’s Head facility in Jarratt, Virginia, have documented insects, mold, “blood in puddles on the floor,” and a “rancid smell in the cooler” at various times since 2022. The inspection service revealed that its investigation into the outbreak remains ongoing.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
Top moments from the 40th MTV Video Music Awards
Taylor Swift delivered a touching tribute, Katy Perry soared through the air, and Sabrina Carpenter kissed an alien. These are the standout moments from the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.
Food chains that filed for bankruptcy this year
Rubio’s, Buca di Beppo, and Red Lobster are among the restaurants that have filed for bankruptcy in 2024. Fast-casual chain BurgerFi filed for bankruptcy on Wednesday.
The Sony PlayStation 5 Pro unveiled
The PS5 Pro will be available for purchase in November but some gamers may be disappointed by the console's record-breaking price point.
Exploring ‘founder mode’– the newest buzzword in Silicon Valley
Learn about the meaning behind the latest buzzword in the tech industry.
Cruise’s Olympic stunt payday– how much did he make?
Tom Cruise performed a thrilling stunt at the Summer Olympics – but how much was he paid? Discover the answer.
TODAY'S NUMBER
67 million
According to Nielsen data, that’s the estimated number of people who watched the first presidential debate on Tuesday between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Around 51 million individuals tuned in to the debate between Trump and President Joe Biden in June.
TODAY'S QUOTE
“It takes all of us to help keep each other safe.”
Appreciation from Nashville Cops, extended to Jon Bon Jovi following his involvement in convincing a lady to step away from the ledge of a Nashville bridge recently. According to an insider, the musician was engaged in shooting a music video on the open bridge when the situation unfolded.
Just in case you're grappling with suicidal thoughts, feel free to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or check out their webpage here.
TODAY'S CLIMATE OUTLOOK
Gather your region's prediction here>>>>
FINALLY ...
This tech firm believes we'll eventually don screensLG Display showcased what they claim are the globe's initial flexible high-resolution screen sheets at Seoul Fashion Week. View the clip here.
Us signing up for the 5 Things newsletter could help us stay updated on the latest news and stories, including the first commercial spacewalk by the Polaris crew and the ongoing effects of Tropical Storm Francine.
After the debate fallout, some lawmakers and voters believe that Vice President Kamala Harris performed better than former President Donald Trump, but the Harris campaign maintains that the debate did not significantly alter the tight competition. However, Trump is considering a rematch with Harris following her team's proposal for a second face-off in October.
