Five essential points for August 20th: Democratic National Committee events, Cyber assaults, Israeli hostage situation, Intense downpours, Space expedition
Here's what else you need to know to Get a Grip and Carry On with Your Day.
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1. DNC
President Joe Biden received a prolonged standing ovation on the initial night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, expressing to the audience, “I gave my all for you.” Biden also took digs at Donald Trump as he supported the party’s new presidential nominee, Kamala Harris. Earlier in the event, Harris graced the stage to express gratitude towards Biden for his “noteworthy leadership.” Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressed the crowd, highlighting the possibility of the first female president, saying she wanted her grandkids and their grandkids to know she'd been there for Harris when the “glass ceiling" finally cracks. Later this day, former President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak that will commend Harris and call for unity within the party ahead of November's significant election.
2. Cyberattacks
The US government has concluded that the Iranian government is responsible for the hacking and leak operation that targeted Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and attempted to target the Biden-Harris campaign as well. The FBI has recently briefed the former president on their preliminary findings. News organizations had reported receiving documents supposedly from a senior Trump campaign official’s account. Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign reported that the hackers were unsuccessful in their attempts against the Biden-Harris campaign. The investigation signifies Iran's efforts, alongside other countries, to try to influence the 2024 election, US officials note. Iran denies allegations of being behind the hacking operation.
3. Israeli hostages
The remains of six Israeli hostages were retrieved from Gaza during an overnight military operation in Khan Younis. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed in a statement today, “Our forces returned the bodies of six hostages who were under the control of the terrorist organization Hamas.” There are currently 109 Israeli hostages being held in Gaza, with 36 believed to be deceased, as per data from the Israeli Government Press Office. The news follows ongoing ceasefire negotiations, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken announcing last Monday that Netanyahu agreed to a US “bridging proposal” for a deal. Blinken mentioned that the next step in the ceasefire talks rests with Hamas saying yes.
4. Flash floods
Connecticut's governor declared a state of emergency on Monday following catastrophic flooding that claimed two lives and prompted mass evacuations over the weekend. The deceased were discovered in the town of Oxford, about 15 miles northwest of New Haven. Brenda Bergeron, deputy commissioner at the state’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, detailed the unparalleled flooding that had ravaged communities. “We’re dealing with rainfall in specific regions that are at the 1,000-year level,” Bergeron said, indicating it’s so intense that it should only happen every 1,000 years. The rainfall also affected transportation in New York, resulting in numerous flight cancellations at JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia airports.
5. Space mission
The European Space Agency will launch a spacecraft around Earth today, on its mission to Jupiter. The Juice, or Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer spacecraft – launched in April 2023 – will conduct the first flyby of the moon and Earth in succession and the first double gravity assist maneuver. This maneuver will act as a slingshot, allowing Earth’s gravity to slow down Juice’s current trajectory and steer it towards arriving at Jupiter and its moons in July 2031. Juice completed a flyby of Earth’s moon recently and is now due to approach Earth today at 5:57 p.m. ET. The space agency will provide live tracking of the spacecraft, and some individuals with binoculars or telescopes in Southeast Asia may even witness Juice as it passes overhead.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
In pictures: The rare super blue moon
The stunning super blue moon illuminated the sky on Monday, offering a mesmerizing spectacle for millions worldwide. View images from the rare event.
Trump spreads false information about Taylor Swift's endorsement
Former President Donald Trump reposted falsified AI images, claiming that Taylor Swift had endorsed him.
Disney concedes in wrongful death lawsuit
Disney has reversed its stance on a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the widower of a woman who died at one of its restaurants, allowing the matter to proceed in court.
Gold bar value surges to $1 million
Central banks and investors view gold as a reliable, long-term store of value. Find out why gold prices have surged.
Iconic helipad turns 25
Beyond its basic function, this famous suspended helipad is widely known for its legendary stunts and extravagant events.
Approximately 3.6 million infants were delivered in the USA last year, which is around 68,000 fewer than the year prior, as per the CDC. Women in America are having children less frequently for a variety of societal and financial reasons. Certain restrictions in certain states hinder the availability of reproductive healthcare services.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“I acknowledge complete accountability for my actions.”
— Former disgraced Rep. George Santos, after pleading guilty on Monday to charges of aggravated identity theft and wire fraud connected to deceptive practices during his 2022 midterm campaign bid. This plea brought an end to the nearly two-year ordeal that involved Santos fabricating his resume as he strived for a seat in New York’s 3rd Congressional District. He will serve a minimum of two years imprisonment as agreed and pay back $373,000 in restitution.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Get your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY ...
Cherry blossoms in Tokyo Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are a beloved and enduring symbol of Japan. Witness this video to see the city of Tokyo engulfed in the resplendent flowers when they reach their full bloom.
- After receiving the latest updates about the ongoing investigation into the cyberattacks on their campaign, the 'us' (United States government) is closely monitoring any potential threats to future elections.
- During a rally, President Biden encouraged the audience, saying, "We can't let adversities bring us down. Let's stand tall and move 'us' (America) forward together."
