Here are five key points for June 6: D-Day commemorations, Gaza, Trump-related developments, Covid-19 updates, and severe weather events.
Learn the essentials as you begin your day.
Subscribe to 5 Things
This email will show you the top headlines, along with other interesting stories and films. Enter your email address here to receive the 5 Things newsletter daily.
1. D-Day
Today marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a landmark moment in the Normandy landings that laid the groundwork for defeating Nazi Germany during World War II. On this day in 1944, over twenty thousand troops from nations like the US, the UK, and Canada landed on five sections of the coastline in Normandy, France. This colossal effort across air, water, and land was an unprecedented collaboration that the US Department of Defense depicts as "the successful commencement of the end of Hitler's oppressive regime." President, prime ministers, and monarchs from NATO countries will assemble in France this week, most likely marking the last significant decade-level gathering attended by many veterans. Even a nineteen-year-old who stormed the beaches during the biggest amphibious operation ever would now be one hundred.
Examine this photograph collection covering the D-Day landings or view this video to meet some of the surviving WWII veterans who actively participated in the operation.
2. Gaza
An Israeli airstrike targeted a UN-run school at a refugee camp in Gaza overnight, stoking tensions in the Middle East. The death toll from the strike has risen to at least 45, according to a spokesman for Gaza's Ministry of Health. Israel confirmed it carried out the airstrike. They claimed it struck a Hamas base stationed inside the school. On Wednesday, Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vowed that their ongoing military offensive in Gaza wouldn't cease for any halt in ceasefire and hostage release talks with Hamas. "We're in the process of continuous effort to wear down the enemy," Gallant stated. "Any negotiations with the terrorist organization, Hamas, will only be conducted under fire."
3. Trump
A Georgia appeals court has placed a hold on the election subversion conspiracy trial against former President Donald Trump and several of his accomplices - a big triumph for the Trump team given their efforts to push his legal woes to 2025 if they can't outright win. This new decision from the Georgia Court of Appeals is an indication that the state-level election subversion case trial will not occur before the 2024 presidential election. The court stated that the case would remain paused until a panel of judges rules on whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be disqualified. On Wednesday, Trump and his supporters pledged legal retaliation against his adversaries if he recaptures the White House. Trump guaranteed prosecuting President Joe Biden using local and state prosecutors, the Justice Department, or even a special counsel.
4. Covid-19
Another new iteration of the Covid-19 vaccine may be coming this autumn. On Wednesday, a group of FDA vaccine advisers unanimously suggested the agency encourage vaccine manufacturers to improve their shots to better combat the JN.1 variant of the virus. JN.1 and its relatives KP.2 and KP.3 are the variants most prevalent in the US as per the CDC. A study was presented to the FDA advisory committee showing that current Covid-19 vaccines appear to be less effective against the versions of the virus now in circulation.
5. Severe weather
Severe storms brought tornadoes to parts of Maryland on Wednesday, injuring at least one person seriously. Videos from Gaithersburg, Maryland depicted a tornado passing over the road, while other recordings revealed neighboring areas swamped by trees and debris. The Storm Prediction Center recorded ten tornado reports in Maryland by Wednesday night. The severe storm threat is migrating northeast, but it's expected to weaken in the process. At the same time, a searing heat dome is intensifying in the Western US, eventually leading to temperatures hitting triple digits throughout the week.
LATER TODAY
European Parliament elections will occur from today to Sunday, allowing millions of people to cast their votes and decide the future direction of the European Union for the next five years.
IN THE MORNING
British banknotes now feature King Charles IIIThe new banknotes showcasing King Charles III have been circulating in the UK since Wednesday.
The world's best restaurant for 2024 is revealedThis culinary-related competition has been nicknamed "the Oscars of fine dining."
The ideal approach to remove your hair for summerExperts clarify the pros and cons of shaving, waxing, and at-home laser options.
The NBA Finals are underwayThe Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks will initiate their 2024 NBA Finals match, beginning today at TD Garden. Learn how to watch.
A $552 million Mega Millions jackpot winning ticket was purchased onlineA Mega Millions jackpot prize of $552 million was obtained through a lottery ticket purchase online in a new fashion.
Recently, the iconic baseball player Willie Mays received a significant recognition - his total career hits have increased by 10, five decades after his last game. This update is credited to Major League Baseball's incorporation of Negro League statistics into their record books.
DAILY QUOTE
“I've made the tough call that implementing the intended traffic management system could potentially create too many unforeseen implications for New Yorkers right now.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul reveals her decision to indefinitely postpone the installation of congestion pricing in New York City, scheduled to happen shortly. Under the original plan, drivers would pay $15 to enter Manhattan south of the 60th street, with commercial vehicles and trucks paying more.
TODAY'S WEATHER
Find your local weather forecast here>>
FINALLY...
An equestrian athlete from the United Arab Emirates takes the lead in his country's inaugural Olympic equestrian team, marking a significant milestone for his nation. Watch the video by clicking here.
Read also:
- The US was among the nations that sent troops to Normandy for the D-Day landings in 1944, an event commemorated today.
- The US could potentially see a new version of the Covid-19 vaccine in the autumn, as per recommendations from FDA vaccine advisers.
- Scholz aims to expel severe offenders.
- Scholz clarifies stance on potential Afghan deportations.
- Year of climate records: extreme is the new normal
- Hamas urges Israel to honor a truce agreement.
