Today's essential facts: Democractic National Convention (DNC), Middle East tensions, Intense weather conditions, Covid-19 vaccine developments, Yacht accident
Here's what else you need to know to Get the Lowdown and Carry On with Your Day.
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1. DNC
The Democratic National Committee kicks off in Chicago today, with Vice President Kamala Harris set to officially receive her party’s nomination to become the next president. President Joe Biden is scheduled to hand over the reins to Harris in an evening speech before an audience of thousands of delegates and party members. Biden is expected to emphasize the justification for Harris and the accomplishments they've achieved together. Additionally, a noteworthy lineup of speakers is slated to appear, including former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced that approximately 250 members of the state's National Guard will be on standby, ready to address any potential unrest from the 10,000 protesters set to rally at the convention.
2. Middle East
Seven family members were reported dead in an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza on Sunday, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel to advocate for a ceasefire and hostage deal. Blinken stated that this could be "the last chance" to bring home the hostages, institute a ceasefire, and steer everyone towards a path of enduring peace and security. A ceasefire agreement has been proposed by the US, Qatar, and Egypt following two days of talks in Doha. Since the launch of Israel's operation in Gaza following Hamas attacks on October 7, the operation has claimed over 40,000 lives and reduced much of the territory to ruins. Medical professionals in Gaza identified the first case of polio in the region in 25 years.
3. Extreme weather
Hurricane Ernesto regained Category 1 intensity on Sunday, with wind speeds reaching 80 mph, as it targeted Atlantic Canada following its destructive passage through Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Forecasts suggest that the storm could bring more powerful winds and heavy precipitation to southeastern Newfoundland through Tuesday. Additionally, hazardous marine conditions will affect the US East Coast and Atlantic Canada for the next few days. Elsewhere, the southern US is preparing for historic heatwaves this week. Heat advisories are currently in effect for more than 20 million people in Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana, with additional warnings expected in the near future.
4. Covid-19 vaccines
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could give the go-ahead to updated Covid-19 vaccines as soon as this week, according to sources. The FDA representative refused to comment on the timing of any product submissions but acknowledged that they aim to expedite the approval of updated Covid-19 vaccines for the fall season. Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech's mRNA vaccines will incorporate the leading variants currently circulating as the United States experiences its largest summer wave in two years. The CDC advised everyone over 6 months of age to receive new Covid-19 and flu vaccines later this year due to the apparent decline in vaccine effectiveness over time.
5. Yacht incident
One person has perished, and six others remain missing, after a luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily early this morning. The vessel, the "Bayesian," which is flagged in the United Kingdom, was anchored about half a mile away from the Porticello harbor when it was struck by a tornado. Fifteen individuals were rescued from the scene, and a child was transported to a children's hospital by air. The captain, one of the survivors, was among the lucky few. The yacht was carrying mostly British passengers and crew, with the exception of two Anglo-French, one New Zealander, one Irishman, and one Sri Lankan.
MORNING MUST-READS
Chicago welcomes Hollywood's elite for the DNCMultiple famous actors will take the stage at the convention, sparking speculation about potential surprise appearances by music icons like Taylor Swift or Beyoncé.
Venturing into the unknown: a billionaire’s private spacewalkSpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission will challenge four space novices as they embark on a risky journey into the radiation belt. The crew aims to execute the first-ever spacewalk carried out by private citizens.
Setting a new denim standard: $19,000 jeansActress Blake Lively caused a stir by rocking a pair of $19,000 jeans on social media, with some commenters referring to the price as "outrageous."
Unearthing history: the discovery of an ice age mammoth tuskA fossil hunter unearthed a mammoth tusk in Mississippi, marking a significant archaeological find.
Tour de France Femmes: Kasia Niewiadoma triumphs with a slender victoryPolish rider Katarzyna 'Kasia' Niewiadoma won the Tour de France Femmes by a mere four seconds, adding another title to her impressive cycling resume.
Twenty individuals sustained injuries following a blaze that engulfed a Ferris wheel at a musical event in Germany, authorities reported. Photos depict two of the attraction's carriages ablaze as hazy smoke ascends towards the heavens, with Leipzig's proximity visible in the backdrop.
TODAY’S INSPIRING QUOTE
"It's now essential for our defensive plans as a whole: to weaken as much Russian military capability as we can."
— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, confirming yesterday that their troops had detonated a second bridge. Zelensky went on to expound upon the offensive's strategic objectives, explaining that he seeks to establish a "restricted zone" in Kursk. This zone could potentially obstruct some Russian incursions into Ukrainian territory orchestrated by Moscow.
TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST
Explore your local weather conditions here>>>
AND FINALLY ...
Anniversary celebration of an opulent trainWitness the enduring appeal of the Caledonian Sleeper — the UK's oldest overnight train service. Traversing the London-Scottish Highlands route, it provides exclusive panoramas over some of Britain's most picturesque landscapes.
- Despite the busy schedule at the DNC, some attendees might be hoping for a surprise performance from their favorite artists like Taylor Swift or Beyonce’, as they are known to occasionally join political events.
- If you're living in the southern United States, make sure to stay hydrated and seek shelter during the historic heatwaves affecting Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana this week, as thousands of people are under heat advisories.
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