CNN
—
Recent polls on the 2024 presidential race show former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in a neck-and-neck race for the White House. CNN’s interactive election map shows multiple paths to victory for both candidates in the newly formed race since the surprise exit of President Joe Biden.
Here’s what else you need to know to Get up to date and start your day.
Get 5 things in your inbox
You’ve had a busy day. 5 Things is your one-stop shop for the latest headlines, plus other stories and videos that people are clicking on. Sign up for the 5 Things newsletter here.
President Joe Biden was greeted with a lengthy standing ovation on the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago as he told attendees, “I did my best for you.” Biden also criticized Donald Trump as he spoke out in favor of the party’s new presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, who had earlier appeared onstage to thank Biden for his “historic leadership.” Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took the stage and underscored the first female president’s potential, adding that she wants to show her grandchildren and their grandchildren that she was there for Harris when the “glass ceiling” finally broke. Later in the day, former President Barack Obama will deliver a speech vouching for Harris and calling for party unity ahead of the crucial November election.
The U.S. government has concluded that the Iranian government was behind the hack and leak operation that targeted Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and also sought to target the Biden-Harris campaign. The FBI informed the former president of its preliminary findings in recent days after news organizations reported receiving documents believed to have come from an account belonging to a senior Trump campaign official. Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign said the hackers were unsuccessful in their attempts to attack the Biden-Harris campaign. The investigation is the clearest sign yet of efforts by Iran – and other countries – to influence the 2024 election, according to U.S. officials. Iran rejected what it called “unproven” claims that its government was behind the hacking operation.
The bodies of six Israeli hostages were recovered from Gaza during an overnight military operation in Khan Younis. “Our forces have returned the bodies of six of our hostages held by the murderous terrorist organization Hamas,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement today, thanking those involved in the operation for their “courage and decisive action.” According to the Israeli Press Office, 109 Israeli hostages are currently being held in Gaza, including 36 presumed dead. The news comes as negotiations for a ceasefire continue. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Netanyahu agreed to a U.S. “bridge proposal” for a deal on Monday after the two met in Tel Aviv. Blinken said the next step in the ceasefire talks is “for Hamas to say yes.”
Connecticut’s governor declared a state of emergency on Monday after historic flooding over the weekend left two people dead and hundreds of people evacuated. The two people were found dead in the town of Oxford, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of New Haven. Brenda Bergeron, deputy director of the state’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, described how the rain caused unprecedented flooding and devastated communities. “In some areas, we’re talking about thousand-year rainfall,” Bergeron said. By that, they mean the rains were so intense that, on average, they should only occur once every 1,000 years. The rains also affected public transportation in New York, where hundreds of flights have been canceled in recent days at JFK, Newark and LaGuardia airports due to bad weather.
Dramatic video shows emergency rescue from water as severe flooding hits northeast
The European Space Agency will slingshot a spacecraft around Earth today on its way to Jupiter. Launched in April 2023, the Juice (or Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) spacecraft will perform the first consecutive flyby of the Moon and Earth, as well as the first double gravity assist maneuver. This process will serve as a slingshot, allowing Earth’s gravity to slow Juice’s current trajectory and put it on course to reach Jupiter and its moons in July 2031. Juice already flew by Earth’s moon on Monday, and will now flyby Earth today at 5:57 p.m. ET. The space agency will track the spacecraft, and some people with binoculars or telescopes in Southeast Asia may be able to see Juice as it flies directly overhead.
In pictures: The rare super blue moon
A super blue moon lit up the sky on Monday, providing a stunning sight for millions around the world. Check out photos from this rare event.
Trump falsely claims Taylor Swift endorsed him
Former President Donald Trump released fake AI images of Taylor Swift and Swifties, falsely suggesting he had the singer’s support.
Disney changes plan to avoid wrongful death lawsuit
Disney has reversed course in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the widower of a woman who died after eating at one of its restaurants, saying the matter can now proceed to trial.
A gold bar is now worth $1 million
Central banks and investors see the precious metal as a long-term, reliable store of value. Read why the price of gold is skyrocketing.
“The world’s most famous helipad” on Burj al Arab turns 25
Beyond its basic function, the floating helipad is best known as the scene of legendary stunts and extravagant events.
3.6 million
That’s how many babies were born in the United States last year – about 68,000 fewer than the year before, according to the CDC. Women in the United States are having fewer children for a variety of social and economic reasons. These include hurdles in some states that limit access to reproductive care.
“I take full responsibility for my actions.”
— Disgraced former MP George Santosafter pleading guilty on Monday to aggravated identity theft and wire fraud stemming from fraudulent activities during his 2022 midterm campaign. The guilty plea marks the end of the nearly two-year saga in which Santos lied about his resume while running for New York’s 3rd Congressional District. He will spend at least two years in prison and pay $373,000 in restitution under the agreed-upon plea deal.
Check your local weather forecast here>>>
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST…
Enjoy Tokyo like a local
Cherry blossoms in Tokyo
Sakura – or cherry blossoms – are one of Japan’s timeless symbols. Watch this video to see the brilliant flowers cover the city of Tokyo during their blooming season.
