August 12, 2023 - Saturday

[WORLD] Ecuador holds six Colombian suspects in the assassination of a presidential candidate, who was an anti-corruption campaigner fighting crime and corruption in the country.

Six Colombian nationals and gang members have been arrested in connection with the killing of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. Villavicencio, known for his anti-corruption work and opposition to drug trafficking violence, was shot dead at a campaign rally in Quito. The suspects will be detained for at least 30 days as the investigation continues, with the possibility of being held for a longer period. The assassination highlights the escalating violence in Ecuador and the challenges it faces in combating organized crime.

No sources available.

[NATION] A new fire prompts evacuation in Maui, Hawaii, as survivors of previous wildfires return; death toll rises to 67.

A new fire on the island of Maui in Hawaii has caused the evacuation of a community in Kaanapali following previous wildfires earlier in the week. The number of confirmed deaths from the wildfires has now risen to 67. As residents return, they are greeted by the devastation of their neighborhoods, with burned-out cars, flattened homes and businesses, and ashy lots. One survivor, Anthony Garcia, expressed his despair at the destruction, saying he is losing faith in God. The wildfires have also affected the Big Island, leaving the land scorched and residents wondering how to rebuild.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] Fox Corporation's top lawyer, Viet Dinh, will resign after overseeing the company's $787 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems.

Viet Dinh, who served as Fox Corporation's chief legal officer, is stepping down from his role following the company's high-profile settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. Dinh, who had a close relationship with Lachlan Murdoch, will continue to serve as a special advisor to Fox Corporation. He will receive a cash settlement of $23 million and a two-year term as a special advisor. Dinh was criticized for his handling of Dominion's defamation lawsuit against Fox News regarding the 2020 election. His departure marks another high-level exit from Fox Corporation.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] Samsung US is now selling the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5, offering SIM-free and carrier deals.

Samsung's latest foldables, smartwatches, and tablets are now on sale in the US. The Galaxy Z Flip5, with its lower price and flip phone form factor, is expected to outsell the Galaxy Z Fold5. The Z Flip5 features a larger cover screen, improved connectivity features, and newer software. Meanwhile, the Z Fold5 offers a slightly thinner design, a brighter inside screen, and a more powerful processor. However, it still lacks dust resistance and is relatively heavy and expensive.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] Texans rookie wide receiver Tank Dell baffles the Patriots with an unbelievable touchdown catch in a preseason game.

During a preseason game between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots, rookie wide receiver Tank Dell made an unbelievable touchdown catch. After a back-shoulder pass, Dell initially struggled to catch the ball in the end zone, but managed to tip it up into the air. He then caught it one-handed while on the ground, securing a touchdown for the Texans. The play was met with disbelief from both the sidelines and the crowd. The touchdown gave the Texans a 7-3 lead going into halftime.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] The Perseid meteor shower peaks this weekend, with best viewing times from midnight to just before dawn.

The Perseid meteor shower, caused by debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, is peaking this weekend. NASA advises viewers to stay up late or wake up early to see the meteor shower from midnight to just before dawn. While this year's event will feature fewer meteors per hour compared to previous years, stargazers can still enjoy the spectacle. The Perseids are known for producing a high rate of shooting stars and this year's display is expected to be enhanced by the absence of a bright moon.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] COVID-19 cases are increasing in Minnesota and Massachusetts following the July 4th holiday, but the upticks are still at low levels.

Hospitalizations and viral material in sewage samples have increased in Minnesota after the holiday, prompting health officials to remind people of the infection risk. In Massachusetts, the rate of people testing positive for COVID-19 has reached its highest point in six months, but experts reassure that the virus is less severe due to vaccinations, prior infections, and available treatments. While the upticks in cases are concerning, they are not cause for alarm at this time.

No sources available.

[ENTERTAINMENT] The AMPTP and the WGA have resumed negotiations after a recess, with the companies making a counterproposal to the guild's proposals.

The AMPTP and the WGA have resumed negotiations after a recess, with the companies making a counterproposal to the guild's proposals. The WGA will evaluate the offer and respond next week. Both sides have agreed not to provide a blow-by-blow description of the negotiations to the media. The WGA had previously downplayed expectations, but guild leaders are hopeful for a fair deal with the support of the union members and allies. The strike began on May 2, 2023, with key issues concerning increased pay and better residuals for streaming media.

No sources available.