August 20, 2023 - Sunday

[WORLD] At least 7 people are dead and over 125 injured after a Russian missile strike in Chernihiv, Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the attack and called on the world to unite against Russia, calling it a "terrorist state". The strike occurred during a gathering of drone manufacturers and aerial reconnaissance training schools. Meanwhile, drones also targeted Ukraine's Khmelnytskyi Oblast, damaging nearly 400 buildings including administrative buildings, schools, and residential houses. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, causing significant destruction and loss of life.

No sources available.

[NATION] California Gov. Gavin Newsom declares a state of emergency in Southern California as Hurricane Hilary approaches, with extreme rain and flooding expected.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in a large portion of Southern California ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Hilary. The storm, which is expected to bring historic levels of rainfall and cause flooding, has weakened to a Category 1 storm. Residents in the affected areas are preparing for catastrophic and life-threatening flooding and are being advised to take precautions. The state is mobilizing resources and deploying personnel to mitigate the impact of the storm.

No sources available.

[BUSINESS] Cruise is being asked to reduce its robotaxi fleet in San Francisco by 50% following a crash with a fire truck.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has requested that Cruise, the self-driving car subsidiary of GM, reduce its robotaxi fleet by 50% in San Francisco following a crash with a fire truck. The state agency is investigating "recent concerning incidents" involving Cruise vehicles and has called for the reduction until the investigation is complete. Cruise has agreed to comply with the request. The reduction comes just over a week after California regulators allowed Cruise and Waymo to operate autonomous robotaxis throughout San Francisco at all hours, despite safety concerns.

No sources available.

[TECHNOLOGY] The Google Pixel 7A continues to be a great affordable option with sleek design and impressive cameras.

The Google Pixel 7A continues to impress with its sleek design, great cameras, and similarity to the pricier Pixel 7. The phone's software updates and functionality keep it feeling fresh, but with the Pixel 8 lineup on the horizon, potential buyers may want to consider waiting. Google typically announces its new Pixel line in October, potentially leading to markdowns on the Pixel 7 series. However, if buyers need a new Android phone now, the Pixel 7A is a solid choice offering a great camera and useful software features.

No sources available.

[SPORTS] The 2023 Women's World Cup final will feature Spain and England, marking the first time both teams have reached the final.

Spain and England, both in their first Women's World Cup final, will face off in the 2023 championship match. The tournament has been filled with surprises, as traditional powerhouses like Germany and the United States were eliminated early on. Spain and England have shown strong performances throughout the tournament, and Spain is predicted to have more possession in the final. This historic matchup will determine the fifth nation to lift the trophy.

No sources available.

[SCIENCE] Russia's Luna-25 moon lander encounters an "emergency situation" during its engine burn to maneuver into final pre-landing orbit.

Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft has suffered an "emergency situation" during its engine burn to maneuver into its final pre-landing orbit around the moon. The incident occurred as the spacecraft was trying to enter the pre-landing orbit, and it is not yet clear if this issue will prevent the lunar lander from landing on the moon as planned on Monday. The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, is currently analyzing the situation and managing the problem.

No sources available.

[HEALTH] Rare flesh-eating bacteria has caused deaths in Florida, New York, and Connecticut, with at least a dozen deaths across the US so far in 2023.

A deadly flesh-eating bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus has claimed the lives of five people in Florida, three in New York, and Connecticut. The bacteria, which can enter the body through cuts or wounds, thrives in warm water where river and ocean waters mix. Raw seafood is also a potential cause of infection. Florida has recorded a total of 26 cases this year. Health officials advise people with open wounds to avoid contact with seawater or brackish water where the bacteria is present.

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[ENTERTAINMENT] "Blue Beetle" is hailed as the best modern DC movie due to its heart, soul, and representation of Latin American culture.

The inclusion of Latin American culture and representation, along with its heartfelt and soulful storytelling, make "Blue Beetle" the standout modern DC movie. As DC Studios faced stiff competition from Marvel Studios, "Blue Beetle" managed to deliver what past DC films struggled to achieve. Despite its good intentions and casting choices, "Blue Beetle" failed to turn around DC's fortunes and fell short compared to other recent DC films. However, it still stands as a significant milestone for Latino representation in superhero movies.

No sources available.