The Daily Factum
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Three Helicopters Crash Off Kauai Coast: One Person Dead, Two Missing
Broke On: Friday, 12 July 2024Three helicopters from Ali'i Kaua'i Air Tours and Charters crashed off the coast of Kauai on July 12, 2024, leaving one person dead and two others missing. Witnesses reported the incidents near Hanakoa Valley along Na Pali Coast and about a quarter mile offshore. Search and rescue operations are ongoing with the Coast Guard leading efforts after sunset. 
Three Prominent House Democrats Urge President Biden to Withdraw from 2024 Presidential Race Amid Concerns Over Debate Performance and Age
Broke On: Friday, 12 July 2024Three prominent House Democrats, Jim Himes, Scott Peters, and Eric Sorensen, have urged President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race due to concerns about his ability to effectively challenge Donald Trump in November. The call for Biden's withdrawal comes after his debate performance last month and mounting pressure as he loses ground in the polls. Some Democrats believe a younger contender would be better suited for the role, but House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer continue to support Biden's campaign. 
Thousands Exposed to Infectious Diseases: Oregon and Southwest Washington Physician Disregarded Infection Control Practices at Multiple Hospitals
Broke On: Thursday, 11 July 2024A physician who disregarded infection control practices between 2017 and 2023 at multiple hospitals in Oregon and Southwest Washington may have exposed thousands of patients to infectious diseases including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The affected hospitals include Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, and Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center. Patients are being notified for a free blood test and further steps if needed. 
Revolutionary Stillsuit: Recycling Astronaut Urine into Potable Water for Space Missions Inspired by Dune
Broke On: Friday, 12 July 2024Scientists at Cornell University have designed a prototype stillsuit inspired by Dune's full-body suits, recycling astronaut urine into potable water during spacewalks. The two-step filtration system, with an 87% efficiency rate, could be tested for upcoming moon and Mars missions. This technology addresses discomfort and wastefulness of current solutions while reducing health complications. 
NASA's Europa Clipper: $5 Billion Mission Threatened by Radiation-Sensitive Electronic Circuits
Broke On: Wednesday, 10 July 2024NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft faces a $5 billion threat due to radiation-vulnerable electronic circuits. The issue involves MOSFETs, which control power distribution and do not meet radiation-hardness standards. As it approaches Jupiter's harsh radiation environment, the spacecraft is at risk. 
Uruguayan Players Protect Families Amid Chaotic Copa America Semifinal: Dozens Enter Stands, Brawl Erupts Between Fans and Athletes
Broke On: Thursday, 11 July 2024In the aftermath of the Copa America semi-final match between Colombia and Uruguay, a brawl erupted between players and fans from both teams due to tensions. Uruguayan players entered the stands to protect their families after their loss, leading to altercations with Colombian fans. The incident highlighted underlying issues with tournament organization and left Uruguayan players' families at risk. 
Bank Earnings Season Kicks Off: JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo Preview; Net Interest Margins Expected to Improve in H2 2024
Broke On: Thursday, 11 July 2024JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo kick off bank earnings season with projected net interest margin improvements and increased provisions for credit losses. The Financials sector anticipates over 40% of S&P 500 companies reporting Q2 earnings growth, except for Multi-line Insurance (-16%). The US Treasury's upcoming refunding update will impact bond supply and loan loss reserves. Unexpected Unemployment Rate Hike and Decrease in Core Inflation Raise Concerns for the Labor Market and Economy
Broke On: Thursday, 11 July 2024Unexpected unemployment rise to 4.1% and decrease in headline inflation fuel speculation of earlier interest rate cuts, despite a stronger-than-expected job growth of 206,000 in June. 
Labour Party's Landslide Victory: A Turning Point in British Politics and Its International Implications
Broke On: Friday, 05 July 2024In the UK's historic parliamentary election, the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, secured a landslide victory with 412 seats. The Conservative Party faces challenges in deciding their future direction and relationship with Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. The implications of these changes will be felt domestically and internationally. 
NATO Leaders Pledge $225M in Military Aid to Ukraine at Washington Summit
Broke On: Thursday, 11 July 2024NATO leaders pledged significant support for Ukraine at the Washington summit, announcing a $225 million military aid package and establishing NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine. The aid includes Patriot missiles, NASAMS and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, HIMARS artillery systems ammunition, and artillery rounds. Russia attacked Ukraine's Sumy region with ballistic missiles before the summit, leading to increased tensions. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg concluded the 75th Anniversary Summit, strengthening deterrence and defence, bolstering support for Ukraine, and deepening global partnerships.