The Daily Factum
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Breaking News
Two Iranian Presidential Candidates Withdraw Ahead of Snap Election: Focus Shifts to Trump in 2024
Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024Two Iranian presidential candidates, Alireza Zakani and Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, unexpectedly withdrew from the race before the snap election on June 28. The conservative camp is divided between Saeed Jalili and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, while reformist Masoud Pezeshkian may still win with high voter turnout. All candidates focus on handling former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, as his victory is expected. 
Supreme Court Allows Emergency Abortions in Idaho: Draft Opinions Suggest Majority Believes Hospitals Must Comply with EMTALA
Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024The Supreme Court is set to allow emergency abortions in Idaho despite the state's near-total ban, according to draft opinions. A majority of justices believe hospitals are required to administer abortions under federal law in emergency situations. Jamaal Bowman's Defeat in New York Primary: A Setback for Progressive Movement and Israel Debate
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024In the 2024 primaries, progressive Democrat Jamaal Bowman lost New York's 16th Congressional District to George Latimer. Bowman, known for criticizing Israel's Gaza bombardment and accusations of genocide, faced backlash and $14 million in AIPAC support. Despite the loss, he emphasized his campaign's focus on justice and core values. 
Boston Police Officer's Girlfriend on Trial for His Murder: Alleged Reverse Hit-and-Run or Framed?
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024A Boston police officer, John O'Keefe, 35, was found dead outside a house in Dedham, Massachusetts in January 2024. His girlfriend, Karen Read, is on trial for second-degree murder and related charges. Prosecutors allege that Read intentionally struck O'Keefe with her SUV after they attended a late-night party together. The trial has been ongoing for over two months and has seen testimony from 74 witnesses. 
Israel-Lebanon Tensions Escalate: Hezbollah's Thousands of Rockets and the Threat of All-Out War
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024Tensions between Israel and Lebanon escalate, with daily border clashes and Hezbollah launching thousands of rockets into Israel since October 2023. The intensifying conflict raises concerns of a potential all-out war, which could have devastating consequences for both sides. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III urges diplomacy to prevent the escalation. 
Biden-Trump Debate: A Clash of Policies and Personalities at CNN's Studios
Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024In the highly anticipated first presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump on June 27, moderated by CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, both candidates aim to sway undecided voters and solidify their base ahead of November elections. With high stakes for both parties dealing with internal divisions and external challenges, the debate offers valuable insights into each candidate's policies and leadership style. 
Two Near-Earth Asteroids Approaching: 2024 MK and (415029) 2011 UL21 - The Importance of Asteroid Detection and Defense
Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024Two asteroids, 2024 MK and (415029) 2011 UL21, safely approach Earth this week for Asteroid Day. The first, 75% the moon's distance away on June 29, is sizable NEO 2024 MK. Secondly, the larger (415029) 2011 UL21, estimated between 1.7-3.9 km in diameter, passes on June 27. Both underscore the significance of asteroid detection and defense efforts. 
OpenAI Delays Release of Voice and Emotion-Reading Features for ChatGPT Amid Safety Concerns and Legal Investigations
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024OpenAI, the AI research lab behind ChatGPT, has postponed the release of voice and emotion-reading features due to safety testing concerns and potential legal issues. The delay follows demonstrations of these capabilities during OpenAI's Spring Update event that resembled Scarlett Johansson's voice from 'Her'. Google and Microsoft have faced similar challenges with their AI projects, leading OpenAI to prioritize safety and reliability before a fall release to paying subscribers. 
New Android Malware Strain Snowblind Exploits Linux Kernel Feature to Steal Banking Info and Disable 2FA
Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024A new Android malware strain named Snowblind, discovered by cybersecurity firm Promon, exploits the Linux kernel feature seccomp to co-opt accessibility features and steal banking login information or interrupt transactions. It can also disable 2FA or biometric verification methods, increasing the risk of fraud or identity theft. The malware abuses seccomp to sandbox repackaged apps and redirect system commands, impacting at least one banking app in Southeast Asia. Google has stated that no Snowblind apps are found on the Google Play Store. Keeping devices updated with security patches and using reputable sources for app downloads is crucial to protect against Snowblind. 
Boeing's Door Plug Blowouts: Missing Bolts and New Safety Measures
Broke On: Thursday, 27 June 2024Boeing faces scrutiny over door plug blowouts on 737 MAX planes, leading to new safety procedures and production changes. Missing bolts caused incidents at Alaska Airlines in January 2024 and October 2023. Boeing empowers employees to stop production, holds weekly meetings, simplifies processes, enhances training and evaluates suppliers.