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IATSE Reaches Tentative Agreement on New Contract with Hollywood Studios, Addressing Long Workdays and AI Use
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024IATSE union members, representing 50,000 film and TV crew members, reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract with major Hollywood studios and streamers. The deal includes tripled wages for long workdays, doubled wages for on-call workers, and protections against AI displacement. Additionally, pay increases were agreed upon for non-dramatic productions under the Videotape Supplemental Agreement. 
Aer Lingus Pilots Initiate Work-to-Rule in Pursuit of 24% Pay Rise, Causing Flight Disruptions
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024Aer Lingus pilots initiated an indefinite work-to-rule, seeking a 24% pay rise. IALPA members took this action after unsuccessful meetings at the Labour Court. The dispute has resulted in hundreds of cancelled flights and significant disruption for passengers. Aer Lingus expressed disappointment but will review the matter in July, urging IALPA to prioritize a fair agreement. 
ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Russian Military Leaders Shoigu and Gerasimov over Alleged War Crimes in Ukraine
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, accusing them of crimes against humanity and war crimes during Ukraine's conflict. Allegations include directing attacks on civilian objects and causing excessive harm to civilians or damage to civilian objects from October 10, 2022, to March 9, 2023. As top military officials at the time, Shoigu and Gerasimov are believed to bear individual criminal responsibility for these international crimes. 
Century-Old Rapidan Dam in Minnesota Faces Imminent Failure Amidst Floods and Climate Change: Residents Brace for Worse as Mississippi River Rises
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024The Rapidan Dam in Minnesota faces imminent failure due to floods caused by heavy rainfall, raising concerns among local officials and residents. The century-old dam's age and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change have put it at risk. With climate change making dangerous weather more common and the average age of an American dam approaching 60, experts warn about decaying dams and potential catastrophic floods caused by their failures. As the Mississippi River reaches flood stage in St. Paul, causing moderate flooding, authorities prepare for rising waters by closing roads and parks. 
John Curtis Wins Utah GOP Senate Primary: Moderate Republican Defeats Trump-Backed Trent Staggs
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024In the Utah Republican primary on June 25, 2024, John Curtis won with 52% of the votes against Trent Staggs and others. As Utah's longest serving congressman since 2017 and a moderate on climate change, Curtis emerged despite opposition from Trump-backed candidates like Staggs. Known for his stance on issues divergent from Trump and Romney, Curtis will face Democratic nominee Caroline Gleich in the November general election. Utah has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1970. 
Jury Deliberates Fate of Karen Read in Boston Police Officer's Death
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024Jurors began deliberations in the Karen Read trial on June 25, 2024, over allegations she was involved in the murder of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe. Prosecution presented evidence of a hit-and-run accident and witnesses testifying to Read's admission to the crime. Defense argued for a cover-up and presented evidence of police corruption. 
Julian Assange Reaches Plea Deal in US Court, Faces Uncertain Future After Decade-Long Legal Battle
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, walked free from a US courtroom in June 2024 after reaching a plea deal on decade-old charges. Known for publishing classified Iraq and Afghanistan documents, Assange spent years in the Ecuadorian embassy before arrest and extradition fight. Despite legal team's claims of journalistic protection, critics argue his actions put lives at risk. 
New York and Colorado Primaries: A Rift in the Democratic Party Over Israel and a Surprise Win for Lauren Boebert
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024In the 2024 primaries, New York's 16th Congressional District saw a contentious race between incumbent Jamaal Bowman and George Latimer over Israel criticism and lobbying. With $24.8 million spent, Latimer won with 56% of votes against Bowman's 44%. Colorado's fourth district featured Republican Lauren Boebert's victory in a five-way race with over 43% of votes. 
NASA Astronauts Delayed Indefinitely: Boeing's Starliner Faces Helium Leaks and Malfunctioning Thrusters
Broke On: Tuesday, 25 June 2024NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have been delayed in their return from the ISS due to Boeing's Starliner spacecraft experiencing helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters. NASA and Boeing are working to resolve these issues, with NASA eager for a second American transportation system to the ISS for redundancy. The astronauts, who have been helping with station operations while completing objectives for Starliner's possible certification, are currently not in danger aboard the ISS. 
New Study: Unnatural Greenhouse Gases on Exoplanets Could Be Signs of Alien Civilizations Terraforming Worlds
Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024A new study identifies specific artificial greenhouse gases as potential signs of alien civilizations terraforming exoplanets. These gases, including fluorinated methane, ethane, and propane, as well as nitrogen-fluorine or sulfur-fluorine gases, are effective with long lifetimes in Earth-like atmospheres and could be detectable using advanced telescopes. The findings offer a new tool for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.