The Daily Factum
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Breaking News
H5N1 Avian Flu Virus Detected in Dairy Cattle and Poultry Farms: Three Human Infections Reported in the US
Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024The H5N1 avian flu virus, which has low immunity among Americans and can easily spread to humans if it mutates, has been detected in dairy cattle and poultry farms across the US. Three human infections have been reported, all involving people who worked closely with animals. The USDA has confirmed 102 outbreaks in dairy herds and over 1,000 poultry flocks. It's crucial for researchers and health officials to monitor the situation as five amino acids must change for the virus to bind to a human receptor and spread human-to-human. 
Breanna Stewart's Historic First Half: 33 Points, 7 Assists, and a WNBA-Record 6 Blocks Lead New York Liberty to Victory
Broke On: Saturday, 22 June 2024Breanna Stewart set a WNBA record with 33 points, seven assists, six blocks, and three steals in the first half of New York Liberty's 98-88 win over Los Angeles Sparks. Despite missing key players and dealing with injuries, Stewart's dominance helped secure a 20-point lead for the Liberty. 
Justin Timberlake Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated in Sag Harbor: A Tough Week for the Renowned Singer
Broke On: Monday, 17 June 2024Renowned singer and actor Justin Timberlake was arrested on June 17, 2024 in Sag Harbor, NY for driving while intoxicated. Observed failing to stop at a sign and swerving, officer Michael Arkinson deemed Timberlake intoxicated based on signs such as bloodshot eyes and strong odor of alcohol. During the stop, Timberlake mumbled about ruining his world tour before being charged and released without bail. Performed at Chicago's United Center on June 21, addressing audience for first time since arrest. Sparked reactions online with criticism and support. 
Apple Intelligence and Vocal Shortcuts: New Features Transforming iOS 18 User Experience
Broke On: Tuesday, 18 June 2024Apple unveils AI-enhanced Siri and Vocal Shortcuts in iOS 18 at WWDC 2024. Siri interacts with apps based on screen content, while users can set up vocal shortcuts for quick app access. 
Amtrak and NJ Transit Disruptions: 100-Year-Old Train Lines Cause Commuter Havoc Amidst Heat Wave and Infrastructure Issues
Broke On: Friday, 21 June 2024Commuters in the Northeast US faced significant disruptions on Amtrak and NJ Transit due to infrastructure issues and extreme heat. A circuit breaker malfunction caused power losses, leading to delays and cancellations between New York City and Newark. NJ Transit also experienced overhead wire problems in Secaucus, suspending service into and out of New York Penn Station. The aging 100-year-old train lines have not received necessary investment, causing delays for commuters who face projected budget deficits for both Amtrak and NJ Transit. Despite recent fare increases, both agencies are seeking funding to address these issues. 
Elon Musk Welcomes Third Child with Neuralink Executive: Twelve Kids and Counting
Broke On: Friday, 21 June 2024Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, welcomed a third child with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis in 2024, bringing his total number of known children to fifteen. Amidst legal battles over parental rights with ex-partner Grimes and allegations of inappropriate conduct at work, Musk expressed concerns about underpopulation and donated $10 million to the University of Austin for population research. 
Nebraska National Guard Deploys Helicopter to Aid in Iowa Flood Relief Efforts Amid Urgent Rescue Operations and Evacuations
Broke On: Saturday, 22 June 2024On June 22, 2024, a Nebraska National Guard crew and helicopter were deployed to Iowa to assist with flood relief efforts following heavy rains and storms that caused severe flooding in Rock Valley and other areas, leading to evacuations and urgent rescue efforts. Iowa requested aid through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact as at least two bridges and roads had washed out, power was turned off in Hawarden, and dozens of homes were inundated with floodwaters. 
Two-Year Anniversary of Dobbs Ruling: Biden-Harris Campaign Highlights Impact on Reproductive Rights in Battleground States
Broke On: Sunday, 23 June 2024Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Jill Biden travel to battleground states to highlight the importance of reproductive rights ahead of November's elections, two years after the Dobbs ruling overturned Roe v. Wade. The impact of this decision includes restrictions on abortion access, provider shortages, and threats to contraception and family building services. The Biden-Harris campaign is working to protect women's rights and draw contrasts with Republicans on the issue. 
Summer 2024 Night Sky: Perseids, Delta Aquariids, Planets, and Celestial Events
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024Discover the summer night sky's wonders: Perseids and Delta Aquariids meteor showers, Mars-Jupiter conjunction, Saturn's opposition with rings and moons visible, Venus rising in the west, Milky Way observation, partial lunar eclipse on September 17, auroras at high latitudes, star eclipses, and four full moons - Strawberry Moon (July 21), Full Buck Moon (August 19), Full Sturgeon Moon (September 17), and Harvest Moon. 
Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft: Extended Stay for Astronauts Due to Helium Leaks and Thruster Failures
Broke On: Saturday, 22 June 2024Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore on its inaugural crewed flight to the International Space Station, has encountered unexpected helium leaks and thruster failures. These issues have forced an extension of their mission duration to at least 20 days, with a return date set for June 26. NASA and Boeing are working to assess and address these challenges before attempting a safe return journey.