The Daily Factum
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2024 Summer Solstice: Historic Longest Day with a Rare Strawberry Moon and Global Celebrations
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024The 2024 summer solstice on June 20 marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, with significant historical and cultural significance. This astronomical event falls at approximately 3:50 p.m. CT in Chicago and is followed by a historic strawberry moon on June 21. Stonehenge remains a popular site for celebrations, while many people reflect on progress towards goals set during the winter solstice. 
Urgent Action Needed: Experts Warn of Potential Pandemic from Bird Flu Virus Spreading Among Dairy Farms
Broke On: Monday, 17 June 2024Amidst growing concerns, the bird flu virus (H5N1) is spreading among dairy farms in the US, potentially mutating to infect people more easily and cause a new pandemic. Former CDC director Robert Redfield predicts a mortality rate between 25%-50%, warning that human cases may be overlooked due to limited testing. Authorities recommend preventative measures like hand washing and avoiding animal contact, while urging action to prevent potential dangers. 
Boston Public Schools End Academic Year Early Amidst Celtics Championship Parade Safety Concerns
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024Boston Public Schools (BPS) have announced an early end to the 2023-24 academic year on Thursday, June 20th due to safety concerns and the upcoming Celtics NBA championship parade. With approximately 23,000 students relying on buses for transportation and increased traffic from the event, reliable and safe transportation could be a challenge. The Celtics will celebrate their win with a parade on Friday, June 21st along Causeway Street to Boylston Street. BPS students will not attend school that day due to safety concerns and operational challenges. New England Patriots Lock Down Rhamondre Stevenson with $36M Extension: Three-Down Weapon Through 2028
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024Rhamondre Stevenson signs a four-year, $36 million extension with the New England Patriots, solidifying his role as a three-down weapon and highlighting the team's focus on retaining internal talent. 
JJ Redick Named New Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers: NBA Analyst Brings Unique Perspective and Strong Basketball IQ to the Table
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024The Lakers appoint JJ Redick as their new head coach, bringing NBA experience and strong player connections. Redick averaged 12.8 ppg and 41.5% three-point shooting in his NBA career, with no prior coaching experience but a proven track record. 
Donald Sutherland: A Six-Decade Career and Legacy of Inspiring Acting Talent
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024Revered actor Donald Sutherland, known for roles in Klute, MASH, and The Hunger Games franchise, passed away at 88 after a long illness. Born in Canada, he left a lasting impact on his sons Kiefer and Roeg Sutherland. Survived by three sons and one daughter. 
Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection - A Playable History of the Iconic 3D Platformer, Now Updated for Modern Consoles
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024Bubsy, the beloved 90s 3D platforming character, returns with a new collection of updated games in Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection. Announced for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC (Steam), this compilation includes all franchise titles using Limited Run Games' Carbon Engine for modern enhancements. Led by producer Audi Sorlie, the project offers a playable history with smoothed-out rough edges and launches in 2025. Google's DeepMind Revolutionizes Multimedia with Breakthrough Video-to-Audio Technology
Broke On: Tuesday, 18 June 2024Google's DeepMind research team has developed a groundbreaking V2A (video-to-audio) technology that generates synchronized soundtracks for videos using raw pixels and text prompts. The system, which is undergoing safety assessments before public release, can revolutionize multimedia content creation by associating specific audio events with visual scenes and responding to text prompts. DeepMind's V2A system uses a diffusion-based approach for audio generation and addresses limitations such as lip synchronization and artifacts in video input. Potential applications include enhancing existing video content, creating new multimedia experiences, and leading the future of AI-generated movies. 
Darden Restaurants Surpasses Expectations with 6.8% Sales Growth and Strong Expansion Strategy
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024Darden Restaurants, parent company of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, reported Q4 2024 earnings surpassing estimates with a 6.8% sales increase to $3 billion. The addition of new restaurants and focus on fundamentals drove growth. Looking ahead, revenue is projected to reach $11.8-11.9 billion in FY2025, significantly higher than analyst consensus. Despite declines in same-restaurant sales for Olive Garden and Fine Dining segments, LongHorn Steakhouse showed a 4.0% increase and the company continued its dividend and share repurchase program. 
Climate Activists Paint Two Private Jets Orange at Stansted Airport: A Failed Attempt to Target Taylor Swift's Jet
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024Two Just Stop Oil activists painted two private jets orange at Stansted Airport, aiming to target Taylor Swift's plane but failing to locate it. The protest group demands the incoming UK government end oil, gas, and coal extraction and burning by 2030. The incident caused airport disruption and sparked a debate on climate activism methods.
