The Daily Factum
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Patrick Cantlay and Rory McIlroy Lead 124th U.S. Open at Historic Pinehurst No. 2: Facts, First-Round Scores, and Notable Moments
Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024At the 124th U.S. Open in Pinehurst, NC, Patrick Cantlay and Rory McIlroy lead with scores of five-under-par after bogey-free rounds. Legendary golfer Payne Stewart's 1999 victory at Pinehurst No. 2 is remembered fondly. The USGA's top 60 players and ties advance to the weekend, including notable figures like Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler. 
R.E.M.: Surprise Performance at 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024R.E.M. members Michael Stipe, Bill Berry, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills surprised fans with a reunion performance at the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony in New York City, singing an acoustic version of their hit song. 
HBO Renews 'House of the Dragon' for a Third Season Before Season Two Premiere
Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024HBO renews 'House of the Dragon' for a third season before the release of season two, praising creators George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal for their exceptional work on the critically acclaimed Game of Thrones prequel based on Martin's 'Fire & Blood', telling the story of House Targaryen's civil war. 
New Features and Health Insights in watchOS 11: Live Activities, Sleep Tracking, and More
Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024Apple Watch users can expect real-time information from Live Activities on the Lock Screen with watchOS 11, along with new health features like sleep tracking and insights through the Vitals app. However, Series 4, Series 5, and first-generation SE models will not receive this update. 
Wells Fargo Cracks Down on Dozens of Employees for Alleged Keyboard Fraud
Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024Wells Fargo terminated over a dozen employees in its wealth- and investment-management unit for using 'mouse movers' software to simulate keyboard activity, giving an impression of active work. The bank holds a zero-tolerance policy for unethical behavior amidst heightened scrutiny from regulators following past regulatory issues. 
Israeli Military Shifts Focus from Hamas to Hezbollah Amidst Failed Hostage Release Negotiations
Broke On: Saturday, 01 June 2024Israeli military recommends shifting focus from Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon after Netanyahu's hostage release proposal is rejected. The failure of the deal underscores the challenges of negotiating with Hamas and Israel's need for a comprehensive approach. Hezbollah UAV Penetrates Israeli Border, IDF Fails to Intercept: Communities Near Afula Evacuated Amidst Cross-Border Hostilities and Sudan's Army Claims Killing of US-Sanctioned RSF Commander
Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024A Hezbollah UAV penetrated Israel's border, reaching 35 km inside before exploding near Afula, triggering rocket alert sirens in northern communities and prompting IDF airstrikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon. An IDF soldier was injured by a stolen vehicle, while Sudan's army claimed to have killed a US-sanctioned RSF Darfur commander. 
French Left-Wing Parties Form United Front Against Macron Ahead of Snap Election
Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024France's major left-wing parties, including the Socialist party, Greens, Communists, and France Unbowed, have formed an alliance named the New Popular Front (NPF) to contest the snap election against President Emmanuel Macron's economic reforms. The coalition aims to present a united front with key policies such as reversing pension reforms and raising the minimum wage. 
Trump's Controversial Remarks About Milwaukee and the 2024 RNC
Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024During a private meeting with House Republicans in June 2024, former President Trump drew controversy for describing Milwaukee, the city hosting the 2024 RNC, in disparaging terms. 
Reform UK Surges in 2024 UK General Election Polls: Nigel Farage Challenges Keir Starmer to Debate on Migration Policies
Broke On: Friday, 14 June 2024Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, experiences a significant surge in polling averages to 16%, surpassing the Conservatives and causing a shift in voter preferences. This change is particularly impactful for the Tories as they try to defend their seats. The Liberal Democrats also see an increase in support, while Labour's decreases slightly to 41%. Reform UK targets non-voters for Blue Wall seats and challenges Sir Keir Starmer to a debate on migration policies.
