The Daily Factum
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Des Moines Battles Mosquitoes Testing Positive for West Nile Virus: Clarke Sprays Highland Park and Union Park
Broke On: Wednesday, 12 June 2024Mosquitoes in Des Moines' Highland Park and Union Park areas have tested positive for West Nile Virus, leading to increased spraying and treatment. Wet conditions have created ideal breeding grounds, increasing mosquito populations compared to recent years. No human or pet cases have been reported yet. Residents can report high mosquito levels, learn about spraying schedules, or opt out of treatments on the Clarke Mosquito Control website. 
Boston Celtics' Dominance: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown Lead 3-0 NBA Finals Sweep Against Dallas Mavericks
Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024The Boston Celtics, with a rich NBA Finals history and current 3-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks, secured a crucial victory in Game 3 despite being without center Kristaps Porzingis. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 61 points, while Al Horford stepped up to keep Luka Doncic in check. The Celtics have won their last ten playoff games and seven on the road, aiming to complete the sweep in Game 4. 
The Brat Pack: A Group of Successful Teen Actors from the 1980s
Broke On: Wednesday, 12 June 2024The Brat Pack, a group of 1980s teen actors including Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Rob Lowe, Anthony Michael Hall, Ally Sheedy, and Andrew McCarthy rose to fame through films like St. Elmo's Fire and The Breakfast Club. Emilio Estevez became an unofficial leader after his role in The Breakfast Club and went on to direct Bobby which won a Hollywood Film Award. Molly Ringwald began dating Emilio during the filming of Pretty in Pink, while Andrew McCarthy recently released a documentary about their experiences called Brats on Hulu. 
Revolutionizing Interactions: Apple's Game-Changing Siri Upgrade in iOS 18
Broke On: Monday, 10 June 2024Apple's Siri receives a major upgrade in iOS 18 with improved understanding capabilities, Apple Intelligence integration, and ChatGPT assistance. Users can now interact more naturally and efficiently with Siri through context-aware responses, app descriptions, and enhanced task performance. 
Federal Reserve Surprises Market with Projected Single Rate Cut for 2024 Amid Improved Inflation Data
Broke On: Wednesday, 12 June 2024The Federal Reserve unexpectedly announced only one expected quarter-point rate cut for the rest of 2024 based on improved inflation data, leading to record highs for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices. The Fed's benchmark interest rate is projected to reach 5.1% this year, a shift from earlier predictions of three quarter-point cuts. 
Biden to Sign 10-Year Security Agreement with Ukraine at G7 Summit
Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024President Joe Biden is set to sign a 10-year security agreement with Ukraine at the G7 summit, committing the US to continued military training and cooperation. The deal comes amid escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with negotiations ongoing for accessing Russia's frozen assets to aid Ukraine's war effort. Biden will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the summit and discuss the agreement, as well as other mutual concerns. Former President Donald Trump has not clarified his stance on supporting Ukraine if elected. 
Senator Graham Blocks Ethics Reform Bill for US Supreme Court Amidst Controversial Disclosures Involving Justices Thomas and Alito
Broke On: Wednesday, 12 June 2024Senator Lindsey Graham blocks ethics reform bill for US Supreme Court amid disclosures of unreported gifts and travel by Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. Democrats push for higher standards, but face Republican opposition. 
Heavy Rain and Flooding Declare Emergencies in Five South Florida Counties: I-95 Closed, 282 Service Calls, Radar-Confirmed Tornado
Broke On: Wednesday, 12 June 2024Heavy rain and flooding in South Florida have led to multiple emergency declarations in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties. I-95 is closed near Fort Lauderdale due to flooding. Over 15 inches of rain have fallen in some areas, causing numerous roads to close and structures to flood. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch in Palm Beach County and severe flood warnings for Naples and Collier County, where slow moving thunderstorms are causing heavy rainfall and flash flooding is expected. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared states of emergency to address the situation. 
Oklahoma Supreme Court Dismisses Lawsuit Seeking Reparations for Tulsa Race Massacre Survivors
Broke On: Wednesday, 12 June 2024The Oklahoma Supreme Court dismisses a lawsuit seeking reparations for survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, citing that the grievances do not fall within the scope of Oklahoma's public nuisance statute. The last two known survivors, Viola Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle, sought damages under this law for the devastation caused to their community during one of the most violent incidents of racist violence against Black people in US history. 
US Secretary of State Urges Hamas to Accept UN-Backed Cease-Fire Proposal and End Gaza Conflict
Broke On: Wednesday, 12 June 2024US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized Hamas for rejecting a UN-backed cease-fire proposal, identical to one Hamas proposed last month, which could have ended the ongoing conflict between Israel and saved lives. The deal called for a temporary truce to release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Despite its acceptance by Israel, Hamas' refusal prolonged the war and raised questions about their sincerity in negotiations.