The Daily Factum
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Breaking News
Record Number of Home Sales Canceled in June: A Significant Decline and New Record Highs for Prices
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024Home sales declined significantly in June with record cancellations and a decrease in existing home sales to an annual rate of 3.89 million units, the slowest pace since December (CNBC, Bloomberg). Despite this, median home prices reached new record highs of $426,900 due to affordability pressures and low inventory levels (Fox Business). The market remains challenging for buyers but shows signs of shifting towards more balanced conditions with increasing inventory and declining sales. 
Sailors James Brett Clibbery and Sarah Justine Packwood Found Dead on Sable Island: Couple's Unexplained Passing During Atlantic Tour
Broke On: Wednesday, 10 July 2024Two sailors, James Brett Clibbery (70) and Sarah Justine Packwood (54), were discovered dead on Sable Island, Nova Scotia on July 10, 2024. Their bodies were found in a boat that had washed ashore from their yacht, Theros. The couple had set sail from Halifax Harbor for a transatlantic voyage and documented their travels extensively on YouTube. The investigation into their cause of death is ongoing with no signs of foul play. 
Polio Traces in Gaza Sewage: WHO Warns of Potential Outbreak Amidst Israel-Hamas Conflict
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024The World Health Organization (WHO) has detected poliovirus traces in Gaza Strip sewage samples amidst ongoing conflict, raising concerns about a potential outbreak. Polio, a highly infectious disease that primarily affects young children and can lead to paralysis or death, is primarily spread through contaminated water or poor sanitation. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have begun vaccinating soldiers against polio but the risk of further spread remains high due to disrupted immunization programs in Gaza and limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. 
Shocking Discovery: Thirteen Sharks Off Brazil's Coast Test Positive for High Levels of Cocaine
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024Thirteen sharpnose sharks off the coast of Brazil were found to contain high levels of cocaine, up to 100 times higher than previously reported for other marine animals. The origins are under investigation, with theories suggesting illegal drug labs or drug user excrement as possible sources. This discovery raises concerns about the impact on marine ecosystems and potential effects on shark behavior and eyesight. 
Illegal Fireworks Spark $11 Million Hawarden Fire in Riverside, California: Six Homes Destroyed
Broke On: Sunday, 21 July 2024Illegal fireworks spark Hawarden Fire in Riverside, California on July 21, 2024, destroying at least six homes and causing over $11 million in damages. Residents evacuated as authorities search for those responsible. 
Army Reservist's Mental Health Lapses and Communication Breakdowns Lead to Tragic Mass Shooting in Lewiston, Maine: A Call for Improved Mental Health Care and Communication in the Military
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024In October 2023, a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine left 18 dead and 13 injured. The shooter, Robert Card, an Army reservist with mental health concerns, had been discharged from a hospital without proper follow-up care or notification to his command. Communication breakdowns between the military and civilian hospital led to inadequate support for Card. Three officers were disciplined for dereliction of duty. The incident emphasizes the importance of proper mental health care and communication for military personnel. 
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's Controversial US Visit Amid Criticism and Protests
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism and protests during his visit to the US in July 2024, as tensions between Israel and the US remain high following Israel's war with Hamas. Netanyahu is expected to meet with President Joe Biden but will not address Congress due to a scheduling conflict. A group of senior Israeli figures have accused Netanyahu of threatening national security, adding to concerns about his motivations for the visit. 
Ohio Democratic Party and Top Congressional Leaders Endorse Kamala Harris for President: A Unified Democratic Front Emerges
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024The Ohio Democratic Party and top Congressional leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination. With over 140 senators and representatives supporting her, Harris secured the nomination following a wave of endorsements from state delegations. Amidst attempts by former President Trump to overturn election results and pressure election officials, the Republican Party held their convention in support of Trump's divisive rhetoric. The Democratic Party unites around Harris as their nominee for November's presidential election. 
Secret Service Under Scrutiny After Former President Trump's Near-Fatal Assassination Attempt at Rally
Broke On: Saturday, 13 July 2024On July 13, 2024, former President Donald J. Trump survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Secret Service Director Kimberly A. Cheatle testified for hours before the House oversight committee about the agency's handling of the incident. 
Space Travel and Human Health: Unraveling the Effects of Microgravity and Radiation on the Cornea and Immune System
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 July 2024Space travel brings about significant physical and mental changes, including corneal damage and immune system effects. Astronauts face health risks such as bone loss, vision impairment, and immunity weakening due to microgravity and radiation exposure. Understanding these risks is crucial for optimizing human health during space missions.