Trump ponders over Israel-Iran conflict; Karen Read acquitted of murder charge - Daily Briefing
Here's the Day's News in a Saucy Style:
Shockwave in the Middle East: Iranian Missile Slams Israeli Hospital
Just a scant 3 minutes and 23 seconds into the day, an Iranian ballistic missile ignited chaos in southern Israel. The Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, an old surgical building, took the brunt of the impact, sustaining extensive damage. Fortunately, the casualties are reported to be mild, with several patients treated for their injuries. Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lambasted the attack, with Herzog stating that the hospital caters to people of all faiths, including Israelis and Palestiniines alike. Israel countered with attacks on Iran's Arak nuclear reactor and a nuclear weapons development site in Natanz. However, the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog revealed that the reactor was under construction and not operational, and contained no nuclear material. No radiological effects were reported.[Trump on the fence about a potential airstrike on Iran. National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard has been sidelined during discussions about Iran. Trump and Netanyahu suggest Iran is close to creating a nuclear weapon, but the U.S. assessment on Iran's nuclear program hasn't changed in months.]
Karen Read Walks Free Amidst Controversy
The retrial of Karen Read, formerly charged with murdering her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, has come to an end in a rather dramatic fashion. The jury has acquitted Read of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of a collision that caused O'Keefe’s death. However, she was convicted of operating under the influence of liquor and sentenced to one year of probation. Read's Supporters erupted in cheers following the verdict, with Read herself thanking those who provided her emotional and financial support. Family and friends of O'Keefe issued a statement, disagreeing with the jury's decision, claiming it to be a "devastating miscarriage of justice" and accusing Read's team of pushing "lies and conspiracy theories." [Michael Proctor, the former Massachusetts state trooper who was fired over his conduct in the case, has denied any involvement in framing her.]
Raw Milk Advocates Demand Action from RFK, Jr.
Raw milk enthusiasts are raising eyebrows, questioning the whereabouts of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the newly-appointed Health and Human Services Secretary, who voiced his support for raw milk consumption during the election campaign. Mark McAfee, a leading raw milk producer in the country, received a text message from Kennedy shortly after his confirmation but has not heard from him since February. McAfee expected Kennedy's department to support raw milk farmers, expand access to consumers, and reverse the federal government’s stance that raw milk is too risky to consume. However, a recent report on children’s health, titled "The MAHA Report," stressed the importance of whole milk and other unprocessed foods but made no mention of raw milk. Raw milk advocates are frustrated with Kennedy's lack of action and allege the risks of consuming it have been overstated and the health and nutritional benefits undersold.[Some Senate Democrats who voted to confirm Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Homeland Security Department, are critical of her actions, with some regretting their votes. Trump plans to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, but his new criteria are expected to significantly expand the pool of undocumented immigrants. The upcoming mayoral primary in New York allows for ranked choice voting.]
Miscellany
Hurricane Erick is poised to make landfall as a Category 4 storm near southern Mexico’s Pacific coast. The Buss family, who own the Los Angeles Lakers, announced that they are selling a majority stake in the iconic NBA franchise at a valuation of $10 billion. A cardiac arrest was reported at the home of celebrity chef Anne Burrell, who died this week. The FDA approved a new HIV-prevention medication that eliminated the virus' spread among people given an injection every six months. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders secured a 400% raise after a Netflix docuseries questioned their pay. [New York City reports fleas in pets and homes. NBC Select recommends phone cases and shares a step-by-step guide to get rid of fleas on pets and in homes.]
Thunder Fans: A Fanatic following Unparalleled
It's not the championship that makes the Oklahoma City Thunder unique; it's their unwavering bond with their city. From window paintings emblazoned in the team's orange and blue colors to passionate fanbase cheering late-night arrivals at the airport, the Thunder's devotion to their city is a testament to one of the most extraordinary sports fan followings. The Thunder even requires all new players and staff to take a city history lesson, emphasizing the city's aspirations for a championship, yet promising to stand by the team through thick and thin.[For more news, sign up here and start your day with the Morning Rundown newsletter.]
In the realm of entertaining sports discussion, the bond between the Oklahoma City Thunder and their city stands out as a testament to an unparalleled fanatic following, transcending the pursuit of championships. (entertainment, sports)
Amidst controversy, Karen Read, once charged with murder, has been acquitted of second-degree murder and other charges related to a fatal accident, resulting in a sentence of probation. Yet, family and friends of the victim see it as a miscarriage of justice. (politics, general-news, crime-and-justice)
