The U.S. turns to its allies amid ongoing threats from North Korea. Plus, more on the U.S. soldier who fled across its border. And where you’ll find the cheapest Domino’s pizza in the world. These stories and more highlight the rundown for July 20, 2023.
North Korea silent on American soldier as U.S., Japan, South Korea meet
Senior officials from the U.S., Japan and South Korea met to discuss ongoing threats from North Korea. The meeting came just two days after an American soldier made an unauthorized crossing into the North. Private Travis King has not been seen since.
As of this morning, the U.S. still hasn’t heard back from North Korea regarding his whereabouts and well-being. U.S. officials said they are working on gathering more information, something King’s family hopes will lead to his return home.
While the U.S. special representative for North Korea briefly commented on the King situation, the meeting also focused on recent missile launches from the North. The country launched two ballistic missiles July 19, just days after firing a solid-fuel ICBM last week.
King’s unauthorized crossing came the same day a U.S. nuclear submarine made a port call in South Korea for the first time in decades.
Gunman kills two people in New Zealand hours before women’s World Cup opens
Just hours before the opening of the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, a gunman shot and killed two people after storming a high-rise construction site downtown. The shooter had barricaded himself inside an elevator and opened fire, shooting and injuring several others including one of the responding officers before being shot and killed by police.
The World Cup’s opening ceremony and first game went ahead as scheduled after the shooting was found to be an isolated and unrelated event.
IRS whistleblowers testify over Hunter Biden alleged tax crimes
Two IRS agents have now testified that President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, received preferential treatment in the agency’s investigation into his alleged tax crimes.
On July 19, a House committee interviewed two IRS whistleblowers who say there was enough evidence to press Hunter Biden with felony tax evasion charges. Instead, he was charged with two misdemeanors. IRS special agent Joseph Ziegler alleges Hunter Biden wrote off personal expenses as business payments. He said he felt “hand-cuffed” during the probe and claims he was blocked from pursuing leads that he thought might implicate President Biden.
“The White House and Democrats would have Americans believe that our investigation is based on five years of conspiracy theories. But we have facts, and new evidence continues to be uncovered by our committee revealing the first family’s corruption,” said Rep. James Comer (R-KY). “The Bidens have put themselves first and Americans last. We will continue to follow the money trail and provide the answers, transparency, and accountability that Americans demand and deserve.”
The hearing was nearly six hours. Afterwards, there was no movement in either party’s political stance on Hunter Biden’s alleged tax crimes. Republicans stood firm that there is a double standard and “two-tiered justice system.” While Democrats said there is no evidence of official favoritism.
Hunter Biden is expected to plead guilty next week.
Tornado severely damages Pfizer plant
A tornado touched down in North Carolina on July 19, severely damaging a Pfizer plant.
The tornado ripped off parts of the roof, exposing the building to the elements. There were reports of 50,000 pallets of medicine being strewn across the facility.
According to the company, the plant produces anesthesia and other drugs, as well as roughly 25% of all sterile injectable medications used in U.S. hospitals. Erin Fox, senior pharmacy director at University of Utah Health, believes the damage could lead to long-term shortages while Pfizer works to either move production to other sites or rebuilds.
The company confirmed that all employees were safely evacuated and there were no reports of serious injuries. The National Weather Service says the damage was consistent with an EF3 tornado with wind speeds up to 150 miles per hour.
Delta passengers overheat on delayed plane in Vegas
On July 17, a Delta plane full of passengers sat on the tarmac for hours in Las Vegas due to a delayed take-off. Temperatures outside were as high as 111 degrees.
The extreme heat was felt by passengers. At least one person was taken to the hospital for a heat-related illness. Some Delta customers on board say at least four people needed oxygen.
The Delta flight was eventually canceled and customers were compensated according to the airline. Extreme heat has blanketed large portions of the South and West for weeks.
Domino’s fights inflation with 60 cent pizza
The world’s cheapest pizza is in India. For 60 cents you can get a Domino’s seven-inch, cheese pizza. Compare that to the cheapest pizza in San Francisco, which costs $12.
India is the number one market for Domino’s outside of the U.S.
