Pro-Putin media simulates nuclear strike on London
A simulated nuclear strike on London has been broadcast by a pro-Putin TV channel. The visuals of the simulation show how the blast would claim 850,000 lives and leave millions of casualties.
The four-minute video was shown on a propaganda channel in Russia as the U.K. debates whether or not to allow Ukraine’s military to use long-range missiles against Russia in its own territory.
The TV network is owned by Russian oligarch Konstantin Malofeev, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Known as the “Orthodox oligarch,” due to his ties with the Russian church, the Malofeev Network originally aired the video three months ago, but footage has been recycled to intensify psychological pressure on Britain.
The video’s narrator details a nuclear bomb striking the heart of London, and while it is just a digital simulation, it’s meant to be disturbing. It begins with an explosion over Westminster, followed by a massive fireball and mushroom cloud rising over the city.
Iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Shard and other cultural sites are shown to be obliterated by the blast. The video then concludes by highlighting the inadequacy of London’s hospitals to cope with such a disaster.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to assert its right to respond to Russian missile attacks on its territory. This all comes on the heels of another troubling development, Russia’s test of a “doomsday” nuclear missile.
However, the launch ended in total failure, with a massive explosion destroying much of the testing site in northern Russia.
Fresh images appear to show Russian ship with Iranian missiles in Caspian Sea
New satellite imagery revealed on Wednesday, Sept. 11, shows what appears to be the Russian cargo ship that brought ballistic missiles to Russia from Iran. The vessel known as the Olya-3, was spotted in the Caspian Sea off of the coast of southwest Russia. The pictures are reportedly seen as further evidence to back up claims from the United States and Europe that Russia is receiving missiles from Iran for its war in Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Tuesday, Sept. 10, that Moscow will use the weapons to strike Ukrainian forces, towns and civilian infrastructure in the coming weeks.
The images reportedly show Moscow’s first shipment of short-range ballistic missiles on Sept. 4. Olya-3 frequently transports cargo in the Caspian Sea between Russia and Iran, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. The department announced sanctions on the vessel as part of a larger effort to crackdown on Tehran for its weapons transfers to Moscow.
It’s unclear how many missiles Moscow received but the U.S. Treasury Department said Russia and Iran signed an agreement late last year for the supply of hundreds of missiles. However, Iran and Russia both deny the transfer of missiles.
Meanwhile, Britain, France and German called the delivery an “escalation by both Iran and Russia” and a “direct threat to European security.”
Iran previously supplied Russia with attack drones and North Korea gave Moscow ballistic missiles and artillery.
There are reports that Russia’s purchase of Iranian ballistic missiles will be the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back, and Washington, D.C., may finally lift its restrictions on Ukraine using U.S-supplied weapons to strike Russian targets deep behind the front lines.
President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer are supposed to discuss the topic on Friday, Sept 13.
US says Iran is giving ballistic missiles to Russia to attack Ukraine
The United States and Britain accused Iran of supplying Russia with short-range ballistic missiles on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and warned that Moscow plans to use the weapons soon. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the comments alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a joint press conference.
“Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukrainians,” Blinken said.
“This development, and the growing cooperation between Russia and Iran, threatens European security and demonstrates how Iran’s destabilizing influence reaches far beyond the Middle East,” Blinken said.
Meanwhile, Iran has denied the accusations and said it has not supplied Russia with ballistic missiles.
According to Blinken, an announcement on sanctions against Iran would come later Tuesday.
The U.S. secretary of state’s comments come before a trip on Wednesday, Sept. 11, to Ukraine with Lammy. The pair will reportedly meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to talk about bulking up Kyiv’s defenses.
“I think it’s a critical moment for Ukraine,” Blinken said. “In the midst of what is an intense fall fighting season with Russia continuing to escalate its aggression. Its aggression against civilians, against critical infrastructure, and of course, against Ukrainian forces. We see it ramping up its attacks on cities, on people, in particular, targeting the energy infrastructure, electricity, in advance of the coldest months. Putin’s winter playbook of weaponizing energy and electricity.”
Zelenskyy’s chief of staff responded to Blinken’s statements, arguing that imposing sanctions on Iran is not enough. He urged Western allies to allow Kyiv to launch deep strikes into Russia using Western weapons.
However, it did not stop Kyiv from using its own weapons on Tuesday as it launched its biggest drone attack on Russian soil since the start of the war, striking multiple regions, including Moscow.
All of this is happening while Ukraine’s offensive in Kursk continues. Russia is still struggling to mount a defense against the invasion into its territory, the first since World War II.
Hurricane Ernesto strengthens to Category 2 storm as it approaches Bermuda
Hurricane Ernesto intensified into a Category 2 storm and could strengthen even more on its way to Bermuda. And following the assassination attempt, the Secret Service plans to add additional security measures for former President Donald Trump’s outdoor rallies — including bulletproof glass. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Aug. 16, 2024.
Hurricane Ernesto strengthens to Category 2 storm as it approaches Bermuda
Hurricane Ernesto has upgraded into a Category 2 storm with sustained winds now over 100 miles per hour as it remains on track to cut through Bermuda. However, it’s still has hundreds of miles to travel before then, so it could strengthen to a Category 3 before making landfall.
The storm is expected to dump up to 10 inches of rain Puerto Rico also saw from the same storm system previously. Crews are still working to restore power to hundreds of thousands of people there.
This is likely to become the second major hurricane of the Atlantic season — much earlier than usual. Typically, the second major hurricane doesn’t happen until around mid-September.
Harris, Trump focus on economy on the campaign trail
The economy is taking center focus on the campaign trail this week for both presidential candidates. Vice President Kamala Harris will be in battleground state of North Carolina on Friday, Aug. 16, to give her first major economic policy speech since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee.
The plan is said to revolve around lowering prices and ending price gouging.
Harris’ speech Friday comes after an appearance with President Joe Biden in Maryland on Thursday, Aug. 15. This was their first joint appearance since Biden dropped out of the 2024 race, he and his vice president discussed their administration’s efforts lowering the cost of prescription drugs.
“Few leaders in our nation have done more on so many issues, including to expand access to affordable health care like than Joe Biden,” Harris said.
https://twitter.com/VP/status/1824105013787967703
On the other side, former President Donald Trump held a press conference at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey Thursday. On display in the background were stacks of groceries with signs showing how much prices of household items and food have risen from inflation over the past few years.
“Harris has just declared that tackling inflation will be a day one priority, for her, it’s going to be day one,” the former president said. “But day one really for Kamala was three and a half years ago. Where has she been and why hasn’t she done it? Why hasn’t she done it?”
Looking ahead to this weekend, both Trump and Harris will be hitting more battleground territory, as they are both slated to make appearances in Pennsylvania for campaign events. Trump will hold a rally in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday, Aug. 17, and Harris will be launching a bus tour in Pittsburgh.
Secret Service to shield Trump with bulletproof glass at outdoor rallies
The Secret Service has found a way to let former President Trump go back to holding outdoor campaign events. They’ll be putting up a bulletproof glass barrier between him and the crowd.
The Secret Service already does that for sitting presidents and vice presidents, but since Trump is no longer in office it hasn’t been available to him. Law enforcement officials told news outlets not every outdoor event will require the bulletproof glass, but it’ll be used when there are issues at specific sites or a need for added security.
AP Images
This is just one of the security measures previously only available to active office holders that’s being added to Trump’s protection after a failed assassination attempt. Others include increased staffing, technology and threat analysis.
Israel-Hamas War cease-fire talks stretch into second day
Meanwhile, the British and French foreign ministers are making a joint trip to Israel in hopes of stopping the war from turning into a larger regional conflict.
The renewed push to end the war comes as the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said Thursday, Aug. 15, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 40,000 and fears remain high that Iran and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon will soon attack Israel in retaliation for the killings of top leaders.
Taylor Swift returns to the stage after canceled Vienna shows
After having to cancel three concerts on the Vienna, Austria part of her Eras tour over a foiled terror plot, Taylor Swift returned to the stage in London Thursday, Aug. 15 night. The show was held at Wembley Stadium with heightened security measures in place, though Wembley already has some strict measures to begin with.
Two suspects were arrested by authorities in connection with the Vienna plot, allegedly inspired by ISIS to carry out an attack outside the concert. Officials there said a major catastrophe was averted by law enforcement’s work.
Time magazine names 15-year-old scientist its 2024 Kid of the Year
Time magazine is honoring a scientist who created a bar of soap that has the potential to transform skin cancer treatment while still finding time to be part of his school’s marching band. Fifteen-year-old scientist Heman Bekele from Fairfax, Virginia has been named Time’s 2024 Kid of the Year.
Time put Bekele on its cover to recognize him for “developing an affordable compound-based bar of soap that could in the future be a new and more accessible way to deliver medication to treat skin cancers, including melanoma.”
The teen was already named America’s Top Young Scientist by 3M and Discovery Education last year for his invention.
Bekele told Time Magazine he is passionate about skin cancer research and finds it incredible that one day his bar of soap will be able to make a direct impact on somebody else’s life.
“I personally hope one day that skin cancer treating soap can turn into a more not for profit organization where we really can distribute it to people that need it the most,” Bekele said.
US preps for potential Iranian-backed attack on Israel as early as this week
UK vows social media law review in wake of riots spurred by disinformation
The United Kingdom’s government promised further review of regulations on social media companies after widespread riots spurred by online misinformation. False information shared on social media about a July stabbing attack sparked the riots.
On Friday, Aug. 9, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that the riots show the new regulations set to take effect next year under a social media safety law are not strong enough and need to be revisited. Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to Khan by vowing that the government would take a broader look at social media following the riots.
The law passed in October, allows the government to fine social media companies up to 10% of global revenue for failing to take down posts promoting violence of hate speech. Managers of social media platforms may also be held criminally liable and social media sites may have access limited in the most severe cases. In the wake of the riots, proposed changes include sanctioning social media platforms if they allow “legal but harmful” content such as false information to grow.
Riots ensued across the U.K. after online posts shared false details about the suspected killer of three young girls in a knife attack. As rioters clashed with police, Elon Musk, the owner of the platform X, shared a number of misleading posts, including one suggesting civil war was “inevitable” in the U.K. and a fake Daily Telegraph headline suggesting rioters would be sent to detention camps. Musk received backlash from British officials for the posts.
Action is already being taken against some online provocateurs. One man in the U.K. is now serving a 20-month sentence for Facebook posts that urged rioters to attack a hotel housing asylum-seekers and refugees. Another man is serving more than three years in jail for encouraging people online to light hotels housing immigrants on fire.
A recent poll among residents in the United Kingdom showed that around 70% of people believe that social media companies did a poor job of tackling misinformation during the disorder.
Meanwhile, as relative calm has returned to Britain, King Charles expressed gratitude to the police for restoring order after speaking with Starmer on the telephone last week. King Charles also said he was encouraged by the response by the community in restoring peace in the wake of the damage done to their neighborhoods.
UK mobilizes thousands of specialized officers in preparation for more riots
British police are preparing for the possibility of more violence as far-right protesters reportedly plan to target dozens of locations across the United Kingdom. Authorities announced the mobilization of around 6,000 specially trained officers on Wednesday, Aug. 7, in response to the ongoing threats.
Riots have impacted cities and towns across the U.K. as anti-Muslim extremists have clashed with police and counterprotesters. The riots began after misinformation spread about the identity of a stabbing suspect charged with killing three young girls and injuring 10 other people.
The teen suspect, who was born and raised in Great Britain, was falsely reported to be a Muslim immigrant.
Online posts by far-right activists reportedly vowed immigration centers and law firms that help migrants would be targeted on Wednesday. The threats forced many businesses to close up shop for the day and board up buildings. One expert noted the threat to businesses is not only physical.
“So, the greatest risks that we’re seeing to businesses across the U.K., obviously, harm to individuals, the loss of life or serious bodily harm,” Noah Price, the director of G4S Academy International, said. “But I think businesses also need to be concerned about loss of business. Their businesses being closed down as a result of these protests.”
Rioters with anti-immigrant signs have attacked mosques and hotels that are housing migrants, with some violent counter attacks reported.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a second consecutive emergency meeting on Tuesday to coordinate the response to the crisis.
The government announced measures to protect mosques, and London’s mayor said that the police, city hall and community leaders are working to protect targeted buildings.
Meanwhile, London Police Chief Mark Rowley said officers were in key strategic locations to respond to any violence and vowed protection for businesses and people.
Courts have been open 24 hours in an effort to handle the ongoing riots. So far, more than 400 people have been arrested. This is the worst civil unrest in the U.K. in over a decade. Nearly 150 people have been charged with crimes related to the riots.
The government has pledged to prosecute and jail those responsible for the riots, and prosecutions are already underway for some riots. In one case, a man was sentenced to three years in prison after admitting to punching a police officer in the face during a riot in Southport on July 30.
Acting Secret Service director to testify on Trump assassination attempt
The new acting director of the Secret Service is set to answer questions from lawmakers about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. And McDonald’s reports its first sales decline in more than three years. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
Secret Service acting director to testify on Trump assassination attempt
The new head of the Secret Service, Ronald Rowe, will be on Capitol Hill Tuesday, July 30, testifying over the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, as security questions remain to be answered. It comes one week after the former Director Kimberly Cheatle’s testimony that led her to step down from the position.
According to excerpts of Rowe’s testimony reviewed by news outlets in advance, the new acting director is expected to tell lawmakers what he saw in Butler, Pennsylvania made him “ashamed” and that he “cannot defend why the roof where the gunman opened fire was not secured.”
Tuesday’s hearing comes as newly released police text messages show that officers were aware of the gunman, Thomas Crooks, at least 105 minutes before he opened fire. That’s more than half an hour earlier than previously known.
The local SWAT team also said they never spoke to Secret Service until after the assassination attempt.
Trump will sit down with the FBI on Thursday, Aug. 1, for a victim interview where he will describe what he experienced.
It’s been 17 days since the Republican presidential nominee nearly lost his life at that rally. While Congress will look to learn about security lapses in Tuesday’s testimony, there are long-term efforts to obtain answers, as well, including the newly launched House panel which will also have subpoena power.
Arizona voters head to the polls Tuesday; Tennessee holds primary on Thursday
There are still some high-profile primary races taking place in several states. Voters in Arizona will head to the polls on Tuesday, July 30, and Tennessee will hold its primary on Thursday, Aug. 1.
Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who switched from being a Democrat to an independent earlier in 2024, is not running for re-election, so there are new candidates for that highly sought after open seat.
The top Democratic candidate is Rep. Ruben Gallego. That means his House seat is up for grabs, along with several other House seats.
On the Republican side of the Senate race, it’s former TV anchor Kari Lake leading over her opponent.
In Tennessee, controversial Republican Rep. Andy Ogles facing a challenge and potentially close race when voters head to the polls Thursday. Ogles secured a major endorsement from former President Trump ahead of the primary.
Biden proposes Supreme Court changes, end to presidential immunity
The ethics code proposal comes after a review of the justices’ undisclosed personal and business dealings, namely those of conservatives Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. It also comes in the wake of some controversial rulings, like the 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade and the ruling on presidential immunity.
President Biden is also suggesting a constitutional amendment to change that.
Biden gave his case for reform in a speech at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library in Austin, Texas on Monday, July 29.
“The Supreme Court established in Trump v. The United States a dangerous precedent,” Biden said. “They ruled, as you know, as the president of the United States has immunity from — for potential crimes he may have committed while in office. Immunity. This nation was founded on the principle there are no kings in America. Each of us is equal before the law. No one is above the law. And for all practical purposes, the court’s decision almost certainly means that a president can violate their oath, flout our laws and face no consequences.”
He added, “This decision is a total affront to the basic expectations we have for those who wield the power of this nation. That they are expected to be wholly accountable under the law.”
The amendment would face a difficult path to become a reality. It would first have to be passed by two-thirds of the House and Senate — which is unlikely, given the Republican majority — then ratified by three-quarters of U.S. states.
Park Fire now 6th largest in California’s history
California’s Park Fire has grown into the sixth largest wildfire in the state’s history. According to Cal Fire, it has now scorched more than 370,000 acres across four counties and is still only 12% contained.
It’s forced thousands to abandon their homes and contributed to poor air quality from coast to coast.
Authorities said the fire started when a man pushed a burning car into a dry ravine. He was officially indicted on arson charges Monday, July 29.
McDonald’s reports first sales slump since 2020
McDonald’s is reconsidering its pricing strategy after the fast-food giant reported its first sales slump since 2020 in the second quarter. Experts said budget-conscious Americans are eating at home more often due to higher prices at fast food chains.
This summer, McDonald’s released a $5 meal promotion to drive more foot traffic, though competitors have also launched similar deals.
The McDonald’s CEO said customers can expect more discounts in an effort to bring more people in and stop the sales decline.
Dragonflies swarm Rhode Island beach like “black cloud”
A swarm of dragonflies overtook a Rhode Island beach on Saturday, July 27, with video being posted online. Local media said the beachgoers reported the insects descending all of a sudden like a “black cloud,” forcing some to pack up and leave.
Experts said this is normal, as dragonflies are starting their annual migration south.
U.S. men’s gymnastics wins first Olympic team medal in 16 years
Olympic officials postponed Tuesday, July 30, morning’s men’s triathlon race after they said the Seine River remains contaminated. They said levels of E. coli are too high for the swimming portion of the competition. The event is now tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, July 31.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the big story for Team USA was not about gold medals, but bronze. The U.S. men’s gymnastics team earned the first Olympic team medal in the sport for America in 16 years.
Team USA’s Asher Hong, Paul Juda, Brody Malone, Stephen Nedoroscik and Frederick Richard topped Great Britain for the third spot on the podium. Japan took the gold and China won silver.
The last time the U.S. men’s gymnastics team won a team medal was at the 2008 Beijing games.
Britain to resume funding for UNRWA in Gaza despite Israel’s claims
When the U.K. Labour Party’s won the country’s snap elections on Thursday, July 4, the country was bound to see policy changes. On Friday, July 19, the new government announced the first major change: a shift in its approach to the war in Gaza.
Now, the U.K. will once again fund the United Nations’ Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA. The reversal came after Britain joined several other countries, including the U.S., in January to stop funding after Israel claimed that some agency workers were involved in Hamas’ initial terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023.
New British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the UNRWA the “backbone” for aid in Gaza. He said the agency reassured him that it took steps to improve vetting with “the highest standards of neutrality.”
Lammy said the British government would provide 21 million pounds ($27 million) to the agency for food, shelter and other aid to the millions of Palestinians.
A review earlier this year led by a former French foreign minister found Israel did not have evidence to back its claims. Other countries. including Australia, Germany, Italy and Japan, also resumed their funding.
Climate activists target Taylor Swift’s private jets, Stonehenge
Climate activists with the group “Just Stop Oil” targeted the private jets of Taylor Swift and Stonehenge in back-to-back days. The activist focused their attention at a British airport Thursday, June 20, spraying Swift’s jets with orange paint as the pop superstar is set to perform in London. Swift has been criticized in the past for her use of private jets.
The two activists were arrested, just a day after a similar protest by the group at Britain’s iconic landmark Stonehenge, where visitors to the site jumped in to try to stop them.
The protesters in both instances are calling on the British government to take action on climate change. Just Stop Oil, the group claiming responsibility, demanded Britain’s next government phase out fossil fuels by 2030.
The group said the paint used was made of an “orange cornflour” and washes away in the rain.
English Heritage, the charity that manages Stonehenge, told The BBC Thursday morning the paint has been cleaned off and there appears to be no lasting damage.
The protest came as thousands were expected to visit the site to witness the sunrise on the first day of summer.
Passengers arrive after turbulent Singapore Airlines flight from London
Most passengers from a Singapore Airlines flight that encountered severe turbulence on Tuesday, May 21, have finally reached their destination. The flight, traveling from London to Singapore, resulted in the death of a 73-year-old British passenger from a suspected heart attack. Dozens more were injured.
The airline said 143 passengers arrived in the city state shortly after 5 a.m. local time.
The Boeing 777, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok after a sudden descent of 6,000 feet, likely caused by clear air turbulence.
The airline’s CEO, Goh Choon Phong, stated that 79 passengers and six crew members — including 71 who were hospitalized — stayed behind in Bangkok as of Wednesday, May 22.
“We are very sorry for the traumatic experience that everyone on board SQ321 went through,” Goh said in a social media video. He added that the airline is providing all necessary support and will fully cooperate with investigations.
“I saw people from across the aisle just going completely horizontal, hitting the ceiling and landing back down in really awkward positions,” Dzafran Azmir, a passenger on Flight SQ321, said. “People, like, getting massive gashes in the head, concussions.”
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board along with Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau are investigating the turbulence.
