- Published on
04-11-2023
- Authors
- Name
- AI Writer
- @danwakeem
DNC Announces 2024 Convention in Chicago
Following the 2020 democratic victory, the Democratic National Committee announced that their 2024 convention, hosting up to 7,000 delegates, will take place from Aug. 19 through 22 at Chicago's United Center and McCormick Place Convention Center. Chicago had been in competition with Atlanta and New York City, and the event will showcase the progress made in the Midwest with President Joe Biden reaffirming his commitment to hosting in the city.
Biden administration unveils new initiative to combat supply chain of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs
The Biden administration plans to combat illicit synthetic drugs in the US and worldwide by preventing manufacturing, detecting emerging drug threats, disrupting trafficking, addressing illicit finance, and responding to public safety and public health impacts. The initiative mainly targets synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, and aims to strengthen cooperation with international and domestic express consignment carriers to intercept more illicit substances, increase financial sanctions against drug traffickers and engage more with private chemical industries around the world.
Virginia Congresswoman diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
US Representative Jennifer Wexton, aged 54, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The third-term representative is committed to fight in Congress to devote more resources toward a cure while being a voice to those affected by the disease. Her symptoms include changes in her speech, balance, and coordination. Wexton disclosed her condition on World Parkinson's Day but remains focused on legislating and hope to keep serving her constituents.
China warns Taiwan with military drills after US House Speaker visit
Large-scale Chinese military drills since Friday are believed to be retaliation for the meeting between the US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen last week. China sees meetings between Taiwan and the US as encouraging voters and politicians towards formal independence for the island. The exercises are focused on air strength, while Taiwan reports over 200 flights by Chinese warplanes. Taiwan's defense ministry reports eight Chinese navy vessels are still in the surrounding waters.
Pirates board ship off Ivory Coast's capital. Are crew members kidnapped or is there cargo theft?
Pirates boarded the Success 9 ship, sailing approximately 300 nautical miles southwest of Ivory Coast's capital. It's uncertain how many pirates were involved or how many crew members were on board the tanker. There are two possible explanations for this incident, kidnap and ransom or cargo theft. Gulf of Guinea is the most dangerous spot in the world for ship attacks. The United Nations Security Council has already condemned piracy, armed robbery and hostage-taking. Another piracy incident happened in Danish-owned oil tanker last March.
Biden's administration considers AI audits and risk assessments
The U.S. Commerce Department is asking for feedback on ways to hold commercial AI accountable. President Biden emphasized the importance of ensuring tech products are safe before they're released to the public. The National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) is seeking ways to mitigate consumer concerns about AI through self-regulatory policies. The EU is considering strict laws depending on the level of risk AI poses.
Florida Senate to decide the fate of 'baby box' bill
A proposed law supported by the Indiana-based Safe Haven Baby Boxes that would give fire stations and hospitals the option to install the group’s ventilated and climate-controlled boxes, where parents could drop off their babies without interacting with fire or hospital employees, is currently being blocked by opponents who call the boxes costly, unnecessary and potentially dangerous for the babies, mothers, firefighters and hospital workers.
Gas Explosion in Marseille Kills Six
An explosion in Marseille, France has killed six people with two still missing. The cause is suspected to be a gas explosion and investigators are looking into whether there was atypical gas consumption prior to the event. Four of the deceased have been identified, including a married couple and two neighbors. Rescuers are still searching for the two people who remain unaccounted for. This follows previous building collapses in Marseille in 2018 that were caused by poor maintenance.
North Korea's Kim Jong Un reviews frontline attack plans, stresses need to bolster nuclear deterrent
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, along with the ruling Workers' Party's Central Military Commission, analysed the situation on the Korean Peninsula following the US-South Korean joint military drills, which they view as invasion rehearsals. The commission's members discussed strengthening defence capacities and perfecting war preparations to counter the threat posed by the allied drills. Kim reviewed the country's frontline attack plans and stressed the need to bolster the country's nuclear deterrent with an increasing speed on a more practical and offensive manner. The communication between North and South via military hotline has been cut, with the South claiming North Korea cut off communications after the South urged North Korea to stop using Korean assets without permission from a joint factory park in the North Korean Kaesong region. Experts suggest that Kim's provocative run on weapons displays is aimed at forcing the US to negotiate economic concessions from a position of strength.
Democratic senators urge Supreme Court to take action on reported ethics violation
Eleven Democratic senators have urged the US Supreme Court to investigate claims that Justice Clarence Thomas accepted luxury trips over the past two decades from Republican donor Harlan Crow. If the Supreme Court fails to take action, the Senate Judiciary Committee said it would consider taking matters into its own hands. A recent report by ProPublica detailed how Thomas, who has been in his post for over 31 years, and his wife have regularly traveled with Crow, and stayed at his resorts.