5 things to know for July 19: Republican convention, Cyber outages, Ukraine aid, Olympics security, Climate protests


Published: 2 months ago

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CNN’s 5 Things brings you the news you need to know every morning.

Over the years, many coffee chains have evolved their sit-down service to focus more on speed. Remember the nostalgic days at Starbucks, where baristas would handwrite names on drink cups while smooth jazz filled the air? Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day:

1. Republican Convention: Former President Donald Trump accepted his third GOP nomination for president at the Republican National Convention on Thursday night. This marked his first public speech since last week’s assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. During his lengthy address, Trump called for unity and detailed key campaign promises regarding the economy and border security, while also reiterating numerous false election claims. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, currently isolated in Delaware after testing positive for Covid-19, is facing increasing pressure within the Democratic Party. Senior officials believe he should consider stepping aside from the race for a second term.

2. Cyber Outages: A global computer outage has grounded flights worldwide, affecting major U.S. airlines including Delta, United, and American Airlines, leading to widespread delays and cancellations. Experts indicate that a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike is partly to blame, though the firm insists it was “not a security incident or cyberattack,” and a fix has been issued. Additional disruptions have also hit banks and telecoms in Australia and New Zealand, and hospitals in Israel are grappling with a reported computer "malfunction."

3. Ukraine Aid: Germany has announced plans to significantly reduce its military aid to Ukraine next year despite worries over potential diminished U.S. support under a Republican presidency led by Trump. Germany's military supplies have already been taxed by years of underinvestment and arms donations to Ukraine. Officials are optimistic that Ukraine will manage its military needs through $50 billion in loans from frozen Russian assets approved by the Group of Seven. However, Trump's potential vice presidential pick, Sen. JD Vance, has raised concerns among Europeans due to his opposition to military assistance for Ukraine.

4. Olympics Security: As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, intense preparations are underway. Officials are step up security measures in the capital as the Olympic Village begins to welcome its first athletes. An attack on a police officer in central Paris has raised alarms just a week before the event, with millions of tourists expected. This incident follows another violent attack on a soldier earlier in the week. In anticipation of the Games, security enhancements will continue as France braces for approximately 15 million visitors.

5. Climate Protests: Five activists from the Just Stop Oil movement received prison sentences for obstructing a major London highway in 2022. This climate justice group is advocating for the UK government to establish an international treaty to end fossil fuel extraction by 2030. Their protests have included defacing cultural sites and disrupting sporting events. The sentences have sparked backlash from environmental organizations, with the group condemning the ruling as a “perversion of justice.”

BREAKFAST BROWSE
- A Dangerous Hobby: A couple who climbs the world’s tallest buildings together shares their risky escapades.
- Auction Record: A Stegosaurus skeleton has shattered auction records, selling for over $44 million.
- Parenting Jokes: Research suggests that stereotypically corny jokes by parents can foster happier, more connected children.
- Convenience Store Craze: South Korea's convenience stores have become a global sensation, drawing influencers and tourists alike.
- Acropolis Closure: Greece has temporarily closed its iconic Acropolis due to extreme heat impacting tourists and locals.

QUIZ TIME
Which virus did President Joe Biden test positive for this week?
A. Covid-19
B. Influenza
C. Pneumonia
D. RSV
[Take me to the quiz!] Last week, 58% of participants correctly answered eight or more questions.

IN MEMORIAM
Bob Newhart, the legendary comedian known for his unique style and deadpan humor, has passed away at 94. He achieved fame through notable television shows like “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Newhart.” Lou Dobbs, a veteran news anchor and staunch conservative commentator, died on Thursday at 78 after a long career at CNN, where he notably supported Donald Trump and propagated misinformation.

TODAY’S NUMBER
3.2 million: The number of Bissell steam cleaners recalled due to burn hazards associated with the handheld device, which has reportedly caused over 150 injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

TODAY’S QUOTE
“A complete history of America must include everyone’s story.” — Chuck Sams, director of the National Park Service, after designating Blackwell School in Marfa, Texas, as a new site in the U.S. National Park system. This building served as the only public educational institution for Marfa’s Mexican and Mexican-American students from 1909 to 1965.

TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here>>>

AND FINALLY...
‘Twisters’ Hits Theaters: Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones star in “Twisters,” a sequel to the iconic 1996 film about tornado chasers. Discover more about this exciting new release hitting theaters this weekend.


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