Summary‍

Kamala Harris launched her campaign in Wisconsin, securing a slight lead over Trump with 100 days until the election. Senator Robert Menendez will resign on August 20th after being found guilty of bribery and corruption. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's U.S. visit was overshadowed by Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race and was met with protests. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned following criticism over the agency's failure to prevent an assassination attempt on Trump. Bangladeshi student activists alleged police abduction and torture. Yellowstone National Park experienced a surprise eruption, causing minor damage but no injuries. Brazil plans to combat Amazon rainforest destruction with expanded selective logging.

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Today's Script

Good morning everyone and welcome to this fine Wednesday morning. My name is Gabe, today is July 24th, and you’re listening to Current2, brought to you by Just Bagels!

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In Must Know News:

• Kamala Harris began her campaign trail with a booming rally in the blue-wall state of Wisconsin. Harris gave a 17-minute long speech that highlighted her history as a district attorney in comparison to Trump’s recent legal troubles, while also stating that the upcoming election is a ‘choice between freedom and chaos’; Harris really didn’t hold back! She has now secured a marginal lead over Trump with just over 100 days remaining until the election in November. What a way to hit the ground running!
• Democratic New Jersey Senator, Robert Menendez, will resign effective August 20th after being found guilty on 16 charges of bribery and corruption just a week ago. Menendez has been receiving pressure from other Senate democrats to step down after he was charged with accepting money and gold bars in exchange for political favors involving Qatar and Egypt. His replacement, which will serve until January 3rd, has yet to be announced, but many democrats have already suggested their picks. So long, Menendez! 
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu landed in the U.S. on Monday, and his reception was not quite what he was expecting. Netanyahu was poised to have a conversation with Joe Biden about continued aid in Israel and make an address to Congress. With Biden dropping out of the presidential race on Sunday, Netanyahu was forced to play catchup and was subsequently overshadowed by the President’s recent decision. Netanyahu’s visit will still remain critical to the potential of a ceasefire in Gaza as he meets with other top U.S. officials. Netanyahu was also not received well by a group of demonstrators who staged a sit-in at a congressional building in protest of his visit, leading to mass arrests by Capitol police.   

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In Other Notable News:

• Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle announced her resignation yesterday after coming under fire for her testimony before the House Oversight Committee on the agency’s failure to prevent July 13th’s assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Yeahh, maybe that’s the smart move.
• Several student activists who took part in the ongoing protests in Bangladesh over the nation’s controversial government job quotas have alleged they were “abducted and tortured” by police last Saturday over their involvement in organizing student protests.
• A surprise eruption in Yellowstone N. Park Tuesday shot hot water and debris dozens of feet into the sky and sent people running for safety amid falling rock and water. The explosion occurred at around 10 a.m and partially damaged a nearby boardwalk, but thankfully no one was hurt.
• Finally, Brazil has announced a plan to combat the ongoing destruction of the Amazon rainforest which will expand selective logging to an area the size of Costa Rica over the following two years. Truly about time. 

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That’s all for today, folks. If you liked this episode make sure to share it with your friends. In the meantime, thanks for listening to Current2, the easy way to stay informed!

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Sources:

Kamala Harris slams Trump in speech; takes lead in the polls (AP, Reuters)

Robert Menendez resigns from the Senate (NBC, CBS)

Netanyahu lands in US to cold reception; overshadowed by Biden (CNN, AP)

Secret Service Director resigns over Trump shooting (Reuters)

Bangladesh activists claim they were tortured by police (The Guardian)

Surprise eruption in Yellowstone (ABC)

Brazil announces new conservation act in the Amazon (AP)