Summary‍

Russia's attempt to criticize Western support for Ukraine at a UN meeting was dismissed by many members who stood by Ukraine. Iran warned that only a Gaza ceasefire could prevent retaliation for the killing of a Hamas leader, with Hezbollah poised to support any Iranian action. Tropical Storm Ernesto is heading toward Puerto Rico, prompting school closures and National Guard activation. In U.S. politics, Tim Walz defended his military service against Republican attacks. Meanwhile, President Biden promoted the Cancer Moonshot Initiative in New Orleans, announcing $150 million for new cancer treatments.

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Today's Script

Good morning everyone! My name is Gabe, today is Wednesday, August 14th, and you’re listening to Current2, brought to you by Just Bagels!

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In Must Know News:

• Russia convened an informal UN council gathering to call out western allies of Ukraine and call them hypocrites after the Kursk assault. Russia used the fact that civilians in Kursk were killed to try and attack the allegiance between the UN and Ukraine, but many refused to agree, stating that they will not view the ‘aggressor as the victim’ and stood firm in their support of Ukraine. 
• Iranian officials have announced that the only solution to delay their vowed retaliation is an agreed upon ceasefire in Gaza. After the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil, the nation vowed a severe retaliation against Israel for whom they blame, but has yet to take responsibility. The U.S. has sent warships and submarines to the Middle East to support Israel, but groups such as Hezbollah have vowed to support an Iranian attack if the Gaza ceasefire fails. 
• Tropical Storm Ernesto is making its way to Puerto Rico, forcing the country to cancel many day-to-day activities such as public schools, as has activated their National Guard in preparation for the storm. Ernesto formed on Monday and was first spotted about 230 miles from Antigua, with winds up to 40 mph and a speed of 28 mph. Ernesto will mark the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. 
• Kamala Harris’ running Tim Walz defended his military record Tuesday following a strew of attacks from Republicans led by fellow vice presidential nominee JD Vance over the past week accusing Walz of “stolen valor.” At his first solo campaign event in Los Angeles, Walz responded to critics by saying he was “damn proud” of his 24 years of service to his country and that he firmly believes no one should ever attack another person’s service record. 
• The President and the first lady visited New Orleans yesterday to promote the Biden Cancer Moonshot Initiative, which aims to cut the cancer death rate in half by 2047. Earlier in the day, the White House announced that it would be awarding $150 million in federal awards to eight organizations across the country to develop technologies that will assist surgeons in providing more effective tumor-removal surgeries.

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

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Sources:

Russia calls out UN over silence on Ukraine incursion (Reuters)

Iranian officials say only Gaza ceasefire will stop retaliation (Reuters)

Puerto Rico cancels classes as Ernesto nears (NPR)

Tim Walz defends military record amidst attacks (NBC)

Biden visits New Orleans to launch cancer initiative (CBS)