Summary‍

Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination, emphasizing unity over division. British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch was found dead after his yacht sank off Sicily, with his daughter still missing. Israel’s new demands are delaying a ceasefire with Hamas, mainly due to concerns over military control of Gaza’s borders. Ukraine continues its air assault, while the U.S. approved a $125 million aid package despite unclear details. Arkansas' Supreme Court rejected an abortion rights petition due to missing training certifications for canvassers.

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Today's Script

Good morning everyone! My name is Gabe, today is Friday, August 23rd, and you’re listening to Current2, brought to you by Just Bagels! Use code “news” for 10% off at justbagels.com.

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In Must Know News:

• Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination last night. In an energetic ceremony, she spoke of her working-class roots, working up to her vision for America, which she described as one that quote “moves past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past” and brings all Americans together, not separated by political parties. After this election cycle, that sounds pretty nice.
• One of the most well-known British tech entrepreneurs, Mike Lynch, was found dead in the wreckage of his yacht yesterday. His 18 year old daughter is still unaccounted for. Lynch’s yacht sank earlier this week in a violent storm off the coast of Sicily, where 7 of the 22 people aboard the vessel reportedly died. They had been celebrating Lynch’s acquittal in a US fraud trial when the tragedy struck.
• A new set of demands from Israel are causing Hamas to hesitate and blocking a potential ceasefire deal. Reportedly, Hamas is especially concerned with demands for continued Israeli military presence that will act as a border between Northern and Southern Gaza, restricting movement between the two. Control of that border also gives Israel control of Gaza’s border with Egypt, furthering concerns.
• Ukraine continues its air assault as videos begin to circulate of a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian military base on Thursday. In similar news, the U.S. just approved a $125 million aid package to Ukraine through the Biden Administration, despite the lack of understanding regarding the Kyiv incursion on Russia. The newest aid package includes a plethora of defensive and offensive artillery, but officials continue to speak about anonymity due to the non-public nature of the aid deal. 
• and Arkansas’ Supreme Court has rejected the citizen-run petition to allow an abortion rights initiative to be voted on in November. The reason behind the rejection? Apparently, the sponsor of the petition failed to file the training certifications for the paid canvassers, thereby justifying the Secretary’s refusal to count the signatures. With the Roe V. Wade overturning in 2022, many states are pushing for state-wide abortion decisions such as this, and many are facing similar roadblocks.  

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That’s all for this week, folks! If you liked this episode, be sure to share it with your friends, and thanks again for listening to this episode of Current2, the easy way to stay informed!

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Sources:

Kamala Harris accepts nomination (CBS)

Mike Lynch’s body discovered in yacht (Reuters)

Israeli demands block Gaza deal (Reuters)

Ukraine updates (NBC, AP)

Arkansas S. Court will not abortion on ballots (CBS)