Summary‍

Ukrainian troops have begun an offensive in Russia's Kursk region, causing mass evacuations and Russian bombings. Donald Trump's campaign reported a hack by alleged Iranian agents, while Joe Biden defended his withdrawal from the race to “maintain democracy.” An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school killed 90 Palestinians, drawing UN criticism for evacuation orders. A plane crash in Brazil last Friday killed all 62 aboard, including two cancer doctors and a lawyer who sued airlines. The investigation continues, with social media footage showing the plane spiraling before it went down. The Paris 2024 Olympics ended with Tom Cruise's stunt and Yseult's performance, marking the handoff to Los Angeles for 2028.

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Today's Script

What is happening everybody— My name is Gabe, today is Monday, August 12th, and you’re listening to Current2, brought to you by Just Bagels!

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In Must Know News:

• Oh, how the tables have turned! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that his troops have begun an offensive in Russia, with up to 1,000 troops entering the western Kursk region since last Tuesday. The unprecedented assault triggered more than 70,000 Russian civilians to evacuate, and Moscow has begun bombing their own land in an effort to stop the incursion. 
• Donald Trump’s presidential campaign reported that its emails were hacked, and that sensitive documents were stolen and distributed. They also suggested that the hack was carried out by Iran after Microsoft reported that foreign agents were trying to interfere with the US election. Meanwhile, Biden gave his first interview since dropping out of the race, saying the move was important to “maintain democracy” and “defeat Trump.”
• At least 90 civilians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza City, along with a reported 19 militants. However, Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters have rejected claims that the school was a military command post. Since then, Israel has again ordered evacuations in southern Gaza, though they face criticism from the UN, claiming that the refugees have nowhere else to go. 
• A plane crash in Brazil that occurred last Friday claimed the lives of all 62 passengers, all in which have been found amongst the wreckage. The victims included two prominent cancer doctors on their way to a conference, a Venezuelan family and dog, and ironically, a lawyer that specialized in lawsuits against airlines. The crash is still under investigation, but a video posted to social media showed the plane spiraling downwards before the crash. 
• And the Paris 2024 Olympics have come to a close, with the spectacular closing ceremony on Sunday. The ceremony began with an epic “Mission Impossible” stunt by the one and only Tom Cruise, and ended with a breathtaking performance by French singer Yseult. As the torch is handed off to LA for the 2028 games, it was ended only in true Hollywood style. 

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Thank you all for tuning in today. If you liked this episode, make sure to send it over to your friends! Happy Monday all, and thanks once again for listening to Current2, the easy way to stay informed.

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Sources:

Zelenskyy confirms Kursk incursion (⁠NBC⁠)

Trump campaign hacked (⁠NPR⁠, ⁠Al Jazeera⁠) 

90 killed in Israeli strike on Gaza school (⁠Reuters⁠)

62 die in Brazil plane crash (⁠BBC⁠) 

Olympics conclude (⁠AP⁠)