The Democratic National Convention in Chicago, a tradition dating back to 1832, witnessed a powerful address by Barack Obama on August 20, 2024. The former president's speech, along with Michelle Obama's remarks, aimed to inspire hope and rally support for Kamala Harris, the first woman and person of color to serve as Vice President of the United States.
As Democrats gathered, the Southern United States grappled with a severe heat wave. A slow-moving heat dome, an area of high pressure trapping hot air, brought relentless high temperatures to the region. Phoenix, known for its extreme heat, reached 112°F (44.4°C) on August 19, 2024, continuing its streak of 100°F+ days. This approaches the city's record of 143 such days set in 1989.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump made false claims about Harris's nomination, labeling it as a "violent overthrow" of President Biden. These statements were made during a campaign event in Michigan, where he also defended the January 6 rioters. In contrast, at the Democratic convention, Trump's former press secretary criticized his treatment of supporters.
The U.S. Department of Justice, exercising its authority under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, launched a civil rights investigation into Tennessee's largest correctional facility. The probe focuses on allegations of violence and abuse at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, which opened in 2016 and is operated by CoreCivic, one of the nation's largest private prison companies.
In a shift of legal strategy, Disney announced it would not use streaming service terms of service to fight a wrongful-death lawsuit. The case stems from an incident at Disney World in October 2023, where a woman died from an allergic food reaction. Disney's decision highlights the complex intersection of digital agreements and real-world legal disputes.
Hollywood power couple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, known collectively as "Bennifer," are reportedly ending their marriage. Lopez filed for divorce in Los Angeles, just two years after their 2024 wedding. This marks the end of their second attempt at romance, following their initial relationship in the early 2000s.
"Blindness doesn't define my limits. It's just a part of who I am as a climber."
In an inspiring turn of events, Jesse Dufton, a 38-year-old rock climber who lost his vision due to a degenerative eye condition, has achieved remarkable feats in the climbing world. Dufton navigates challenging ascents with the help of his partner, Molly Thompson, who provides verbal guidance through a headset. Their story showcases the power of adaptation and the human spirit in overcoming physical limitations.
As these events unfold, consumers are advised to be cautious of potential scams involving fake customer service numbers appearing in Google search results. The tech giant continues its efforts to combat such fraudulent activities, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the digital age.