Digest

This week's news is dominated by a series of major events, each with far-reaching consequences. A global tech outage, described as one of the worst in history, disrupted flights, hospitals, banks, and 911 services. The outage was attributed to a flawed software update by Crowdstrike, highlighting our dependence on technology. Meanwhile, political tensions are rising as 31 Democratic lawmakers call for President Biden to withdraw from the presidential race due to concerns about his age and health. Biden, recovering from COVID, insists he will return to the campaign trail next week. Donald Trump, meanwhile, delivered a record-long acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, promising unity but quickly shifting to attacks on his opponents. Adding to the week's woes, the CDC is warning about a deadly Listeria outbreak linked to Delhi meat, which has sickened more than two dozen people in at least 12 states, resulting in two deaths. On the international front, American journalist Evan Gershkovich was convicted of espionage in Russia and sentenced to 16 years in prison. The US considers the charges and trial a sham, but the verdict could open the door to a prisoner swap. Finally, a beloved postal worker was shot and killed in Chicago, prompting authorities to offer a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Outlines

00:00:00

Global Tech Outage and its Impact

A massive global tech outage, described as one of the worst in history, disrupts flights, hospitals, banks, and 911 services. The outage is attributed to a flawed software update by Crowdstrike, causing widespread chaos and highlighting our dependence on technology.

00:00:46

Political Turmoil and Calls for Biden's Withdrawal

At least 31 Democratic lawmakers are calling on President Biden to withdraw from the presidential race, citing concerns about his age and health. Biden, while recovering from COVID, insists he will return to the campaign trail next week. Donald Trump delivers a record-long acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, promising a message of unity but quickly shifting to attacks on his opponents. He will appear with his running mate, JD Vance, at a rally in Michigan.

00:01:26

Health Crisis and International Tensions

The CDC is warning about a deadly Listeria outbreak linked to Delhi meat. The outbreak has sickened more than two dozen people in at least 12 states, resulting in two deaths. American journalist Evan Gershkovich is convicted of espionage in Russia and sentenced to 16 years in prison. The US considers the charges and trial a sham, but the verdict could open the door to a prisoner swap.

00:17:56

Tragedy and Hope

A beloved postal worker is shot and killed in Chicago. Authorities are offering a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. Two giant pandas, Sheen Bal and Yoon Shuan, arrive at the San Diego Zoo, marking the first pandas from China in 21 years. They will make their public debut on August 8th.

Keywords

Q&A

• What caused the global tech outage?

  A flawed software update issued by Crowdstrike, a cybersecurity firm, caused the outage, affecting flights, hospitals, banks, and other critical systems.

• Why are some Democratic lawmakers calling for President Biden to withdraw from the presidential race?

  They are concerned about his age and health, particularly after his recent COVID diagnosis. They believe he is not up to the demands of the presidency and could hurt the Democratic Party's chances in the election.

• What is the CDC warning about?

  The CDC is warning about a deadly Listeria outbreak linked to Delhi meat. The outbreak has sickened more than two dozen people in at least 12 states, resulting in two deaths.

• What is the status of American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested in Russia?

  He was convicted of espionage and sentenced to 16 years in prison. The US considers the charges and trial a sham, but the verdict could open the door to a prisoner swap.

Show Notes