1 Alaskans Hit With 7.5 Magnitude Quake, Small Tsunami
Officials are confirming a small tsunami did indeed hit off the coast of Alaska. The National Tsunami Warning Center measured two waves – one at four feet, the other about half that size. The center is now monitoring harbors in a 500-mile area. The warning was triggered by a seven-point-five earthquake near Sand Point. Those living in the town and nearby were seen driving to higher ground after being told to evacuate. The threat isn't over yet but has been downgraded to an advisory.
2 U.S. Prosecutors Charge Six Russians In Cyberattacks
American prosecutors are charging six Russian military intelligence officers in connection with a series of cyberattacks targeting American companies and a variety of international interests...that includes the Winter Olympics. Assistant Attorney General John Demers called the attacks sweeping, malicious and destructive. He told reporters that Russia has weaponized its cyber activities on an unprecedented scale. U.S. Attorney Scott Brady said the cyberattacks were costly and egregious. Brady is the top federal prosecutor for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Brady says the crimes included disrupting operations at a Pennsylvania hospital, identity theft and a cyberattack on Ukraine's power grid. The sweeping criminal indictment does not include any alleged interference in this year's American elections. U.S. officials have long-suspected Russian intelligence agents of efforts to interfere with the 2016 presidential election.
3 Debate Commission To Allow Muted Microphones During Opening Statements
This week's presidential debate will be a little less chaotic that the first one. The debate commission has decreed that that during the candidates' opening remarks for each segment, it will mute the microphone of the person who isn't speaking to avoid interruptions. That move will give each candidate two minutes of uninterrupted time at the outset of each topic to get their messages across. As for the rest, sorry – microphones will not be muted during the open debate segments. President Trump's campaign says the last-minute change to the debate rules won't stop him from going head-to-head against Joe Biden and that the President is committed to the debate. As for the American people, we'll have until Thursday evening at 8pm to decide about tuning in.