Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 It’s Eclipse Day
Eclipse day is finally here, but for some it’ll just be Monday. While the path of totality for the eclipse will cover some major cities and millions of people, not all of them will have the chance to see the event due to the weather. Around 20 million people in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma are facing a weather forecast giving them a risk for severe weather today…and heavy cloud cover. While the path of totality will move through several states, at least some percentage of the sun will be obstructed by the moon over most of the US this afternoon. Most places will see around two minutes of darkness, with some seeing a bit longer of the eclipse depending on where they are; the longest stretch of total eclipse will be visible in an area northwest of Torreon, Mexico.
2 Israel Is Pulling IDF Troops Out Of Southern Gaza
News broke over the weekend that Israel was pulling its IDF ground forces out of southern Gaza, but White House National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby said yesterday on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” that it may not be a long-lasting withdrawal. Kirby said that the move is being called a “rest and refit” for troops that have been on the ground for four months. “What they’ll do with those troops after a rest and refit I can’t speak to,” Kirby said. Kirby said that the US has so far not “seen any indication” that Israel has “violated international humanitarian law” in response to a question about the killing of seven aid workers, but said the State Department would “keep looking at this.” Later in the program, Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said that the US should stop sending weapons to Israel if conditions the US is asking for aren’t met.
3 Suspect Arrested After Fire At Bernie Sanders' Office In Vermont
A suspect was arrested yesterday in connection with a fire at the Vermont office of Sen. Bernie Sanders. The suspect, Shant Soghomonian, allegedly entered the building on Friday morning, went to the third floor, and allegedly sprayed a liquid near the outer door of Sanders’ office and then light it with a hand-held lighter. No one was injured during the incident. No information has been released on a possible motive for the incident.