5 Things to Know for June 24, 2023
As we approach the Presidential Debate countdown, here are five things to keep in mind for June 24, 2023:
Debate Schedule
The first of three debates is scheduled for June 28, 2023, with the remaining two taking place on July 15 and August 6.
Dagestan Attacks
In the Middle East, multiple attacks have been reported in Dagestan, Russia. The ISIL terror group has claimed responsibility for some of the attacks, which have left at least 30 people dead and over 100 injured.
Middle East Tensions
Tensions in the region are also escalating between Iran and Israel, with both sides engaging in military drills. The United States is urging all parties to de-escalate the situation to avoid further conflict.
Hajj Heat
In Saudi Arabia, the annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj has begun. With temperatures reaching up to 46°C (115°F), thousands of pilgrims are at risk of heatstroke. Saudi Arabian authorities have implemented measures to provide shelter and water to pilgrims.
Starliner Mission
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Starliner, is set to launch its second crewed mission on June 27, 202The spacecraft will carry two NASA astronauts and one Japanese astronaut to the International Space Station for a six-month stay.
5. Stock Market
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news, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at an all-time high of 41,587 points on June 23, 202The S&P 500 and Nasdaq also posted gains for the week.
Presidential Debate Countdown:
The clock is ticking down to the final presidential debate between the top two candidates, scheduled for next Tuesday, June 27, 202This last opportunity for voters to assess the candidates’ positions and styles before casting their votes in the upcoming election is of great significance.
The debate is set to take place at the prestigious National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The historical venue adds an extra layer of anticipation and importance to the event. The debate will be moderated by CBS News anchor Margaret Brennan, who is known for her impartiality and professionalism in journalism.
The topics for discussion during the debate are of great relevance to the American people. They include:
Foreign Policy:
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conflicts and geopolitical tensions, the candidates will be expected to share their perspectives on international affairs and their plans for diplomacy.
Economy:
The state of the economy is a major concern for many voters, and both candidates will be pressed to discuss their proposals for job creation, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility.
Healthcare:
A critical issue for millions of Americans, the candidates will need to outline their plans for healthcare policy and address the concerns of those who are uninsured or underinsured.
Climate Change:
The impact of climate change on the planet and its inhabitants is a pressing concern, and both candidates will be asked to provide their visions for addressing this global challenge.
Social Issues:
The debate will also cover social issues that are important to the American people, including education, gun control, and criminal justice reform.
These topics, along with others that may arise during the debate, will give voters a clearer understanding of where each candidate stands on key issues and help them make an informed decision when they head to the polls.
Dagestan Attacks: In Russia’s northern Caucasus region of Dagestan, a series of attacks have left at least 25 people dead and over 100 injured.
Timeline of Events:
The attacks, which occurred in the span of just a few hours on June 23, involved bombings and shootings targeting civilians and law enforcement officials.
Claim of Responsibility:
The Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the attacks through its Amaq news agency. However, this claim has not been independently confirmed.
Russian Response:
Russian authorities have vowed to bring those responsible to justice and have increased security measures in the region as a precaution.
Middle East Developments:
Israel:
Tensions continue to escalate between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, resulting in several deaths and injuries on both sides.
Syria:
Fighting between government forces and various opposition groups continues to rage in the northern province of Idlib. Reports indicate that civilians are being caught in the crossfire.
Iraq:
Airstrikes targeting Islamic State cells have left several militants dead, but they have also prompted warnings of potential retaliation from the terror group.
Iran:
Protests continue over the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in custody after being detained for reportedly wearing an “improper hijab”.
Hajj Heat Wave:
Thousands of Muslims from around the world have begun making their annual pilgrimage to Mecca for the Hajj, but this year’s journey has been complicated by a heat wave that has seen temperatures soar above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
Measures Taken to Ensure Safety
Authorities have taken measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims, including providing free water and shade tents. They have also urged travelers to take precautions against dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Importance of Hajj in Islam
The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is considered an essential duty for able-bodied Muslims to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
SpaceX is preparing for the launch of its Crew-6 mission to the ISS on June 24, using its reusable Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft named “Endeavour.”
Significant Milestone
This mission marks the sixth operational crewed flight for SpaceX under its contract with NASA.
Crew Members
The mission’s four-person crew includes three NASA astronauts – Jessica Watkins, Victor Glover, and Katie Coburn – and one European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, Andreas Mogensen, who will join the current ISS inhabitants to conduct various scientific research and maintenance activities.
Timing
This launch comes just a few days before the scheduled departure of the Crew-5 team, which is expected to return to Earth on June 27 aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
