Biden Vs. Trump, Slovakia PM Shot, and Dolly Doughnuts.

Adam Rogers
May 16, 2024

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Big Stories

President Biden and former President Donald Trump agreed to square off in presidential debates on June 27 and September 10.

CNN and ABC News will host the events. The idea came about rapidly after Biden's campaign indicated his willingness to debate Trump twice before the election. This sparked a flurry of proposals and social media exchanges between the Democratic and Republican nominees. Within hours, two debates were scheduled for June and September.
CNN and ABC News established five criteria for debate qualification, including constitutional eligibility, filing with the FEC, and meeting polling thresholds. Only Biden and Trump meet the criteria. Other candidates, like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., are unlikely to participate due to the requirements.
Kennedy criticized the exclusion of viable candidates from the debates, accusing Biden and Trump of colluding to limit competition.

An Australian doctor said he is still cancer-free a year after undergoing treatment based on his own research.

Australian doctor Richard Scolyer, diagnosed with aggressive glioblastoma, underwent a world-first treatment based on his own melanoma research. A year later, he is still cancer-free.
The treatment involved a combination of immunotherapy drugs administered before surgery to remove the tumor, and a personalized vaccine to boost the immune system's attack on the cancer cells. Prof Scolyer experienced side effects but is now feeling healthy again.
"It certainly doesn't mean that my brain cancer is cured... but it's just nice to know that it hasn't come back yet, so I've still got some more time to enjoy my life with my wife Katie and my three wonderful kids,” he said.
This is an experimental treatment and not a cure, but the results are promising and could pave the way for clinical trials to help many more glioblastoma patients.

Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, was severely wounded in an assassination attempt while meeting supporters at an event

He was shot multiple times in the abdomen in the town of Handlova. Doctors were fighting to save his life hours after he was hit. Police apprehended a suspect following the shooting, and government officials said that the assassination attempt was politically motivated.
Fico's recent return to power, characterized by a pro-Russian, anti-American stance, has world leaders concerned that he will lead Slovakia to give up its pro-Western course.
His return to power has also revealed a split in Slovakia’s society. One camp supports Russia and the other wants stronger connections with the EU and the West. Thousand have rallied in the country to protest Fico’s policies.
Slovakia Interior Minister Marek Estok told reporters outside the hospital that the country “is on the edge of a civil war” from the political tension.

Magician David Copperfield is facing accusations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior from 16 women, with some incidents reportedly occurring when the women were under 18. The allegations span from the late 1980s to 2014. A representative for Copperfield has denied the allegations, calling them "false and scurrilous.” (More)

Alabama joined Florida in banning cultivated meat (animal cells grown in labs, not slaughterhouses). The ban penalizes production, sale, or distribution. Cultivated meat isn't yet sold at US retailers because it isn’t cost-effective to produce at scale. (More)

A barge lost control due to strong currents and high tide in Galveston, Texas. It hit a bridge causing an oil spill and closing the only road to Pelican Island. There were no major injuries, though one person on the barge fell into the water but was rescued. (More)

Switzerland is hosting a summit to promote peace in Ukraine, with over 50 countries attending. Swiss President Viola Amherd highlighted efforts to include nations from the Global South and China. Countries from South America, Africa, and the Middle East have confirmed their attendance. (More)

The PGA Championship returns to Valhalla after 10 years with a stacked field. The favorites include Scottie Scheffler (on a hot streak), Brooks Koepka (defending champion), and Rory McIlroy (his last major win was at Valhalla). Tiger Woods will also play, but it remains to be seen if his body will hold up. (More)

Super fluffy planet has the density of cotton candy.

Portuguese street artist uses explosives to create murals.

A woman fended off a crocodile to save her sister.

Dolly Parton X Krispy Kreme: A match made in heaven.

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