CNN – A sturgeon supermoon will illuminate the sky tonight, captivating millions worldwide. This extraordinary lunar event occurs when the moon reaches its closest proximity to Earth while appearing full, happening only three to four times annually. Here are some other significant updates to start your day. Despite facing an unprecedented number of criminal accusations for an active presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump’s lead in the 2024 GOP presidential primary race has solidified. Surpassing all his competitors combined, Trump now garners over 50% of support in national primary polls. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, his closest rival, has fallen below 20% nationally, while no other contender reaches 10% or higher. Despite two indictments and two impeachments, Trump remains competitive in a possible rematch against President Joe Biden, according to several polls. In fact, a recent poll showed a tie between Biden and Trump in terms of percentage, while other pollsters indicate Biden leading by a narrow margin. Moreover, a new poll revealed that only 5% of Fox News viewers, who rely on the network for news, believe that Trump has “committed serious federal crimes.” While the US wildfire season has begun slower than average this year, with 1.1 million acres burned thus far, significantly lower than the 5.7 million acres by the same point in 2022, fire officials are closely monitoring dry and hot regions in the Western US and Pacific Northwest. These areas remain susceptible to rapid wildfire spread. In contrast, Canada is currently experiencing its worst fire season on record, with over 30 million acres of land scorched by wildfires, equivalent to the size of Mississippi. Hazardous smoke from the Canadian fires is also spreading across the northern tier of the US. In a recent recall, Ford has called back over 870,000 F-150 trucks due to their electronic parking brake potentially engaging unexpectedly, even while the vehicle is in motion. This malfunction could result in a loss of control and potential crashes. The recall, affecting select 2021 to 2023 model year F-150 trucks with single-pipe exhaust systems, will begin sending notices to owners in September. Although Ford has identified 299 instances of unintentional parking brake activation, 19 of which occurred while the vehicle was being driven, no accidents or injuries have been reported. President Joe Biden has decided to maintain the US Space Command’s headquarters in Colorado rather than relocating it to Alabama, overturning a decision made by former President Trump. The Air Force had recommended the move to Huntsville, Alabama, towards the end of Trump’s presidency. Biden’s factors in this decision include quality-of-life considerations for servicemembers and their families, factors such as school quality and military housing. However, the most significant factor is the impact on operational readiness to face space-enabled threats during a critical time of heightened security challenges. This decision may disappoint Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who is currently blocking over 300 military nominations due to the Pentagon’s abortion policy. US troops in Niger have been confined to an American military base after President Mohamed Bazoum’s reported seizure by members of the presidential guard, sparking international condemnation and reigniting uncertainty in a volatile region plagued by coups and extremist activity. The US has not yet determined if the situation constitutes a coup, a designation that would necessitate cutting foreign and military assistance to the Nigerien government, potentially impacting anti-terrorism efforts and regional stability. France, meanwhile, plans to evacuate its citizens from Niger due to ongoing pro-military demonstrations near the French Embassy in Niamey, the nation’s capital. In sports news, the Women’s World Cup is currently in its final round of group matches, with teams competing for spots in the knockout stage. Exciting photographs from the tournament can be viewed here, along with the latest standings. Additionally, a video of a bear with human-like behavior at a Chinese zoo has gone viral, sparking conspiracy theories of an imposter’s presence. A giant “X” sign installed atop a company headquarters as a result of Twitter’s rebranding has been taken down following 24 complaints relating to safety concerns and the sign’s structural stability and nighttime flashing lights. AMC Theaters experienced its most successful week in history, earning the largest single-week admissions revenue since its establishment in 1920, thanks to films such as “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” E-cigarette company Juul has introduced a new vaping platform it claims can verify a user’s age, as the controversial company seeks to address concerns regarding underage access. In heartbreaking news, actor Paul Reubens, famous for his portrayal of the endearing character Pee-wee Herman, passed away at the age of 70 after a private battle with cancer. Reubens achieved significant success with the beloved series “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” earning 22 Emmy Awards during its airing from 1986 to 1991. Actor Angus Cloud, best known for his role in the HBO drama “Euphoria,” also tragically died at the age of 25. No cause of death has been determined, but his family statement revealed that Cloud had been struggling with mental health issues, particularly after the recent loss of his father. Lastly, trucking company Yellow Corp., which has operated for 99 years, has announced its closure, leaving approximately 30,000 truck drivers unemployed. While this shutdown should not heavily disrupt supply chains, Yellow’s customers, who relied on the company due to its low rates, will face significant challenges. Finally, the White House criticized senior Russian defense official Dmitry Medvedev for suggesting that Moscow may employ nuclear weapons should Ukraine succeed in its counteroffensive. The White House emphasized the catastrophic consequences such a course of action would have and highlighted the severe impact on Russia. For your local forecast, please check here. And ending on a positive note, train enthusiasts can now experience a ride on the 20th Century Limited, hailed as the “most famous train in the world” during the 1940s, thanks to restoration efforts.
