Summer’s Darkest Day
One person was killed and 19 injured as a speeding car slammed into a throng of counter-protesters in Charlottesville where a “Unite the Right” rally of white nationalists and other right-wing groups had been scheduled to take place. Virginia Governor, Terry McAuliffe, had a pointed message for the right-wing groups that flocked to Charlottesville on Saturday: “Go home. … You are not wanted in this great commonwealth. Shame on you.” Federal authorities said a civil rights investigation into the deadly crash was opened hours after it happened. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said U.S. Attorney Rick Mountcastle is leading the investigation and has the full support of the Department of Justice.
“The violence and deaths in Charlottesville strike at the heart of American law and justice. When such actions arise from racial bigotry and hatred, they betray our core values and cannot be tolerated,” Sessions said in a statement. “Justice will prevail.”
Saturday’s rally was the latest event drawing white nationalists and right-wing activists from across the country to this Democratic-voting town – a development precipitated by the city’s decision to remove symbols of its Confederate past. (Source: CNN)
Don’t Look Directly Into The… Eclipse
Amazon is issuing refunds for those who’ve purchased potentially fake solar eclipse glasses on the site in anticipation of this summer’s big solar eclipse event. Many people have been gearing up for the event that will — depending on where you are — either totally block out the sun or partially block it as the eclipse moves across the North American hemisphere on August 21st. Amazon has not been able to verify that all of the glasses listed on its site are from reputable manufacturers and has now sent out a safety warning, telling customers not to use the questionable eyewear. “Safety is among our highest priorities,” said an Amazon spokesperson. “Out of an abundance of caution, we have proactively reached out to customers and provided refunds for eclipse glasses… We want customers to buy with confidence anytime they make a purchase on Amazon.com…” (Source: TechCrunch)
Spin with Caution
The The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released safety guidance for battery-operated fidget spinners, following incidents of the toys catching fire. A recent BBC investigation discovered unsafe toys on sale in the UK. Although intended for stress relief and popular amongst both children and adults, fidget spinners have also reportedly been the cause of multiple accidents. (Source: BBC News)
