Good morning. It's Thursday, Sept. 16, and we're covering powerful testimony from US Olympic gymnasts, the latest twist in a South Carolina murder mystery, and much more. Have feedback? Let us know at [email protected].

NEED TO KNOW

'Enough Is Enough'

Four current and former USA Gymnastics stars—Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, and Maggie Nichols—testified before Congress yesterday, slamming federal law enforcement for turning a blind eye to numerous reports of sexual abuse by the former team doctor, Larry Nassar. 

The hearing followed the July release of a Justice Department report detailing the mishandling of the case by the FBI. In particular, Indianapolis agents were found to have effectively dismissed a number of claims about Nassar's abuse as early as 2015, subsequently lying to internal investigators to minimize mistakes. One now-fired agent allegedly fabricated details of a 2015 conversation with Maroney to cover up inaction. At least 40 women were molested during the period in which agents failed to follow up on the case.

FBI Director Christopher Wray apologized to the athletes in comments during the hearing. See parts of the emotional testimony here.

Tensions in Korea

North Korea launched two ballistic missiles off its east coast yesterday, just hours before South Korea launched submarine-based missile tests of its own. South Korean President Moon Jae-in defended the country’s test while calling the North’s test provocative. North Korean Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un (see background), responded by criticizing Moon’s remarks while defending the North’s growing weapons program.

The military display is the latest sign of the intensifying arms race between the Koreas; both countries claim to be developing arsenals for self-defense purposes. The tests come just two days after the North fired new long-range missiles—capable of hitting Japan—over the weekend. The display comes amid stalled diplomatic negotiations between the countries and puts pressure on the Biden administration to reengage Pyongyang in nuclear talks.

US officials stated the move does not pose an immediate threat to the US.

Murdaugh Murder Saga

The mystery surrounding a high-profile double homicide took another twist yesterday after it was revealed a central figure in the case enlisted a hitman in a botched assisted suicide attempt.

The winding saga revolves around 53-year-old Alex Murdaugh, the scion of a powerful family in South Carolina's rural lowcountry region (see timeline). In February 2019, Murdaugh's son, Paul, was accused of boating under the influence in a crash that left a 19-year-old woman dead. Ahead of Paul's trial in June, Murdaugh found both his wife and Paul shot to death on the family's hunting estate. The investigation is ongoing.

In the latest turn, Murdaugh reported being shot at while changing a tire Sept. 4. The bullet grazed his head. Tuesday, a suspect was arrested, claiming Murdaugh paid to have himself killed in order to cash a $10M life insurance policy for his surviving son, Buster. 

Check out this deep dive into the family and its history.

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IN THE KNOW

Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

> Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Simone Biles among seven featured on covers for Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2021 list (More) | See full Time magazine list (More)

> World Anti-Doping Agency to review its ban on cannabis in wake of US sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson's suspension before the Tokyo Olympics (More)

> "Smallville" Actress Allison Mack reports early to three-year prison sentence for role in NXIVM sex cult (More)

Science & Technology

> Internal Facebook documents show a 2018 change meant to promote meaningful interactions had the opposite effect, spreading hateful and false content (More) | Findings are part of a Wall Street Journal exposé based on leaked reports (More, paywall)

> Researchers pinpoint neural circuit that causes the brain to lower production of dopamine, known as the "feel-good hormone," in response to pain and stress (More)

> Astrophysicists may have indirectly observed dark energy in unexpected results from a particle detector deep underground in Italy (More) | What is dark energy, the mysterious force that makes up two-thirds of the universe? (More) | See diagram of experiment (More)

Business & Markets

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> US stock markets see highest gains (S&P 500 +0.9%, Dow +0.7%, Nasdaq +0.8%) in two weeks after string of daily declines (More)

> Canadian Pacific Railway wins deal to take over Kansas City Southern after rival drops pursuit; $27B deal would create network of rail linking Mexico, Canada, and the US (More)

> Shares of On Holding, Swiss shoemaker backed by tennis star Roger Federer, soar 46% in first day of trading on New York Stock Exchange to a valuation of over $11B (More)

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Politics & World Affairs

> Reported US COVID-19 deaths reach 664,000; figure implies about 1 in every 500 Americans has died from the disease during the pandemic (More) | See current US COVID-19 stats (More)

> The US, the UK, and Australia to form security partnership, will share defense technologies in bid to counter China's growing influence; Australia will develop a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines (More)

> President Joe Biden backs Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley after book excerpt claims Milley backchanneled with China in final days of the Trump administration (More) | See allegations (More) | Fox News reporter disputes report (More)

IN-DEPTH

The Perfect Joke

NYT Magazine | Dan Brooks. (From 2018) Norm Macdonald, who passed away from cancer Tuesday, built a cult following of comedy fans by combining acerbic wit with an unparalleled command over delivery. (Read, paywall)

... and check out this compendium of Macdonald's best late-night appearances.

The Exponential Age

Wired UK | Azeem Azhar. Economists historically operated under the assumption change took place over years or even decades, with societies adjusting as it unfolded. Now, technological advances have pushed the pace of change to months in some cases, with unknown consequences for the future. (Read)

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ETCETERA

Humpback whale megapod spotted off the Australian coast. (w/video)

Ancient spider watching her offspring found trapped in amber.

Desperate employers are dropping drug test requirements.

Ontario, Canada, opens a record-breaking pedestrian bridge.

Do men sleep worse during a waxing moon?

Explaining the Earth's mysterious red glow. (via TED)

This year's potential inductees into the Toy Hall of Fame.

Three bears caught playing in a backyard kiddie pool.

Clickbait: Take a peek inside "The Flying Bum."

Historybook: Pilgrims depart from England on the Mayflower (1620); Actress Lauren Bacall born (1924); American musician BB King born (1925); HBD historian and author Henry Louis Gates Jr. (1950).

"The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you."

- BB King

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