5 things you need to know this morning: Aug. 8, 2024

Start your day off right with five things you need to know this morning.

Five things you need to know

1. Star of famous meme dies aged 82

The star of one of the best-loved memes in the history of the internet has died at the age of 82. Jack Karlson shot to fame in 2009 when a video showing his arrest in 1991 was put online. In the clip, he famously asks: "What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?”

Jack Karlson, the man who became famous for his arrest while enjoying a ‘succulent Chinese meal’, has passed away at the age of 82.

pic.twitter.com/81dyOr53NF

— LADbible (@ladbible) August 8, 2024

2. Taylor Swift concerts cancelled after police say Islamic terrorists were planning attack

Taylor Swift concerts scheduled for today, Friday and Saturday have been cancelled in Austria after police said Islamic terrorists were planning to murder attendees. Police said they have arrested two teenagers, while Chancellor Karl Nehammer said a "tragedy was prevented" from occurring.

Taylor Swift's three concerts in Vienna this week were canceled after the government confirmed a planned attack at the stadium hosting the concerts, the organizer announced. Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer said ‘a tragedy was prevented’ https://t.co/ZkV52nM4DI pic.twitter.com/584L3xXHHX

— Reuters (@Reuters) August 8, 2024

3. Human rights commissioner takes leave amid claims he posted anti-Israel content

Canada's incoming human right commissioner has "agreed to take leave" a day before he was set to begin in his new role, according to Justice Minister Arif Virani. The commissioner, Birju Dattani, has been accused of posting anti-Israel content.

New human rights commissioner agrees to 'take leave' as independent review concludes https://t.co/7gUgUGae2s pic.twitter.com/alrsW23w6o

— Ottawa Citizen (@OttawaCitizen) August 8, 2024

4. World-renowned zoologist jailed for abusing dogs

A world-famous zoologist has been jailed for more than 10 years after admitting to sexually abusing dozens of dogs. Adam Britton, an expert on crocodiles, pleaded guilty to 56 charges relating to bestiality and animal cruelty in Australia.

British crocodile expert jailed for raping, torturing and killing dozens of dogs

Full story ⬇️https://t.co/gaLeIeyjFd

— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 8, 2024

5. Astronauts could be stuck in space till 2025, NASA says

Two astronauts who were meant to be home in June are still in space, and could remain there until next year. Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams flew to the International Space Station on June 5 but have become stuck due to technical problems.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams may spend up to eight months in space and return to Earth in 2025 due to multiple issues with Boeing's Starliner. NASA is debating the safety of the spacecraft as it considers a backup plan. pic.twitter.com/vTR67M0ZOO

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) August 7, 2024