US scientists have mapped the Gulf of Mexico dead zone, an area with low oxygen water, measuring 5,052 square miles, which is approximately the size of Connecticut. The measurements were taken during the 30th annual hypoxia survey cruise from July 27 to August 2.

This area falls within the predicted range of 4,633 to 5,708 square miles forecast by a suite of NOAA-sponsored models and confirms the accuracy of the models and their utility for guiding management of nutrients in the Mississippi River watershed.

New lower speed limits are part of NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio’s “Vision Zero” initiative, which is aimed at curbing pedestrian deaths. These are in effect on some major roadways today.

This is the sixth United Nations facility to be hit since the Gaza conflict began and it is unacceptable under international law, according to UN officials.

The Israeli military continues to strike Gaza as troops continue redeploying. UN says nearly two thousand Palestinians have been killed and almost ten thousand injured and Israel has less than one hundred, since the conflict began more than three weeks ago.

BBC News - Gaza crisis: Deadly strike 'at UN school in Rafah' http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28628682

This Week in History, Aug 3 - Aug 9

Aug 03, 1958
Nautilus travels under North Pole. On August 3, 1958, the U.S. nuclear submarine Nautilus accomplishes the first undersea voyage to the geographic North Pole. The world's first nuclear submarine, the Nautilus dived at Point Barrow, Alaska, and traveled nearly 1,000 miles under the Arctic ice cap to reach the top of the world. It then steamed on to Iceland, pioneering a new and shorter route from the Pacific to the Atlantic and Europe.

Aug 04, 1944

A US medical doctor who was infected with the Ebola virus in Africa has now arrived in Atlanta for treatment. Dr. Kent Brantley's airplane landed at a military base and was whisked away and placed in isolation.

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe, often fatal disease in humans and monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees.

Who was that NYPD officer protecting, defending and serving when he committed homicide in NYC?

NYC Medical Examiner has classified the death of Eric Garner as a homicide, ruling the 43-year-old Staten Island man was killed when a police officer put him in a choke-hold.

Since then, Garner’s July 17 death has sparked widespread outrage after video of the incident was posted online. Meanwhile, U.S. Justice Department officials are closely monitoring the investigation into Garner’s homicide.

Staten Island Man Died From Chokehold During Arrest, Autopsy Finds http://nyti.ms/1tDHAph