COVID-19 cases have jumped in all 50 states. Hospitalizations and deaths are also up as vaccination efforts stagnate. Also, firefighters are on the front lines battling a number of fires out West that are still burning out of control, prompting evacuations. All that and all that matters in today’s Eye Opener. Your world in 90 seconds. Source

Probe by global media consortium shows military-grade malware from Israel-based NSO Group is also being used to keep tabs on dissidents and human rights activists. Source

4 days before the opening ceremony, the entire South African soccer team is locked down, U.S. tennis star Coco Guaff is out, and the Japanese are nervous. Source

They’re calling out Beijing for widespread cybercrime, including the massive Microsoft Exchange hack. Source

It’s the biggest in the U.S. and is among dozens in several parched Western states. Source

Days after being upstaged by Richard Branson, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos blasts off on his own spaceflight Tuesday morning. Source

In a last-minute ruling, the federal appeals court temporarily blocked a previous ruling that sided with a Florida lawsuit challenging the regulations. Source

Michael Taylor and son Peter helped Carlos Ghosn flee to Lebanon hidden in a big box. Ghosn is accused of financial misdeeds. Source

Families remember loved ones lost to COVID-19; Then, companies seeking out potential employees with autism; And, survivors recount being stranded on island as teens 50 years ago. Source

A Six Flags water park near Houston was closed after over 60 people were exposed to an airborne chemical leak. More than two dozen were rushed to hospitals suffering from minor skin irritation and minor breathing problems. Source