The person you won't see at the first Republican debate, India's Moon Mission, and a rare giraffe born at a Tennessee Zoo.

That's some of what we'll get to on the 7 from the Washington Post. I'm

Jeff Pierre. It's Wednesday, August 23rd. Let's get you caught up with today's

seven stories.

Number one, the first Republican presidential debate is tonight in Milwaukee.

There are eight participants.

You can expect to see former Vice President Mike Pence and Florida

Governor Ron Desantis. Former South Carolina Governor Nicki Haley will also be there.

And another household name taking part is former New Jersey

governor Chris Christie. One candidate you won't see is Donald Trump. He said

he'll post a pre-recorded interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson instead.

This past Sunday, some Republican presidential candidates

commented on Trump's indictments and his decision to skip the debate.

One of them was former Arkansas governor

Aisa Hutchinson. He appeared on CNN State of the Union.

I expected to be even more important without Donald Trump on the stage because this is the first time

voters are going to be able to contrast the candidates and their positions

you know and and I know we want it to be civil but let me tell you it's going to be a vigorous exchange and it's important because

there's difference between the candidates.

You can watch the debate on Fox News at 9 PM Eastern. Number two, a massive heat wave over the Central U.S. could set

hundreds of records. Excessive heat warnings are in effect in 16 states across the Midwest, Plains, and South.

Heat indexes will approach 130 degrees in some places today.

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