Climate change made killer heat wave in Mexico, Southwest US even warmer and 35 times more likely
WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent study indicates that human-induced climate change has escalated the intensity of the ongoing heatwave in the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. According to World Weather Attribution, a group of global scientists, global warming has made extreme daytime temperatures in this heatwave 35 times more probable and 2.5 degrees hotter. Additionally, the impact of climate change is significantly felt at night, with dangerous nighttime heat being 200 times more likely and 2.9 degrees warmer compared to a scenario without climate change.
Season’s first named storm dumps heavy rains on Texas and Mexico killing 3
TAMPICO, Mexico (AP) — Tropical Storm Alberto is moving towards northeast Mexico as the first named storm of the season. While the heavy rains associated with the storm have resulted in three fatalities, they have also brought some relief to a region enduring a severe drought. Despite the risks posed by Alberto, Mexican authorities are optimistic about the storm’s potential to address the water scarcity issues facing the region, particularly in northern Mexico where the drought’s impact has been severe. In Nuevo Leon state, three deaths have been reported in connection with the rains from Alberto.
South Korea will consider providing military support to Ukraine following Russia and North Korea’s strategic pact
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea has expressed willingness to consider supplying arms to Ukraine in response to the recent strategic pact between Russia and North Korea. The agreement, revealed by North Korea’s state media, signals a strengthened relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang, raising concerns in the region and globally. This development comes at a time when Russia is facing increasing isolation over its actions in Ukraine, while both countries are entangled in escalating conflicts with Western nations.
Russia obliterates Ukraine’s front-line towns faster with hacked bombs and expanded air base network
KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has intensified its use of low-cost glide bombs to devastate cities in eastern Ukraine, including Kharkiv, Avdiivka, Chasiv Yar, and Vovchansk. These retrofitted weapons, derived from Soviet-era stockpiles, are being deployed from airfields near the border, making them difficult for Ukraine to target. Analysis shows that Russia has significantly increased the scale of destruction in front-line cities this year using these explosives, marking a new level of devastation in the conflict.
The fate of the latest cease-fire proposal depends on Netanyahu and Hamas’ leader in Gaza
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The implementation of the proposed cease-fire agreement for Gaza is contingent on the decisions of two key figures: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas’ leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar. Both leaders face complex political and personal pressures that influence their decision-making processes. Despite reaching broad agreement on the cease-fire plan, Hamas has requested amendments, while Netanyahu has publicly challenged certain aspects of the proposal, even as it is presented as an Israeli initiative by the U.S.
New law mandates displaying the Ten Commandments in all Louisiana public school classrooms
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana has become the first state to enact a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. The legislation, signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, mandates the placement of a poster featuring the Ten Commandments in a large, easily readable font in all public classrooms from kindergarten through state-funded universities. Despite concerns over the law’s constitutionality, civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have vowed to challenge it. Proponents argue that the law holds historical significance beyond religious implications, with classrooms required to display the Ten Commandments by 2025.
New Mexico wildfire claims second life, while rain offers hope of relief
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Recent heavy rain and hail in an evacuated village in New Mexico, threatened by wildfires, have brought hope for relief to firefighters, while also posing risks of high winds and flash floods. Authorities confirmed the discovery of the remains of a second fire victim. Meteorologists highlight shifting weather patterns, with potential rains later in the day along with the threat of high winds and flash floods.
Illegally brewed liquor kills at least 34 with dozens hospitalized in southern India
NEW DELHI (AP) — At least 34 people have lost their lives, with dozens hospitalized, after consuming illegally brewed liquor contaminated with methanol in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Illegally brewed alcohol-related deaths are a common issue in India, where many individuals, especially the economically disadvantaged, turn to unregulated sources due to cost constraints. This illicit liquor, often adulterated with harmful substances for increased potency, presents a major public health concern, with bootleggers evading taxes and selling large quantities to vulnerable populations at low prices.
On Juneteenth, monument dedicated in Alabama to those who endured slavery
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Equal Justice Initiative commemorated Juneteenth by unveiling a monument honoring individuals who endured and survived slavery. The National Monument to Freedom is the centerpiece of the newly established Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Montgomery, Alabama. Inscribed with the surnames chosen by formerly enslaved individuals after emancipation, the monument serves as a poignant tribute to the resilience and endurance of those who faced the horrors of slavery. The initiative’s founder emphasized Juneteenth as a day to acknowledge the harsh realities of slavery while honoring the strength and perseverance of those who persevered.
Can a marriage survive a gender transition? Yes, and even thrive. How these couples make it work
Marriages confronted with a partner’s gender transition can not only withstand the challenges but also flourish through newfound honesty and understanding. Such relationships exemplify the enduring power of love and the fluidity of sexual identities. These stories highlight the diversity and complexity of LGBTQ+ relationships, two decades after the legalization of same-sex marriages in the U.S. and during the sixth decade of Pride Month celebrations. Therapists affirm that many marriages navigate successfully through a partner’s gender transition, finding joy in supporting their partner’s authentic self. Couples often report increased attraction and happiness as their relationship evolves.
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