Donald Trump’s fundraising numbers surpass Biden’s after felony convictions
NEW YORK (AP) β Recent federal filings show that Donald Trump’s campaign raised over $60 million more than President Joe Biden’s campaign last month. The surge in Republican fundraising was triggered by Trump’s felony convictions. While Biden’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee raised $85 million in May with $212 million in the bank, Trump’s fundraising for the same month exceeded Biden’s by a significant margin. The Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee reported a staggering $141 million raised in May, including substantial donations following Trump’s 34 felony convictions in the New York hush money case.
Louisiana passes law requiring display of Ten Commandments in classrooms, reigniting old political conflicts
NEW ORLEANS (AP) β Louisiana’s new law mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school and college classroom, making it the only state with such a requirement. This law has reignited debates over the role of religion in government institutions, echoing a previous Supreme Court ruling from 1980 that deemed a similar Kentucky law unconstitutional. However, with changing Supreme Court dynamics over the years and recent rulings in favor of religious expression, supporters of the law see a chance for its enforcement.
Border Patrol arrests decrease by 25% following Biden’s asylum restrictions
WASHINGTON (AP) β Border Patrol data indicates a 25% drop in arrests since President Joe Biden’s announcement of new asylum restrictions two weeks ago. This decline comes as the White House aims to demonstrate control over the southern border to voters. May also saw a 9% reduction in arrests, marking the third-lowest month in Biden’s presidency. Troy Miller, acting head of Customs and Border Protection, credits enforcement strategies for reducing encounters at the southwest border, with additional benefits from Mexican border enforcement initiatives.
Putin-Kim summit offers rare insights into North Korea
Amid the recent summit between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, photographs from Pyongyang swiftly emerged, providing unprecedented glimpses into North Korea. The imagery showcased Kim’s interactions with Putin and life in the reclusive nation, shedding light on a usually guarded society. For observers of the Kim regime, the summit coverage was a unique opportunity to gain unfiltered access to a country known for its secretive nature, courtesy of both governments’ propaganda releases.
US to redirect air defense missiles to Ukraine amid Russian attacks
WASHINGTON (AP) β In response to increased Russian assaults on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, the US plans to expedite delivery of air defense interceptor missiles to Ukraine by reallocating shipments initially designated for other allies. The decision, deemed necessary by the White House, involves reprioritizing foreign military sales to accommodate Ukraine’s urgent needs for enhanced capabilities. The administration refrained from specifying the number of nations affected by the redirection but emphasized Ukraine’s immediate requirements for additional defenses.
Campers use blocks of lake ice to combat heat wave as temperatures soar
SQUAM LAKE, N.H. (AP) β Amid a scorching heat wave affecting the Midwest to New England, campers at a New Hampshire site are utilizing blocks of ice harvested from a frozen lake months earlier to stay cool. The practice, upheld for over a century, involves storing ice blocks in sawdust until needed. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service predicts record-high heat index readings exceeding 100 degrees in numerous areas across the country, notably California and Arizona, with no relief in sight.
Appeals court denies delay of Steve Bannon’s prison sentence
WASHINGTON (AP) β A federal appeals court panel has rejected Steve Bannon’s request to postpone his four-month prison term for contempt of Congress. Bannon, a close ally of Donald Trump, faces imprisonment starting July 1 for defying a House committee subpoena related to the Capitol attack investigation. Following the panel’s affirmation of his conviction, Bannon may seek recourse with the Supreme Court in a bid to forestall his impending sentence.
Rain assists firefighters in battling New Mexico wildfires as Biden approves disaster aid
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) β Over 1,000 firefighters are leveraging favorable weather conditions to gain control over wildfires in New Mexico that have claimed lives, razed homes, and displaced residents. President Joe Biden’s disaster declaration provides additional funding and resources to support containment efforts, bolstered by recent rainstorms and improved humidity levels. The community faces significant property damage, warranting caution in allowing residents to reassess their homes.
Renowned actor Donald Sutherland passes away at 88
NEW YORK (AP) β Donald Sutherland, the acclaimed actor known for his diverse roles in films such as “M.A.S.H.” and “The Hunger Games,” has died at the age of 88 in Miami after an extended illness. Sutherland’s career spanned decades, transitioning from iconic characters to refined character portrayals in nearly 200 productions. In 2017, he received an honorary Oscar in recognition of his contributions to cinema.
Celebrations honor Willie Mays and Negro League players ahead of MLB game at Rickwood Field
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) β Events commemorating Willie Mays and other Negro League players unfolded at the historic Rickwood Field, where MLB staged a game between the Giants and Cardinals. Dubbed “A Tribute to the Negro Leagues,” the game honored Black baseball legends who left an indelible mark on the sport. The festivities, preceding the match, celebrated the enduring legacy of these players and their significant impact on baseball history.
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