Millions are feeling the heat wave, but campers at Squam Lake, N.H. are staying cool with blocks of ice harvested from a frozen lake. These blocks of ice have been stored in sawdust for months, a tradition that has been upheld for over a century. As the heat and humidity continue to rise across the country, the National Weather Service warns of heat index readings above 100 degrees in many areas, potentially breaking records. Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, including California and Arizona, triple-digit highs are expected.
A new law in Louisiana mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every classroom is reigniting debates over the separation of religion and government. The controversial law makes Louisiana the only state to require such displays in public schools and colleges. A similar law in Kentucky was deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1980, but with changes to the court’s makeup and recent rulings favoring religious expression, the law in Louisiana now stands.
The recent summit between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin in North Korea provided a rare glimpse into the secretive nation. Images from the meeting showed Kim and Putin interacting and touring Pyongyang, offering unprecedented insight into North Korea’s leadership. Meanwhile, the U.S. has announced plans to redirect air defense interceptor missiles to Ukraine to counter increased Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration in New Mexico, freeing up resources to combat deadly fires that have claimed lives, destroyed homes, and displaced thousands. With cooler temperatures and rain aiding firefighting efforts, crews are working to contain the fires in southern New Mexico. In another development, the Supreme Court has upheld a tax on foreign income, generating billions in revenue mainly from foreign subsidiaries of U.S. corporations.
Renowned actor Donald Sutherland has passed away at the age of 88 in Miami after a long illness. Known for his diverse roles in films like “M.A.S.H.” and “The Hunger Games,” Sutherland’s career spanned decades and earned him an honorary Oscar in 2017. Meanwhile, Border Patrol reports a 25% decrease in arrests following Biden’s new asylum restrictions, marking a significant drop in border encounters.
Celebrations honoring baseball legend Willie Mays and Negro League players took place at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, ahead of a Major League Baseball game. The event, titled “A Tribute to the Negro Leagues,” paid homage to the contributions of Black baseball players to the sport. In the Philippines, an investigation has revealed that a politician advocating for natural gas development has ties to a company set to profit from the industry, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
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