Biden acknowledges debate missteps but vows to protect democracy. Democrats show support – for now
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is addressing concerns within the Democratic Party regarding his performance in the debate against former President Donald Trump. During a rally in North Carolina, Biden admitted that he is not as strong of a debater as he used to be. However, he emphasized that the choice in the upcoming election is clear: Donald Trump poses a threat to democracy, while he promises to defend it. Although some Democratic lawmakers are expressing worry, they are standing by Biden at this time. Meanwhile, Trump’s continuous attacks on critics and spreading of false information serve as a reminder of the chaos witnessed during his presidency.
Here’s why the possibility of Democrats replacing Joe Biden on the presidential ticket is slim
WASHINGTON (AP) — Unless President Joe Biden chooses to step down following his lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump, it would be incredibly challenging for Democrats to replace him as their 2024 nominee. According to Democratic rules, the delegates Biden earned in state primaries are obligated to support him at the national convention unless he announces his withdrawal from the race. Despite some within his own party questioning his suitability as a candidate, it is not straightforward to replace Biden on the ballot. Vice President Kamala Harris being his running mate does not automatically mean she can take his place as the nominee.
Supreme Court ruling makes it tougher to charge Capitol riot defendants with obstruction, a charge Trump is facing
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland expresses disappointment over a Supreme Court ruling that complicates the charging of Capitol riot defendants with obstruction. Former President Donald Trump is among those facing this charge. The justices decided that obstructing an official proceeding must involve evidence of attempts to tamper with or destroy documents. This ruling affects only a portion of the individuals involved in the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. Garland acknowledges that the court’s decision restricts an important federal statute, but assures that the majority of cases related to the Capitol riot remain unaffected. Meanwhile, Trump hails the ruling as a victory for those arrested on January 6.
Divided Supreme Court upholds outdoor sleeping bans in major homelessness case
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to enforce bans on outdoor sleeping in West Coast regions is welcomed by California Governor Gavin Newsom as it provides local officials with more authority to address the homelessness crisis. However, an attorney representing homeless individuals argues that the ruling could result in punishment for people simply because they lack shelter. In a significant case concerning homelessness, the high court voted 6-3, along ideological lines, to invalidate a prior ruling that deemed outdoor sleeping bans cruel and unusual punishment.
Chevron ruling impacts federal regulators, shifting power away from executive branch agencies
WASHINGTON (AP) — A broad Supreme Court decision rejecting the longstanding Chevron legal doctrine could have far-reaching repercussions for federal regulations impacting various aspects of daily life. Known as Chevron, the 40-year-old doctrine will no longer empower executive branch agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, redirecting that power towards the courts. This doctrine has served as the basis for upholding numerous federal regulations, but has been criticized by conservatives and business groups for granting excessive authority to the executive branch.
Review of the US-built pier designed to provide aid to Gaza reveals challenges
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military-constructed pier near the Gaza shore has been removed due to rough seas, raising uncertainty about its role in aid distribution to Palestinians. Humanitarian groups halted the distribution of supplies delivered by sea in June due to security fears, and have yet to resume operations. U.S. officials indicate that the pier may not be reinstalled unless there is an agreement with aid agencies to resume distributions. As food and provisions from Cyprus accumulate on the shore, space in the secure area on the Gaza beach is reaching capacity. The journey of the pier has been plagued by weather-related damage and security challenges.
Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter case proceeding towards trial in July despite dismissal request denial
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter case is set for trial in July after a judge dismissed a request to drop the charges due to alleged FBI mishandling of key evidence. The judge’s decision allows prosecutors to move forward with the case, rejecting defense claims that the weapon involved in the fatal shooting was damaged during FBI testing. This ruling paves the way for prosecutors to take the case to trial.
Families of 21 individuals detained for alleged coup in Bolivia plead for mercy, citing deception
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Families of the 21 people arrested on suspicions of involvement in a failed coup express confusion and distress at the detention facility where their loved ones are held. They claim they were unaware of any plot leading up to the event. Many family members of the detainees assert that their loved ones were simply following orders or were misled into believing they were participating in a military exercise. The government announced additional arrests, bringing the total to 21, including former General Juan José Zuñiga who allegedly led the failed coup.
Polls close in Iran’s presidential election amid rising tensions in the Middle East
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranians cast their votes in a sudden election to replace the late hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi. The lone reformist candidate pledged to pursue friendly relations with Western nations in an attempt to energize supporters in an election marked by apathy. The choice presented to voters includes hard-line candidates and the lesser-known Masoud Pezeshkian. Women and advocates for significant change continue to be excluded from running, and the election lacks international oversight. The voting takes place amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East following the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Initial election results are expected to be announced on Saturday.
NASA astronauts to prolong stay at space station for additional troubleshooting of Boeing capsule
NASA announces that two astronauts will extend their time in space to address issues with Boeing’s capsule. The return date for the astronauts has not been specified. The two NASA test pilots launched on Boeing’s Starliner capsule on June 5, marking the company’s first manned mission after numerous setbacks. Originally planned as a week-long test flight to check the capsule docked at the station, delays in returning from space have been caused by problems with the capsule’s propulsion system.
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