Biden admits to debate mistakes 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. At a rally in North Carolina, Biden acknowledged that he is not as strong of a debater as he once was. However, he emphasized that the key decision in this election is clear: “Donald Trump will dismantle our democracy. I will safeguard it.” While some Democratic lawmakers are worried, they are standing by Biden at present. Meanwhile, Trump continues to attack critics and spread false information, underscoring the chaos of his time as a Republican president.
Why Democrats Would Struggle to Replace Joe Biden on the Ticket
WASHINGTON (AP) — Replacing President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming 2024 presidential election would be extremely challenging, unless Biden voluntarily steps down after his lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump. Party rules dictate that delegates won by Biden in state primaries must support him at the national convention unless he declares his withdrawal from the race. Following Thursday’s debate, some of Biden’s fellow Democrats are beginning to question whether a replacement is necessary before the November election. While Vice President Kamala Harris is Biden’s running mate, she cannot automatically take his place at the top of the ticket.
Supreme Court Decision Affects Capitol Riot Defendants and Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland expresses disappointment in the Supreme Court’s ruling that makes it harder to charge Capitol riot defendants with obstruction, a charge also faced by former President Donald Trump. The justices determined that the obstruction charge must demonstrate that defendants attempted to manipulate or destroy documents related to an official proceeding. This criterion only applies to a portion of the individuals involved in the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. Garland notes that while this decision restricts a crucial federal statute, the majority of cases linked to the January 6 events will not be impacted. Trump hails the ruling as a major victory for the arrests made that day.
Supreme Court Ruling Upholds Homelessness Policies
WASHINGTON (AP) — California Governor Gavin Newsome applauds the Supreme Court’s decision permitting cities to enforce regulations against outdoor sleeping in West Coast regions, providing local officials more flexibility to address the homelessness crisis. However, a lawyer representing homeless individuals warns that the ruling could lead to penalties for those with nowhere else to go. This critical Oregon case marked the most significant homelessness issue brought before the Supreme Court in years, as the number of homeless people in the U.S. continues to rise. In a 6-3 ideological split, the Court ruled against a previous judgement that deemed outdoor sleeping bans as inhumane punishment.
Implications of Supreme Court Ruling on Federal Regulations
WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent Supreme Court ruling has the potential to impact numerous federal regulations that govern various aspects of daily life. The court’s rejection of the four-decade-old Chevron doctrine reduces the authority of executive branch agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, and shifts power towards the judiciary. The Chevron principle has long supported thousands of federal regulations, but has faced criticism from conservatives and business groups alleging it grants excessive authority to the executive branch.
Update on US-Built Pier for Aid Distribution in Gaza
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military-constructed pier in Gaza has been temporarily removed due to rough sea conditions, casting doubt on its role in distributing aid to Palestinians. Humanitarian organizations ceased distributing supplies via the pier on June 9 due to security issues, and have not resumed operations. U.S. officials suggest that the pier may not be reinstalled unless aid agencies agree to resume aid distribution. As provisions from Cyprus accumulate on the shore, the secure area in Gaza nears capacity. The pier has faced challenges ranging from adverse weather conditions to security concerns.
Alec Baldwin’s Involuntary Manslaughter Case Proceeds to Trial
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Actor Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter case is set to go to trial in July after a judge denied a request to dismiss the case amid concerns that key evidence was compromised during forensic testing by the FBI. The judge’s ruling allows prosecutors to move forward with the case, rejecting claims that the weapon involved in the shooting was damaged during FBI testing before its examination for potential modifications that could impact the actor’s innocence. This decision clears the way for prosecutors to present their case in court.
Families of Detainees in Bolivia Coup Express Confusion
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Relatives of the 21 individuals detained on suspicion of participating in an unsuccessful coup appear bewildered and anxious in the prison where their loved ones are being held. Many families assert they were unaware of any plot leading up to the events of Wednesday. Loved ones of the detainees claim they were simply following orders or believed they were engaged in a military exercise. The government’s announcement of additional arrests, including former Gen. Juan José Zuñiga, brings the total number of detainees to 21.
Iran Holds Presidential Election Amid Regional Tensions
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranians have participated in a snap election following the death of hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi. The lead reformist candidate has pledged to pursue friendly relations with Western nations in an effort to mobilize supporters in an election marked by disinterest. Voters in Iran faced a choice between hard-line contenders and the lesser-known candidate Masoud Pezeshkian. As is customary since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, women and advocates for significant change were prohibited from running in the election, which lacks oversight from internationally recognized monitors. The timing of the election coincides with escalating tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Initial election results are anticipated on Saturday.
Passing of Comedian and Actor Martin Mull
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Comedic performer and actor Martin Mull has passed away at the age of 80. Mull’s daughter confirmed his death, attributing it to a lengthy illness. Mull gained recognition for his witty comedic style on the Sunset Strip in 1970s Hollywood. His credits include roles in the Norman Lear-produced series “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” and its satirical spinoff, “Fernwood Tonight.” During the 1980s, he appeared in films like “Mr. Mom” and “Clue,” and in the 1990s, he became a regular on “Roseanne.” Mull also delivered acclaimed performances on shows such as “Arrested Development” and “Veep,” garnering an Emmy nomination.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
