Biden admits to debate mistakes but vows to defend 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 ex-President Donald Trump. Biden acknowledged that he may not be as strong of a debater as he once was at a rally in North Carolina on Friday. Despite this, he emphasized the importance of the upcoming election by stating, “The choice in this election is simple: Donald Trump will destroy our democracy. I will defend it.” Although some Democratic lawmakers are expressing worries, they are still standing by Biden. Meanwhile, Trump continues to attack critics and spread misinformation, highlighting the ongoing turbulence of his presidency.
Here’s why Democrats face difficulties in replacing Joe Biden on the presidential ticket
WASHINGTON (AP) — The possibility of replacing President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election is slim unless Biden voluntarily steps down following his underwhelming debate performance against Donald Trump. According to Democratic rules, delegates won by Biden in state primaries are expected to support him at the party’s upcoming national convention unless he decides to withdraw from the race. While Biden’s debate performance has raised questions within his party, the process of replacing him on the ballot before November poses significant challenges. It’s important to note that Vice President Kamala Harris is Biden’s running mate, but she cannot automatically take his place at the top of the ticket.
Supreme Court decision hampers charging Capitol riot defendants with obstruction, including charge faced by Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court ruling that makes it harder to charge Capitol riot defendants with obstruction, a charge also brought against former President Donald Trump. The justices ruled on Friday that the charge of obstructing an official proceeding must demonstrate that defendants attempted to tamper with or destroy documents. This ruling only applies to a subset of individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol attack. While Garland sees this decision as limiting an essential federal statute, he reassured that the majority of cases related to January 6th won’t be affected. Trump celebrated the ruling, describing it as a “massive victory” for those arrested during the Capitol riot.
Divided Supreme Court upholds legality of 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 has received mixed reactions. California Governor Gavin Newsome views the ruling as a positive step that grants local officials greater flexibility in addressing the homelessness crisis. However, a homeless advocate raised concerns about the potential punishment faced by individuals simply because they have nowhere else to go. The case from Oregon, decided on Friday by a 6-3 vote along ideological lines, tackles the issue of homelessness, impacting a growing number of people in the U.S. The ruling struck down a previous decision that outdoor sleeping bans constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
Implications of Supreme Court ruling that eliminates a key tool for federal regulators
WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent Supreme Court ruling has significant implications for federal regulations that govern various aspects of daily life, from food safety to environmental standards. The ruling, which rejected the long-standing Chevron doctrine, shifts power from executive branch agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency to the courts. While the Chevron doctrine has upheld numerous federal regulations over the past 40 years, conservative groups and businesses argue that it grants excessive power to the executive branch. The ruling marks a shift in the regulatory landscape, potentially impacting a wide range of regulatory measures.
Update on the U.S.-built pier for aid distribution to Gaza
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military-built pier in Gaza has been temporarily removed from the shore due to rough seas, raising uncertainties about its future role in aid distribution to Palestinians. Humanitarian aid organizations halted the distribution of supplies received by sea on June 9 due to security concerns, and have not resumed operations. U.S. officials suggest that the pier might not be reinstalled unless aid agencies agree to resume aid distribution. Meanwhile, supplies shipped from Cyprus are accumulating on the shore, with limited space in the secure area on the beach in Gaza. The pier has faced challenges from adverse weather conditions and security issues throughout its operations.
Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter case moves forward to trial in July
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The case against Alec Baldwin for involuntary manslaughter is moving forward to trial in July, following the denial of a request to dismiss the case. Prosecutors argued that key evidence was damaged during FBI forensic testing, but the judge sided with the prosecution in advancing the case. Defense attorneys raised concerns about the condition of the gun involved in the fatal shooting, alleging that it was substantially damaged during forensic testing before a thorough examination could be conducted. The ruling clears the way for prosecutors to proceed with the trial.
Families of those detained in Bolivia coup claim innocence, while President distances from responsibility
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Families of the 21 individuals detained on allegations of involvement in a failed coup express confusion and distress at the situation. They deny any knowledge of a coup plot leading up to the events on Wednesday. Many family members of the detained individuals argue that their loved ones were following orders or were misled into believing they were part of a military exercise. On Friday, the government announced additional arrests of soldiers, including former Gen. Juan José Zuñiga, who reportedly led the failed coup.
Poll results from Iran’s presidential election held amidst regional tensions
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranians have participated in a snap election to replace the late hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi. The sole reformist candidate in the election pledged to pursue “friendly relations” with Western countries in a bid to rally support amidst voter apathy. The election, which took place on Friday, featured a choice between hard-line candidates and the relatively unknown contender, Masoud Pezeshkian. Although calls for radical change were excluded from the electoral process, as has been the norm since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the lack of international oversight raises concerns. Initial election results are expected to be released on Saturday amid escalating tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Remembering Martin Mull, iconic comedian and actor
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Acclaimed comedian and actor Martin Mull has passed away at the age of 80 following a prolonged illness. Mull gained recognition for his distinctive comic style in Hollywood clubs during the 1970s. He ventured into television with a role in the Norman Lear-created series “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and later headlined the satirical talk show “Fernwood Tonight.” In the 1980s, Mull appeared in popular films such as “Mr. Mom” and “Clue,” and later became a regular on the TV show “Roseanne” in the 1990s. His guest appearances on “Arrested Development” and “Veep” earned him critical acclaim, leading to an Emmy nomination.
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