Biden pledges to continue running for reelection despite dwindling support on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is affirming his commitment to stay in the race for reelection despite facing pressure from within his own party to step down following a poor debate performance that raised concerns about his readiness. However, a key ally has publicly suggested a possible alternative. Biden reportedly reassured his staff that he is not being pressured to withdraw from the race. Yet, there are indications that Democratic support for Biden is diminishing among lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Rep. Jim Clyburn, a longtime Biden supporter, has indicated he would back a “mini-primary” leading up to the Democratic National Convention if Biden were to exit the race.
Congressional Democrats torn between supporting Biden and voicing concerns
WASHINGTON (AP) — Following President Joe Biden’s lackluster debate performance, there has been little direct communication between Biden and congressional leaders. However, Rep. James Clyburn suggested the idea of a “mini-primary” on CNN, leading up to the Democratic National Convention in August. Biden’s debate showing has forced lawmakers to confront a potential crisis that could extend beyond the outcome of the presidential election. Many Democrats are cautioning that Biden may not be able to defeat Donald Trump in November, and some are beginning to consider the possibility of his withdrawal.
Trump yields spotlight to Biden amid fallout from debate
NEW YORK (AP) — In the aftermath of President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance, Donald Trump, the presumed Republican nominee, has opted to stay out of the limelight, allowing the focus to remain on the turmoil within the Democratic Party. Trump and his campaign have been celebrating recent legal and political victories as they gear up for the Republican National Convention later this month. These wins include a Supreme Court ruling granting former presidents immunity from prosecution and a judge’s decision to postpone the sentencing in Trump’s criminal hush money trial.
Israel accelerates expansion of West Bank settlements with significant land acquisition
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has approved its largest land seizure in the occupied West Bank in over three decades, according to a settlement monitoring group. Peace Now reported on Wednesday that authorities sanctioned the appropriation of 12.7 square kilometers of land in the Jordan Valley. This marks the largest single land appropriation since the 1993 Oslo accords. The expansion of settlements in the West Bank is viewed by Palestinians as a major obstacle to achieving a lasting peace agreement, while much of the international community considers the settlements illegitimate. The Israeli government considers the West Bank to be the historical and religious heartland of the Jewish people and opposes Palestinian statehood.
Rising floods and deterioration pose risks to dam safety in the US
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Recent floodwaters in rural Minnesota caused severe erosion and damage to a century-old dam, while intense rainfall in Texas exacerbated issues with another dam. The U.S. has approximately 90,000 significant dams, with over 4,000 categorized as being in poor or unsatisfactory condition. These dams pose potential risks to both human life and the environment if they were to fail, according to data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. While some dams are well-maintained, others lack the necessary funds for critical repairs. Climate change is intensifying rainfall in certain regions, amplifying the risk associated with these dams.
Summer linked to increase in mass shootings and violence
Violence and mass shootings tend to rise in the summer months, particularly around the Fourth of July, which historically has been one of the deadliest days of the year. Data from the Gun Violence Archive shows that June, July, and August have consistently seen the highest number of mass shootings over the past decade, with Independence Day recording the most incidents. Researchers attribute this trend to a combination of factors, including increased social events, school being out of session, and hotter temperatures.
US officials plan to cull hundreds of thousands of another owl species to protect spotted owls
U.S. wildlife officials are endorsing a controversial plan to deploy trained shooters to eliminate nearly half a million barred owls in dense West Coast forests over the next few decades. The objective is to safeguard spotted owls, which are facing competition from barred owls migrating from the eastern U.S. Previous efforts to preserve spotted owls focused on protecting their habitats, but the surge in barred owl populations in recent years has undermined these conservation measures, putting spotted owls at risk of extinction. The concept of eliminating one bird species to save another has sparked debate among wildlife advocates and conservationists.
Fossils reveal existence of prehistoric predatory creature with sharp fangs predating dinosaurs
WASHINGTON (AP) — Scientists have identified a massive predatory amphibian with sharp fangs that dominated waters 280 million years ago, preceding the era of dinosaurs. This creature is believed to have used its broad, flat head to engulf prey. Research published in the journal Nature showcases these ancient creatures and sheds light on the evolution of tetrapods, four-legged animals that transitioned from aquatic to terrestrial lifestyles. The discovery was made in what is now Namibia, which was once covered in glaciers, suggesting that tetrapods thrived in colder climates earlier than previously thought.
GM fined $146 million for exceeding carbon dioxide emissions in older vehicles
WASHINGTON (AP) — General Motors has been ordered to pay nearly $146 million in penalties to the federal government for failing to meet emissions and fuel economy standards with 5.9 million older vehicles from the 2012-2018 model years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that these GM vehicles emitted over 10% more carbon dioxide than initially claimed during compliance testing. GM maintains that it adhered to all regulations concerning pollution and vehicle efficiency certification.
TikTok’s impact on consumer trends and social engagement under scrutiny
NEW YORK (AP) — The rise of TikTok in the United States has revolutionized consumer trends and reshaped social interactions in less than six years since its launch. The platform’s popularity, coupled with its Chinese roots, has drawn concerns from Congress over national security, leading to the threat of a ban on the app unless its Chinese parent company divests its ownership. While TikTok and ByteDance, its parent company, have challenged the ban on First Amendment grounds, the platform’s enduring influence remains undisputed and unparalleled for the time being.
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