Reformist Pezeshkian wins Iran’s presidential runoff election, beating hard-liner Jalili
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has emerged victorious in Iran’s presidential runoff election, defeating hard-liner Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian has pledged to engage with the West and relax enforcement of the country’s mandatory headscarf law following years of sanctions and protests against the Islamic Republic. He has also stated that there will be no drastic changes to Iran’s Shiite theocracy, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remaining the ultimate authority on state matters. However, Pezeshkian’s modest goals will face challenges from the predominantly hard-line Iranian government, among other obstacles. Official vote counts released on Saturday showed Pezeshkian winning with 16.3 million votes to Jalili’s 13.5 million in the Friday election.
Biden dismisses concerns about his age in interview as he works to salvage reelection campaign
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Joe Biden has rejected calls for an independent medical evaluation to prove his fitness for another term in office during a key TV interview. He attributed his poor debate performance to a “bad episode” and maintained that there were no signs of any serious health issues. Biden is fighting to revive his struggling reelection bid. Despite being 81 years old, he managed to get through a 22-minute interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos without major mistakes that could further harm his candidacy. However, it is unlikely to completely dispel concerns about his age, fitness, and ability to defeat Donald Trump in November.
Republicans shift focus to Harris amid talk of replacing Biden on Democratic ticket
NEW YORK (AP) — After President Biden’s lackluster performance in the recent presidential debate sparked calls for his replacement in favor of a more competitive candidate against Donald Trump, Republicans are intensifying their attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris. What was once considered a far-right conspiracy theory could now become a reality, as Trump and other Republicans scramble to step up their preemptive criticisms.
A NATO summit and improving EU relations top priorities for new UK leader Keir Starmer
LONDON (AP) — Newly appointed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces immediate challenges following a demanding six-week election campaign. He must quickly form his government, address numerous domestic issues, and shape the UK’s foreign relations. Starmer aims to enhance Britain’s global role after strained ties with Europe due to Brexit. He will begin by attending a NATO summit in Washington, focusing on Ukraine, before hosting a meeting of the 47-nation European Political Community later this month.
Putin rules out need for nuclear weapons in Ukraine but keeps options open
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned NATO against escalating military support for Ukraine, warning that such actions could lead to a conflict that might escalate to a nuclear level. Despite indicating he does not require nuclear weapons to achieve his objectives, Putin stressed that Russia’s nuclear doctrine allows for their use in response to perceived threats to its sovereignty. As tensions rise with NATO bolstering Ukraine’s forces, Moscow’s nuclear rhetoric signals a dangerous phase in the conflict.
After impacting Yucatan Peninsula, Beryl re-emerges in Gulf of Mexico as Texas prepares for potential impact
TULUM, Mexico (AP) — Beryl has returned to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico following its weakening to a tropical storm while crossing Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The U.S. National Hurricane Center predicts Beryl will regain hurricane strength and head toward northeastern Mexico and the Texas coast. Residents along the coastline are advised to brace for storm surge flooding, heavy rain, and strong winds. Some cities in Texas have issued voluntary evacuations in low-lying areas susceptible to flooding and urged tourists to relocate ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend.
Unprecedented heat wave scorches US West and beyond, with more extreme temperatures expected
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A lingering heat wave is setting record high temperatures across the Western U.S., with the potential for historically high readings from the Pacific Northwest to Arizona. The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions are also experiencing oppressive heat and humidity likely to persist beyond Saturday. California’s Death Valley broke its previous record by 5 degrees, reaching 127 degrees, while Phoenix set a new daily record at 118 degrees. Needles, California, recorded 122 degrees. Temperatures are forecast to remain at or above 115 degrees in Phoenix through Wednesday.
Gaza soccer stadium shelters thousands of displaced Palestinians
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — In northern Gaza, thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge in one of the territory’s largest soccer stadiums. Families are struggling with limited food and water while fleeing Israel’s latest offensive in eastern Gaza City, an area heavily bombarded and mostly deserted since the start of the conflict. Many displaced individuals have nowhere else to go, setting up makeshift tents under the stadium’s seating and hanging clothes across the dusty field. Fear and uncertainty prevail among both children and adults, with many having been displaced multiple times.
July Fourth violence claims at least 33 lives nationwide, prompting mourning in Chicago
Violence during the extended Fourth of July weekend has resulted in at least 33 deaths and numerous injuries across the country. In Chicago alone, 11 people have been killed and 55 wounded. City officials describe Chicago as being in a state of grief, leading to the closure of a beach and enhanced security measures throughout the weekend. In Huntington Beach, California, two individuals were killed and three others injured in an attack following an Independence Day fireworks display. Philadelphia also witnessed a fatal drive-by shooting that claimed the life of a 19-year-old.
Zimbabwe’s innovative mental health therapy gains global traction
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — A unique form of talk therapy involving park benches and a network of grandmothers has become a lifeline for individuals with mental health challenges in Zimbabwe. The concept, known as the Friendship Bench, has gained popularity in parts of the United States and other regions. With limited clinical mental health resources in Zimbabwe, the program pairs community grandmothers with basic training in problem-solving therapy to provide emotional support and guidance. Inspired by traditional practices, the Friendship Bench offers a valuable outlet for individuals grappling with mental health issues.
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