Reformist Pezeshkian wins Iran’s presidential runoff election, besting 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 impacting 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 final authority on state matters. However, Pezeshkian’s more moderate objectives will face obstacles from the predominantly hard-line Iranian government, among other challenges. Official vote count figures show Pezeshkian as the winner with 16.3 million votes compared to Jalili’s 13.5 million in Friday’s election.
Biden brushes off age concerns in interview as he seeks to salvage reelection campaign
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Joe Biden has used a highly anticipated TV interview to dismiss calls for an independent medical evaluation to prove his fitness for serving another term in office. He attributes his poor debate performance to a “bad episode” and asserts that there are “no signs of any serious condition.” Biden is fighting to save his imperiled reelection bid. The 81-year-old president managed to navigate through his 22-minute interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos without major errors that would further harm his candidacy. However, this is unlikely to completely ease concerns about his age and ability to contend against Donald Trump in November.
Republicans shift focus to Harris as talk of replacing Biden on Democratic ticket gains momentum
NEW YORK (AP) — For years, Republicans have used the fear tactic that a vote to reelect President Joe Biden is essentially a vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, often accompanied by racist and misogynistic undertones. However, following Biden’s lackluster performance at the recent presidential debate, calls for him to step down in favor of a more viable candidate have grown louder. What was previously dismissed as a conspiracy theory from the far-right now seems to have a chance of materializing. Republicans, including Trump, are scrambling to ramp up their attacks preemptively.
A NATO summit and improving EU relations are among the initial tasks for new UK leader Keir Starmer
LONDON (AP) — Newly appointed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer does not have the luxury of taking a break. Following a grueling six-week election campaign, the center-left politician must immediately begin forming his government, addressing a slew of domestic issues, and shaping the UK’s interactions with the rest of the world. Starmer aims to position Britain as a more prominent player on the global stage after strained relations with Europe due to Brexit. He will kick off his agenda by attending a NATO summit in Washington next week, where Ukraine will be a key topic of discussion. Later in the month, he will host leaders from across Europe at a meeting of the 47-nation European Political Community.
Putin asserts no need for nuclear weapons to achieve victory in Ukraine, while keeping options open
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a clear and stark message to NATO: refrain from providing extensive military support to Ukraine to avoid a conflict that could escalate to a nuclear level. Despite the war tilting in Moscow’s favor, Putin maintains that he does not require nuclear weapons to accomplish his objectives. However, he underscores that it would be inaccurate for the West to assume that the possibility of using such weapons does not exist. Moscow’s stance on nuclear weapons, as NATO moves to bolster Ukraine’s forces, heralds a potentially precarious phase in the conflict.
After hitting Yucatan Peninsula, Beryl churns in Gulf of Mexico as Texas braces for potential impact
TULUM, Mexico (AP) — Beryl has re-entered the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where it is anticipated to regain strength after weakening to a tropical storm while crossing Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The U.S. National Hurricane Center projects Beryl to intensify into a hurricane and head towards northeastern Mexico and the Texas coast. State and local authorities have advised coastal residents to prepare for potential storm surge flooding, heavy rainfall, and high winds. Some Texas cities have issued voluntary evacuations for low-lying areas prone to flooding, banned beach camping, and urged tourists traveling over the July 4 holiday weekend to relocate recreational vehicles from coastal parks.
Records fall as dangerous heat wave scorches US West and beyond, with more extreme conditions expected
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Across the West, records are being broken as a slow-moving heat wave of potentially historic proportions grips regions from the Pacific Northwest to Arizona. The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic areas of the U.S. are also experiencing sweltering conditions, with oppressive heat and humidity forecasted to persist through Saturday and beyond. Death Valley in California shattered its previous record high for the date by 5 degrees on Friday, reaching 127 degrees. Phoenix also set a daily record at 118 degrees. Temperatures are expected to remain at 115 or higher in Phoenix through Wednesday. In Needles, California, the mercury hit a record 122 degrees.
France’s president calls surprise election, outcome could diminish influence in global affairs
PARIS (AP) — The outcomes of the second round of the critical legislative election on Sunday are likely to impact the influence French President Emmanuel Macron wields in the areas of defense and foreign affairs. Analysts suggest that the results could diminish Macron’s role as a dynamic and influential figure in European and global politics, and as a primary supporter of Ukraine in the conflict against Russia. In the first round of voting for a new parliament, Macron’s bloc lagged behind the surging far right. One certainty before the decisive round on Sunday is that Macron is unlikely to emerge with increased authority.
Gaza soccer stadium transformed into shelter for thousands of displaced Palestinians
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Amid Israel’s ongoing offensive in eastern parts of Gaza City, thousands of displaced Palestinians from northern Gaza have sought refuge in one of the area’s largest soccer stadiums. Families are struggling with limited food and water, attempting to stay ahead of Israel’s military actions. Many of those who have taken shelter at Yarmouk Sports Stadium have nothing left to return to. Makeshift tents dot the shaded areas beneath the stadium’s seating, with clothes hanging to dry across the dusty field. For many, this is not the first time they have been displaced. One woman, Um Ahmad, expressed, “Fear is now felt not only among the children, but also among the adults.”
Mount Everest’s highest camp marred by frozen garbage, cleanup efforts likely to span years
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Since the conquest of Mount Everest seven decades ago, numerous climbers have scaled the peak, leaving behind more than just footprints. Tons of trash and several bodies remain on the icy slopes of the world’s highest mountain. The highest camp at South Col is littered with garbage that will require years to clear. A Sherpa involved in an effort to remove 11 tons of trash and four frozen bodies from the site this year estimates that as much as 50-60 tons of garbage still exist at the South Col campsite.
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