Texas coastal residents were warned to brace for power outages and flooding as Beryl moved closer to making landfall
MATAGORDA, Texas (AP) — Authorities in Texas are cautioning coastal residents about potential power outages and flooding as Beryl was expected to strengthen to hurricane levels before reaching land. The storm was anticipated to hit early Monday, with its outer bands starting to affect Texas shoreline communities on Sunday with rain and increasing winds. The area near Matagorda Bay, around 100 miles south of Houston, was the projected landfall site, although officials cautioned that the path could still shift. The head of the Texas Division of Emergency Management stated that coastal residents should be prepared for power outages as Beryl approaches. Several counties have issued voluntary evacuation orders.
A severe heat wave in the US has broken numerous records, led to deaths in the West, and gripped the East
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A visitor to Death Valley National Park died from heat exposure over the weekend as temperatures soared to 128 degrees. The individual was part of a group of six motorcyclists riding in the Badwater Basin area on Saturday. The park reported that the person who passed away remained unidentified, while another motorcyclist was hospitalized in Las Vegas due to severe heat illness. A prolonged heat wave has shattered records across the U.S., impacting parts of the West with dangerous temperatures. An excessive heat warning was issued for approximately 36 million people nationwide.
Leftists secure the most seats in French legislative elections against the far right, resulting in a hung parliament and political deadlock
PARIS (AP) — A left-wing coalition has emerged victorious in high-stakes legislative elections in France, thwarting a surge by the far right but falling short of a majority. This outcome has left France with a hung parliament, causing political uncertainty that may affect markets, the economy, the war in Ukraine, global diplomacy, and Europe’s economic stability. The situation comes just weeks before Paris hosts the Olympics. President Emmanuel Macron called for the election after far-right gains in European Parliament voting. However, the move seems to have backfired on many fronts.
As Biden campaigns in Pennsylvania, some House Democratic leaders suggest he should step down
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President Joe Biden has encouraged his followers to remain united during key stops in critical Pennsylvania, despite private conversations among prominent congressional Democrats suggesting it may be time for him to withdraw from the reelection race amid growing concerns about his fitness for another term. Biden expressed optimism about America’s future if unity prevails. Ahead of Congress reconvening this week, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held discussions with top committee lawmakers on Sunday, with several committee leaders advocating for Biden’s resignation.
Europeans seek to fortify NATO against potential Trump return amid Biden’s struggles
WASHINGTON (AP) — NATO allies are gathering in Washington for a summit, with concerns about a possible return of Donald Trump, a vocal critic of the military alliance, dominating discussions. President Joe Biden’s lackluster performance in a recent presidential debate has raised doubts about his reelection prospects, prompting discussions about “Trump-proofing” or “future-proofing” NATO in case of another Trump presidency. European allies and NATO are considering taking on a greater role in supporting Ukraine and enhancing the alliance’s self-sufficiency.
Israeli protesters demand a cease-fire after 9 months of war in Gaza
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli demonstrators blocked highways across the country, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign and calling for a cease-fire to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The “Day of Disruption” commemorated nine months since the Gaza conflict began. Both Israel and Hamas are edging toward a potential cease-fire deal after Hamas signaled a willingness to soften its demand for a complete end to the conflict, although significant differences remain. Israel issued new evacuation orders for parts of Gaza City, a heavily bombed area that was largely evacuated early in the conflict.
Argentine President Milei attends CPAC in Brazil, intensifying political tensions with Lula
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentine President Javier Milei traveled to Brazil to headline a far-right convention, skipping a presidential summit on regional trade policy. Milei met with former President Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil’s Balneario Camboriu, further antagonizing Brazil’s left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and escalating tensions between the two countries. Milei has accused Lula of being a communist and has refused to engage with him, while Lula has shunned Milei and demanded an apology.
A US appeals court to review order to keep banned books in a Texas county library
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal appeals court in New Orleans is reevaluating its previous ruling requiring a Texas county to restore eight books dealing with sensitive topics like sex, gender identity, and racism to its public library shelves. Llano County had removed these books in 2021, prompting a legal battle that eventually saw a district judge ordering their return. A three-judge panel of the appeals court initially ruled that eight of the books must be reinstated, but the full 5th Circuit appeals court has now overturned that decision.
New British Prime Minister Starmer aims to renegotiate Brexit deal with EU
LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to seek improvements to the UK’s post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union as part of an “immediate reset” in relations with Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. During a visit to Edinburgh, Starmer criticized the existing deal negotiated by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, expressing confidence in securing a stronger agreement to bolster trade, research, and defense ties with the EU. Talks have already commenced as the UK’s top diplomat engages with European counterparts.
‘Despicable Me 4’ dominates box office, signaling a revival in movie ticket sales
NEW YORK (AP) — Following a challenging first half of the year, the box office has seen a significant resurgence, with the Illumination Animation sequel “Despicable Me 4” leading the charge with $75 million in weekend ticket sales and a total of $122.6 million since its Wednesday debut. The movie’s success has boosted the box-office performance of the Minions franchise and maintained Hollywood’s summer streak, with “Inside Out 2” and “A Quiet Place Day One” also performing strongly. This resurgence marks a turning point for the movie industry after months of decline.
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