Texas coastal residents warned of potential power outages and flooding as Beryl approaches landfall
MATAGORDA, Texas (AP) — Officials in Texas are cautioning coastal residents to prepare for power outages and flooding as Beryl is expected to strengthen possibly to hurricane levels before hitting land. Landfall is anticipated early Monday. The outer bands of Beryl have begun affecting communities along the Texas coast, bringing rain and stronger winds. The storm is forecasted to make landfall near Matagorda Bay, approximately 100 miles south of Houston, but the path could still change, officials warned. The chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management stated that coastal residents should be ready for power outages as Beryl makes landfall. Several counties have issued voluntary evacuation orders.
Record-breaking heat wave in the US leads to fatalities in the West and grips the East
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A visitor to Death Valley National Park died from heat exposure, and another person has been hospitalized as temperatures rose to 128 degrees over the weekend. These incidents occurred as a group of six motorcyclists were riding through the Badwater Basin area on Saturday. The park announced on Sunday that the other motorcyclist was taken to a Las Vegas hospital due to severe heat illness. A prolonged heat wave has broken records across the U.S. and impacted the West with dangerous temperatures. An excessive heat warning, the National Weather Service’s highest alert, was in effect for approximately 36 million people nationwide.
French leftists win majority in high-stakes legislative elections, but face a hung parliament
PARIS (AP) — The final results of the French high-stakes legislative elections show that a coalition of the French left has secured the most seats, pushing back against a surge from the far-right but falling short of a majority. This outcome has left France with the prospect of a hung parliament, potentially leading to political deadlock in a key member of the European Union and the host country of the Olympics. The situation could have ripple effects on markets, the French economy, and global diplomacy, as well as impact the war in Ukraine and Europe’s economic stability. President Macron called for these elections on June 9 after the far right gained ground in the European Parliament voting, aiming to provide “clarification.” However, the gamble seems to have backfired on almost every front.
Democratic leaders in the House suggest Biden should step aside as he campaigns in Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President Joe Biden, while on a campaign tour in critical Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of unity among his supporters, even as leading congressional Democrats privately proposed that it might be time for him to drop out of the reelection race due to growing concerns about his fitness for another term. “I, honest to God, have never been more optimistic about America’s future if we stick together,” he stated. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries convened top committee lawmakers on Sunday afternoon to discuss their perspectives. Several Democratic committee leaders suggested that Biden should step aside.
As Biden struggles, European nations explore ways to “Trump-proof” NATO
WASHINGTON (AP) — The return of Donald Trump to power is a focal point at the NATO summit in Washington this week, as President Joe Biden’s performance in the recent presidential debate has raised doubts about his reelection prospects. This situation has led to discussions among European allies and NATO on how to “Trump-proof” or “future-proof” the military alliance. During the presidential debate, Trump appeared nonchalant when asked by Biden if he would withdraw from the 75-year-old alliance. With the potential of another Trump administration looming, European allies and NATO are exploring strategies to take on a greater role in supporting Ukraine and enhancing the alliance’s self-sufficiency.
Israeli protesters demand a cease-fire and release of hostages as Gaza war enters ninth month
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Demonstrators across Israel blocked highways in a call for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign and pushed for a cease-fire to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, marking nine months since the start of the war in Gaza. The “Day of Disruption” commenced at 6:29 a.m., the time when Hamas militants launched the first rockets toward Israel on Oct. 7. Israel and Hamas have made progress toward a potential cease-fire deal after Hamas signaled a willingness to compromise on their demand for a complete end to the conflict, though significant gaps remain. On Sunday, Israel issued new evacuation orders for parts of Gaza City, an area heavily bombed and largely evacuated early in the conflict.
Argentine President Milei attends far-right convention in Brazil, escalating political tensions
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentine President Javier Milei is in Brazil to headline a far-right convention after skipping a presidential summit on regional trade policy. Milei met with former President Javier Bolsonaro in Brazil’s Balneario Camboriu just days after being indicted by federal police in a scheme involving Saudi diamonds. Milei’s meeting with Bolsonaro intensifies a feud with Brazil’s left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, his country’s largest trading partner. Milei has labeled Lula a “communist” and refused to engage with him, resulting in strained relations between the two leaders.
US appeals court to reconsider decision to keep banned books on library shelves in Texas county
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal appeals court in New Orleans will review its recent order requiring a Texas county to keep eight books dealing with sensitive subjects, including sex, gender identity, and racism, on public library shelves. Llano County had removed 17 books from its shelves in 2021, prompting a U.S. district judge to rule in favor of returning the books. However, a divided three-judge panel of the appeals court ruled on June 6 that eight of the books must be reinstated. The full 5th Circuit appeals court has now overturned that decision, opting to rehear the case.
New British Prime Minister aims to improve trade deal with the European Union
LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to enhance the trade deal with the European Union as he embarked on a two-day tour of the U.K. as part of an “immediate reset” with governments in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Starmer stated in Edinburgh, Scotland, that he believes the U.K. can secure a much better deal than the “botched” agreement negotiated by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Starmer emphasized the need for discussions to strengthen trade, research, and defense ties with the EU, noting that talks have already commenced as the top diplomat meets counterparts in Europe.
‘Despicable Me 4’ sets box office record, signaling a return to prosperity in the film industry
NEW YORK (AP) — Following a challenging first half of the year, the box office is experiencing a resurgence. The sequel “Despicable Me 4” from Illumination Animation led the box office over the weekend, generating $75 million in ticket sales from Friday to Sunday. Universal Studios estimates the movie has earned $122.6 million since its Wednesday premiere. This successful Independence Day weekend has extended the Minions’ dominance at the box office, making them one of the most reliable franchises in the film industry. Hollywood’s summer streak continues with the year’s biggest hit so far, “Inside Out 2,” coming in second with $30 million, while “A Quiet Place Day One” dropped to third with $21 million.
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