Study finds US abortion numbers have slightly risen since Roe was overturned
A recent report reveals that the monthly abortion rates in the U.S. have increased following the Supreme Court’s decision that allowed for state bans on abortions. The #WeCount report attributes this rise to laws in some Democratic-controlled states that protect prescribers using telemedicine in areas with abortion bans. These legal protections were put in place in response to the bans and restrictions introduced by many Republican-controlled states. The report is expected to be the last of its kind before the November elections, where abortion is set to be a major issue with several states having it on the ballot.
Harris selects Walz as running mate, generating excitement in Midwestern states
Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are embarking on their first full day as running mates in Wisconsin and Michigan. This move aims to strengthen support among younger, diverse, and labor-friendly voters who played a crucial role in President Joe Biden’s 2020 election win. The coalition has shown signs of strain over Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Arab American community leaders and key unions view Harris’ choice as a positive signal that their concerns are being heard, contrasting it with their opposition to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro due to his strong support for Israel.
Putin accuses Ukraine of ‘large-scale provocation’ in southwestern Russia raid
Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s southwestern Kursk region as a “large-scale provocation,” with officials claiming to be repelling cross-border raids for a second day. Ukrainian authorities have remained tight-lipped about the operation’s extent, but if confirmed, it would mark one of Ukraine’s largest cross-border actions since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Kyiv’s strategy might be to divert Russian reserves to the region, potentially weakening Moscow’s operations in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region. However, this move could stretch Ukrainian troops thin along the front line.
Impact of Hamas’ new leader on Gaza war and cease-fire efforts
The appointment of Yahya Sinwar as Hamas’ top leader formalizes his role, which he assumed after orchestrating a surprise attack into Israel that escalated the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Being perceived as a hard-liner with closer ties to Hamas’ armed wing than his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, Sinwar holds significant influence over any Gaza cease-fire agreements and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. However, his secluded location within Gaza raises concerns regarding his management of an organization with operations across the Middle East.
Tropical Storm Debby continues to affect the Carolinas before moving north
Tropical Storm Debby is currently hovering over the coastal Carolinas, depositing widespread rainfall over already saturated areas and causing inland waterways to swell. After unleashing tornadoes and flooding streets with waist-high waters, the storm’s center remains east of Savannah, Georgia. Forecasts suggest that Debby could regain strength over the ocean before making landfall again in South Carolina by Thursday. Subsequently, the storm is expected to progress slowly across southern states, potentially leading to significant rainfall accumulations in certain regions. Debby made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast as a hurricane on Monday, claiming at least six lives.
Interim government in Bangladesh to be sworn in on Thursday, announces military chief
Following an uprising that led former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down and flee to India, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus will be sworn in on Thursday night. General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Bangladesh’s military chief, assured that those responsible for the post-resignation violence would be held accountable. Yunus expressed optimism upon his return from Paris, emphasizing the need to address the country’s turmoil and organize a way forward.
Complexity of sex eligibility rules for female athletes and its legal challenges
Women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics has underscored the challenges in formulating and enforcing sex eligibility rules for women’s sports, potentially leaving athletes like Imane Khelif of Algeria and Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan vulnerable in the aftermath. Eligibility criteria for women’s events have historically posed legal complexities for sports bodies, subjecting athletes to risk of humiliation and abuse. The modern era of eligibility rules commenced in 2009 following the prominence of South African runner Caster Semenya, who is currently challenging the track’s regulations regarding testosterone levels.
Nashville’s iconic honky tonk enforces no alcohol and Christian music during Sunday Gospel Hour
Robert’s Western World, Nashville’s renowned honky tonk synonymous with country music, halts alcohol consumption and exclusively plays Christian music for an hour every Sunday morning. During the Gospel Hour, Rev. Ron Blakely, donning a cowboy hat, plays the guitar while his daughter Mimi Fischer sings on stage to an audience consisting of locals and tourists. Attendees engage in singing and prayer, with Blakely, a Christian priest, conducting the service for nearly two decades, providing many a spiritual refuge beyond their conventional churches.
Extreme heat impacting Americans’ electricity bills, AP-NORC poll reveals
A poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that around 7 in 10 Americans have experienced a significant or minor impact on their electricity bills due to extreme heat in the past year. A majority also reported similar effects on their outdoor activities, while about 4 in 10 cited impacts on their sleep, pets, or exercise routines. These findings come amidst record-setting temperatures across various U.S. regions, including Las Vegas reaching 120°F on July 7.
US setter Jordyn Poulter overcomes severe knee injury to lead Americans into Olympic semifinals
After enduring a serious knee injury while playing in Italy 19 months ago, U.S. setter Jordyn Poulter has made an inspiring recovery, guiding the defending Olympic champion Americans to a semifinal showdown against powerhouse Brazil. The upcoming match marks a rematch of the gold-medal game from three years ago in Tokyo, where the U.S. secured its first title.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
