Millions of people are feeling the heat as a heatwave reaches its peak from the Midwest to Maine
SQUAM LAKE, N.H. (AP) — A heatwave is intensifying from the Midwest to New England as many people endure another day of sweltering conditions. The National Weather Service predicts that the heat will reach its peak on Thursday in the eastern Great Lakes and New England, and on Friday or over the weekend in the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic. Heat index readings are expected to exceed 100 degrees in numerous locations, possibly breaking previous records. The weather service cautions that record high temperatures at night are preventing natural cooling, leading to potential indoor heat dangers.
South Korea is contemplating providing arms to Ukraine following a strategic pact between Russia and North Korea
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea has stated that it will explore the option of sending arms to Ukraine after Russia and North Korea signed a mutual defense pact, causing concerns in the region and beyond. These remarks from a senior presidential official came after North Korea’s state media disclosed the details of the agreement. Observers believe this pact may signify the strongest connection between Moscow and Pyongyang since the Cold War era. The pact comes at a time when Russia is facing increasing isolation due to its actions in Ukraine, and both countries are engaged in escalating standoffs with Western nations.
Louisiana’s new legislation mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms reignites old political disputes
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A recent law passed in Louisiana requires the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school and college classroom, sparking longstanding debates over the role of religion in government institutions. In 1980, a similar law in Kentucky was deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. However, with changes in the Supreme Court’s composition over the years, religious conservatives have been encouraged by a 2022 ruling in favor of a high school football coach who prayed on the field after games.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. misses the qualifications for CNN’s debate, setting the stage for a face-off between Biden and Trump
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has failed to meet the criteria for participating in the upcoming debate in Atlanta. The host network CNN announced on Thursday that the independent presidential candidate did not meet the required benchmarks for state ballot qualification and polling. With Kennedy out of the debate, the event scheduled for June 27 will feature only President Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Kennedy sought to stand alongside the major candidates to boost his chances and convince potential supporters of his viability. Both major-party campaigns are concerned that Kennedy could disrupt what is expected to be a closely contested general election. Kennedy has filed a complaint alleging that the debate criteria were designed to disadvantage him.
Illegally produced alcohol claims the lives of at least 34 individuals and leaves dozens hospitalized in southern India
NEW DELHI (AP) — Authorities have reported that a minimum of 34 deaths and numerous hospitalizations have resulted from the consumption of illegally brewed liquor contaminated with methanol in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. A local official stated to the Press Trust of India news agency on Thursday that the fatalities occurred in the Kallakurichi district, where over 100 individuals are receiving medical treatment. Deaths linked to illegally produced alcohol are a common occurrence in India, where many cannot afford licensed brands from government-controlled outlets. The illicit liquor, often mixed with chemicals like pesticides to enhance potency, has become a lucrative industry for bootleggers who evade taxes and sell large quantities of their product to the less affluent at cheap rates.
Donald Sutherland, the esteemed actor known for roles in ‘M.A.S.H.’ and ‘Hunger Games,’ passes away at 88
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Sutherland, the Canadian actor known for his work in “M.A.S.H,” “JFK,” and “The Hunger Games,” has passed away at the age of 88. Sutherland was renowned for portraying unconventional characters and embodying the rebellious, antiestablishment spirit of 1970s cinema. In later years, he transitioned into a career as a respected character actor, finding greater challenge in such roles. Sutherland’s prolific career spanned nearly 200 films and series, culminating in an honorary Oscar in 2017. His son, Kiefer Sutherland, announced his passing without revealing further details.
The Supreme Court upholds a tax on foreign income in the face of a challenge supported by business interests
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has upheld a tax on foreign income despite a challenge backed by business and anti-regulatory groups. On Thursday, the court declined to review a broader, unrealized tax on wealth. The justices preserved a provision of a 2017 tax law anticipated to generate $340 billion, primarily from foreign subsidiaries of American corporations that had kept funds overseas to avoid U.S. taxes. The law, passed by a Republican-led Congress and signed by then-President Donald Trump, drew significant attention due to the potential implications for a wealth tax had the decision gone differently.
The success of the latest cease-fire proposition hinges on Netanyahu and the leader of Hamas in Gaza
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The fate of a proposed cease-fire agreement for Gaza is dependent on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas’ Gaza leader, Yahya Sinwar. Both leaders face substantial political and personal pressures that may influence their decision-making. Neither appears eager to make concessions to end the extensive eight-month conflict and secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas in an attack on October 7. Hamas has accepted the general framework of the proposal but has requested modifications. Netanyahu has publicly contested certain aspects, despite the U.S. positioning it as an Israeli-led initiative.
A wildfire in New Mexico claims a second victim, while rainfall offers hope for relief
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Intense rain and hail are falling near an evacuated town in New Mexico threatened by wildfires that have claimed at least two lives and destroyed over 1,400 structures. This precipitation brings hope of assistance for firefighters but also presents risks of high winds and flash flooding. Law enforcement confirmed on Wednesday that a second fatality had been discovered. Meteorologists report shifting weather patterns with potential rain later in the day. However, the area remains at risk of high winds and flash floods.
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to appoint JJ Redick as their new head coach, according to an AP source
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to name JJ Redick as their head coach, as per a source familiar with the decision informed The Associated Press. The individual spoke on condition of anonymity as the Lakers had not officially announced the hiring of the former NBA shooting guard for his inaugural coaching role. Redick, aged 39, presents a surprising choice for the Lakers, appointing a 15-year NBA veteran with no prior coaching experience to lead a franchise with 17 NBA championships, a prominent global brand, and LeBron James, the all-time scoring leader in the league.
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