Biden’s attention turns to the upcoming NATO summit. However, the spotlight on his campaign may heighten
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will transition this week from campaigning for reelection to hosting a NATO summit. Nevertheless, the pressing questions about his political future threaten to overshadow the event. European leaders will convene in Washington starting Tuesday to mark the alliance’s 75th anniversary. Biden is scheduled to hold a news conference. Meanwhile, as Congress reconvenes, Democratic lawmakers will have face-to-face meetings to address concerns about Biden’s viability as a presidential candidate. Despite Biden’s insistence on staying in the race, his resolve may deepen the internal divisions within the Democratic Party.
Biden’s uncertain political outlook divides Democrats as they return to Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic lawmakers are facing a pivotal moment as they grapple with the uncertain prospects of President Joe Biden’s candidacy. With Biden holding firm, lawmakers must decide whether to rally behind his campaign or push for a new party leader following his lackluster debate performance. The coming weeks will be crucial for Biden’s reelection bid and the political futures of the lawmakers. While some top-ranking Democrats are calling for Biden to step aside, his staunch supporters are doubling down on their efforts to secure his presidency, arguing that he is the best candidate to defeat Republican Donald Trump.
A devastating Russian missile attack on Ukraine claims the lives of at least 20 people and targets a children’s hospital
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian officials report a significant loss of life and injuries resulting from a major Russian missile attack across the country. One of the missiles hit a large children’s hospital in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, where rescue teams are working to retrieve casualties from the rubble. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on social media that the Russian onslaught on Monday targeted five Ukrainian cities with over 40 missiles, causing damage to residential buildings and public infrastructure. In Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt children’s hospital, rescue operations are ongoing to locate individuals trapped under the collapsed wing of the facility, with casualty numbers yet to be determined.
Gaza’s destruction likely contributes to Hamas softening its cease-fire demands, say several officials
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Officials in the Middle East and the U.S. believe that the extensive devastation in the Gaza Strip resulting from a prolonged Israeli offensive has played a role in convincing Hamas to relax its conditions for a cease-fire agreement. Over the weekend, Hamas appeared to abandon its insistence that Israel commit to ending the conflict as part of any cease-fire deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributed Hamas’ willingness to negotiate to military pressure. Internal communications from senior Hamas figures in Gaza signaled support for a cease-fire proposal presented by U.S. President Joe Biden.
France’s Macron retains the prime minister for “stability of the country” following chaotic election results
PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has declined the resignation of the country’s prime minister, asking him to remain temporarily as the head of the government in the wake of tumultuous election outcomes. The results of Sunday’s vote left the French legislature divided among the left, center, and far-right, with no faction coming close to the majority needed to form a government. The outcome poses a risk of governmental paralysis for the European Union’s second-largest economy. Macron’s decision to call snap elections in hopes of clarity backfired, casting uncertainty just three weeks before the Paris Olympics.
Beryl landfalls in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane, causing power outages for over 750,000
MATAGORDA, Texas (AP) — The National Weather Service reports that Beryl has made landfall on the middle Texas coast near Matagorda, bringing a dangerous storm surge and strong winds. The hurricane struck the coast as a Category 1 storm early Monday, causing widespread power outages with more than 750,000 customers affected in the region. Beryl regained hurricane status after weakening previously and causing devastation in Mexico and the Caribbean. Officials are concerned about potential power outages and flooding but worry that not enough residents and vacationers are heeding evacuation warnings.
History of discrimination shapes heat waves in minority and low-income neighborhoods
NEW YORK (AP) — As millions of Americans face extreme heat waves with temperatures over 90 degrees, communities of color and low-income residents bear the brunt of the impact in major cities. In New York, Black residents have a higher rate of heat stress-related deaths compared to white residents. Advocates and experts trace this disparity back to years of discriminatory housing policies, particularly redlining in the 1930s. Redlining, a practice that denied mortgages to minority buyers based on race, restricted resources and amenities in minority neighborhoods, including parks and trees. The legacy of redlining continues to affect how residents in these areas experience extreme heat.
Kash Patel builds his brand as a Trump loyalist while promoting conspiracy theories
WASHINGTON (AP) — Kash Patel, a close aide to Donald Trump and vocal campaign advocate, glorifies the former president while espousing conspiracy theories and bolstering his own image. Patel is poised to assume a significant role in government should Trump secure a second term. Leveraging his background as a public defender and federal prosecutor, he aims to challenge the intelligence community he could potentially oversee in the future. Former colleagues describe Patel as an ambitious lawyer whose rapid ascent and far-right leanings have shocked many.
Boeing accepts a plea deal to avoid a criminal trial over 737 Max crashes, says Justice Department
The Justice Department announces that Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to criminal fraud charges linked to the fatal crashes of 737 Max jetliners. A federal judge will now determine whether to accept the plea deal and sentencing outlined in Boeing’s agreement with U.S. prosecutors. Boeing’s decision comes following the Justice Department’s ultimatum to plead guilty or face trial. Prosecutors accuse Boeing of violating a 2021 agreement that shielded the company from prosecution earlier. Some relatives of crash victims plan to challenge the deal in court, criticizing it as a “sweetheart deal.”
Pretrial hearing sets the stage for Alec Baldwin’s court appearance in cinematographer’s fatal shooting
A pretrial hearing in New Mexico is laying out rules for evidence, testimony, and arguments ahead of Alec Baldwin’s trial. The actor faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust” in October 2021. Baldwin, who has pleaded not guilty, is seeking to exclude considerations of his role as co-producer amid concerns about safety protocols on the film set. Prosecutors are seeking to limit presentations that could evoke sympathy for Baldwin.
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