Tropical Storm Beryl wreaks havoc in Texas, leaving over 2 million without power
HOUSTON (AP) — As Tropical Storm Beryl made its way across the Texas coast, it caused widespread power outages affecting more than 2 million homes and businesses in the Houston area. After initially making landfall as a Category 1 hurricane on Monday, Beryl brought heavy rains leading to numerous high-water rescues. The storm is expected to continue causing damage as it moves inland, with reports of two fatalities due to falling trees. The National Hurricane Center warns of strong winds and flash flooding as Beryl pushes further inland, although structural damage seems limited for now.
President Biden refuses to drop out, urges Democrats to focus on defeating Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a letter to congressional Democrats, President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to staying in the presidential race despite calls for him to step aside following a poor debate performance. Biden emphasized the party’s primary goal of defeating Donald Trump in the upcoming election, urging an end to the internal party drama. The letter was sent as Democratic lawmakers returned to Washington after the July 4 recess, with Biden’s campaign stressing the importance of unity within the party.
Republicans shift stance on abortion in line with Trump’s preferences
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Republican National Committee’s platform committee has adopted a policy reflecting former President Donald Trump’s views on abortion, allowing states to set their own limits rather than supporting a federal ban. This marks the first time in 40 years that a national abortion ban has been omitted from the platform. Trump’s influence on the committee’s decision-making comes as he aims to distance himself from strict abortion language, while also claiming credit for the Supreme Court’s potential reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022. The new platform language emphasizes states’ autonomy in passing laws related to abortion.
Far-right in France falls short of victory in legislative elections
PARIS (AP) — Despite an impressive showing in the opening round of legislative elections, French far-right leader Marine Le Pen’s party, National Rally, failed to gain majority support in the subsequent runoff. Le Pen’s hopes for a breakthrough victory were dashed as voters expressed reluctance to have the National Rally govern France, citing concerns over the party’s historical associations with racism and antisemitism. Although the party secured more seats in the National Assembly than ever before, the election results underscore a continued lack of public trust in the National Rally’s leadership.
Heat wave in the US leads to multiple deaths in Oregon
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon is grappling with record-breaking high temperatures, which are suspected to have caused the deaths of four individuals in the Portland area. A widespread heat wave has prompted excessive heat warnings in several states, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, and Idaho. Along the East Coast and in several Southern states, heat advisories have also been issued. The severe heat conditions have led to fatalities, including that of a motorcyclist in California, underscoring the urgent need for precautions against heat-related illnesses.
Judge rules on Alec Baldwin’s involvement in fatal shooting trial
A New Mexico judge has determined that Alec Baldwin’s role as a co-producer is not relevant to the involuntary manslaughter trial stemming from a fatal shooting on the set of “Rust.” Baldwin, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, appeared in court for a pretrial hearing where the judge ruled to exclude a state workplace safety investigation as evidence. The incident, in which cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed, occurred during a rehearsal when a firearm Baldwin was handling discharged accidentally.
Russia intensifies bombardment of Kyiv, hitting children’s hospital
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — In a devastating assault on Ukraine, Russian missiles targeted multiple cities including Kyiv, damaging the country’s largest children’s hospital. The onslaught resulted in numerous casualties and injuries, with at least 31 reported deaths. Ukraine’s air force managed to intercept a significant number of missiles, but the attack marked Russia’s most severe bombardment of Kyiv in nearly four months. Despite denying targeting civilian infrastructure, Russia’s actions have led to widespread destruction and loss of life.
Gaza devastation influences Hamas to soften cease-fire demands, officials say
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The significant destruction caused by a prolonged Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip has reportedly prompted Hamas to reconsider its cease-fire demands. Hamas, which previously insisted on specific conditions for ending hostilities, has seemingly shifted its stance in recent negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that the military pressure exerted on Hamas led to the group’s willingness to engage in talks. Messages from senior Hamas figures indicate a potential acceptance of a cease-fire proposal put forward by U.S. President Joe Biden.
Americans express skepticism about higher education’s value, cost
A recent poll by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation reveals growing skepticism among Americans regarding the value and cost of higher education. Over two-thirds of adults surveyed believe that the U.S. higher education system is heading in the wrong direction, with only 36% expressing confidence in the system. This sentiment is shared across demographic groups, indicating a broad decline in perceptions of college’s worth. Republican respondents, in particular, have shown a sharp decrease in confidence in higher education.
Vatican prosecutor defends legal system amid criticism of pope’s intervention
ROME (AP) — Vatican prosecutor Alessandro Diddi has published an academic essay defending the fairness and integrity of the city state’s justice system. His response comes following criticism of Pope Francis’ involvement in a high-profile trial last year, which raised questions about defendants’ rights. The trial resulted in the conviction of a cardinal and eight others for financial crimes related to the Holy See’s investment in a London property. While the tribunal has yet to explain its decisions, Diddi’s essay aims to uphold the Vatican’s legal processes amidst ongoing scrutiny.
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