Putin pledges to overcome sanctions with North Korea ahead of summit with Kim
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) β Russian President Vladimir Putin expresses gratitude to North Korea for its support in Ukraine and vows to work together to counter U.S.-led sanctions. Putin’s remarks were made public ahead of his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. The alignment between their countries is strengthening amid escalating tensions with Washington. Putin’s statements were featured in North Korean state media just before his anticipated arrival, raising concerns internationally about increased military cooperation between the two nations.
South Korea fires warning shots as North Korean troops cross border again
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) β South Korean soldiers fire warning shots to repel North Korean soldiers who crossed the land border for the second time this month. Approximately 20 to 30 North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the military demarcation line on Tuesday morning, according to South Koreaβs Joint Chiefs of Staff. The North Korean soldiers retreated after warnings were broadcasted and warning shots were fired. South Korea has observed heightened construction activities by North Korea along their heavily fortified border, involving the installation of suspected anti-tank barriers, road reinforcements, and land mine planting. Despite several mine explosions causing casualties among North Korean soldiers, the construction work continues.
Netanyahu dissolves war Cabinet, impacting cease-fire efforts
JERUSALEM (AP) β Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolves his war Cabinet, consolidating his control over the Israel-Hamas conflict and decreasing the likelihood of an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu’s decision comes after his political rival Benny Gantz withdrew from the three-member war Cabinet. Gantz, a retired general and member of parliament, was known for his moderate stance. Major war-related decisions will now be made by Netanyahu’s security Cabinet, dominated by hard-liners opposed to the U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal.
Biden to announce deportation protection and work permits for spouses of U.S. citizens
WASHINGTON (AP) β President Joe Biden is set to unveil a comprehensive policy aimed at preventing the deportation of tens of thousands of individuals married to U.S. citizens. This initiative, supported by many Democrats, is a significant immigration action occurring during an election year. Biden will introduce the new program at a White House event celebrating an Obama-era directive that provided deportation protections for young undocumented immigrants. The policy will offer approximately 490,000 spouses of U.S. citizens the opportunity to apply for a “parole in place” program, granting protection from deportation and work permits for individuals residing in the country for at least a decade.
Biden and Trump engage in internet meme warfare
WASHINGTON (AP) β Both presidential campaigns have embraced digital memes, a popular form of social media communication. President Joe Biden’s campaign even advertised a position for a meme page manager. As millions rely on social media for information, the battle of memes can influence the outcome of the November election. Amid lukewarm enthusiasm for a potential Biden-Trump rematch, reaching the electorate through traditional advertising channels like print and television becomes more challenging.
Americans support forgiving medical debt, poll shows
NEW YORK (AP) β According to a poll conducted by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, a majority of Americans favor forgiving some or all of an individual’s medical debt in cases of hardship. About half of Americans believe it is crucial for the U.S. government to provide debt relief for individuals struggling with medical bills. While President Joe Biden has prioritized reducing student loan debt, the poll indicates that Americans view medical debt relief as a key government initiative.
Millions in the U.S. under heat warnings
PHOENIX (AP) β Tens of millions of Americans are under extreme heat alerts as cities like Chicago set heat records. A dangerous heat wave is affecting the Midwest, with temperatures expected to remain high from Iowa to Maine until at least Friday. The mid-Atlantic and New England regions will experience temperatures in the 90s, coupled with excessive humidity. Officials urge precautions such as staying hydrated and indoors, particularly following a year with a high number of heat waves nationwide.
After violent incidents, a debate over the fate of affected spaces
PITTSBURGH (AP) β When violence strikes public places, such as Parkland, Uvalde, Columbine, Sandy Hook, or other locations, a challenging question arises: What should happen to buildings where tragic events occurred? Communities have grappled with this question, considering factors such as affordability, potential attraction for sympathizers of the crime, and the emotional impact on residents. This decision is community-based and varies depending on the circumstances.
Students affected by college closures face uncertain future
PHILADELPHIA (AP) β With more colleges closing due to declining enrollment and pandemic effects, students are left in uncertainty and at risk of not completing their degrees. Recent closures have affected tens of thousands of students, such as those at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, who were shocked by the abrupt closure of their institution. Many students are now unsure about their educational paths.
Celtics secure 18th NBA championship with victory over Mavericks
BOSTON (AP) β The Celtics clinched their 18th NBA championship with a 106-88 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Jayson Tatum led the team with 31 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, while Jaylen Brown contributed 21 points. This victory marks the 13th championship won by one of Boston’s Big 4 professional sports franchises this century. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 28 points and 12 rebounds, but they were unable to extend the series after avoiding a sweep in Game 4.
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