North Korea states that Putin and Kim’s deal requires immediate military assistance in case of war
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — According to North Korea’s state media, the recent agreement between Russia and North Korea mandates the countries to provide immediate military assistance if war breaks out. The Korean Central News Agency reported on Thursday the details of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed by Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang. The agreement stipulates that if one country is invaded and pushed into a state of war, the other must quickly deploy all available means to offer military and other forms of assistance.
New law mandates display of Ten Commandments in Louisiana public school classrooms
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana has passed a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. Governor Jeff Landry signed the bill on Wednesday, which mandates a poster of the Ten Commandments in large, easily readable font in all public classrooms, from kindergarten to state-funded universities. The law’s constitutionality has been questioned by opponents, including civil rights groups like the ACLU, who have promised a lawsuit. Supporters argue that the measure holds historical significance beyond its religious implications. Classrooms must have the Ten Commandments displayed by the beginning of 2025.
New Mexico wildfire claims second life, while rain offers hope of relief
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Heavy rain and hail are falling near an evacuated village in New Mexico threatened by wildfires that have resulted in at least two deaths and over 1,400 damaged structures. The rain provides some assistance to firefighters but also brings the risk of high winds and flash floods. Authorities confirmed on Wednesday the discovery of a second fire victim. Meteorologists indicate shifting weather patterns on Wednesday with potential rains later in the day, as well as a risk of high winds and flash floods.
Tropical Storm Alberto forms in southwest Gulf, becoming the first named storm of the hurricane season
TAMPICO, Mexico (AP) — Tropical Storm Alberto has developed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, marking the first named storm of what is predicted to be an active hurricane season. According to the National Hurricane Center, Alberto is located approximately 150 miles east of Tampico, Mexico, and 320 miles south-southeast of Brownsville, Texas, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. A tropical storm features sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph, while a hurricane has even stronger winds. The NOAA forecasts a well-above-average hurricane season from June 1 to Nov. 30, with an estimate of 17 to 25 named storms.
Rifts emerge between Israel’s political and military leadership over Gaza war strategy
JERUSALEM (AP) — A rare public disagreement seems to have surfaced between Israel’s political and military leadership regarding the goal of destroying the Hamas militant group in Gaza. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts that Israel will continue the fight against Hamas until its military and governing capacity in Gaza is eliminated, frustration is growing as the Israel-Hamas conflict enters its ninth month. The Israeli army spokesman, in a television interview, expressed doubt about the idea of eradicating Hamas, stating it is misleading the public.
Scorching heat and humidity affect millions from Midwest to Maine
BOSTON (AP) — A brutal heatwave spanning from the Midwest to Maine is causing discomfort for millions during the Juneteenth holiday. Many cities have issued heat advisories, and several events planned for the holiday, commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., have been canceled. Some cooling centers closed due to the holiday, forcing those reliant on them to seek alternative relief. The dangerous temperatures are anticipated to peak in the eastern Great Lakes and New England on Wednesday and Thursday, and in the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic on Friday and Saturday.
Power outage plunges millions of Ecuadorians into darkness after transmission line failure
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuador experienced a nationwide blackout due to an energy transmission line failure, following recent announcements of power outages in the country due to production issues. Ecuador’s Energy Minister Roberto Luque explained that a cascade disconnection occurred, leaving the country without power. While some areas experienced a 20-minute outage, reports indicate that the problem persisted in most cities and even some hospital areas.
Colombian family’s genetics provide insight into delaying onset of Alzheimer’s disease
WASHINGTON (AP) — Scientists studying a Colombian family predisposed to early-onset Alzheimer’s have discovered a rare gene variant that appears to delay initial symptoms by approximately five years. The research stemmed from a woman in the family who evaded the genetic fate due to possessing two copies of a different mutated gene. Further studies revealed that possessing just one copy of that variant was sufficient to delay disease onset in 27 other family members. Understanding how this protection works could lead to innovative treatments. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Immigrant families rejoice over Biden’s citizenship expansion, while some remain excluded
HOUSTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s expansive plan to grant legal status to spouses of U.S. citizens brought joy to hundreds of thousands of immigrants, yet some were left out. Biden announced that spouses without legal status can apply for permanent residency without leaving the country, provided they have lived in the U.S. for 10 years and are married to a U.S. citizen. Every immigration benefit, including Biden’s offer, has eligibility criteria and cutoff dates.
Monument honoring those who endured slavery dedicated in Alabama on Juneteenth
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Equal Justice Initiative commemorated the Juneteenth holiday with the dedication of a monument honoring individuals who endured and survived slavery. The National Monument to Freedom is the focal point of the new Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Montgomery, Alabama. The monument features the surnames chosen by formerly enslaved individuals upon emancipation after the Civil War. The founder of the Equal Justice Initiative emphasized that Juneteenth is a day to confront the horrors of slavery honestly while honoring the resilience of those who faced it.
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