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The US will provide cluster bombs to Ukraine and defends the delivery of the controversial weapon
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday defended what he said was a “difficult decision” to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine, a move the administration said was key to the fight and buttressed by Ukraine’s promise to use the controversial bombs carefully.
Activists want to disqualify Trump from ballot in key states under 14th Amendment
Two civil rights organizations are launching a campaign to pressure state governments to disqualify former President Trump from appearing on ballots in 2024. The groups say secretaries of state are…
thehill.comBiden takes aim at 'junk' insurance, vowing to save money for consumers being played as 'suckers'
President Joe Biden has rolled out a new set of initiatives to reduce health care costs. The initiatives out Friday include a crackdown on what he calls “junk” insurance plans, new guidance to prevent surprise medical bills and an effort to reduce medical debt tied to credit cards.
apnews.com
Trump says he'd bring back "travel ban" that's "even bigger than before"
"We don't want people blowing up our cities and we don't want people stealing our farms," the former president said.
www.cbsnews.com
Earth reaches hottest day ever recorded 4 days in a row
The planet reached the highest temperature ever recorded by human-made instruments during one of America's most quintessential summer holidays.
An Afghan man who spent years helping US forces in Afghanistan is shot and killed in Washington
An Afghan immigrant who'd worked as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan was shot and killed this week in the United States.
apnews.com
Prosecutors in Trump Mar-a-Lago case facing threats, harassment: report
Prosecutors working on the classified documents case against former President Trump have reportedly faced threats and harassment as the legal battle proceeds. The Washington Post, citing a governme…
thehill.com
US Treasury chief Yellen and China's No. 2 aim for improved communication after trade disputes
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Premier Li Qiang are expressing hopes for better communication as Yellen appeals to Beijing not to let frustration over U.S. curbs on technology exports disrupt economic cooperation
Turkey's Erdogan hosts Zelenskyy, says Ukraine deserves membership in NATO
Turkey's president has voiced support to Ukraine’s membership in NATO, saying the war-torn country deserves to join the alliance.
apnews.com
2 more locally acquired cases of malaria found in Florida, bringing recent US total to 7
Health officials reporting two more cases of locally acquired malaria in Florida, bringing the total in the United States up to seven.
West clashes with Russia and Iran at UN over Tehran's uranium enrichment and drones for Russia
The United States and its Western allies clashed with Russia and Iran at the U.N. Security Council over Tehran’s advancing uranium enrichment and its reported supply of combat drones to Moscow used to attack Ukraine.
apnews.com
Ron DeSantis bragged about sending help to Iowa — 10 hours after being told it wasn't needed
DeSantis' June 5 tweet touting Florida's role in the politically important state came after Iowa told his administration its help in the recovery effort of a building collapse was not needed.
www.nbcnews.comRudy Giuliani should be disbarred for pursuing Trump's false election claims, a review panel says
A review panel says former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani should be disbarred in Washington for how he handled litigation challenging the 2020 election on behalf of then-President Donald Trump.
apnews.com
Republicans sound alarm over DeSantis’s sagging campaign
Questions surrounding Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R) presidential campaign strategy are multiplying as he continues to trail former President Trump in the polls nearly a month after his highly ant…
thehill.com
New glimpses into 2020 election interference probe suggest peril could be growing for Trump and his associates | CNN Politics
Revelations that special counsel Jack Smith has been digging into efforts to overturn former President Donald Trump’s Arizona election loss in 2020 bolster growing indications that his investigation is nearing a critical point.
www.cnn.com
U.S. destroys last of its declared chemical weapons
The U.S. destroyed the last of its declared chemical weapons stockpile, located at the Blue Grass Army Depot in eastern Kentucky.
www.cbsnews.comTrump blasts DeSantis in Iowa, says GOP rival 'despises' the state's ethanol
Campaigning in Iowa, former President Donald Trump has attacked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as an enemy of corn-based ethanol.
apnews.com
White House promises 'appropriate consequences' if cocaine came from staffer
"We have rigorous drug use policies here at the White House," national security adviser Jake Sullivan said. "We take those extremely seriously."
www.usatoday.com
Michael Cohen plans to call Donald Trump Jr. as a witness in trial over legal fees
A New York judge said Friday that Michael Cohen could subpoena the former president's son.
www.cbsnews.com
What are cluster munitions? Biden defends decision to send controversial weapons to Ukraine
"These types of weapons are extremely dangerous," one researcher told ABC News.
Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin says he's not running for open US Senate seat
Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, a congressman from the suburbs of the nation’s capital, has announced he will not run for the U.S.
apnews.com
Why Americans aren't giving Biden credit on improving economy, according to experts
The president is pushing 'Bidenomics' as the 2024 race kicks into high gear, trying to change public perception of his handling of the economy.
US wants coalition of nations to engage China in curbing synthetic drugs
The U.S. wants other countries to engage China on limiting the flow of synthetic drugs, the State Department's top official on narcotics said on Thursday, as Washington complains of a lack of co-operation by Beijing in combating their illegal trade.
Armed rebellion by Wagner chief Prigozhin underscores erosion of Russian legal system
Russia’s rebellious mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin walked free from prosecution for his June 24 armed mutiny, and it’s still unclear if anyone will face any charges in the brief uprising against the military or for the deaths of the soldiers killed in it.
apnews.com
El Paso Walmart gunman who killed 23 gets multiple life sentences
The attacker may still face the death penalty if convicted for murder charges in state court.
www.bbc.com
First GOP debate next month faces threats of boycott as lower-polling candidates scramble to qualify
Seven weeks before the premiere debate of the 2024 GOP primary, anxiety is building that the event could prove messy and divisive for the party.
apnews.com
McCarthy declines to endorse Trump — looking to avoid a GOP civil war
The peace might be short-lived, but the speaker's members understand why he's not offering a formal endorsement to Donald Trump.
www.politico.com
What are cluster bombs and why is US sending them to Ukraine?
Cluster bombs are banned by more than 100 countries - so the move will likely draw intense criticism.
www.bbc.com
'Trump was wrong': Pence confronts Iowan angry about his role certifying election on Jan. 6
The Iowan told Pence he "changed history" by certifying Biden's victory.
Syria brought Wagner fighters to heel as mutiny unfolded in Russia
As Wagner mercenaries advanced on Moscow in an attempted mutiny in late June, authorities in Syria and Russian military commanders there took a series of swift measures against local Wagner operatives to prevent the uprising spreading, according to six sources familiar with the matter.
Controversy surrounds US decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine
The Biden administration approved the transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine on Friday, sparking concern from human rights groups and some congressional lawmakers over the weapon’s ability …
thehill.com
Biotech firms target weight-loss drugs without Wegovy's side-effects
Weight-loss drug Wegovy helped Rebecca Vogt achieve a major goal - shedding the weight she had not managed to drop since giving birth. But, after a particularly brutal day in the bathroom suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea, she called it quits.
Asian Americans feel particularly targeted by new laws criminalizing those who assist voters
Several new voting laws in mostly Republican-led states impose criminal penalties or fines for helping people register to vote.
apnews.com
Amid blockbuster decisions on affirmative action, student loan relief and free speech, Supreme Court's term sees Roberts "back on top"
The Supreme Court ended its most recent term with a series of momentous decisions.
www.cbsnews.com
Marijuana in the military? A push in Congress would loosen cannabis rules, ease recruitment crisis
Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., is the latest lawmaker who has introduced an amendment that relaxes guidelines surrounding marijuana use for military members.
www.usatoday.com
US Treasury chief Yellen and China's No. 2 aim for improved communication after trade disputes
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Premier Li Qiang are expressing hopes for better communication as Yellen appeals to Beijing not to let frustration over U.S. curbs on technology exports disrupt economic cooperation.
apnews.com
White House officials worried Trump showed reporters classified material while in office, new book recounts
Former Trump aide Miles Taylor details an episode in which White House staff discussed a 2018 Oval Office incident.
www.nbcnews.comBiden adviser says US is pressing for the release of reporter who has spent 100 days in Russian jail
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. has been in contact with Russian officials to press for the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.
apnews.com
Raskin opts out of US Senate run, but says prospect 'remains alluring' | CNN Politics
Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin announced Friday that he will not run for Senate in 2024, instead choosing to seek reelection to the House.
www.cnn.com
Democrats see hope in House, gloom in Senate
Democrats see a clear path to winning back the House majority in next fall’s elections, even as their worries grow that they could lose their hard-fought Senate majority. In the House, …
thehill.comBelarus shows off a military camp to host Russia's Wagner mercenaries after a failed mutiny
The Belarusian military has shown off a field camp it has offered to Russia’s Wagner military contractor if it relocates to Belarus under a deal that ended its mutiny.
apnews.com
WATCH: Press secretary loses it when asked if WH cocaine belonged to Biden family: 'Incredibly irresponsible'
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre lost it on a reporter who asked whether the cocaine discovered in the West Wing belonged to a member of the Biden family.
The push to disqualify Trump from 2024 using the 14th Amendment
An effort to disqualify former President Donald Trump’s White House bid is being undertaken by two civil rights groups that say the Jan. 6 Capitol riot could prevent Trump from holding office under the 14th Amendment.
www.washingtonexaminer.comOcasio-Cortez endorses Biden's reelection campaign, sending a strong signal of Democratic unity
Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign, a sign of the president’s strength in uniting his party to have the backing of one of its most liberal members.
apnews.com
Meta's Threads upends social media in less than 48 hours | CNN Business
In less than 48 hours, Meta’s Twitter rival Threads has surpassed 70 million sign-ups, upended the social media landscape and appears to have rattled Twitter enough that it is now threatening legal action against Meta.
www.cnn.comFor the third time this week, Earth sets an unofficial heat record. What’s behind those big numbers?
Earth’s average temperature set a new unofficial record high on Thursday, the third such milestone in a week that already rated as the hottest on record.
apnews.com
CNN Exclusive: Biden says sending cluster munitions to Ukraine was 'difficult decision,' but 'they needed them' | CNN Politics
President Joe Biden told CNN’s Fareed Zakaria Friday that it was a “difficult decision” to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions for the first time, but that he was ultimately convinced to send the controversial weapons because Kyiv needs ammunition in its counteroffensive against Russia.
www.cnn.comWisconsin judge: Lawsuit to repeal abortion ban can continue
A judge has ruled that a lawsuit seeking to repeal Wisconsin's 174-year-old abortion ban can continue. The U.S. Supreme Court's landmark 1973 Roe v.
apnews.com
Mark Rutte: Dutch coalition government collapses in migration row
PM Mark Rutte's conservative VVD party had been trying to limit the flow of asylum seekers.
www.bbc.com
AOC endorses Biden but says things 'could have gone better' in certain areas
Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York said she will be supporting President Biden's re-election given the current field of candidates.
Shooter who killed 23 at Texas Walmart sentenced to 90 life terms
A federal judge sentenced a white supremacist for a 2019 shooting in which he killed 23 people and wounded 22 others.
AP PHOTOS: Record-breaking heat scorches communities around the world
Daily global temperatures reached an unofficial record high multiple times this week, according to at least one metric, and caused communities around the planet to take drastic measures to help people beat the heat.
apnews.com
McDonald's drops tomatoes from India offerings, citing quality concerns as prices surge
Restaurants of fast food chain McDonald's have dropped tomatoes from their burgers and wraps in many parts of India, hit by supply shortages and quality concerns after prices of the vegetable soared to records.
California man arrested in connection with serial murders of Mexican strip club workers
A California man has been arrested in connection with serial murders targeting strip club workers in Mexico.
An ex-anti-abortion evangelist on life as a pro-choice ‘traitor’
American Reverend Rob Schenck made a name for himself denouncing ‘baby killers’. Then he changed his mind.
Biden Iran envoy under FBI investigation for mishandling classified documents: Report
The FBI is reportedly investigating President Joe Biden's special envoy for Iran over allegations that he mishandled classified information, according to a report from Semafor on Friday evening.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Teamsters, UPS battle may be just a warmup for future Amazon fight, experts say
Talks between the United Parcel Service and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters may have the added complication of union leaders taking a harder line in an effort to attract workers at retai…
thehill.comNorth Dakota election official challenges mail ballot counting law in Trump-aligned group's lawsuit
A North Dakota county election official is suing the state’s election director to block the counting of mail-in ballots received after Election Day.
apnews.com
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 500
As the war enters its 500th day, these are the main developments.
Ukraine questions secret talks between ex-U.S. officials and Russians
Kyiv is “closely monitoring the publications and comments regarding the secret meeting,” an official responding to the report said.
www.nbcnews.com
Kidney stones on the rise in children, doctor says
Kidney stones are largely associated with older men but are now on the rise in children. NBC News’ Dr. John Torres explains what factors could be to blame.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump special counsel investigations cost over $9 million in first five months
Special counsel Jack Smith is conducting two investigations of former President Donald Trump.
www.cbsnews.com
DOJ investigation of Donald Trump costs $5.4M during first 5 months and counting
Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith's investigation of Donald Trump cost $5.4 million during the first five months.
www.usatoday.com
Stock market today: Another rally sends Wall Street nearly 16% higher for the first half of the year
Wall Street blazed to another rally to cap a winning week, month and first half of the year after reports suggested pressure on inflation may be easing.
apnews.comIsraeli army disciplines soldiers for actions during 2021 Gaza war but will not take criminal action
The Israeli army says it has disciplined five officers for their actions during a 2021 war in the Gaza Strip, but they will not face any criminal charges.
apnews.com
Ukraine war: Pressure builds on South Korea to send arms to Kyiv
Seoul is sitting on one of the world's biggest ammunition stockpiles but is reluctant to give it away.
www.bbc.com
Republican attorney general sues to prevent birth certificate and driver's license changes by transgender Kansans
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is suing to prevent Gov. Laura Kelly (D-KS) from blocking the effects of a new law passed by the Republican legislature barring Kansans who identify as transgender from making changes to birth certificates and driver's licenses.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Special counsel digging into Oval Office meeting in final days of Trump presidency: report
Special counsel Jack Smith is digging into an Oval Office meeting that took place in the waning days of the Trump administration to discuss how the then-president could remain in power, CNN reporte…
thehill.com
Top Dems break with Biden over sending cluster bombs to Ukraine
Some lawmakers say the decision cedes the moral high ground and will kill civilians.
www.politico.com
Trump says he’ll cancel every Biden policy ‘brutalizing our farmers’ within hours, if elected
Former President Trump said Friday that he would cancel every Biden administration policy that he described as “brutalizing our farmers” within hours of taking office, if he is elected in 2024. “Un…
thehill.com‘Terrible mistake’: human rights groups decry sending cluster bombs to Ukraine
Joe Biden faces backlash from organizations and from within his own party for greenlighting transfer of the weapons
Mississippi justices hear arguments over appointed vs. elected judges in majority-Black capital
The Mississippi Supreme Court is weighing arguments about a state law that has sparked a monthslong dispute over whether white state officials are stomping on local self-governance in the state’s majority-Black capital city, Jackson.
apnews.com
U.S. slowed hiring but still added a solid 209,000 jobs in June in sign of economy's resilience
The latest evidence of economic strength makes it all but certain that the Fed will resume its interest rate hikes later this month .
www.politico.com
Black workers comprise 90 percent of recent unemployment spike, data show
A new Bureau of Labor Statistics report published Friday found that Black Americans make up nearly 90 percent of those who are unemployed in the U.S. since April. Black workers made up about 267,00…
thehill.com
Julie Su acknowledges 'pain' but refuses to make predictions about recession after jobs report
Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su refused to speculate on the possibility of the nation heading for a recession, acknowledging citizens continue to feel “pain” from rising living costs while also praising President Joe Biden's economic agenda.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
When it comes to military spending, lawmakers across the aisle want NATO members to pay up
U.S. lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden to push NATO nations to step up their military spending at a summit next week in Vilnius, Lithuania.
www.usatoday.com
2 men arrested in Texas shooting that killed 3 and injured 8 at a gathering after a July 4 festival
Authorities say two men have been arrested in a shooting that killed three people and injured eight others as hundreds gathered in a Texas neighborhood on the eve of the Fourth of July
Robots say they won't steal jobs, rebel against humans
Robots presented at an AI forum said on Friday they expected to increase in number and help solve global problems, and would not steal humans' jobs or rebel against us.
Casey DeSantis makes her solo campaign debut in Iowa
Ron DeSantis' wife Casey DeSantis made her solo presidential campaign debut on Thursday, in Johnston, Iowa, to launch "Mamas for DeSantis"
Ant's surprise share buyback values firm at steep 75% discount to IPO
Ant Group on Saturday announced a surprise share buyback that values the fintech giant at $78.54 billion, well below the $315 billion touted in an abandoned IPO in 2020, in a move that may let some investors exit after a lengthy regulatory overhaul of the firm.
Fox News press pool report contradicts claim Biden family wasn't at White House ahead of cocaine discovery
The Fox News press pool report for June 30 contradicts press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre's claim that the Biden family wasn't at the White House in the days before a cocaine discovery.
Ukraine, Sweden top Biden's agenda at NATO summit
The White House on Friday said President Joe Biden and fellow NATO leaders will discuss at next week's summit what steps Ukraine must complete to join NATO and that Kyiv has additional reforms to make, as it fights Russian invaders. Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security adviser, said Ukraine...
Nebraska mom pleads guilty to giving daughter pills for an abortion and helping bury the fetus
A Nebraska mother has pleaded guilty to giving her 17-year-old daughter pills for an illegal abortion last spring and helping to burn and conceal the fetus.
apnews.com
Mortgage rates spike to 6.81% shutting buyers 'out of the market'
Mortgage rates are now at their highest level in months as the Federal Reserve prepares for what will likely be yet another interest rate hike later in July.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
RFK Jr. touted bitcoin but said he wasn't an investor. Financial records show otherwise
Democratic candidate for president Robert F. Kennedy Jr. once said he's not an investor into bitcoin. His family has owned up to $250,000 worth of bitcoin.
The British ambassador spills the tea on Biden, Sunak and Ukraine
Karen Pierce, British Ambassador to the United States, shares what King Charles & Rishi Sunak hope to get out of Joe Biden’s trip to the U.K.; and how the war in Ukraine is driving these two allies closer – and occasionally, further apart.
www.politico.com
New HIV cases linked to shuttered New Mexico salon that offered 'vampire facials'
The Albuquerque spa closed in 2018 after at least two clients tested positive for HIV. A total of five HIV infections have been reported in connection with the spa.
www.nbcnews.comStock market today: Asian markets extend losses after Wall Street drifts lower
Shares are lower in Asia after Wall Street drifted downward following a rally that sent it roaring 16% higher for the year so far.
apnews.com
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem spars with Ben & Jerry’s over Mount Rushmore. What to know
The Vermont ice cream company Ben & Jerry's launched a Fourth of July campaign calling for the return of Mount Rushmore to Indigenous populations.
www.usatoday.com
Inside the camp meant for Wagner after revolt
Russia editor Steve Rosenberg says that, so far, only Belarusian troops appear to be on the site.
www.bbc.com
California utility pays $22 million to settle federal claims over 2016 wildfire
Southern California Edison and two other companies have paid $22 million to settle U.S. government claims that they caused a 2016 wildfire that burned thousands of acres of national forest.
apnews.com
Appeals court upholds but narrows sex-trafficking statute
Activists claimed the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act violated the First Amendment.
www.politico.com
Tesla rolls out customer referral incentive globally as EV price war heats up
The EV maker rolled out the new program, a strategy long used by traditional automakers to boost sales.
At least 8 dead after apartment building collapse in Brazil
Rescue workers searched the rubble of the collapsed building where two children were among the dead.
Top Oklahoma School Official Says Teachers Can Talk About Race Massacre — If They’re Careful About The Race Part
Far-right Republican Ryan Walters has a history of extreme comments about education in Oklahoma.
Food delivery companies fight NYC wage law
Welcome to The Hill’s Technology newsletter {beacon} Technology Technology The Big Story Food delivery companies sue NYC over wage rule Uber, DoorDash and Grubhub sued New York City…
thehill.com
US NTSB probes Boeing 737 MAX engine fire at Newark Airport
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said on Friday it is investigating an engine fire last week on a Boeing 737-900 MAX plane operated by United Airlines at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
Problems plaguing GOP debate could disrupt first major event of 2024 campaign
Despite the GOP field’s packed slate, the Republican National Committee’s first 2024 presidential primary debate later this summer is expected to be fraught with logistical problems.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
US military records reveal instructional materials on White privilege, CRT, Black Lives Matter: Watchdog
Military records obtained by Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog, Air Force Academy presentations addressing White privilege, Black Lives Matter and Critical Race Theory.
GOP declares war on ... Barbie
Warner Bros. said there were no geopolitics intended in “Barbie.”
www.politico.com
Murder suspect described as 'survivalist' escapes from jail weeks after being captured in prior manhunt
Authorities are searching for a homicide suspect who escaped from a Pennslyvania jail weeks after he was captured following a dayslong manhunt.
Jan. 6 lawyer to CNN’s Abby Phillip: ‘I know this stuff better than you’
CNN’s Abby Phillip got into a tense exchange on Thursday with an attorney who has represented many defendants from the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot over the extent of the violence on the day. P…
thehill.com
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen meets Chinese Premier Li Qiang
"The United States will, in certain circumstances, need to pursue targeted actions to protect its national security," U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen said.
Philadelphia community tries to heal from trauma as shooter's mental health comes into focus
Prosecutors and others say in the weeks before Kimbrady Carriker opened fire at random with an AR-15 in Philadelphia killing five people, the few people close to him saw him grow increasingly agitated and erratic.
apnews.com
US, China pledge ‘healthy’ economic ties as Yellen visits Beijing
US Treasury head’s trip is latest effort to stabilise relations, but few breakthroughs expected amid ongoing disputes.
The U.S. will send cluster bombs to Ukraine despite concerns they could kill civilians
Ukraine has been asking the U.S. for the weapons since last year, but the idea had met resistance from the Biden administration.
www.nbcnews.comRepublicans question BlackRock fund governance, revisiting old concerns
A group of 15 Republican state attorneys general have questioned whether directors of BlackRock mutual funds are sufficiently independent of the world's largest asset manager. In a letter dated July 6 and provided to Reuters on Friday by a representative of Montana Attorney General Austin...
Casey DeSantis charms Iowa Republicans at first solo campaign trail event | CNN Politics
In a packed barn of more than 100 attendees, Florida first lady Casey DeSantis had the crowd laughing as she recalled bringing her 5-year-old daughter with her to an event last year.
www.cnn.com
Biden wants to roll back Trump's temporary health plans, calling them 'junk' insurance
President Biden wants to limit the less-robust, short-term health plans the Trump administration pushed as a cheaper alternative to Obamacare.
www.usatoday.com
Leslie Van Houten, follower of cult leader Charles Manson, is one big step closer to freedom
Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten is one step closer to being released from prison after California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he'll no longer fight her parole.
apnews.com
Britney Spears: No charges for Victor Wembanyama's security guard
The pop star says the incident near a restaurant in Las Vegas was a "traumatic experience".
www.bbc.com
Trump tries to drive a wedge on ethanol, opening op
But the former president's own mixed record on biofuels could come under scrutiny.
www.politico.com
Congress divided on Biden decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine
President Joe Biden's decision to provide Ukraine with the controversial cluster munitions led to disagreements on Capitol Hill.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden warned China's Xi on West's investment after Putin meeting
U.S. President Joe Biden told Chinese President Xi Jinping following his meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin to "be careful" because Beijing relies on Western investment.
https://apnews.com/article/nyc-delivery-workers-minimum-wage-lawsuit-4d8bd96e5d2a3f32ad3d577cd0cba22
Canadian farmer's thumbs-up emoji leads to $62,000 fine for undelivered flax
A Canadian farmer has been ordered to pay more than C$82,000 ($61,784) in damages over an emoji confusion that a Saskatchewan judge resolved by ruling that a thumbs-up image is enough to accept contractual terms.
Yellen's visit to China is 'crucial' to U.S.-China engagement, professor says
Janet Yellen's visit to China is "crucial" to ensuring that both countries continue talking to each other, said Eswar Prasad of Cornell University.
Tucker Carlson says he’s ‘not angry’ about being fired: ‘I wish Fox well’
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson says he holds no ill will toward the network, which fired him earlier this year days after it settled a blockbuster defamation lawsuit. “This is not the first ti…
thehill.com
As malaria cases tick up in Florida, a doctor treating the patients describes their symptoms
Two more locally acquired malaria infections have been reported in Florida, bringing the state's total to six.
www.nbcnews.com
Cotton backs Biden sending cluster munitions to Ukraine
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) signaled support Friday for President Biden’s expected decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine. “For Ukrainian forces to defeat Putin’s invasion, Ukraine needs …
thehill.comWhat are cluster bombs and why are they controversial?
Biden administration confirms it has approved providing Ukraine with weapons opposed by human rights groups
Playbook PM: What the June job numbers mean
And Treasury Secretary Yellen meets with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
www.politico.com
Middle fingers, complaints: Workers caught in culture wars face harassment
Workers at Target, Anheuser-Busch and Starbucks have been thrust into a political battle over corporate America, experts said.
Republican attorney general sues to prevent birth certificate and driver's license changes by transgender Kansans
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is suing to prevent Gov. Laura Kelly (D-KS) from blocking the effects of a new law passed by the Republican legislature barring Kansans who identify as transgender from making changes to birth certificates and driver's licenses.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Biden touts completion of US chemical weapons stockpile destruction: 'Significant milestone'
President Biden said the completion of the destruction of the United States' chemical weapons stockpile is a "significant milestone."
France's small towns are reeling from the spread of rioting. 'Now it's affecting the countryside'
Tranquil French villages and towns escaped previous cycles of urban violence. But they were whacked in the latest spasm of unrest that engulfed the country after police shot and killed a teenager of north African descent in the Paris suburbs.
apnews.com
Afghan interpreter who fled the Taliban killed in US gun violence
Nasrat Ahmad Yar was working as a rideshare driver when he was fatally shot in Washington, DC, after resettling in US.
BBC presenter accused of paying teen for explicit photos - report
The Sun newspaper says an unnamed BBC presenter paid the teenager tens of thousands of pounds.
www.bbc.com
Cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania face rule changes under a Democrat-backed House bill
An effort to subject Pennsylvania’s cyber charter schools to stronger ethics standards and curb the amount of money school districts must pay them passed the state House of Representatives.
apnews.comA top House Republican is demanding the Secret Service share more about its investigation into the cocaine at the White House
The Kentucky Republican called the episode an "unacceptable and a shameful moment in the White House's history."
White House confirms prisoner swap talks with Russia over reporter Evan Gershkovich but so far there's no 'clear pathway' | CNN Politics
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed Friday that there have been discussions around the prospect of a prisoner swap for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, “but those discussions have not produced a clear pathway to a resolution.”
www.cnn.com
What Trump’s second-term trade policy looks like
www.politico.com
Bench trial set for two Oath Keepers, an ex-actor and ex-Marine
An ex-Broadway actor and an ex-Marine — both members of the right-wing militia Oath Keepers — will face trial for their alleged roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. …
thehill.com
Roger Stone joins Trump on his private plane to Las Vegas after a campaign stop in Iowa
In 2019, Stone was convicted in federal court for obstructing a congressional investigation into Trump's 2016 campaign. Trump later commuted his sentence and then pardoned him.
www.nbcnews.com
Rudy Giuliani should be disbarred for false election fraud claims, D.C. review panel says
A review panel says former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani should be disbarred in Washington for his handling of litigation challenging the 2020 election on behalf of former President Trump.
www.cbsnews.com
Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su: ‘I remain hopeful for confirmation’
Key moderate senators, including Joe Manchin, have yet to publicly say whether they will support her nomination.
www.politico.comMedicare requirements for new FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drug raise alarms for seniors - Washington Examiner
Alzheimer's advocacy organizations have praised the Food and Drug Administration's approval of the new treatment for the debilitating disease, but they have equally condemned the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for attaching significant burdens to access the care. The Centers for...
www.washingtonexaminer.comBiden visit to South Carolina underlines how his push to rewrite the Democratic presidential calendar is far from finished
Biden wants the Palmetto State to lead off the 2024 primary race, but implementing his plan has been anything but easy.
California's governor won't appeal parole of Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten
Van Houten could be released in about two weeks. She has been serving a life sentence for helping Charles Manson and his other followers in the 1969 LaBianca killings.
www.cbsnews.comFederal prosecutors accuse Michigan man of strangling missing 2-year-old
Federal prosecutors say it appears that a Michigan man strangled a 2-year-old girl after he kidnapped her following a fight with her mother.
apnews.com
US job gains smallest in 2-1/2 years; labor market still tight
Persistently strong wage growth pointed to still-tight labor market.
New Hampshire Gov Sununu, Israeli ambassador issue 1-2 punch at UN bias against Jewish state
Republican Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire issued an executive order to barring the state's executive officers from doing business with companies supporting BDS.
Syria cracked down on Wagner after mutiny in Russia: Report
Syrian authorities swiftly moved to isolate and control Wagner operatives after the mercenary group staged a rebellion.
Factbox: Companies in Alzheimer's race after US nod for Eisai/Biogen drug
Eisai Co Ltd and Biogen Inc's Leqembi emerged as the first Alzheimer's treatment to win the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's standard approval on Thursday, a milestone in drug development for a disease that has seen multiple failures in the past.
How corporate America is slashing DEI workers amid backlash to diversity programs
DEI officers say they've faced cuts in the years since the murder of George Floyd.
Stock market today: Asian shares fall as strong US data dash hopes for an end to rate hikes
Asian shares have slipped after another decline on Wall Street, where hopes for an end to interest rate hikes have been dashed by strong economic data.
apnews.comRon DeSantis Cooks Up Excuses For Low Poll Numbers: 'They're Targeting Me'
Fox News host Will Cain asked the 2024 GOP presidential contender why he's "not yet" connecting with voters.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appears at UPS Teamsters protest: 'We have your back'
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) appeared at a Teamsters protest as the union is in the middle of negotiations with UPS.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Rudy Giuliani says he should be hired to find culprit in White House cocaine case
Rudy Giuliani, a former senior member of former President Trump’s legal team, suggested he be hired to find who left the cocaine that was discovered in the White House earlier this week. “Why don’t…
thehill.com
A tense divide over SpaceX deepens in South Texas after recent rocket launch and explosion | CNN
April’s Starship ended in a dramatic, explosive fireball. But the scope of the damage — and the divide — left in the wake of the most powerful rocket ever built is just coming into full view.
www.cnn.comPoland's lawmakers open the way for a national referendum on whether to take in more migrants
Poland’s lawmakers has approved law amendments that open the way for a national referendum on accepting migrants to be held in conjunction with the country’s general election that is expected this autumn.
apnews.com
Bolton hails Biden decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine as ‘an excellent idea’
Former national security adviser John Bolton hailed the Biden administration’s controversial decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine as “an excellent idea” in a radio interview Friday. “I thi…
thehill.com
Michael Charles Burham: US inmate with 'survivalist skills' in Pennsylvania jail break
Michael Charles Burham, 34, is dangerous and has "survivalist skills", police say.
www.bbc.com
The death toll from a South Africa gas leak blamed on illegal gold processing has risen to 17
The death toll in a toxic gas leak in South Africa blamed on an illegal gold processing operation in a settlement of closely packed shacks has risen to 17.
apnews.com
Rebellious warlord still on Putin's doorstep despite reports he fled country: 'Not easy to get rid of him'
Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has been spotted in his hometown of St. Petersburg, according to Russian sources on the ground.
Murphy signs law to save wind farm, touting New Jersey as ‘foundation’ of U.S. wind industry
The bill cleared the Senate and Assembly on the same day as the state budget last week.
www.politico.com
Club for Growth-aligned group launches political action committee to keep Trump from winning nomination
A group with close ties to the conservative Club for Growth has launched a new political action committee aimed at keeping former President Donald Trump from winning the GOP presidential nomination in 2024.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Republicans Want to Mandate a Single Style of Architecture in Washington
The Trump-era war against modern design in federal buildings is back — but now it’s in Congress.
www.politico.comDNA testing leads to former US Army soldier in 1978 killing of woman in Germany
Authorities say DNA testing has led to the arrest of a Nebraska man who was repeatedly questioned over decades in the 1978 stabbing death of a woman while he was stationed with the U.S.
apnews.com
El Paso Walmart shooter given 90 life sentences for hate crimes
A federal court in Texas imposed 90 consecutive life sentences to the man who killed 23 people and injured 23 others in a xenophobia-inspired mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart in 2019. Patrick Cr…
thehill.com
Western intel officials hunt for signs of Wagner and nuclear warheads in Belarus ahead of NATO | CNN Politics
In the wake of the uprising by Wagner Group forces in Russia, the US and Europe have turned their gaze to an increasingly unpredictable Belarus – a key Russian ally that Western officials fear could give the exiled mercenary troops a new home and serve as a staging ground for Russian nuclear...
www.cnn.com
Wisconsin will raise public school funding for the next 400 years
Democratic Governor Tony Evers' creative move to hike the budget leaves state Republicans furious.
www.bbc.com
Dutch gov’t falls over failure to agree on asylum seeker policy
Dutch PM Mark Rutte says resignation due to failure among coalition partners to agree on dealing with migration issues.
Wall Street ends choppy day lower after jobs data
Investors await more economic data and corporate earnings in the weeks ahead.
Trump-appointed judge gives a 'break' to Jan. 6 rioter at sentencing
Tyler Bensch, who used bear spray during the Capitol attack, was sentenced to probation and 60 days home detention instead of the nine months in prison sought by prosecutors.
www.nbcnews.com
Raskin passes on Senate bid
Sen. Ben Cardin’s retirement announcement in May immediately fueled speculation that Raskin would run.
www.politico.com
Novavax to receive $350 million from Canada for unused COVID shots
Novavax Inc said on Friday Canada will pay $349.6 million to settle the forfeiting of certain doses of its COVID-19 vaccine previously scheduled for delivery.
Police say they're waiting out a barricaded man who shot 2 relatives and fired at officers
Police in Worcester, Massachusetts say they're trying to establish contact with a man who barricaded himself inside a home after shooting two of his family members and then firing at police who tried to arrest him.
apnews.com
'Insane': States slam new emissions deal struck by California and truck manufacturers
A coalition of U.S. states is taking aim at the new emissions deal announced by California regulators and trucking manufacturers this week, vowing on Friday that they will challenge the plan in court.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Republicans request Secret Service briefing on cocaine found at White House
Rep. James Comer, chairman of the Oversight Committee, is seeking a staff-level briefing from the Secret Service as the GOP-led panel conducts its own investigation.
www.nbcnews.com
Michael Cohen warns Walt Nauta about Trump’s willingness to ‘throw him under the bus’
Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen says Walt Nauta, the valet to the former president charged in the classified and sensitive documents case, should look out for himself and not think that Trump w…
thehill.com
Biden wants to roll back Trump's expansion of short-term health insurance plans | CNN Politics
The Biden administration wants to crack down on short-term health insurance plans, which it says can leave patients saddled with hefty medical bills.
www.cnn.comChicago probes sex misconduct allegation against officers involving migrant living at police station
Chicago’s police oversight agency says it's investigating sexual misconduct allegations against officers involving a migrant who was living in a police station after arriving in the city.
apnews.com
Joey Chestnut remains hot dog eating champ. Here's how many calories he consumed during the event.
Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is back this Fourth of July. Here's how many calories champion Joey Chestnut consumed during his latest win.
www.cbsnews.comDutch premier resigns because of deadlock on thorny issue of migration, paving way for new elections
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has announced his resignation and that of his Cabinet, citing irreconcilable differences within his four-party coalition about how to rein in migration.
apnews.com
Thousands of children's bikes recalled over handlebar issue
The recall applies to all woom Original bike models manufactured from 2018 to 2021.
www.cbsnews.com
US to give Ukraine widely banned cluster munitions despite fears
Banned by many countries, cluster munitions leave unexploded bombs that pose a risk to civilians for decades to come.
Capitol rioter linked to Proud Boys gets 5 years in prison for pepper-spraying police
A Florida man prosecutors say is affiliated with the Proud Boys extremist group was sentenced on Friday to five years in prison for attacking police officers with pepper spray as they tried to defe…
thehill.comKansas attorney general sues to prevent transgender people from changing driver's licenses
The Republican attorney general in Kansas is asking a state court to block transgender residents from changing their sex on their driver's licenses.
apnews.com
Biden’s bargain-basement campaign strategy
The president has let others cover the tab and held off on major hires early in the reelect.
www.politico.com
Biden admin invokes Supreme Court opinion to crush DeSantis immigration challenge
The Biden administration is arguing a recent 8-1 Supreme Court decision should be grounds to quash Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's legal challenge to federal immigration policies.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Kevin Costner's first divorce court win signals estranged wife 'may have overplayed her hand': legal expert
Kevin Costner's estranged wife Christine Baumgartner "has one chance to win" multi-million dollar divorce battle against "Yellowstone" actor, legal expert says.
Teen arrested in connection with Baltimore shooting that killed 2, injured 28
Detectives believe the teen was involved in a mass shooting Sunday in South Baltimore that left two people dead and 28 injured.
www.cbsnews.com
UNC to offer free tuition to some students following Supreme Court affirmative action ruling
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will offer free tuition to some in-state students after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in admissions, the school announced Friday. …
thehill.com
Biden's decision on Ukraine cluster munitions sparks some Democratic blowback
Some Democrats in Congress are echoing concerns from human rights groups that the munitions will harm civilians in Ukraine.
www.nbcnews.com
Feds crack down on companies marketing weed edibles in kid-friendly packaging
"Stoneo" cookies and THC-infused "Doritos" too closely imitate original food snacks and could harm children, U.S. regulators say.
www.cbsnews.comAverage income taxes in Wisconsin to go down $3 a month under cut signed by Evers
Income taxes in Wisconsin will go down an average of $3 a month under the greatly reduced tax cut Democratic Gov.
apnews.com
DOJ has spent over $9 million investigating Trump since special counsel was appointed | CNN Politics
The Justice Department has spent over $9.2 million investigating former President Donald Trump since the appointment of special counsel Jack Smith in November, according to the first public accounting of his expenses.
www.cnn.com
Two dead, output impacted after fire engulfs Mexican oil platform
Two workers died and another remained missing after a raging fire broke out early on Friday morning at an offshore platform run by Mexican state oil company Pemex just off the southern edge of the Gulf of Mexico.
Biden highlights new efforts to lower health care costs and limit 'junk fees'
The steps being taken by the Biden administration are part of the president’s economic agenda, recently dubbed “Bidenomics.”
www.nbcnews.comAmid criticism over his war on gangs, El Salvador's President Bukele turns to sports
The 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games have offered El Salvador President Bukele an opportunity.
apnews.com
Exclusive: Special counsel prosecutors question witnesses about chaotic Oval Office meeting after Trump lost the 2020 election | CNN Politics
Special counsel Jack Smith’s team has signaled a continued interest in a chaotic Oval Office meeting that took place in the final days of the Trump administration, during which the former president considered some of the most desperate proposals to keep him in power over objections from his...
www.cnn.com
How to avoid "traveler's tummy" on your next vacation, according to gut health experts
Bathroom trouble is the last thing you want to worry about when traveling. Here's how to avoid "traveler's tummy," from diarrhea to constipation, with tips from gut health experts.
www.cbsnews.com
Biden 'committed' to reelection strategy despite scandal and political losses
President Joe Biden isn't changing his reelection campaign strategy, even in the face of numerous setbacks over the past month.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
White House takes action against short-term ‘junk’ insurance plans and surprise billing
The Biden administration announced plans Friday to tamp down on “junk” insurance plans and surprise medical fees as part of the “Bidenomics” agenda and its goal of lowering …
thehill.comNigeria triggers national response plan for annual deadly floods; 14 states on alert
Authorities in Nigeria say they have activated a national response plan ahead of what's expected to be another round of deadly floods blamed mainly on climate change and infrastructure problems.
apnews.com
U.S. fines meat firm that used minors to run machinery at Minnesota factory
A spokesperson for Monogram Food Solutions said the two teens used false identification to gain employment at a factory that makes sausages and meat snacks.
www.nbcnews.com
Uber, DoorDash, Grubhub sue over NYC $18-per-hour rule
Uber, DoorDash and Grubhub sued New York City Thursday over a new rule that would require the food delivery companies to pay their workers nearly $18 an hour. In two lawsuits filed in the New York …
thehill.com
Newark ship fire which claimed lives of 2 firefighters expected to burn for several more days
Officials described the ongoing firefight as an "extremely complex operation" that involved coordination with multiple local, state and federal agencies.
www.cbsnews.comUN: Millions left with no aid as West Africa suffers worst hunger crisis in 10 years
The United Nations food agency says millions of hungry people in West Africa are left without aid because it is struggling with limited funding to respond to the region's worst hunger crisis in 10 years.
apnews.com
6 charged in alleged straw donor scheme to benefit NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign
The Manhattan District Attorney's office said the defendants used the scheme to get tens of thousands of dollars in matching fund to Adams' 2021 campaign.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump says DeSantis was ‘lousy candidate’ for governor until his endorsement
Former President Trump argued Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis initially lagged in the 2018 Florida GOP gubernatorial primary because he was a “lousy candidate” during an Iowa event on Friday.…
thehill.com
Ukraine ‘deserves’ NATO membership, Turkey’s Erdogan says
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also called for a return to peace talks saying, ‘a fair peace creates no losers’.
Contact lens maker faces lawsuit after woman said the product resulted in her losing an eye
A lawsuit filed against Hubble Contact's parent company alleges the lenses contained inferior materials.
www.cbsnews.com
Offshore wind developers ask for more money from ratepayers
The developers of all four NYSERDA-contracted offshore wind projects in New York filed petitions with the Public Service Commission asking for an “inflation adjustment” on Wednesday.
www.politico.com
Five takeaways from the June jobs report
The unemployment rate fell to 3.6 percent in June as the economy added 209,000 jobs, solid gains following the Federal Reserve’s first pause of one of the fastest interest rate-hiking cycles …
thehill.com
Texas' largest county, home to Houston, sues state over law ousting its election chief
The lawsuit asks the court to block the law before it takes effect in September.
www.nbcnews.com
House panel studying threats by China to the US spurs rare bipartisan cooperation
The Select Committee on Strategic Competition's first six months of work has overlapped with a rise in Washington-Beijing tensions.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Donations pour in for Asian American-owned NYC bookstore decimated by fire
A fire in a residential unit above the store on July 4 caused massive smoke and water damage to inventory, closing the shop indefinitely.
www.nbcnews.com
