Today's Top News
The Supreme Court ruled yesterday that former President Donald Trump has broad immunity from liability. In a 6-3 ideological decision, the Supreme Court said former presidents are entitled to a presumption of immunity from federal prosecution for acts performed in official capacity, but not for acts performed privately. The Supreme Court sent the case back to the judges in Trump's election lawsuit to decide whether Trump's actions were part of his official duties. President Biden, in remarks from the White House, said the decision sets a “dangerous precedent” and “undermines the rule of law.”
President Biden spoke about the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity at the White House on July 1.
Andrew Harnick/Getty Images/Getty Images North America
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Andrew Harnick/Getty Images/Getty Images North America
- 🎧 Timing of court ruling means 'no chance' Voters will decide Trump's January 6th lawsuit before the November election, NPR's Domenico Montanaro says. First up. According to an NPR poll, confidence in the Supreme Court has plummeted due to controversial decisions and ethics issues. The next president could nominate three new justices, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Sonia Sotomayor, all of whom are over 70 years old. If Trump wins the presidential election and appoints younger, more conservative justices, “it could set the Democrats back 20 years,” Domenico said.
Hurricane Beryl strengthened into a Category 5 storm The hurricane made landfall yesterday on the Grenadian island of Carriacou in the Caribbean, becoming the fastest ever to reach such strength for an Atlantic hurricane on record, aided by record-high ocean temperatures.
- 🎧 Beryl's growth rate is in line with what climate scientists had predicted. “Climate change is still an area of ongoing research, but Copley says it's clear that rising temperatures are making hurricanes stronger. Coastal communities will be at greatest risk from storm surges, which are walls of water that surge up onto shore. Hurricanes carry large amounts of water vapor, which can cause torrential rains and flooding that can threaten inland areas even if they're not in the storm's path.
- ➡️ Experts are hopeful It's very active Atlantic hurricane season, and the best time to prepare is before a storm hits. Learn how to pack an emergency bag, an essential tool in the event of a natural disaster.
Longevity researchers are turning their attention to generic drugs that they think may help people live longer. The FDA first approved rapamycin in the 1990s for transplant patients to suppress the immune system and prevent transplant rejection. At low doses, it helps reduce inflammation. Now, the FDA has approved trials of rapamycin in patients with periodontal disease, a common condition that tends to progress with age. According to Jonathan Ang, the doctor leading the study, periodontal disease is the “canary in the coal mine” of age-related diseases that are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and dementia.
Life Advice
AAA predicts that about 71 million people will travel during the Independence Day travel period.
David Shapar/NPR
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David Shapar/NPR
About 71 million Americans are expected to travel this week for Independence Day, July 4th. AAA predicts the Fourth of July travel season could be the busiest on record, both by air and road. If you're planning on traveling this week, here's what you need to know and how to avoid traffic jams.
- ✈️ It is important to arrive at the airport well before your departure time. “Many airports are experiencing increased travel volumes, so please allow extra time for parking, baggage screening and security screening,” said Gerald Spero, TSA Federal Security Supervisor at Philadelphia International Airport.
- 🚗 Drivers in the capital region can expect the worst traffic congestion tomorrow. If you haven't left yet, it's best to leave before 10am.
- ☀️ High temperatures and thunderstorms may cause train and flight delays. Traveling in the morning or evening can help reduce these risks.
- 🚫 If a flight is canceled, the airline must refund travelers or book them on an alternative flight. But the rules regarding flight delays are more complicated. Check your airline's policies on the Department of Transportation website.
Painting Show
Abdul Jabbar's Boli Khela is a century-old traditional wrestling tournament in Chittagong that draws thousands of enthusiastic spectators every year. This photo taken in Chittagong, Bangladesh on April 24, 2023 shows two people wrestling on a sand stage in front of a street crowd.
Sanchayan Choudhury
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Sanchayan Choudhury
A flock of pelicans, a snow-capped village and a wrestling match are some of the finalists. Winners of the 2024 Siena Drone Photo Awards. Drone photography has evolved over the years thanks to technological advances. Drones fly faster, capture higher quality images and move with more precision, allowing photographers to take stunning aerial shots. Emanuela Ascoli, one of the judges, said she will take into account the “emotional and aesthetic impact” of each photo and how well it captures a “perfect moment.”
Three things to know before you go
A statue of 15-year-old Carlo Acutis was unveiled during a beatification ceremony at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, in October 2020.
Gregorio Borgia/AP
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Gregorio Borgia/AP
- Carlos Acutis, the teenage tech genius who died of leukemia at age 15, canonized as a saint Acutis is known as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. He is fondly referred to as the “Divine Influencer” and the “Patron Saint of the Internet” for his work in cataloging Eucharistic miracles around the world.
- Naomi Osaka wins her first Wimbledon title Yesterday, she retired from tennis after six years. In 2021, she took some time off from tennis for mental reasons and has been vocal about her struggles on the court.
- Charlotte, the famous stingray who was diagnosed with pregnancy without a male partner earlier this year, has died. Her North Carolina aquarium previously said she had a “rare reproductive disorder.”
This newsletter is Majid Al Waheidi.
