Gov. Newsom signs first-in-nation bill banning schools’ transgender notification policies

Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1955 on Monday, making California the first U.S. state to prohibit school districts from notifying parents if their child uses different pronouns or identifies as a different gender than what is on their school record. The Governor’s office announced the signing among dozens of other bills without comment. Susan Eggman, Chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, praised the move, … Continue reading Gov. Newsom signs first-in-nation bill banning schools’ transgender notification policies

Trump shooter requested Saturday off from work and told colleagues he’d be back at work Sunday

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the shooter who attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, told his boss he needed Saturday off for a personal matter. He assured coworkers he’d return on Sunday. Investigators have yet to determine Crooks’ motive but are piecing together his activities. By 3 p.m., about three hours before the shooting, Crooks was seen at the … Continue reading Trump shooter requested Saturday off from work and told colleagues he’d be back at work Sunday

Man bitten by shark while spearfishing in the Florida Keys

A man is recovering after being bitten by a shark while spearfishing off Key West, Florida, on Monday, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. The victim was bitten on the leg and was airlifted to a Miami hospital, where he was alert and responsive. His condition at the time of the news release was unclear. Several shark bites have been reported in Texas and … Continue reading Man bitten by shark while spearfishing in the Florida Keys

Midwest storms and tornadoes leave more than 500,000 without power

Severe storms and multiple tornadoes swept across the Midwest from Monday night into Tuesday morning, leaving over half a million energy customers without power and raising fears of flooding. Illinois experienced nearly 330,000 power outages, Indiana had 188,000, and Iowa had close to 20,000, according to PowerOutage.us. The National Weather Service in Chicago reported multiple tornadoes simultaneously, with a confirmed tornado in Des Moines, Iowa. … Continue reading Midwest storms and tornadoes leave more than 500,000 without power

Police fatally shoot man near the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee

Out-of-state police officers from Columbus, Ohio, fatally shot a man near the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee on Tuesday. Thousands of police officers are in the area for additional security during the convention week. The incident, occurring about a mile from the convention, has angered neighbors who questioned the presence of out-of-state officers. According to the Columbus Police Department, the incident took place in … Continue reading Police fatally shoot man near the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee

Romania to kill 500 bears to curb overpopulation after deadly attack

Romania’s government has more than doubled the number of bears that park rangers can legally kill, approving the culling of nearly 500 bears this year after a deadly attack on a hiker caused a nationwide outcry. The new law, passed in an emergency parliamentary session on Monday, authorizes the culling of 481 bears to control “overpopulation,” more than twice the 220 bears culled last year. … Continue reading Romania to kill 500 bears to curb overpopulation after deadly attack

Five killed in violent protests over public sector jobs quota in Bangladesh

At least five people were killed and many injured across Bangladesh on Tuesday during clashes between young government supporters, police, and students protesting a government job quota system. Tens of thousands of students participated in the nationwide protests, which marked the first significant opposition to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government since her fourth term began in January. The protesters are demanding changes to the public … Continue reading Five killed in violent protests over public sector jobs quota in Bangladesh

U.S. military recommends permanently dismantling pier that’s helping deliver aid into Gaza

U.S. Central Command has recommended the permanent dismantling of the Gaza pier, which has faced weather and mechanical issues since its installation in May. Despite being operational for only about 20 days, the pier delivered nearly 20 million pounds of aid. Currently located in Ashdod, Israel, the Pentagon has announced it will soon cease operations, though it might be used one final time to deliver … Continue reading U.S. military recommends permanently dismantling pier that’s helping deliver aid into Gaza

North Korea diplomat flees to South in highest ranking envoy defection since 2016

In November, a senior North Korean diplomat stationed in Cuba defected to South Korea, marking the highest-ranking defection since 2016. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service confirmed the defection, initially reported by the Chosun Ilbo newspaper, which identified the diplomat as Ri Il-kyu, a counsellor responsible for political affairs at the North Korean embassy in Cuba. Ri’s role included preventing diplomatic ties between South Korea and … Continue reading North Korea diplomat flees to South in highest ranking envoy defection since 2016

France faces backlash over hijab ban for athletes at Olympics

Rights groups have accused France of “discriminatory hypocrisy” for refusing to allow its athletes to wear the hijab during the Paris Olympics, starting in ten days. Amnesty International and ten other organizations stated that the ban prevents athletes from exercising their right to play sports without discrimination. They had appealed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reverse the ban, but the IOC responded that … Continue reading France faces backlash over hijab ban for athletes at Olympics

Archaeologists unearth 24 skeletons on hotel property dating back to 7th century

Archaeologists have uncovered human remains dating back over 1,000 years during an excavation at The Old Bell Hotel near Malmesbury Abbey in the U.K. They found 24 identifiable skeletons, believed to be Anglo-Saxon burials from the 7th century, specifically between 670 and 940 AD. This discovery occurred on Bid Athelstan Dig Day, involving 13 dig sites across the town. A representative from Cotswold Archaeology noted … Continue reading Archaeologists unearth 24 skeletons on hotel property dating back to 7th century

Sun blasts out 2nd X-class flare this week, triggers more radio blackouts

The sun is currently experiencing intense activity, firing off powerful solar flares. Sunspot AR3738, as it rotates out of view on the sun’s western limb, has emitted a strong X-class solar flare, the most powerful type. T his flare occurred on Tuesday morning (July 16) at 9:26 a.m. EDT (1326 GMT), causing a shortwave radio blackout primarily over the Atlantic Ocean and affecting much of … Continue reading Sun blasts out 2nd X-class flare this week, triggers more radio blackouts

Scientists set sights on asteroid larger than Eiffel Tower as it skims past Earth

In 2029, an asteroid larger than the Eiffel Tower, known as 99942 Apophis, will pass near Earth, an event that previously sparked fears of a potential catastrophic collision. Now, scientists aim to study Apophis closely during its approach to enhance our planetary defense systems. The European Space Agency (ESA) has funded the Rapid Apophis Mission for Security and Safety (RAMSES), which will deploy a spacecraft … Continue reading Scientists set sights on asteroid larger than Eiffel Tower as it skims past Earth

Cave discovered on Moon could be home for humans

For the first time, scientists have discovered a cave on the Moon, which is at least 100 meters deep and could serve as an ideal location for a permanent human base. T his cave is part of an extensive network of potentially hundreds of hidden caves, according to researchers. As countries race to establish a permanent lunar presence, protecting astronauts from radiation, extreme temperatures, and … Continue reading Cave discovered on Moon could be home for humans

Spray-on sneaker created by robot in 6 minutes will make history at 2024 Olympics

Hellen Obiri, the Kenyan distance runner and two-time Olympic silver medalist, will make history at the 2024 Paris Olympics with her revolutionary footwear. She will be wearing the Cloudboom Strike LS, a spray-on sneaker from sportswear company On. The “LS” stands for LightSpray, a trademarked technology that creates the shoe’s upper part by spraying a continuous filament onto a foot form held by a robotic … Continue reading Spray-on sneaker created by robot in 6 minutes will make history at 2024 Olympics

All cars in EU to be fitted with speed-limiting AI tech

All cars in the EU must now be equipped with speed-limiting AI technology due to new regulations. The Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems, which became mandatory on July 7, use AI, GPS data, and onboard cameras to monitor and control vehicle speed. If a driver exceeds the speed limit, the system can automatically slow down the vehicle. ISAs determine speed limits by analyzing road markings … Continue reading All cars in EU to be fitted with speed-limiting AI tech

AI Boom Wreaking Havoc On Electrical Grids Across USA

The artificial intelligence boom has significantly impacted big tech companies, leading to a surge in their energy consumption and carbon emissions. The success of large language models like ChatGPT has driven this increased energy demand. According to the Electric Power Research Institute, AI queries require about 10 times the electricity of traditional Google searches, with ChatGPT requests consuming 2.9 watt-hours each. Emerging AI capabilities, such … Continue reading AI Boom Wreaking Havoc On Electrical Grids Across USA

Get used to high interest rates, IMF says

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that persistent inflation may result in interest rates remaining high for longer than anticipated, posing fiscal and financial risks globally. The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook highlights that high prices for services and increasing trade tensions are maintaining inflation and suggesting that interest rates will stay elevated. This situation underscores the caution of central banks in cutting rates … Continue reading Get used to high interest rates, IMF says

Biden unveils plan to cap national rent increases at 5%

President Biden has announced a plan to curb rising rents by penalizing corporate landlords who increase rents by more than 5% annually. Landlords who do not comply would risk losing access to valuable tax breaks. This rule targets landlords with more than 50 units, covering over 20 million units, or about half of the rental market. The proposal requires congressional approval, which is challenging given … Continue reading Biden unveils plan to cap national rent increases at 5%

Traders see the odds of a Fed rate cut by September at 100%

Traders are now certain that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates by September. According to the CME FedWatch tool, there is a 93.3% chance that the Fed will lower its target range for the federal funds rate by a quarter percentage point to 5% to 5.25% in September, down from the current 5.25% to 5.50%. Additionally, there is a 6.7% chance of a half … Continue reading Traders see the odds of a Fed rate cut by September at 100%

Trump’s VP pick is JD Vance

Donald Trump has officially selected Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate for the presidential election, concluding months of speculation about his choice. Trump announced the decision on Truth Social, stating Vance is the best fit for Vice President after careful consideration of other candidates. This announcement came shortly after Trump confirmed he would reveal his VP pick during the RNC kickoff, CNBC … Continue reading Trump’s VP pick is JD Vance

Archaeologists find more evidence of Moses leading his people to the Promised Land

Archaeologists have uncovered artifacts from the Biblical city of Zanoah, located in the ‘Promised Land’ where the Israelites settled after their exodus from Egypt. The Israeli Antiquities Authority revealed findings, including ancient stone walls and pottery dating back over 3,200 years. Zanoah, mentioned in the Old Testament, provides further evidence of the Israelites’ journey to Canaan around 1406-1407 BC, after 40 years in the desert. … Continue reading Archaeologists find more evidence of Moses leading his people to the Promised Land

House Oversight Committee to receive briefing Tuesday on Trump assassination attempt

The House Oversight Committee will hold a bipartisan briefing with the Secret Service on Tuesday regarding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, with a public hearing scheduled for next week. During a campaign rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania, a gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, shot at Trump, grazing his ear, resulting in one death and two critical injuries. Lawmakers are questioning the Secret Service’s … Continue reading House Oversight Committee to receive briefing Tuesday on Trump assassination attempt

DeSantis to speak at Iowa GOP event during convention

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is set to speak at an Iowa Republican Party lunch event during the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, as reported by Bloomberg and confirmed by The Hill. This engagement may suggest he is considering a run for the presidency in 2028. DeSantis previously challenged Trump for the nomination in 2023 after a successful election year for Florida Republicans but struggled in … Continue reading DeSantis to speak at Iowa GOP event during convention

Polls close in Rwanda as Kagame eyes fourth term

Polls have closed in Rwanda’s presidential and parliamentary elections, with counting underway. President Paul Kagame is expected to secure another five-year term, continuing his three-decade leadership amid a backdrop of restricted competition, as courts banned prominent critics. Over nine million voters participated in the election, which saw polling stations open from 7 AM to 3 PM local time. Kagame is projected to replicate his 2017 … Continue reading Polls close in Rwanda as Kagame eyes fourth term