Friday News Files
US NEWS
Severe Weather and Heatwaves in Canada and U.S. Millions of people in Canada and the U.S. are under heat warnings as a dangerous heat dome affects large parts of North America. This extreme weather is straining public health resources and prompting calls for urgent climate action.
Protests Against U.S. Support for Israeli Actions: Demonstrations erupted across several U.S. cities protesting the Biden administration's support for Israel's military actions in Gaza. These protests reflect widespread public concern over U.S. foreign policy and its humanitarian impacts.
Morgan Wallen's Tour Kickoff: Morgan Wallen began his 2024 One Night At A Time tour in Indianapolis with back-to-back performances featuring surprise guests and a diverse setlist. The tour will continue across the U.S. through August.
Summer Solstice Celebrations: The June solstice, marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, occurred on June 20. Various celebrations and events took place nationwide to honor the beginning of summer.
Historic Yoga Session at the UN: A historic yoga session was held on the lawns of the UN headquarters in New York, led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as part of International Yoga Day celebrations.
Andrew Tate Charged in Romania: Controversial influencer Andrew Tate, along with his brother and two associates, was charged with rape and human trafficking in Romania. The charges have sparked widespread media coverage and public discussion.
GLOBAL NEWS AND WORLD EVENTS
Putin Discusses Arms Deal with North Korea: Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested supplying weapons to North Korea in response to Western countries arming Ukraine. This proposal has raised concerns among U.S. officials about escalating military tensions in the region.
Record Levels of Global Displacement: The UN reports record-high numbers of displaced individuals worldwide, driven by conflicts and natural disasters. The number of internally displaced people has doubled over the past decade, highlighting an urgent need for international support and solutions.
United Nations Criticizes Israeli Military Actions in Gaza: A UN investigation into the Israeli military's actions in Gaza has found consistent violations of international law, particularly regarding the distinction between combatants and civilians. This report adds to the ongoing international debate over the conflict.
NATO Leadership Transition: NATO allies have reportedly chosen a new leader ahead of the upcoming summit. This transition comes at a critical time as the alliance faces numerous geopolitical challenges, including tensions with Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Tainted Liquor Tragedy in India: In Tamil Nadu, India, over 31 people have died after consuming tainted liquor. This incident has sparked outrage and calls for stricter regulation and enforcement of alcohol safety standards to prevent future tragedies.
Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan: Afghanistan continues to face severe humanitarian challenges, with widespread poverty and food insecurity affecting millions. The international community is urged to increase aid and support to address the escalating crisis.
Kenya Anti-Tax Protests: Protests erupted in Kenya as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators opposing new tax measures. The protests reflect growing public discontent with economic policies amid rising living costs.
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Home Prices Reach Record High: Sales of previously owned homes fell for the third consecutive month in May, while home prices hit an all-time high. This trend reflects the ongoing housing shortage and high mortgage rates, which continue to hinder homebuilding and exacerbate the supply-demand imbalance in the housing market.
Spirit AeroSystems Jumps Amid Boeing Acquisition Talks: Shares of Spirit AeroSystems surged following reports that Boeing is nearing a deal to reacquire the company. The potential acquisition is seen as a strategic move to streamline operations and strengthen Boeing's supply chain.
Nvidia and Chip Stocks Lose Momentum: The Nasdaq and S&P 500 slipped as the recent rally in Nvidia and other chip stocks lost steam. This pullback comes amid broader concerns about market breadth and investor sentiment, signaling potential volatility ahead.
Komatsu Unveils All-Electric Construction Equipment: Komatsu introduced its first line of all-electric construction equipment, marking a significant milestone in the industry's push towards sustainability. The new machinery aims to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, aligning with global decarbonization efforts.
Chipotle Announces 50-for-1 Stock Split: Chipotle Mexican Grill revealed plans for a 50-for-1 stock split, aimed at making its shares more accessible to a broader range of investors. The announcement comes as the company prepares for potential growth and expansion.
Nike's Earnings Report Anticipation: Investors are closely watching Nike ahead of its upcoming earnings report. Analysts expect insights on the company's performance amid global economic uncertainties and supply chain challenges that have impacted the retail sector.
Sarepta Therapeutics Gains FDA Approval for Muscular Dystrophy Drug: Sarepta Therapeutics saw a significant stock price increase after the FDA expanded approval for its muscular dystrophy drug. This development is expected to enhance the company's market position and support further research and development efforts.
POLITICS
Bernie Sanders to Question Novo Nordisk CEO on Drug Pricing: Senator Bernie Sanders announced plans to grill Novo Nordisk's CEO on the high costs of weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, which can be up to 15 times more expensive in the U.S. compared to other countries. This hearing is part of broader scrutiny on pharmaceutical pricing practices.
Trump Criticizes Fox News Poll: Former President Donald Trump lashed out at Fox News over a recent poll that showed him trailing in the GOP primary race. Trump called the poll "TRASH!" and accused the network of bias against him as he continues to campaign for the 2024 presidential election.
Biden Administration Faces Resignation Over Gaza Conflict: U.S. Army Major Harrison Mann publicly resigned over the Biden administration's support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Mann, an intelligence officer, cited moral objections and drew parallels to historical atrocities, marking a significant political statement.
Supreme Court Upholds Gun Control Law: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a controversial gun control law aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence. This decision reinforces legal measures to prevent abusers from obtaining firearms, a significant victory for gun control advocates.
Nadia Milleron Announces Congressional Run: Nadia Milleron, whose daughter died in the 2019 Boeing crash, announced her candidacy for Congress. Milleron is running on a platform of corporate accountability and aviation safety, aiming to bring attention to regulatory issues within the airline industry.
Democrats and Republicans Tight-Lipped on Foreign Interference: Both major political parties in the U.S. remain reticent about addressing allegations of foreign interference in the upcoming elections. This ongoing issue continues to raise concerns about the integrity and security of the electoral process.
Biden's Immigration Executive Order: President Biden's new executive order on immigration received mixed reactions. While it was praised for providing a path to citizenship for Dreamers, critics argue that the order does not sufficiently address border security concerns.
Congressional Debate Over AIPAC's Influence: Representative Jamaal Bowman faced a significant campaign funded by AIPAC-affiliated groups aiming to unseat him in the New York primary. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over the influence of political action committees in U.S. elections.
Primary Elections and Voting Updates: Several states held primary elections, including Oklahoma and Virginia. These primaries are crucial in shaping the political landscape for the upcoming midterm elections, with key races drawing national attention.
SPORTS
Kyle Larson Wins at Sonoma Amid Uncertainty: NASCAR driver Kyle Larson capped off a tumultuous week with a victory at Sonoma Raceway. Larson's win comes during a period of speculation about potential team changes and future plans, making the triumph particularly significant for his career.
Yankees Avoid Sweep Against Mariners: The New York Yankees narrowly avoided a sweep by the Seattle Mariners, securing a win in the final game of their series. This victory provided a much-needed morale boost as the Yankees continue to navigate a challenging season without star player Juan Soto.
Darren Waller Announces Retirement: New York Giants tight end Darren Waller announced his retirement from the NFL. Waller's decision marks the end of a notable career characterized by his impressive athleticism and significant contributions to the Giants' offensive lineup.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Signs Historic Contract Extension: NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a record-breaking contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks. The deal, worth $400 million over five years, solidifies Antetokounmpo's commitment to the Bucks and underscores his status as one of the league's top players.
College Football Transfer Portal Updates: The College Football Transfer Portal remains active, with several high-profile players making moves. Notable transfers include quarterback Deuce Knight committing to the 2025 All-American Bowl and defensive back Jadyn Hudson choosing UCLA. These changes are expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming college football season.
ENTERTAINMENT
Inside Out 2 Leads Box Office Expectations: Pixar's highly anticipated sequel Inside Out 2 topped polls as the most anticipated movie of June. Featuring a strong voice cast including Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, and Ayo Edibiri, the film explores new emotions as Riley navigates her teenage years.
June Squibb Stars in Action Movie Thelma: June Squibb stars in the action-comedy Thelma, set for release today. The film, directed by Josh Margolin, features Squibb in a leading role and marks the final performance of Richard Roundtree, who passed away last year. The storyline revolves around a 93-year-old woman on a mission to reclaim her money after being scammed.
A Quiet Place: Day One Release Date Announced: A Quiet Place: Day One, a prequel to the popular franchise, is set to hit theaters on June 28. The film, directed by Michael Sarnoski, stars Lupita Nyong'o and depicts the early days of the alien invasion, offering a new perspective on the series' apocalyptic world.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die Hits Theaters: The fourth installment in the Bad Boys franchise, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, released earlier this month. Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, the film follows the duo as they investigate corruption within the Miami police department after the death of their former captain.
Yorgos Lanthimos's Kinds of Kindness Premieres: Kinds of Kindness, the latest film by Yorgos Lanthimos, premieres today. The movie features a star-studded cast, including Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, and Willem Dafoe, and tells a trio of interconnected stories. Lanthimos's unique storytelling style is expected to captivate audiences once again.
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person Debuts: This dark comedy, which has generated significant buzz, revolves around a young vampire, Sasha, who struggles to kill and finds an unexpected ally in a suicidal teenager. The film opens in limited theaters, bringing a fresh take on the vampire genre.
