Today’s Top News
The Supreme Court ruled yesterday that former President Donald Trump has broad immunity from federal prosecution. In an ideologically-aligned 6-3 decision, the justices said that former presidents are entitled to a presumption of immunity 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 determine whether his actions were part of his official duties. President Biden, speaking from the White House, said the ruling sets a “dangerous precedent” and “undermines the rule of law.”
President Biden speaks about the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity at the White House on July 1. Andrew Harnick/Getty Images/Getty Images North America Hide caption
Caption Switch Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/Getty Images North America 🎧 The timing of the Supreme Court’s decision means there is “no chance” that voters will know the ruling on Trump’s case on January 6 before the November election, NPR’s Domenico Montanaro told Up First. Controversial decisions and ethics issues have caused confidence in the Supreme Court to plummet, according to an NPR poll. The next president could nominate three new justices, as Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Sonia Sotomayor are all over 70 years old. If Trump wins the presidential election and appoints younger, more conservative justices, “it could set the Democratic Party back another 20 years,” Domenico said.
Hurricane Beryl strengthened into a Category 5 storm after making landfall yesterday on the Caribbean island of Carriacou, Grenada, making it the fastest Atlantic hurricane on record to reach that status, thanks in part to record-high ocean temperatures.
🎧 Beryl’s growth rate is what climate scientists expected, says NPR’s Michael Copley. Climate change remains an active area of research, but Copley says it’s clear that rising temperatures are making hurricanes stronger. Coastal areas will face the greatest risk from storm surges, walls of water that surge ashore. Hurricanes can also contain large amounts of water vapor, which can cause torrential rains and flooding, threatening areas inland even if they’re not in the storm’s path. ➡️ Experts expect a very active Atlantic hurricane season. The best time to prepare is before a storm forms. Learn how to pack an evacuation bag, an essential tool in the event of a natural disaster.
Longevity researchers are keeping an eye on generic drugs that may help people live longer. The FDA first approved rapamycin in the 1990s to suppress the immune system in transplant patients and prevent transplant rejection. When given in low doses, it helps reduce inflammation. Now, the FDA has approved a trial of rapamycin in patients with periodontal disease, a common condition that tends to progress with age. Jonathan Ahn, the doctor leading the study, said periodontal disease is the “canary in the coal mine” of age-related diseases that are linked to 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
Hide caption
Toggle caption David Schaper/NPR
AAA predicts that nearly 71 million Americans will travel this Independence Day, making it likely to be the busiest Fourth of July travel season 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’s very important to arrive at the airport well before your departure time, says Gerald Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Officer at Philadelphia International Airport. Many airports are seeing increased travel volumes, so allow extra time for parking, baggage screening, and security. 🚗 Drivers in metropolitan areas can expect the worst traffic tomorrow. If you haven’t left yet, it’s best to leave before 10 a.m. ☀️ High temperatures and thunderstorms may cause delays to train and plane service. Traveling in the morning or evening can offset these risks. 🚫 If a flight is canceled, airlines must offer travelers a refund or book another flight. However, 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 spectator. Sanchayan Chowdhury Hide caption
Toggle caption Sanchayan Choudhury
Flocks of pelicans, a snow-capped village, a wrestling match. These are some of the finalists for the 2024 Siena Drone Photography Prize. Drone photography has evolved over the years thanks to technological advances. Drones fly faster, ensure higher quality images and can navigate with greater precision, allowing photographers to capture 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
15-year-old Carlo Acutis is pictured during his beatification ceremony at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, in October 2020. Gregorio Borgia/AP Hide caption
Gregorio Borgia/AP Carlos Acutis, a teenage tech genius who died of leukemia at age 15, will be canonized as the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. Acutis is fondly referred to as the “Divine Influencer” and “Patron Saint of the Internet” for his work documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world. Naomi Osaka won her first Wimbledon match in six years yesterday. In 2021, she took a brief break from tennis for spiritual reasons. She has been vocal about her struggles on the court. Charlotte, the famous stingray whose pregnancy was announced earlier this year without a male mate, has died. The North Carolina aquarium where Charlotte lived previously said she had a “rare reproductive disorder.”
This newsletter was edited by Majd Al-Waheidi.
