News Roundup: June 22 – June 30
Texas:
Houston Rockets – The Rockets made news this week with their trade with the LA Clippers to have Chris Paul on the team. The trade improved the Rockets odds to win the title from 30-1 to 15-1 at the Westgate SuperBook.
Benefits for same-sex couples – The Texas Supreme Court threw out a lower court ruling on married same-sex couples ability to receive marriage benefits. The case has been sent back to a lower court. The Texas Supreme Court ruling negates the policy that was executed in 2013 by former Houston’s first openly gay Mayor Annise Parker.
San Antonio officer shot – Officer Miguel Moreno was shot in the head while investigating vehicle break-ins and died Friday morning. Moreno’s partner, Julio Cavazos, was also shot but underwent surgery and is expected to recover. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said the gunman died in the shootout.
United States:
CNN journalists resign – The published Russia-related article cited an anonymous source and was retracted from the CNN website once it was made clear that the story did not follow CNN’s editorial process. Thomas Frank, Eric Lichtblau and Lex Haris have since left CNN. The article stated that a Russian investment fund with ties to Trump officials was being investigated by Congress.
Health care bill – The Congressional Budget Office’s report stated that the Senate bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act would leave 22 million people uninsured by 2026 than Obamacare. Only 17 percent of Republicans approve of the bill and several have announced they would not vote to advance the bill.
Trump TIME covers – TIME magazine asked President Donald Trump to remove framed TIME Magazine covers from several of his golf courses. The covers being used are originally from a 2009 issue that featured Kate Winslet. Trump’s covers have the date March 1, 2009, but the magazine published with Winslet was March 2, 2009.
Off-duty cop shot by colleague – An anti-crime task force in St Louis was following a stolen car when shots were fired. An unidentified off-duty officer heard the shots and ran to help his fellow officers. Another unidentified officer arrived and shot the off-duty officer when he did not recognize him. The officer has been working with the department for 11 years and the officer who shot him has been working with the department for eight years.
New Visa criteria – The Supreme Court upheld the temporary travel ban with an exception. The State Department states that new applicants from Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen must prove they have a close family relationship or business tie in the United States. The State Department defines a close relationship as a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling.
International:
Mexico – Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto denies that the government is spying on journalists, activists and lawyers by hacking their phones. There have been criminal complaints stating that an Israeli-made spyware was installed on their phones. The New York Times put out a report saying “lawyers, journalists and activists investigating corruption and human rights abuses in Mexico were targeted with spyware that can infiltrate smartphones and monitor calls, texts and other communications.”
Brazil – A car drove into the gate of Brazilian President Michel Temer’s palace. The underage driver was detained and Temer was not in the palace at the time. The incident occurred as Brazilians are starting to put pressure on Temer to resign after being charged with corruption.
Venezuela – Following multiple mass protests and economic crises, Venezuelan police officers dropped grenades from a helicopter on the Supreme Court in Caracas. A video shows a man identifying as Oscar Pérez taking responsibility for the attack.
Syria – U.S. is sending a civilian team into Syria to help bring stability to areas that have been taken from the Islamic State. The team, which consists of seven members, is planning to help Syrians return home. While their mission has not been made public, The New York Times states that the team will help by “organizing efforts to clear roadside bombs left behind by the Islamic State and to restore electricity and access to clean water.”
On the bright side
Yellowstone grizzly bears – The Yellowstone grizzly bears have been removed from the endangered species list. In 1975, their population was at 136 which caused them to have endangered species protection. It is estimated that the bears now have a population of 700.
Nintendo’s SNES Classic – Nintendo is launching the SNES Classic Edition September 29. Just like the NES version, the SNES is a smaller version of the Super Nintendo console. Nintendo is keeping quantities limited and will come pre-loaded with 21 games.
Also published on Medium.
