Trump's dominance of GOP field has America bracing for a toxic campaign
As America celebrated its independence, while divided on the true nature of its values, it also braced for a toxic presidential campaign likely to deepen its political trauma and again push the election system to its limits.
1970-01-01 08:00
Biden renews call for assault weapons ban after ‘tragic and senseless’ spate of July 4 shootings
President Joe Biden has issued a fresh appeal for a ban on assault weapons after dozens of people were killed or wounded in mass shootings in the lead-up to Independence Day celebrations. Five people were shot dead and two boys, aged two and 13, were injured when a gunman armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle and wearing a bulletproof vest opened fire in Philadelphia’s Kingsessing neighbourhood at around 8.30pm on Monday night, according to authorities. Hours later, three died and 14 were injured in four separate shootings in Fort Worth, Texas. Mr Biden said he and First Lady Jill Biden were also grieving “tragic and senseless shootings” that had occurred in recent days in Baltimore, Lansing, Chicago and Wichita in a July 4 statement. He said it was “within our power” to ban AR-15-style weapons and high-capacity magazines while also enforcing safe storage of guns and enacting universal background checks. Mr Biden also marked the one year anniversary of a mass shooting that claimed the lives of seven people at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois. In the wake of the shooting, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Highland Park mayor Nancy Rotering had worked with gun control advocates to ban assault rifles and high capacity magazines in the state. “Their achievement will save lives. But it will not erase their grief,” Mr Biden said. “And as we have seen over the last few days, much more must be done in Illinois and across America to address the epidemic of gun violence that is tearing our communities apart.” Mr Biden called on other states to follow Illinois’ lead and for Republican lawmakers in Congress to “come to the table on meaningful, commonsense reform”. In a speech to the National Education Association on Tuesday, Mr Biden said gun reform was urgently needed to protect children and teachers. “As you know all too well, educators now find themselves in the frontlines of gun violence,” Mr Biden told the association. “Congress needs to step up, pass common sense gun safety laws to protect our kids and educators, and by the way, arming teachers is not the answer.” According to the Gun Violence Archive, 21,782 Americans have been killed in shootings halfway through 2023. The US has experienced 346 mass shootings, when four or more people are shot, and 26 mass murders, according to the archive. Last June, Congress passed its first new gun control legislation in 28 years in the wake of twin tragedies in Buffalo, New York, where 10 Black shoppers were murdered, and the fatal shooting of 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Read More Trump marks Independence Day by sharing vulgar attack on Biden and ominous 2024 warning Fort Worth shooting – live: At least 17 shot across four shootings in Texas city on eve of July 4 Philadelphia mass shooting – live: Fifth victim found dead after gunman, 40, opened fire in Kingsessing The Texas shooter in a racist Walmart attack is going to prison. Here's what to know about the case Biden renews call for assault weapons ban after spate of July 4 shootings Watch as Joe Biden celebrates 4th of July at the White House
1970-01-01 08:00
Singapore’s MAS Pumps $6 Billion Into Climate Transition
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has set aside about 2% of its equities portfolio or just over S$8
1970-01-01 08:00
Conservatives go to red states, Democrats to blue as the country grows more polarized
Colorado and Idaho represent two different poles of state-level political homogenization
1970-01-01 08:00
The Texas shooter in a racist Walmart attack is going to prison. Here's what to know about the case
The Texas gunman who killed 23 people in a racist 2019 attack at a Walmart is returning to federal court for sentencing
1970-01-01 08:00
Fed Minutes to Offer Hints on ‘Awkward’ Pause-and-Hike Message
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday will shed some light on the discussions at their June meeting that left
1970-01-01 08:00
Nigeria’s Soaring Stock Market Rally Is Being Driven By Banks
As Nigeria rolls out sweeping foreign currency and economic reforms, it’s bringing investors back to the stock market.
1970-01-01 08:00
Sweden Real Estate Concerns Are Exaggerated, Pension Funds Say
Some of the biggest institutional owners of Swedish real estate are pushing back against what they view as
1970-01-01 08:00
India Increases Africa Lending in the Race to Counter China
Africa has become the second-largest recipient of credit from India as the country tries to catch up with
1970-01-01 08:00
Nicaraguan Catholic Bishop Alvarez released from prison, talks ongoing
Nicaraguan Catholic Bishop Rolando Alvarez was released from prison on Monday night, a diplomatic source told Reuters on
1970-01-01 08:00
TLC star Big Ed's 'horrible' Fourth of July digital sketch brutally trolled on Internet: 'Reminds me of little nightmare people'
Internet trolls TLC star Big Ed's digital sketch, dubbing it a 'horrible' creation, as he wishes his followers a happy Independence Day on social media
1970-01-01 08:00
Will Luis Ruelas be fired from ‘RHONJ’? Andy Cohen weighs in on Bravo star's future on show amid investigation claims
Andy Cohen on the 'most shocking' 'RHONJ' reunion moment and if Luis Ruelas' investigation claim might lead to his dismissal
1970-01-01 08:00
