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Today’s Top Stories
In a speech to world leaders at the opening of NATO’s annual summit, President Biden sought to reassure the alliance that it remains as strong as ever. His speech comes as the president remains under pressure to prove he is still fit for a second term.
President Joe Biden delivers remarks commemorating the 75th anniversary of NATO at Andrew W. Mellon Hall, Tuesday, July 9, in Washington.
Evan Vucci/AP
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Evan Vucci/AP
- 🎧 Biden’s speech, in which he emphasized a bipartisan commitment to the allianceused to be “Music to the ears of NATO leadersNPR’s Mara Liasson reports To The Top. The president also announced plans to provide new air defense systems to Ukraine. She reported that many European leaders are nervous about the 2024 US election, which “represents an existential moment for NATO.” The US holds “tremendous executive power when it comes to foreign policy,” and Liasson said the contrast between Biden and Trump could not be more stark. While Biden sees strengthening NATO as part of his legacy, Trump has consistently expressed opposition to the alliance.
More and more tech companies are building artificial intelligence weapons. that they claim will change the way the United States and its allies wage war. Which of these companies does Palmer Luckey lead? He became a billionaire in his early 20s after selling his Oculus VR headset to Facebook. Now his company, Anduril, selling AI weapons to the Pentagonkeep some for themselves and send some to Ukraine. Seven years after it started, Anduril says it is selling its weapons to about 10 countries around the world. Anduril’s drones can be programmed before takeoff to seek out Russian targets, evading Russian electronic jamming signals. But the technology has raised questions about who would be responsible if something went wrong.
Ozempic and similar drugs are in short supply for people with type 2 diabetes over the past 18 months, as people have used it off-label for weight loss. For people with the disease, missing doses can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar, which can cause other problems, such as kidney and eye complications. Ro, a telehealth company, has built a free online tool to help patients report drug shortages. Every few seconds, the map lights up, showing Unable to fill prescription.Within two weeks of its launch, the tracker received 35,000 reports of shortages, said Zach Reitano, the company’s CEO.
- ➡️ Ozempic, Wegovy and similar drugs are injected weekly. helps the body produce insulin. This is how medicine cures diabetes has become a popular diet pill.
Listen today
One of the most important things Things to bring when traveling long distance is a great playlist. Morning Edition Hosts Steve Inskeep and Leila Fadel talk about what they like to listen to on long drives, especially when Inskeep was planning a family road trip around the Midwest. From Arabic music to today’s hits and podcasts, the duo covers a variety of music genres to play in the car.
Dive deep
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry speaks during a special session in the House Chamber on Jan. 15, 2024, in Baton Rouge. Civil rights lawyers say a new Louisiana law that makes approaching within 25 feet of a police officer in certain circumstances a crime against the racial justice movement and a violation of the First Amendment. Critics say the law, signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry this week, could hamper the public’s ability to film police. (Michael Johnson/The Advocate via AP, Pool, File)
Michael Johnson/Pool/The Advocate/AP
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Michael Johnson/Pool/The Advocate/AP
In recent years, many states have opened primary elections, making the elections nonpartisan. In those states, independents or unaffiliated voters can vote in the primaries leading up to the 2024 election. But some Republican-led states are moving in the opposite direction. This is their reasoning. and the potential impact of these changes:
- ➡️ Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry says primary election is closed — allowing only registered party members to vote — would create a “stronger and more unified elected leadership.”
- ➡️ Wyoming lawmakers say some voters are taking advantage of the law allowing them to register to vote on Election Day by voting in the GOP primary and to switch their party affiliation before the general election. Lawmakers passed a law that prevents voters from changing their party affiliation within three months of an election.
- ➡️ Some critics, such as Louisiana Democratic Senator Jay Luneau, fears that a closed primary would eliminate moderate candidates and make his state’s politics more extreme.
- ➡️ Closed primaries could impose long-term electoral costs on the GOP, could increase its market share by welcoming independents, said Nick Troiano, head of a venture capital fund that invests in nonpartisan election reforms. But in the short term, he said, it could lead to what Republicans want: more partisan candidates who won’t do things like vote to impeach Trump.
Before you leave
One hundred life-size elephant statues made by artisans in Tamil Nadu, India have arrived in Newport, RI via New York Harbor — the first stop on a year-long cross-country journey.
Sebastian Meyer, Photo courtesy of Elephant Family USA and Newport Restoration Foundation.
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Sebastian Meyer, Photo courtesy of Elephant Family USA and Newport Restoration Foundation.
- A herd of 100 life-size Indian elephant statues will be moved across the United States this year. This moving art exhibition aims to raise awareness about conservation efforts. Check out Go here to see if it’s coming to your city.
- The non-alcoholic beer, wine and mocktail industry has been growing steadily. in recent years. Now, some health researchers are calling for clear, consistent age limits for those who can afford them, as they risk becoming the first product that leads to alcohol use.
- Actor Jay Johnston, known for his role in Arrested Development, Bob’s Burgers and other comedies, pleaded guilty to a serious charge against himrole in the January 6 rebellion.
This newsletter was edited by Majd Al-Waheidi. Brittney Melton contributed.
