Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has requested a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden in response to a Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine earlier this year, which caused a fire that burned for several days. East Palestine Fire Chief Bill Jones was one of the first responders and had to decide whether or not to burn toxic chemicals on the train. The disaster declaration would guarantee federal aid to the community in the event that Norfolk Southern’s support ceases. The derailment is still under investigation by the Federal Railroad Administration.
Posts published in “US”
The US Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of an evangelical Christian web designer who refused to work on same-sex weddings, a decision that has been seen as a setback for LGBTQ rights. The court backed the case of a Christian graphic designer from the state of Colorado who said that due to her beliefs she would not make a wedding website for a same-sex couple. The ruling has raised questions about the implications of the ruling for businesses that provide services to same-sex couples, and its implications remain to be seen.
Four people were killed and two minors injured in a shooting in Philadelphia on Monday night. The suspect was wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying an AR-style rifle, a handgun, and a police scanner. The victims ranged in age from 20 to 59, and the identities of the victims and the suspect have not been released. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy visited American Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter arrested in March on espionage charges, in a Moscow prison on Monday. She reported that Gershkovich is in good health and remains strong, and the Biden administration is advocating for his release and calling for continued consular access. The U.S. Embassy is providing all necessary support to Gershkovich and his family.
Lawyers for Civil Rights is challenging Harvard University's legacy admissions policy, alleging that it discriminates against students of color. The suit claims that the policy violates the Civil Rights Act and gives an unfair boost to mostly white children of alumni. The case is a response to the Supreme Court's decision to end affirmative action in college admissions, and could have a significant impact on the admissions process at Harvard and other universities.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is visiting China this week to discuss the implications of recent laws passed by China on U.S. citizens and businesses, with the aim of improving the relationship between the two countries. These laws include a counterespionage law, a Foreign Relations Law, and the sentencing of a U.S. citizen to life in prison on spying charges. Yellen's visit is expected to focus on the importance of the two countries to global economic stability.
South Carolina State Police arson investigators have charged a 33-year-old man with attempted murder in connection with a house fire that left six people dead and one injured. The survivor was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition and the suspect is being held at the Colleton Detention Center. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information to contact them.
Rudy Farias, a 25-year-old man from Houston, Texas, has been found alive after 8 years of searching. He had been missing since March 6, 2015, and was last seen walking his two dogs near his home. The Texas Center for the Missing announced Saturday that Farias had been located safe and was recovering in a hospital, and the family expressed their relief and gratitude for the news.