Libya has been hit by a devastating storm, with flooding breaking dams and sweeping away entire neighborhoods in multiple coastal towns. The confirmed death toll stands at 61, but the destruction appears to be most severe in Derna, which has become inaccessible due to the storm. The Libyan government has declared a state of emergency and called for international assistance, while the UN has urged all parties to ensure that the relief efforts are conducted safely and has called for an immediate ceasefire in the affected areas.
News Mash
Aaron Rodgers' debut with the New York Jets ended abruptly on Monday night after he was injured on his fourth snap of the game. X-rays showed no break, but he was replaced by Zach Wilson and the Jets will have to wait to see how long Rodgers will be out.
The NOAA has reported that the US has already experienced more billion-dollar weather disasters in 2023 than in any other year since tracking began, with 253 fatalities and $57.6 billion in damages. Tropical Storm Hilary is among the potential billion-dollar events from 2023 that are still under review, and the NOAA has forecasted an "above normal" hurricane season. The NOAA has urged people to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
The Biden administration has taken a major step towards the release of five American citizens detained in Iran by issuing a sanctions waiver for international banks to transfer $6 billion in frozen Iranian money. This is part of a larger agreement between the U.S. and Iran that will also see the release of five Iranian citizens held in the U.S. The family of one of the prisoners, Xiyue Wang, is cautiously optimistic about the news of the sanctions waiver, and the U.S. and Iran are making progress towards a resolution.
NBA star Kevin Porter Jr. has been taken into custody at the 17th Precinct in Midtown Manhattan, suspected of assaulting his girlfriend. Police responded to a 911 call at 6:45 a.m. at the Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza, where they found a 26-year-old woman with a laceration on her face. Porter is expected to be charged with assault and strangulation, and the investigation is ongoing.
British Home Secretary Suella Braverman has called for urgent advice on banning the American XL Bully breed of dog following an attack on an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham. Two men who intervened were also injured, and the police are currently investigating the incident. Braverman has commissioned advice on outlawing the breed in response to the attack, and the government is taking the issue of dangerous dogs seriously.
Kim Jong Un is set to visit Russia soon for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, according to the Russian presidency office and North Korea's state news agency. Associated Press journalists have seen a train similar to the one used by Kim in previous trips abroad moving between North Korea and the Russian border. The visit comes at a time of increased tension between North Korea and South Korea, and is likely to be closely watched by the international community.
Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has requested a stay of a judge's ruling denying his bid to move a criminal case against him to federal court. Meadows is facing charges related to alleged election interference in Georgia and is arguing that he should have immunity from prosecution due to his federal capacity at the time of the allegations. His attorneys have submitted an expedited appeal of the judge's decision and are awaiting a response.