Biden bristles at questions about Afghanistan withdrawal
By AJ Willingham, CNN
Fireworks still ringing in your ears? We’ll keep it short today so everyone can get back to their long holiday weekends. Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
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1. Condo collapse
The remaining structure at the Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside, Florida, was demolished last night. Search and rescue efforts were paused before the demolition, but will pick back up once the area is secure. At least 24 people are confirmed dead, and 121 are unaccounted for.
2. Coronavirus
About 50% of the US population is vaccinated against Covid-19, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci. But unvaccinated pockets of the country remain extremely vulnerable — and the holiday weekend may make them worse. The South, Southwest and parts of the Midwest are starting to see surges. Florida alone accounts for about 17% of all new US cases. More than 99% of US Covid-19 deaths in June were among unvaccinated people.
3. Afghanistan
Army Gen. Austin Scott Miller, the top US military official overseeing the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, says there should be concern about new Taliban advances. As the withdrawal enters its final stages, questions are rising about the pace of troop withdrawal, the deteriorating security in Afghanistan, and the US’ long-term strategy there. The Biden administration still hasn’t finalized its policy for pursuing terrorists in the country once US troops have departed.
4. Pope Francis
Pope Francis is recovering after undergoing surgery yesterday for colon diverticulitis. The 84-year-old pontiff “reacted well” to the scheduled procedure, according to the Vatican. Colon diverticulitis is a common condition affecting more than half of adults in the United States, and is more common as people age.
5. Golfer shooting
Police are looking for the person who shot and killed pro golfer Gene Siller at a country club in Kennesaw, Georgia. Siller approached a truck that had driven onto the golf course and was shot by the driver, according to a witness. The suspect then fled the scene. Police found the bodies of two other men in the bed of the truck, which was still on the green.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
Joey Chestnut wins the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest for the 14th time
He downed 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes which is … impressive? Horrifying? Both?
Fireworks meant for July Fourth display in Maryland’s Ocean City accidentally explode
Don’t be too hard on them, it HAS been a whole year.
Prince Charles reveals the song that used to give him ‘an irresistible urge to get up and dance’
Now you’re going to spend the morning guessing Prince Charles’ favorite songs.
Here are some of the endorsements and events college athletes are doing under new NCAA rules
One young man held a meet-and-greet at a fireworks store. “I also held a baby today at the appearance,” he said. “I was really nervous.” So pure.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“Over the past year, we’ve lived through some of our darkest days. Now I truly believe … I truly believe we are about to see our brightest future. Folks, this is a special nation.”
President Joe Biden, during a White House celebration yesterday.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY …
In the good ol’ USA
As the old Chevy commercial goes, “We love baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet!”
The-CNN-Wire
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