Trump in new ‘racism’ controversy
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, has initiated a new controversy after tweeting – and then deleting – a picture of rival Hillary Clinton, superimposed over dollar bills and alongside a six-pointed star. Enterprising journalists found the same image on a white supremacist message board, in a posting from June. Furthermore, last week Trump indicated he would replace TSA workers who wear hijabs. “The stuff he’s saying is just incendiary. It’s racist,” the Libertarian presidential candidate, Gary Johnson, told CNN.
Trump comments ‘clearly’ racist, says Johnson
Clinton ‘VPs’ deploy in her defense
Hillary Clinton’s roster of possible vice-presidential picks were out in force over the weekend, defending their potential future boss in the lingering controversy over her emails. Sherrod Brown, Cory Booker, Tom Perez and Xavier Becerra all offered upbeat perspectives on the continuing FBI investigation, one day after agents interviewed Clinton about her use of a private email server while secretary of state. Clinton said she had been “pleased to have the opportunity” to help the justice department conclude the investigation.
Clinton’s potential VPs play defense on emails
Post-Brexit, anti-EU leader resigns
Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence party, is stepping down, saying he has done his bit for the cause of Britain leaving the EU. Farage, 52, was leader from 2006 to 2009 and came back to the job after the 2010 election. He then stepped down after the 2015 election, only to “unresign” and return for the campaign to leave the EU. “During the the referendum I said I wanted my country back … now I want my life back,” he said.
Farage resigns after ‘achieving political ambition’
Exit Brexit?
A leading UK law firm is looking launch pre-emptive legal action over the decision to leave the European Union by arguing that Article 50 – the clause that governs a member state’s exit from the European Union – cannot be triggered without full debate and a vote by parliament. Constitutional lawyers for Mishcon de Reya are likely to argue that the referendum 10 days ago was merely advisory and cannot be used to undermine the legislative body.
UK government faces legal action over Brexit decision
Transgender nominee for Congress
Last week, Misty Plowright, a 33-year-old Colorado resident, became the first transgender candidate to win a major party primary for the US House of Representatives. At the same time, Misty K Snow, a 30-year-old from Utah, became the first transgender candidate to do the same for the US Senate. Are we on the cusp of political transgender revolution? “It’s about damn time politics got inclusive,” Plowright says.
‘It’s about damn time’ politics got inclusive
Flesh-eating bacteria plagues Gulf Coast
From Texas to Florida, a waterborne bug known as Vibrio vulnificus is alarming officials. Infections are on the rise and while there is no central authority tracking cases, officials are starting to develop theories. “They say this vibrio has been in the water forever. But I grew up on the water, and I don’t remember it ever being a problem until after the BP oil spill,” said Kim Farve, director of public works in Bay St Louis, Mississippi.
Flesh-eating bacteria scare along Gulf Coast has locals on alert
Baghdad bombing death toll rises to 149
Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi has ordered new security measures in the capital after a bomb at the central market on Saturday killed 149. It was one of the deadliest such explosions in more than a decade of insurgency and war. Islamic State claimed responsibility and said it had targeted Shia Muslims.
Baghdad blast death toll rises to 149 as PM orders tighter security checks
UK Iraq war report due
Into the turmoil that has gripped the UK comes the long-awaited report of the Chilcot inquiry. It will be delivered on Wednesday, and it is hoped it will offer a comprehensive account of the path to war in 2003. Philippe Sands QC, author of Lawless World, told the Observer the 2.6m-word report must detail “precisely what went wrong, why it went wrong and who were the key players in making it go wrong, so that lessons will be learned that will allow us to make sure it never happens again”. Tony Blair, prime minister at the time, is readying his defense.
Chilcot inquiry ‘must restore trust in government’
Justin Trudeau dances at Pride
The Canadian prime minister danced in Toronto’s Pride celebrations, hours after announcing Canada was looking into issuing gender-neutral ID cards. Last week, Ontario said it would allow the use of a third gender indicator, X, for driver’s licenses. Last month, Canada relaxed restrictions on gay men donating blood. Trudeau called the move “part of the great arc of history sweeping towards justice”.
Trudeau says Canada will explore gender-neutral ID cards
Kyrgios plays Murray at Wimbledon
The exciting young Australian Nick Kyrgios plays world No 2 Andy Murray today for a place in the Wimbledon quarter-finals. Murray has beaten Kyrgios four times out of four on the tour but the Australian’s game – and career – is in the ascendant. In his previous match, Kyrgios, the 15th seed, criticised supporters in his box for failing to be sufficiently enthusiastic and was heard to label some of them “retarded”.
Kyrgios accused of calling entourage ‘retarded’ during López battle
America’s most patriotic city?
Massachusetts lawmaker Bruce Ayers is making the case that Quincy, a city that has produced two presidents, not to mention John Hancock, is the most patriotic in the US and should be recognised as such by Congress. Ayers says simply: “This is Ground Zero for America.”
Quincy, Mass: city fights to be named America’s ‘most patriotic’
And in case you missed it …
Think you know the land of the brave? As America celebrates Independence Day, test your knowledge of US life, from pet ownership to babies’ circumcision rates.
