Summary‍

Record flooding strikes the Midwest, affecting South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota with up to 11 inches of rain, causing bridges and roads to be submerged and threatening the Rapidan Dam in Minnesota. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu refuses to halt attacks on Gaza until Hamas is eliminated, sparking controversy and potentially straining US relations amid Biden's call for an immediate ceasefire. Texas sees an 8% rise in infant mortality rates following a 6-week abortion ban, with doctors citing concerns over increased fatalities from birth defects, prompting Planned Parenthood to pledge $40 million to support pro-choice legislation in Biden’s campaign. A lithium battery plant in South Korea caught fire due to explosions, resulting in the tragic death of 22 workers, occurring just two years after new legislation aimed at punishing companies for fatal industrial accidents was introduced. The Supreme Court has agreed to review a challenge to a Tennessee law that would ban gender-affirming care for minors, marking the first time justices will decide on the constitutionality of such a statewide prohibition. In Russia’s Dagestan region, a terrorist group attacked Jewish synagogues and Orthodox Christian places of worship, resulting in the deaths of 19 people, including civilians, police officers, and terrorists. Lastly, an 8-year-old Pekingese named 'Wild-Thang' was crowned the World’s Ugliest Dog at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in California after previously finishing as a runner-up three times.

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Sources & More

Hellooo everyone! My name is Gabe; today is Tuesday, June 25th, and you’re listening to Current2, brought to you by Just Bagels!

In Must Know News…

• Record flooding strikes the Midwest, swallowing bridges, roads and entire buildings. Some of the hardest hit areas include South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota as torrential rains fall up to 11 inches at a time. Recent flooding of the Blue Earth River in Minnesota even left the Rapidan Dam in “imminent failure condition” after the river cut around the sides of the dam. Mass evacuations may follow if the rain continues.
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a statement saying he is committed to a partial ceasefire deal, however, he is not willing to stop the attack on Gaza until Hamas is eliminated. The comments have since sparked uproar from the families of Israeli hostages, and may strain US relations after Biden proposed an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the region.
• Infant mortality rates in Texas have risen 8%, compared to 2% in the rest of the US. The results come after Texas adopted a 6-week abortion ban in 2021. Doctors have argued a 6 week ban is harmful to women who face pregnancy complications, and, in the case of Texas, has resulted in a 23% increase in fatalities from birth defects. As abortion rights become a major ballot issue, Planned Parenthood has pledged 40 million dollars to promote Biden’s campaign, with the hopes of more pro-choice legislation in the future.

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In Other Notable News…

• A lithium battery plant in South Korea caught on fire on Monday due to multiple battery explosions, killing 22 workers. This tragedy occurs just two years after South Korea brought in legislation to punish companies for fatal industrial accidents. 
• The Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to a Tennessee law that would ban gender-affirming care for minors in the state. This case will mark the first time the justices will decide the constitutionality of such a statewide ban. 
• A terrorist group attacked Russia’s Dagestan region on Sunday, targeting Jewish synagogues and Orthodox Christian places of worship. 19 people were killed, including civilians, nearly a dozen police officers, and 5 of the terrorists. No groups have publicly claimed the attack at this time. 
• The 8 year-old Pekingese named ‘Wild-Thang’ has been named the World’s Ugliest Dog at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in California. Wild Thang has come in second place three times in the past, but now he’s finally a winner! I think?  

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If you liked this episode, but your friends are chronically not up to date, be sure to send us their way! Happy Tuesday, everyone, and thanks for listening to Current2, the easy way to stay informed!

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Sources:

Flooding in Midwest bursts Minnesota Dam (NBC, AP)

Netanyahu committed to partial ceasefire deal (Reuters, AP) 

Infant mortality rises after Texas abortion ban (CBS, AP)  

Fire in South Korean plant kills 22 (Reuters) 

S.C. to Hear Case on Minor-Transition Care Ban (NYT)

20 Dead in Russian Terrorist Attack on Synagogues (NBC) 

“Wild Thang” wins World’s Ugliest Dog Contest (AP)