Summary‍

US consumer prices fell for the first time in 4 years in June, suggesting inflation is easing faster than expected. US and German intelligence foiled a Russian plot to assassinate a German arms firm CEO supplying weapons to Ukraine. President Biden defended his candidacy amid health concerns, sparking calls for his withdrawal from the race. A Chinese tourist near Tokyo was rescued 80 kilometers away after being swept out to sea, tampons were found to contain lead and arsenic, astronomers discovered a star cluster with a small black hole, and actress Shelley Duvall passed away at 75 from diabetes complications.

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Sources & More

Good morning and welcome to Current2, brought to you by Just Bagels. I’m your host, Gabe, and today is July 12th. Let’s get on to the news!I

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In Must Know News:

• US consumer prices fell for the first time in 4 years this last June, showing that inflation is cooling faster than expected. The inflation rate clocked in at 3%, down from 3.3% in May, demonstrated in the market as lower gas prices and a smaller than usual increase in prices at the grocery store. This could very well mean an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve in September. For more details, make sure to check out today’s C2 Business episode!
• This one’s a doozy: US and German intelligence agencies foiled a Russian plot to assassinate the CEO of a German arms firm responsible for sending weapons to Ukraine. What’s even crazier, is the plot was only one of many planned assassinations of defense industry execs arming Ukraine! According to exclusive US intelligence, Russia has been carrying out a sabotage campaign across Europe for the past 6 months, all designed to undermine Western support for Ukraine. I mean, we’ve heard about election interference, but this is nuts.
• and, in a highly anticipated news conference from President Biden, he continued defending his ability to serve another 4 years, but it’s uncertain how convincing other Democrats found his performance. He vehemently pushed back at claims of his declining health, and argued he is quote “the best qualified to win” the November election. However, immediately following the conference, 2 additional congressmen called on Biden to withdraw from the race. So really, who’s to say?

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A Word from Our Sponsor:

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In Other Notable News:

• A Chinese tourist at a Japanese beach near Tokyo was swept away by the current and found 37 hours later more than 80 kilometers (or 50 miles) from her last known location. The woman was found floating on an inflatable pool ring by a cargo ship early Wednesday morning and airlifted to safety. I guess that’s one way to avoid airline fees! 
• A small pilot study just discovered that both organic and nonorganic tampons contain lead and arsenic, which could potentially lead to toxic health effects in users. Previous studies have found evidence of other PFAS chemicals that are linked through the fragrances and gasses in menstrual products.
• Astronomers just hit the celestial jackpot with Omega Centuri, a cluster of stars believed to be the remnants of a galaxy swallowed by the Milky Way 8 to 10 billion years ago. Researchers are even more excited by the cluster due to the fact that its recent movement indicates a small black hole at its center. I do have a joke about black holes, but it really sucks. 
• Actress Shelley Duvall, known best for her roles in “The Shining” and “Popeye”, has passed away at the age of 75. Duvall had been bedridden in hospice for months due to diabetes complications and passed in her sleep on Thursday. Thank you, Shelley. From Olive’s Garden, with love.

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Have a great weekend everyone! Thanks for listening to Current 2. The easy way to stay informed!

Sources:

US inflation slows down (CBS, Reuters)

US and Germany foil Russian assassination plot (NBC, CNN)

Biden press conference (AP, ABC)

Woman lost at sea from Japanese beach saved (AP)

Tampons contain lead and arsenic (CNN)

New black hole found in one galaxy’s center (Reuters)

Shelly Duvall dies at 75 (NBC)