Republican Senators blocked a bill to ban firearm bump stocks on June 18. The move comes after the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on the devices that former President Donald Trump had approved. Bump stocks can be used to harness the recoil energy of, e.g., semi-automatic rifles, “bumping” the trigger against the users trigger finger to fire the next round—thus increasing the rate of fire.
President Joe Biden is taking executive action to shield certain illegal immigrant spouses and children from deportation. The White House says about 500,000 non-citizen spouses will be eligible for the new program. The program also covers about 50,000 children who have a parent married to a U.S. citizen. Non-citizen spouses who have lived in the United States for at least ten years will now be able to apply for citizenship without leaving the country.
At least one person has died in a New Mexico wildfire that forced thousands to flee their homes. New Mexico’s governor said on June 18 that two other people are being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Meanwhile, California is currently battling 11 wildfires.
Topics in this episode include:
1. Senate GOP Blocks Bump-Stock Ban
2. Fires Force Evacuation in New Mexico Village
3. Heat Wave Breaks Records in Central, Northeastern US
4. US Approves $360-Million Arms Sale to Taiwan
5. US Envoy Sent Amid Lebanon–Israel Tensions
6. Congressman Good Locked in Tight Primary Battle
7. Recap of Closely Watched Virginia Primaries
8. Boeing CEO Grilled by Senate Subcommittee
9. Senators Examine Origin of Covid-19
10. MLB Legend Willie Mays Dead at 93
11. Justin Timberlake Arrested for DWI
12. New Yorkers React to Proposed Subway Mask Ban
13. Club Q Shooter Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crimes
14. 2024 US Budget Deficit Estimated at $1.9 Trillion
15. Ex-Chinese Officials Hired by Temu Parent Company
16. Fire Chief Gives Safety Advice on July 4th Fireworks
17. NYPD Rescues 6 Puppies From Backpack
18. Alabama Man, Police Save Calf Trapped in Lake From ‘Sure Demise’
19. How to Protect Children During Heat Wave
20. Federal Indictment Says Drug Cartel Worked With Chinese Bankers
22. Psychiatrist: Social Media Warning Label a Good Start
23. Study: People Seeking Human Interaction More Than Ever
24. ‘Eternal Spring’ Wins ‘Best Canadian Documentary Award’
25. New Tech Could Help Reduce Plastic Bottle Waste
26. What Makes the Perfect Neapolitan Pizza?
