NPR News: 07-13-2024 8AM EDT
Digest
President Biden is facing increasing pressure to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, with over 20 House Democrats publicly calling for him to step aside. They express concerns about his ability to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Meanwhile, Trump is set to be formally nominated as the Republican presidential candidate at the party's national convention in Milwaukee next week. He is also expected to announce his running mate. In a separate development, Trump's legal team is seeking to overturn his conviction on 34 felony charges of falsifying business records in New York, citing a recent Supreme Court decision regarding presidential immunity. They argue that certain evidence and testimony, including that of former White House employees, should not have been admitted at trial. The Western U.S. is experiencing a severe heat wave, with record-breaking temperatures leading to dozens of deaths across the region. Cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas have broken records for consecutive days above 115 degrees Fahrenheit, while Boise reached a record high of 108 degrees. The heat wave has also heightened the risk of wildfires. A new survey reveals that most Americans support protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), with 9 out of 10 respondents favoring such protection. However, there is a significant political divide on the issue of when human life begins, with 60% of Republicans agreeing that a fertilized egg is a person with the same rights as a pregnant woman, while 70% of Democrats disagree. COVID-19 levels are on the rise in the San Francisco Bay Area, prompting health officials to urge residents to stay up-to-date on their booster shots. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, particularly for vulnerable populations, to mitigate the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
Outlines
Biden Faces Calls to Drop Re-election Bid
This Chapter discusses the growing calls for President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Over 20 House Democrats have publicly expressed their concerns about his ability to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election, urging him to step aside.
Trump's Nomination and Legal Challenges
This Chapter focuses on Donald Trump's upcoming nomination as the Republican presidential candidate at the party's national convention in Milwaukee. Trump is also expected to announce his running mate. Additionally, Trump's legal team is seeking to overturn his conviction on 34 felony charges of falsifying business records in New York, citing a recent Supreme Court decision regarding presidential immunity.
Western U.S. Heat Wave and Wildfire Risk
This Chapter highlights the severe heat wave affecting the Western U.S., with record-breaking temperatures leading to dozens of deaths across the region. Cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas have broken records for consecutive days above 115 degrees Fahrenheit, while Boise reached a record high of 108 degrees. The heat wave has also heightened the risk of wildfires.
Public Support for IVF Access and Political Divide
This Chapter discusses a new survey revealing that most Americans support protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, there is a significant political divide on the issue of when human life begins, with 60% of Republicans agreeing that a fertilized egg is a person with the same rights as a pregnant woman, while 70% of Democrats disagree.
Keywords
President Biden
Joe Biden is the 46th and current president of the United States. He previously served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. Biden is a member of the Democratic Party and has been a prominent figure in American politics for over five decades. He is known for his moderate political views and his focus on issues such as healthcare, education, and the economy.
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Trump is a member of the Republican Party and is known for his controversial statements and policies. He is a prominent figure in American politics and has been a subject of much debate and discussion.
Republican Party
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-right on the political spectrum. The Republican Party's platform emphasizes individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and a strong national defense. It has been a major force in American politics since the mid-19th century.
Democratic Party
The Democratic Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-left on the political spectrum. The Democratic Party's platform emphasizes social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection. It has been a major force in American politics since the early 19th century.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with infertility. IVF involves extracting eggs from a woman's ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized egg (embryo) is then transferred to the woman's uterus. IVF is a common and effective treatment for infertility, and it is also used by same-sex couples and single individuals who wish to have children.
Heat Wave
A heat wave is a period of abnormally hot weather, typically lasting for several days or weeks. Heat waves can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and people with chronic health conditions. Heat waves can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other health problems. They can also exacerbate existing health conditions and increase the risk of death.
Wildfire
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in wildland areas, such as forests, grasslands, and brush. Wildfires can be caused by natural factors such as lightning strikes or by human activities such as arson or campfires. Wildfires can be devastating, causing significant damage to property, infrastructure, and natural resources. They can also pose a serious threat to human life and health.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, from mild illness to severe illness and death. The virus has had a significant impact on global health, economies, and societies.
Q&A
What are the main reasons why some Democrats are calling for President Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race?
Some Democrats are concerned about President Biden's ability to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election. They believe that his age and recent performance in the debates may make him a less competitive candidate.
What is the significance of Donald Trump's upcoming nomination as the Republican presidential candidate?
Trump's nomination marks a significant moment in the 2024 election cycle. It signals his intention to run for president again and sets the stage for a potentially contentious campaign.
What legal challenge is Donald Trump facing in New York?
Trump is seeking to overturn his conviction on 34 felony charges of falsifying business records in New York. His legal team is arguing that certain evidence and testimony should not have been admitted at trial, citing a recent Supreme Court decision regarding presidential immunity.
How is the heat wave affecting the Western U.S.?
The heat wave is causing record-breaking temperatures, leading to dozens of deaths across the region. It is also increasing the risk of wildfires.
What is the public opinion on protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
A new survey reveals that most Americans support protecting access to IVF. However, there is a significant political divide on the issue of when human life begins.
What is the current situation with COVID-19 in the San Francisco Bay Area?
COVID-19 levels are on the rise in the San Francisco Bay Area, prompting health officials to urge residents to stay up-to-date on their booster shots.
Show Notes
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