The first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season hit Mexico, then moved towards Texas, bringing heavy rain. Tropical Storm Alberto made landfall west of Tampico, before being downgraded to a tropical depression. Despite the downgrade, it still poses a threat due to potential flooding and mudslides. Gov. Abbott declared a disaster for 51 counties in anticipation of heavy rainfall and coastal flooding. (UPI)
Senators Blumenthal and Graham introduced a bill declaring Russia a state sponsor of terrorism after President Putin signed a defense agreement with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. It would impose new sanctions on Russia, restrict US-based foreign aid, and allow US nationals to sue for offenses such as torture and extrajudicial killing. Graham suggested Russia could share nuclear expertise with North Korea. (UPI)
Governor Hochul signed the “Safe For Kids Act,” aiming to regulate addictive social media content for children and teens in New York. The law mandates social media companies to limit addictive feeds for users under 18, restrict late-night notifications without parental consent, and implement age verification and parental consent tools. (CBS News)
The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of Delilah Guadalupe Diaz, who argued that she unwittingly transported drugs and was a “blind” mule. Diaz was arrested by a Border Patrol agent in California for carrying 55 pounds of methamphetamine worth over $368,000 in August 2020. While Diaz’s defense centered around her lack of knowledge of the drugs, evidence presented at her trial contradicted it. (NBC News)
A new high-rise building in downtown Los Angeles celebrated its grand opening as a shelter for homeless residents on Skid Row. The 19-story structure, funded by taxpayers through Proposition HHH, consists of 228 studio apartments, 47 one-bedroom apartments, and additional amenities such as a gym, art room, and music room. The project aims to address the rising homelessness issue in LA County. (FOX LA)