President Joe Biden announced his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, citing the best interest of his party and the country. He now plans to focus on fulfilling his duties during his final months as president. Biden thanked Vice President Kamala Harris and soon endorsed her as the replacement Democratic candidate. (UPI)
A global IT outage disrupted critical infrastructure, including airports and 911 call centers, with Microsoft reporting that it affected 8.5 million Windows devices. Over 2,000 flights were canceled, impacting travel worldwide. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines faced significant flight cancellations, with Delta still recovering from the outage. (UPI)
American Airlines and the flight attendants’ union have reached a new agreement, avoiding a potential strike. The proposed contract for 28,000 workers includes increased pay levels. The union had concerns about outdated pay structures. The offer awaits a ratification vote next week after a previous offer was rejected. (NPR)
The power outages caused by Hurricane Beryl in Houston led to at least 23 heat-related deaths, with residents unable to cool their homes during the searing summer heat. The lack of electricity lasted for days, leaving many vulnerable to dangerous conditions. The storm knocked out power to nearly 3 million homes and businesses, and hospitals saw an increase in heat-related illnesses. (AP)
A 72-year-old man in Montana shot and killed a grizzly bear that attacked him while he was picking huckleberries. The man sustained significant injuries and had to be hospitalized. The bear was likely defending its cubs, and wildlife workers are trying to confirm their presence in the area. (The Guardian)