Biden declares disaster as heat wave claims lives

At least two fatalities have been reported as President Biden declared a disaster in areas affected by severe weather, activating federal aid for the state. This comes as the Eastern Great Lakes and New England endure a relentless heat wave, with the National Weather Service predicting heat index readings to exceed 100 degrees in many regions, potentially breaking records.

In a significant legal development, Hawaii has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by youth climate activists who argued that emissions from the state's transportation system jeopardize their health and future, violating the state constitution. As part of the settlement, Hawaii will create a roadmap to achieve zero carbon emissions in its transportation sector by 2045, marking a pivotal step in the fight against climate change.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced new sanctions against eight members of a Mexican drug cartel, part of the Biden administration's ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis. The cartel, known for its production and distribution of fentanyl and other illegal drugs, will face asset freezes and financial restrictions, as the Treasury Department aims to disrupt its operations.

During her remarks in Georgia, Yellen also defended President Biden's tariffs on Chinese goods, including electric vehicles and semiconductors, while criticizing former President Trump's broader tariff proposals for their potential negative impact on American consumers and businesses.

In cultural news, actor Donald Sutherland has passed away at the age of 88. His illustrious career spanned six decades, featuring nearly 200 films and television shows. Sutherland was known for his versatility, playing a wide range of characters from a battlefield surgeon in \"M*A*S*H\" to President Snow in \"The Hunger Games.\" Despite his critical acclaim, he never received an Academy Award nomination but was honored with an honorary Oscar in 2017 for lifetime achievement. His son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, announced his father's death on social media, celebrating his father's passion for acting.