1 U.S. Navy Fires Warning Shot At Iranian Navy
The United States military says warning shots were fired after Iranian ships came too close to American vessels this week. In fact, the Iranian fast inshore attack craft came within 68-yards of American ships in the Arabian Gulf on Monday. If this sounds familiar, you’re right. After a lull over the past year, this was the second tense encounter at sea in less than a month. Officials say they believe the orders that led to the incident most likely came from a local commander and not directed by Iranian leaders. Either way, the Fifth Fleet says they’re prepared to handle anything. “U.S. naval forces continue to remain vigilant and are trained to act in a professional manner,” a statement reads. “Our commanding officers retain the inherent right to act in self-defense.” At press time, there was no comment from the White House on the matter.
2 CDC Loosens Recommendations On Facemasks Outdoors
It’s official, there are new CDC recommendations on wearing facemasks outdoors. It's recommended that fully vaccinated people can gather in small crowds outdoors without masks. The CDC says everyone should still wear facemasks in crowded outdoor gatherings. At a White House event, President Biden confirmed the move and also cheered the "stunning progress" in the fight against the coronavirus in the past three-plus months. Biden announced the new, relaxed guidelines for wearing masks outside. Looking back, Biden had asked everyone to mask up for his first 100 days in office. That milestone happens tomorrow. As part of the progress Biden praised, he also noted the accelerated vaccination distribution program – which includes 215-million shots in his first 100 days in office. Still, he’s looking ahead. Biden again urged everyone to make a plan to get vaccinated. He said he will have more to say next week about getting the U.S. "closer to normal" by the July 4th holiday weekend.
3 Andrew Brown Jr. Shooting Protesters Arrested
Elizabeth City, North Carolina is on edge as folks there await the release of bodycam footage of the police shooting of an unarmed Black man. Attorneys for the family of Andrew Brown, Junior say an independent autopsy and 20 seconds of police video they have seen prove Brown's death was "an execution." Specifically, that Brown died from a gunshot to the back of his head. Police confirm 42-year-old Brown was shot last week when he tried to drive off as deputies were serving a search warrant for his arrest on drug charges. Fast forward to last night, and there was a curfew after days of peaceful protests. At last check, police arrested at least five people. Meanwhile, the FBI is opening a federal civil rights investigation into the police shooting. Agents in the Charlotte office will work with the U.S. Attorney's Office to determine if any federal laws were violated.