Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 Biden Announces Killing of Ayman al-Zawahiri
President Biden says the U.S. has taken out al Qaeda boss Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of al Qaeda over the weekend. Speaking from isolation at the White House, Biden said the drone strike against al-Zawahiri took place in Kabul. The announcement comes after Biden withdrew all military assets from Afghanistan in August 2021 – a process started during the previous administration. Not surprisingly, al-Zawahiri’s death is drawing a response from the Taliban. The Taliban, who are now in control of Afghanistan, issued a statement calling the incident a clear violation of international principles. By all accounts, no civilian casualties were reported in the strike, but a Taliban spokesman said such actions are a "repetition of the failed experiences of the past 20 years and are against the interests of the United States of America, Afghanistan and the region."
2 KY Officials Confirm 37 Dead, Hundreds Unaccounted For In KY Floods
At least 37 people are dead and hundreds more are unaccounted for in Kentucky following catastrophic flooding throughout the state. "We just don't have a firm grasp on [how many are actually missing]," Governor Andy Beshear offered. "I wish we did." Governor Beshear says the eastern part of the state was hit with more storms overnight – and once those clear? Heat. And in the midst of all the misery? Some local officials have decreed curfews…due to excessive looting. In light of the situation, Beshear said he's canceling his trip to Israel as he deals with the deadly flooding at home. He added he can't leave while locals are suffering.
3 Reactions, Questions As Deshaun Watson Is Suspended
Yesterday morning, the sports universe was a-buzz with word that the suspension of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson would be six games without pay…and there would be no fine…for violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson passed down the suspension in a 15-page report centered on allegations of sexual misconduct against Watson. With this announcement, there’s a ton to unpack: Both the NFL and the NFL Players Association have until Thursday at 9am to file an appeal. The NLFPA says they’ll “stand by” the ruling, and “urged the NFL” to do the same, even though sources close to Watson’s camp say that six games is “too much.” Robinson said that Watson’s conduct “didn’t fall into the category of violent conduct,” but did find that the NFL “carried its burden of proof” that Watson “engage in sexual assault,” as defined by the NFL. Watson’s massages from now on must be carried out by club-approved therapists in club-directed sessions. The loss of six games will cost Watson a grand total of $345K. There’ve been reports that the NFL had been working on “settlement talks” that would’ve seen a “12-game suspension and $8 million fine,” and there’s no word on if Roger Goodell will decide to appeal the ruling and go for something closer to that. The ruling also brings confusion over other suspensions that seem much more harsh for far less, for example, Calvin Ridley losing an entire season for gambling $1,500…and Tom Brady losing four games for deflating footballs.