Trump Says It's 'Ridiculous' for U.S. to Maintain Current NATO Support as Rift Widens Ahead of Summit
time.com

Trump plans record fireworks show, internal docs warn of smoky skies
www.politico.com

... The National Park Service will launch a dazzling 850,000 fireworks in the nation's capital this year. Officials acknowledge the potential health risks.

The National Park Service on Saturday will launch over 850,000 fireworks into the skies of Washington, bathing the capital in patriotic blasts of light for the nation's 250th birthday.

Then comes the fallout.

Scientists have well documented the soot and heavy metal pollution that can spike severely in the wake of pyrotechnic displays, and the world-record-setting number of fireworks lined up for July 4 will mean an equally large jump in pollution, according to experts and internal NPS documents reviewed by POLITICO.

There are no indications that the administration plans to suggest masking or other personal protection for revelers viewing the fireworks from the nation's front lawn. And the Environmental Protection Agency said tracking the air quality impacts of the fireworks isn't their jurisdiction.

"First off, fireworks are awesome and we hope everyone enjoys the incredible shows in and around our nation's capital as we celebrate 250 years of America," EPA spokesperson Mike Bastasch said in an email. "The EPA is not issuing permits for the fireworks for this event."

But NPS officials have warned internally that the fireworks could cause hazardous levels of pollution around the National Mall. The draft air-quality analysis from May says people should "avoid prolonged exposure" to the fine particulate matter pollution, including by wearing N95 masks "when outdoors." ...

Stand-up comic held for jokes about Erdogan and Islam in Turkey crackdown
www.bbc.com

... Stand-up comedian Deniz Gkta has been placed under arrest by a court in Istanbul after he was held at the city's main airport over a performance that has attracted 9.4m views on YouTube.

Gkta is accused of "inciting hatred and hostility" in his stage routine, as well as insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdoan.

He is the latest performer to be hit by a crackdown on dissent in Turkey that has also targeted campaigners, journalists and other public figures. ...

Trump-tied Freedom 250 sent ticket seekers to GOP fundraising site
www.usatoday.com

... Americans seeking free tickets to the kickoff celebration for the nation's 250th birthday on the National Mall were asked to consent to receiving requests for donations to an organization affiliated with President Donald Trump, according to online registration portals reviewed by USA TODAY.

The June 24 event was billed as "America is Back," the official opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, an event sponsored by Freedom 250, the Trump-aligned organization running a series of public-private events revolving around America's 250th birthday.

"This is the opening moment you will not want to miss," the website said. "Admission is free; RSVP is encouraged."

The RSVP page for the event directed attendees to sign up through a Trump-branded registration site, 45.donaldjtrump.com. And it required them to provide their email addresses and asked for their cellphone numbers, according to screenshots of the registration forms taken by USA TODAY. ...

The Race to Rescue 8,000 Sailors Still Stranded Behind Hormuz
www.insurancejournal.com

... At anchor in the Persian Gulf, Abhijit Chopra found out about the US-Iran peace deal when his phone lit up with messages from family and friends. The captain of a crude oil tanker, he had to temper his excitement. There were no signs of celebration from nearby vessels, and no ships making haste towards the Strait of Hormuz.

Chopra and his 21-strong crew have been trapped since the war began in late February. At the beginning, they struggled with fear and uncertainty, which ebbed into boredom and a constant battle not to let negative thoughts set in. For more than 120 days they have waited, dining together and bonding by singing old Hindi songs at karaoke. In early March, Chopra and his crew -- all of whom were Indian, aside from one Ukrainian -- celebrated Holi, a major Hindu festival, onboard the tanker. They painted each other's foreheads with turmeric powder taken from their kitchen.

Signs that the strait might reopen came and went. That's why this time, Chopra didn't overreact. "When they said the Strait of Hormuz was open, we were a bit optimistic that the vessel might transit," he said.

But when there was fresh news of attacks on tankers, they realized they were going to be stuck a bit longer. "There was a little bit of disappointment," he said. ...

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