January 1, US Pulls Out of Afghanistan, Biden Doesn’t Want to Talk About It

Good morning Americans,

The last US troops have left Bagram Airfield, the largest military base in Afghanistan. There are concerns rising over deteriorating security and a looming civil war in the nation. President Biden grew visibly irritated with questions about the situation. “I want to talk about happy things,” Biden said to a reporter asking multiple questions about the withdrawal. “Look, it’s the Fourth of July,” Biden said, gesturing in exasperation. “I’m concerned that you guys are asking me questions that I’ll answer next week. This is a holiday weekend, I’m going to celebrate it.”

A California woman who wrongly accused a black teen of theft at a New York City hotel last year has been charged with a hate crime. Miya Ponsetto pleaded not guilty to charges including unlawful imprisonment as a hate crime, aggravated harassment, and endangering the welfare of a child. Ponsetto, 22, was at the Arlo Hotel in December when she confronted 14-year-old Keyon Harrold Jr, whom she accused of stealing her phone. Video shows her grabbing him as he tried to leave. Her phone was found shortly afterward in an Uber.

Former champion Sha’Carri Richardson has been banned from participating in the Olympic 100-meter race after testing positive for cannabis. Richardson said she smoked marijuana as a way of coping with her mother’s recent passing. “I know I can’t hide myself, so in some type of way, I was trying to hide my pain,” she said. The 21-year-old accepted a 30-day suspension that ends July 27, which may enable her to run in the women’s relays.

Gas prices for July fourth are expected to be the highest they’ve been for the holiday weekend in seven years, and experts think they will rise even higher as the summer continues. “Usually prices peak in April to May,” said Patrick De Haan, head of energy analysis at GasBuddy. “This year is abnormal. You have GDP numbers accelerating into the summer, and demand for gasoline is accelerating.”

Democrats are concerned about Vice President Kamala Harris’ missteps and have doubts that she could score a victory over a Republican in 2024 if she were the nominee. Democrats close to the White House told Axios they’re worried about Harris’ mishandling of politically sensitive issues and “political tone-deafness.” Biden aides largely believe that he will be the nominee, they also know that he’d be 81 when seeking re-election. One Democratic operative said most Democrats aren’t saying, “‘Oh, no, our heir apparent is f***ing up, what are we gonna do?’ It’s more that people think, ‘Oh, she’s f***ing up, maybe she shouldn’t be the heir apparent.'”

The death toll in the Florida condo collapse has risen to 20, officials said on Friday. “Last night we did discover two additional victims,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Tragically, one of those victims was the 7-year-old daughter of a city of Miami firefighter.” 128 people remain unaccounted for. Rescue efforts were halted for 15 hours on Thursday amid concerns that portions of the building could fall and endanger workers.

Have a great Fourth of July,

Fraser Dixon

Sources

• Biden grows visibly frustrated with questions on Afghanistan: ‘I want to talk about happy things’
• Woman faces hate charge after wrongly accusing black teen of taking phone
• Richardson will miss Olympic 100 after marijuana test
• Drivers will face the highest July 4th gasoline prices in 7 years and they are heading higher
• Democrats concerned Harris couldn’t beat a GOP nominee, even if Trump: report
• Death toll in Florida condo collapse rises to 20 with 128 still missing