A key Ukrainian port city used for grain export was attacked by Russia. And a United plane loses an emergency slide mid-flight. These stories and more highlight the rundown for Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Russia targets Odesa after suspending grain deal
Russia targeted the Ukrainian port city of Odesa after pulling out of its grain deal with the country. On Tuesday, Russia launched six cruise missiles and 25 exploding drones, all of which were shot down. But the debris and shock waves damaged port facilities and residential buildings. One person was injured.
This incident follows an apparent attack by Ukraine on a bridge in Crimea. Ukraine attempted another drone attack on Crimea on Tuesday, but it was stopped by Russian defense forces.
Western officials denounced Russia’s decision to suspend its grain deal on Monday. The Kremlin said the deal would be suspended until restrictions on Russian exports were lifted.
“Russia’s decision to resume its effective blockade of Ukrainian ports and prevent this grain from getting to markets will harm people all over the world,” said National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby. “Indeed, we are already seeing a spike in global wheat, corn and soybean prices just today as a result of Russia’s suspension. We urge the government of Russia to immediately reverse its decision.”
First pretrial conference in Trump case
The first pretrial conference in the criminal case against former president Donald Trump concerning the mishandling of classified documents begins July 18. U.S. district court judge Aileen Cannon will decide on how classified information will be handled in the case.
The date of the trial could also be announced. While prosecutors have proposed the trial to begin in December, Trump’s lawyers have suggested it be postponed until after the 2024 presidential election since the former president is seeking another run in the White House.
Trump and his aide, Walt Nauta, have pleaded not guilty to an indictment that accused them of storing classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate and trying to hide them from the government.
Phoenix hits 110 degrees for 18th straight day
For 18 days, Phoenix, Arizona has seen temperatures that have hovered over 110 degrees.
The summer heat wave had been deadly. There were 12 heat-related deaths in the first week of July in Phoenix and 55 heat-related deaths since the start of the summer. And it’s only getting worse. Temperatures are forecast to be 115 degrees or above through July 23.
Greece wildfires tear through coastal communities
Wildfires in Greece, which are common in the summer, have forced thousands of residents to leave their homes. Two large blazes are tearing through coastal communities and a seaside resort area has been evacuated.
FDA approves RSV drug for infants
The FDA has approved the first long-acting drug to protect infants and toddlers from the respiratory virus known as RSV. The antibody preventive therapy, called Beyfortus, was approved Monday for children up to 2-years-old who are vulnerable to severe RSV.
The drug will reportedly be available in the United States before the upcoming cold season. RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants.
Emergency slide on United plane accidentally deploys
An emergency evacuation slide from a United Airlines plane fell off mid-flight on its way to the Chicago O’hare International Airport. The slide was found in a nearby neighborhood in someone’s backyard. Maintenance workers noticed the slide was missing and reported it to the FAA. The flight had just arrived from switzerland. The FAA is investigating how the emergency landing device was deployed.
Australian man and dog survive 3 months lost at sea
An Australian sailor, Timothy Shaddock, became lost at sea after a storm damaged his boat and wiped out his electronics. Shaddock said he and his dog survived on raw fish and rain water for nearly 100 days. A Mexican fishing boat found Shaddock’s vessel 1,200 miles offshore.
