Biden's Supreme Court Reforms

President Joe Biden has proposed sweeping reforms to the Supreme Court, including 18-year term limits for justices and a binding code of conduct. These changes come amid low public approval ratings and recent controversial conservative rulings.

The reforms aim to enhance accountability and ethics in the judiciary. Biden also advocated for a constitutional amendment allowing the prosecution of former presidents, emphasizing that no one is above the law. The proposals reflect growing Democratic frustrations over the Court's recent decisions.

While supported by Vice President Kamala Harris and progressive groups, the reforms face significant hurdles in a divided Congress. Republicans argue the plans undermine the Court's legitimacy. Biden's focus on the Supreme Court as a key election issue may benefit Harris in future political landscapes.

The Guardian + 51 • US News

Revolutionary Cancer Test

The FDA has approved Shield, a groundbreaking blood test for colorectal cancer screening in individuals aged 45 and older. Developed by Guardant Health, this less invasive option could revolutionize early detection efforts for the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.

Experts hope Shield will boost screening rates, currently below 60% among eligible individuals. The test, recommended every three years, shows 83% sensitivity in detecting colorectal cancer. However, it has limitations, including a 10% false positive rate and low sensitivity for advanced precancerous polyps.

While promising, Shield is not intended to replace colonoscopies entirely. Healthcare providers emphasize the importance of follow-up colonoscopies for positive results. The approval has boosted Guardant Health's shares by 25% this year, reflecting investor confidence in the test's potential impact.

NYTimes + 9 • Science • Health

Russia's Eastern Advance

Russian forces are making significant advances in eastern Ukraine, capturing villages and intensifying attacks despite heavy losses. The number of daily Russian attacks has nearly doubled, with 52 assaults recorded in a recent 24-hour period.

Ukrainian troops continue to defend vigorously, employing heavy artillery, anti-tank missiles, and drone strikes. The conflict is escalating as Russian forces push towards strategic towns like Pokrovsk, threatening vital supply routes. In response, Ukraine has reportedly attacked a Russian airfield in Crimea.

The situation is further complicated by Russia's use of foreign-sourced components in missiles and drones, and the arrest of a former Russian Deputy Defense Minister on corruption charges. Ukraine anticipates the arrival of F-16 jets to bolster its air defenses, though the delivery timeline remains unspecified.

NBC News + 20 • World News

Sports, Entertainment & Culture

• Former BBC presenter Huw Edwards charged with making indecent images of children, linked to alleged activities between 2020 and 2022.(More)

• Eurosport commentator dismissed for sexist remark about Australian women swimmers during Olympic coverage, sparking social media outrage. (More)

• Apple explores ad-supported tier for Apple TV Plus, engaging with ratings organizations to counter rising costs and declining engagement. (More)

Science & Technology

• Study shows eight-week vegan diet significantly reduces biological age based on DNA methylation levels in adults, though experts urge caution. (More)

• New research reveals wildfire smoke poses higher risk to brain health and dementia than other air pollution, with 21% increase in dementia odds. (More)

• NASA's Roman Space Telescope to explore cosmic dawn, aiming to uncover how early galaxies and black holes cleared primordial hydrogen fog. (More)

Business & Markets

• McDonald's Q2 revenue misses expectations, with global comparable sales declining 1% - the first drop in 13 quarters. (More)

• Morgan Stanley elevates Tesla as top U.S. automotive pick, pushing shares up 6% and setting $310 target price. (More)

• Dutch electronics giant Philips reports Q2 net income surge to 452 million euros, up from 74 million euros last year, boosting shares by 15%. (More)

Politics & World Affairs

• Hong Kong legislator Wu Jiezhuang considers adding Bitcoin to region's financial reserves, citing potential as 'digital gold' and inflation hedge. (More)

• Mass shooting at Rochester barbeque leaves one woman dead and at least six others injured; police seek public assistance in investigation. (More)

• Former South African President Jacob Zuma expelled from ANC after forming new political party, which secured 58 parliamentary seats. (More)