THE EIKON

World

Parisian Heat Wave

A record breaking heat wave has ravaged France this June. Over 2,000 heat related deaths have been reported. While Paris has seen the majority of these deaths, Germany, Belgium, and other European countries have been also been negatively affected.

Iran

While the conflict in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz gives no answer to questions, one thing is noticeable: gas prices are down. However this still raises questions as the price per barrel of oil has dropped 50%, this is a change that has not been reflected in current gas prices but perhaps will in the weeks to come.

Venezuela Earthquakes

This week, two earthquakes with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck northwestern Venezuela. The reported death toll has risen to over 2,500, over 12,500 injured, and tens of thousands unaccounted for.

World Cup Update

The World Cup has advance to the Round of 16, the knockout stage. The United States is of the 16 remaining teams and achieved its first World Cup knockout victory since 2002 by defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0

National

Supreme Decisions

The United State's Supreme Court made several landmark rulings this week:

1. West Virginia v. B. P. J., SCOTUS ruled 6-3 that Idaho and West Virginia did not violate Title IX by required school athletes to play on the team of their biological sex. This sets a precedent that transgender status is not a protected group under Title IX.


2. Trump v. Barbara, SCOTUS ruled 6-3 that children born in the United States to unlawful immigrants are citizens at birth under the Fourteenth Amendment's Citizenship Clause.
   "'Birthing Tourism' they call it," said Speaker of the House Mike Johnson in response to the ruling, "Where you come onto the soil, have your child, and then you're able to avail yourself to the welfare state. It's been abused". Johnson believes that the primary way to dismantle birthright citizenship would be through a constitutional amendment.


3. Watson v. Republican National Committee, SCOTUS ruled 5-4 that states are not prevented from counting absentee ballots postmarked by election day and received up to five days after; nothing in the federal election-day statutes requires ballots to be received by election day.

Lincoln Memorial Undercroft

A new 15,000 square foot area underneath the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. opened this week. This museum showcases the massive concrete foundations (122 arched columns) supporting the structure and the history and symbolism shown in the complete memorial.

Mississippi

Houseparty of The South

Political Speeches at this year's Neshoba County Fair wrapped up last week. Governer Reeves and House Speaker Jason White reintroduced a new universal school choice bill and emphasized support for redistricting.
Agriculture Commisioner Andy Gipson anounced his running for Governer and Secretary of State Michael Watson began a campaign for lieutenant governor.

Jackson Mayor Speaks Out

This week Mayor Horn held a press conference addressing the problem of gun crime in the city.
"We will hold people accountable, and we stand up for Jackson and its people," Horn said. The mayor said to expect more news from his office about how Jackson will fight gun crime.

Hinds County District Attourney Pleads Guilty

Jody Owens was indicted in November 2024 for participating in a bribery scheme involving undercover FBI agents posing as real estate developers seeking approval for a downtown Jackson, MS hotel project. Owens changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on June 29, 2026, admitting to one count of conspiracy. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. His sentencing is tentatively scheduled for October 15, 2026. While Owens pleaded guilty, Lumumba and Banks maintain not-guilty pleas and are scheduled to go to trial on July 13, 2026. Owens is expected to serve as a key witness against them.

Business

House Prices Down

Median house prices have reportedly fallen in one third of American cities. This decline has been attributed to rising morgage prices and economic uncertainty.

Sony's Digital Media

Tech company Sony has recently seen backlash for phasing out it's physical media for Playstation game consoles.
Sony also came under fire earlier this month for stating the removal of over 500 movies and TV shows from it's digital library. Users will not recieve refunds for any of this media that they had previously purchased from Sony. This action highlights that digital purchases on the platform function as revocable licenses rather than permanent ownership.