News Wrap: Russian drone strikes damage port infrastructure along Danube in Ukraine

Geoff Bennett:

In the day's other headlines: Ukraine resumed operations at ports along the Danube River today after a night of Russian drone strikes.

The Danube flows through the southern edge of the Odesa region and borders Romania, a NATO member. Photos showed extensive damage to port infrastructure. The strikes mainly targeted grain silos and warehouses. The attacks come weeks after Russia ended its participation in a deal that allowed the export of Ukrainian grain.

In Libya, officials say 55 people were killed during intense militia clashes in Tripoli. Fighting started Monday when a senior commander was allegedly detained by a rival faction, then released late yesterday. Battles between militia members emptied the streets. It was the deadliest fighting in the capital in years after nearly a decade of civil war.

A powerful explosion in the Dominican Republic has now claimed the lives of 25 people. Some 60 others were injured. The blast went off Monday at a bakery in San Cristobal. Firefighters are still working to extinguish the flames. The country's president vowed to get to the bottom of what happened.

Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic (through interpreter): An investigation will be carried out to determine the origin and causes of this terrible accident. In the meantime, it is up to us to save the lives of those who have been affected, and we will do so without any limit of resources to save every human life we can.

Geoff Bennett:

Local authorities are investigating claims from residents that the building housed a factory that was operating illegally.

There's word tonight that U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken spoke by phone today with Paul Whelan. The American citizen has been wrongfully detained in Russia for more than four years. CNN was first to report the story and said Blinken assured Whelan the U.S. was working hard to bring him home — quote — "as soon as possible." This is the second time the two have spoken.

A U.S. appeals court in New Orleans ruled today that access to the abortion pill mifepristone should have some restrictions. The decision would outlaw telemedicine prescriptions and sending the drug by mail. Access to the pill won't change for now. The U.S. Supreme Court issued an order in April to keep it available while litigation continues. The Justice Department said it — quote — "strongly disagrees" with today's decision and will seek the Supreme Court's review.

A prosecutor in Kansas says police should return items seized during a raid on a local newspaper last week. Law enforcement stormed the office of The Marion County Record after claims that one of its staff members obtained information illegally. The attorney said there isn't enough evidence to link the alleged crime with the seized items or with that newsroom.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act. The sweeping legislation includes measures to address climate change, lower the cost of prescription drugs and create jobs, among other things.

At a White House ceremony today, the president touted what he sees as the law's impact.

Joe Biden, President of the United States: This law is one of the biggest drivers of jobs and economic growth this country has ever seen. We're investing in all of America, in the heartland and coast to coast.

The friend said, look, you're investing more in red states than in blue states. Well, I made a commitment. This is about all of America.

Geoff Bennett:

The president said the law will significantly cut U.S. carbon emissions and has already created 170,000 clean energy jobs.

A former fund-raiser for Republican Congressman George Santos has been charged with wire fraud and identity theft. Sam Miele is accused of scheming to defraud donors and raise money for Santos' campaign by impersonating a high-ranking aide to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Miele pleaded not guilty to the charges today in a Brooklyn federal court.

And stocks gave up more ground today on Wall Street. The Dow Jones industrial average lost 180 points to close at 34766. The Nasdaq fell 156 points. The S&P 500 shed 33.

And still to come on the "PBS NewsHour": a new study estimates nearly half of U.S. tap water is contaminated with so-called forever chemicals; a longtime reporter on Ukraine gives his perspective on the country's fight against Russia; members of a women's professional football team speak about the opportunities and challenges facing that sport.