Morning Briefing: July 1, 2023

By Anadolu Agency staff

WASHINGTON (AA) – Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Saturday, including France trying to quell protests, State Department report on Afghanistan withdrawal and Greek role in recent deadly shipwreck.

TOP STORIES

• France deploys armored vehicles as police fail to contain demonstrators

France sent armored vehicles into the streets as authorities failed to contain nationwide demonstrations sparked by the killing of a teen by police.

Hundreds of protesters were arrested and authorities deployed 45,000 security forces, as anger over the police killing of 17-year-old Nahel M. during a police stop in the western Paris suburb of Nanterre on Tuesday showed no sign of abating.

• State Department report criticizes Trump, Biden administrations for Afghanistan withdrawal

The US State Department released its Afghanistan report that blamed the administrations of Donald Trump and Joe Biden for the chaotic withdrawal in August 2021.

The report, Afghanistan After Action Review, was publicized after more than 150 interviews with current and former State Department officials at all levels and reviewed documents and materials.

• Greece tried to cover up role in deadly shipwreck off southwestern Peloponnese

Greece tried to cover up its role in the June 14 deadly shipwreck off southwestern Peloponnese, which caused the deaths of at least 82 migrants as hundreds more are feared to have drowned, a joint international media report said.

“Greek coast guard tampered with official statements to conceal their role in the wreck and pressured survivors into naming certain people as the smugglers,” said the report by Lighthouse Reports, Der Spiegel, Monitor, Syrian Investigative Reporting for Accountability Journalism Association (SIRAJ), El País, Reporters United and The Times, which was based on documents and testimonies of survivors.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• The Turkish Embassy in Paris advised its nationals in France, and those planning to visit, to be cautious of widespread violence.
• US President Joe Biden said the Supreme Court "misinterpreted the Constitution" when it struck down a student loan debt forgiveness plan in a 6-3 vote.
• The chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee demanded that the State Department provide more information about allegations against Iran envoy Rob Malley, who was placed on leave while his security clearance is being investigated.
• The European Commission is working on a proposal to use windfall profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, the head of the EU institution said.
• The UN Security Council voted to conclude its peacekeeping mission in Mali.
• Türkiye's Ambassador to Portugal Murat Karagoz died in a hospital after collapsing while swimming in the sea in the southwestern Turkish province of Mugla.

SPORTS

• PSG head coach Galtier in police custody for alleged racist remarks in 2021

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christophe Galtier said to be placed in police custody following allegations that he made racist remarks against Black and Muslim players during his time at OGC Nice, his former club.

• Red Bull's Max Verstappen claims pole position for Austrian Grand Prix

Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen took the pole position for Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix in the Formula One.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

• US Fed's preferred inflation indicator softens in May

The US Federal Reserve's preferred inflation indicator softened annually and monthly in May, according to the latest Commerce Department figures.

The core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rose 4.6% annually in May, down from a 4.7% year-on-year gain in April, and came lower than the market expectation of a 4.7% increase.

• Apple's market value surpasses $3 trillion

Apple's market value surpassed $3 trillion, driven by shares reaching a record high.

The US-based global tech firm witnessed its stock price soar to $192.60 at 9:55 am EDT, reflecting a gain of nearly 1.6% following Thursday's closing price of $189.59.