Good Morning! Today’s edition is 853 words, a 4-minute read.

What’s on tap: 

• Europe wildfires escalate

• Mail-in voting rules blocked

• Black bear takeover

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Big Stories

Score One for the Cockroaches

• India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned Saturday following a week of nationwide student protests over an exam leak scandal that rocked the country's education system.

• The demonstrations were organized by the newly formed Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a youth-led movement born from mounting frustration over education, unemployment, and a lack of government accountability. A leaked national medical entrance exam affecting more than 2 million students became the rallying point that united those grievances and fueled demands for Pradhan's resignation.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cultivated a reputation for resisting public pressure during his 12 years in office, making Pradhan's resignation the first time sustained public protests have forced one of his ministers from office.

Europe Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations

• Wildfires in southwest France forced another 55,000 people from their homes overnight, bringing the total number evacuated in the region to more than 250,000 as firefighters battled to contain fast-moving blazes fueled by dry conditions and shifting winds. Authorities said the fires have burned more than 42,000 hectares and destroyed at least 240 homes.

• The largest fire continues to threaten the Bordeaux region, prompting additional evacuations and partial highway closures, though officials said the city itself is not expected to be evacuated. More than 2,500 firefighters, supported by aircraft, helicopters and military personnel, remain deployed to contain the blaze.

• Neighboring Spain is also battling major wildfires, with about 76,000 people evacuated and another 30,000 confined to their homes. Officials reported one death near Valencia as crews continued working to bring multiple fires under control.

New Jersey Bans Surveillance Pricing

• New Jersey has become the second state to ban surveillance pricing, prohibiting retailers from using shoppers' personal data—such as online activity, location or purchasing history—to set personalized prices. The law also places a one-year moratorium on new electronic shelf labels while the state studies the technology. The measure takes effect Feb. 1, 2027.

• Retailers already using electronic shelf labels may continue operating, repairing and replacing the systems, while businesses that have not yet adopted the technology cannot install it during the one-year pause. The surveillance pricing ban applies regardless of whether a retailer uses digital price tags.

• Major retailers have adopted electronic shelf labels to reduce labor and paper waste, but critics say the technology could make it easier to rapidly change prices. Maryland became the first state to ban surveillance pricing earlier this year, though it did not restrict the use of electronic shelf labels.

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Quick Stories

US News

• A heat dome left more than 40 million people under extreme heat warnings across the central and southern U.S., with some areas topping 120 degrees. (More)

• UNESCO added Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp to its World Heritage List, citing its exceptional biodiversity and ecological significance. (More)

• A federal appeals court refused to let the Trump administration enforce key parts of an executive order tightening mail-in voting rules in 23 states while the case proceeds. (More)

World

• Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian communities in the West Bank, burning two mosques and multiple vehicles after a deadly clash earlier in the week. (More)

• The suspect in Berlin's deadly Pride festival attack was shot and killed by police after allegedly charging at officers with a knife during his arrest. (More)

• The United States halted airstrikes on Iran as officials pursued diplomatic talks aimed at preventing a return to full-scale fighting. (More)

Business & Economy

• US stock markets closed mixed on Friday (S&P +0.05%, Nasdaq -0.64%, Dow +0.46%) as Iran fears and chip selloffs weighed the Nasdaq down. (More)

• Paramount Skydance agreed to delay its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery until as late as June 2027 as the merger faces an antitrust lawsuit. (More)

• Shein reported a quarterly loss as higher U.S. tariffs and slowing sales weighed on the fast-fashion retailer ahead of its planned Hong Kong IPO. (More)

Sports & Entertainment

• Andruw Jones, Carlos Beltrán and Jeff Kent were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame during ceremonies in Cooperstown, New York. (More)

• Jonquel Jones scored 22 points to earn WNBA All-Star Game MVP and become the first player to capture the league's four major MVP honors. (More)

• Ryan Gosling will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ghost Rider, while David Jonsson was unveiled as the new Black Panther at Comic-Con. (More)

Science, Health, & Tech

• A study of more than 11,000 teens found problematic social media use was linked to increased ADHD symptoms over time, particularly among boys. (More)

• A small study suggests limiting meals to an eight- or nine-hour window and avoiding food before bedtime may help protect cognitive function in older adults. (More)

• A U.S.-Russian crew returned to Earth after spending 241 days aboard the International Space Station, concluding the station's Expedition 74 mission. (More)

Extra Credit

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