WEATHER
*Scattered thunderstorms this morning, high 87
LOCAL
New Report Confirms 2016 Was Hottest Year On Record -
According to a new international report, 2016 was the hottest year on Earth in 137 years of record keeping. It was also the third year in a row to break the record. The State of the Climate report was released by the American Meteorological Society. Researchers say the increase is from a strong El Nino weather pattern and long-term global warming. The good news, the ozone levels are increasing so the ozone layer could be recovering.
Source: CNBC
NATIONAL
Up To 160 Applebee’s and IHOP Locations Will Be Closing -
The parent company of Applebee’s and IHOP has announced it will be closing between 105 and 135 Applebee’s restaurants and 20 to 25 IHOP locations. These numbers are up from original estimates DineEquity released and the company hasn’t released which locations will close their doors.
Casual dining restaurants like these have been having trouble as more customers are opting for quick-service spots like Panera Bread or Chipotle, which market themselves as healthier options. And while they’re closing some locations in the U.S., DineEquity still plans to open 20 to 30 new Applebee’s abroad and 80 to 95 IHOP locations, mostly in the U.S.
Source: USA Today
The Canadian government has joined the investigation into a mysterious sonic attack in Havana, Cuba after one of its diplomats reported experiencing hearing loss. The news comes a day after the announcement that at least five American diplomats at the U.S. embassy have been experiencing hearing loss in what appears to be some type of deliberate acoustic attack. The State Department isn't certain that the Cuban government is behind it and is considering the possibility that a third party is involved. The Cuban government has denied having any involvement. However, the State Department isn't so sure and has expelled two Cuban diplomats from the U.S.
Earthquake Hits Philippine Island of Luzon -
The northern island of Luzon in the Phillippine was hit with an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 today that could be felt in the capital Manila. Buildings shook and schools and offices were forced to evacuate.
There have been no reports of death or injuries from the quake, which the U.S. Geological Survey measured earlier at 6.6. No tsunami warning was issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, which measured the quake at 6.3.
The Philippines experiences earthquakes frequently because they’re located on the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire.
Source: Reuters
Trump Invited To Mayweather-McGregor Fight -
President Trump has been invited to attend this month’s boxing clash between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor. Trump is friends with Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White, who is co-promoting the fight. Mayweather, 40, is the undefeated five-weight division world champion and 29 year-old McGregor is the reigning UFC Lightweight champion. Other famous faces expected to attend the event are Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
Source: USA Today
Trump Thanks Putin For Dismissing U.S. Diplomats -
President Trump is thanking Russian President Vladimir Putin for sending hundreds of U.S. embassy employees out of Russia. He made the comments from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, suggesting that the move will save the U.S. money.
“As far as I’m concerned I’m very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll,” Trump said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry called for the reduction in response to new U.S. sanctions against Russia. They say the U.S. has to reduce its diplomatic and technical staff to match the amount of Russian staff working in America by September 1.
Source: ABC News
SPORTS
*Cards swept the Royals and Dexter Fowler hit a grand slam, giving the Cardinals their 6th straight win!