SUMMARY: Texas Democrats fled the state to block Republicans from passing a new U.S. House redistricting map favoring GOP gains. Walkouts, though rare, have been used nationwide as a strategy to deny legislative quorum, sometimes resulting in penalties like fines or bans from office. Previously, Texas Democrats staged walkouts in 2003 and 2021 to oppose voting restrictions and redistricting. Other states like Oregon, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Indiana have witnessed similar tactics on issues including abortion rights, labor laws, and union rights. These walkouts, often contentious, reflect deep partisan conflicts over key legislation and political power.

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SUMMARY: A low-pressure system called Invest 95L is forming off the Carolinas’ coast, showing strong satellite signs of tropical development and possibly becoming the next named storm, Dexter. This system formed due to a stalled front across northern Florida and Georgia, currently causing flood watches. The front is expected to steer the storm northeast, away from land, posing minimal threat except to boating interests. The National Hurricane Center gives it a 50% chance of developing within two to seven days. Another tropical wave near Africa has a 30% chance of forming, also likely moving safely out to sea.

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SUMMARY: Pope Leo XIV encouraged over a million Catholic youths from 150 countries to spread their faith and aspire to holiness during a Mass closing a weeklong Jubilee of Youth event near Rome. The gathering included 7,000 priests and 450 bishops and is part of the Holy Year pilgrimage expected to draw 32 million visitors to the Vatican. Despite rain and the tragic deaths of two young pilgrims, the youths remained spirited, singing hymns, praying, and confessing in multiple languages. Participants described the experience as challenging but historic and deeply meaningful.

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