News Wrap: Supreme Court again rejects GOP push for new congressional map in Missouri

Geoff Bennett:

And we start today's other headlines with a pair of legal losses for President Trump's efforts to shape the midterm elections.

The U.S. Supreme Court once again rejected a Republican push for a new map in Missouri that could have helped Republicans pick up a seat. The illegal back-and-forth has led to weeks of confusion for Missouri voters. Separately, an appeals court upheld a block on President Trump's order to limit mail-in voting, while the Supreme Court considers the same issue.

The first mail ballots are already going out in Alabama, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

Climate scientists say August was the hottest month ever recorded globally. Temperatures averaged about 62.5 degrees Fahrenheit, roughly three degrees above preindustrial levels. The European climate service Copernicus points to human-caused climate change and a strong El Nino, warning the impacts will only get worse.

Samantha Burgess, Copernicus Climate Change Service:

The reality is, we will get more of these conditions that we have seen this summer. Every fraction of a degree of warming increases the likelihood of extremes becoming more intense, more frequent, and longer-lasting.

Geoff Bennett:

Separate data out this week shows the U.S. just recorded its warmest summer on record, averaging 74.4 degrees across the Lower 48, about three degrees above normal.

In New York City, thousands of drones recreated the Twin Towers as the city prepares to mark 25 years since the September 11 attacks. The aerial art show featured 2,977 drones, one for each person killed, which formed the outlines of the towers at their full height. According to organizers, the project was developed with input from victims' families, survivors, and first responders.

It was designed to give the public a place to come together, remember those who were lost, and reflect on the tragedy.

On Wall Street today, stocks struggled again as oil prices hit their highest levels since May. The Dow Jones industrial average fell about 300 points. The Nasdaq slipped more than half-a-percent. The S&P 500 also ended lower.

And two passings of notes, starting with Barry Melrose, the legendary hockey coach and longtime commentator of the sport.

Barry Melrose, Sports Commentator:

Hi, I'm Barry Melrose, the hardest-working sports announcer in the world.

Geoff Bennett:

Melrose became a familiar face to millions of ESPN viewers, known for his sharp hockey analysis, unmistakable style, and signature mullet. Before that, he played six seasons as an NHL defenseman, before becoming head coach of the L.A. Kings.

He brought them to the Stanley Cup final in his first season back in 1993. Barry Melrose retired from broadcasting in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He was 70 years old.

Also today, former colleagues and friends are mourning the passing of political journalist Roger Simon. As Politico's chief political columnist, Simon was known for his fearless reporting, his insightful analysis, and his quick wit. Before that, the Chicago native made his name as a columnist at The Sun-Times, where he developed what he described as a special connection with his readers.

Roger Simon, Chief Political Columnist, Politico:

Even in these pre-Internet days, people really communicated with you. They took the trouble to write letters and they would stop you on the street. And there was no experience like being a big city columnist.

Geoff Bennett:

His longtime friend and media colleague Dan Balz wrote about Simon's passing for The Washington Post today, calling him a craftsman of the first order.

Roger Simon was 78 years old.