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In the news today: a Supreme Court ruling on religious accommodations; 600 arrested in protests in France; and some things to look out for this Fourth of July weekend. Also, the rise of ugly foods and upcycling.

The Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

COURTS

The Supreme Court bolsters protections for workers who ask for religious accommodations

In addition to its decision overturning affirmative action on Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court came to a unanimous ruling on a religion case. The decision made clear that workers who ask for accommodations, such as taking the Sabbath off, should have their requests honored unless employers show that doing so would result in “substantial increased costs” to the business. The court is expected to announce decisions today on student loans and gay rights. Read more.

Why this matters:

• At issue was a mail carrier in rural Pennsylvania, Gerald Groff, who was told that as part of his job, he would need to start delivering Amazon packages on Sundays. Groff declined, saying his Sundays are for church and family. “I hope this decision allows others to be able to maintain their convictions without living in fear of losing their jobs because of what they believe,” Groff said.
   

• The case is the latest religious confrontation that the high court has been asked to referee. In recent years, the court’s 6-3 conservative majority has been particularly sensitive to religious plaintiffs.

Related coverage ➤ 

Watch: Postal worker reacts to Supreme Court decision

In the Supreme Court chamber, the subject was race, the mood was somber, the criticism harsh

WORLD NEWS

600 arrested and 200 police officers hurt on France’s 3rd night of protests over teen’s killing

The fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old outside Paris this week has set off widespread disorder in French suburbs, with protesters burning cars, buildings and garbage. The police officer accused of pulling the trigger Tuesday was handed a preliminary charge of voluntary homicide. Read more.

Why this matters:

• The shooting of the teen, identified as Nahel, was captured on video and stirred up long-simmering tensions between police and young people in disadvantaged neighborhoods. It also prompted calls for an overhaul of the use of weapons by police.
  
  

• The unrest is not unprecedented. In 2005, the death of two teenagers hiding from police prompted riots in neighborhoods with large minority populations. The riots were fueled by deep problems of discrimination, unemployment and a sense of alienation from French society.

Related coverage ➤

French suburbs are burning. How a teen’s killing is focusing anger over police tactics
Mbappé and France teammates Maignan, Koundé express criticism after police kill teenager

U.S. NEWS

U.S. heads into an extended Fourth of July holiday weekend 

It’s almost the Fourth of July in the United Sates and a long break may be in the cards for many. With the number of air travelers expected to set a pandemic-era record, we have some of the latest stories to keep an eye on.

Latest stories:

• Huge crowds, technology failures and bad weather could hit July 4 travel plans. United Airlines has accounted for the majority of canceled flights nationwide.
  
  

• U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has warned airlines of potential flight disruptions from outdated equipment susceptible to wireless interference. The warning precedes an increase in power for C-band, 5G signals on July 1.
  
  

• The deadly heatwave in Texas has begun to spread east. Dangerous heat and humidity is smothering much of the South and Midwest. And another heat dome is possible on the West Coast.
  
  
• Smokey skies from Canada’s wildfires persist, pushing swaths smoke across the U.S. Here's how to check the air quality in your area.
  
  
• There are dangerous rip currents along Gulf of Mexico beaches stretching across Florida’s Panhandle to Mobile, Alabama.
  
  
• It’s three years until the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, but festivities are already starting.

Related coverage ➤

Wildfire smoke drives traditional summer camp activities indoors

What you need to know about airline rebookings, refunds and more

Here’s how to keep cool and stay safe during a heat wave

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HAPPENING TODAY

• U.S. Rep. George Santos is set to appear in court on charges he duped donors, stole from his campaign, collected fraudulent unemployment benefits and lied to Congress about being a millionaire.

IN OTHER NEWS

Jan. 6 arrest: Man wanted on Jan. 6 charges arrested with weapons near Barack Obama’s Washington home

Reparations report: California reparations report urges action on housing discrimination and overpolicing
Bribery sentencing: Ex-GOP Ohio House speaker sentenced to 20 years for role in $60M bribery scheme

Ph.D. student’s death: A California scholar’s research into a flowering shrub took him to Mexico and a violent death

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine aims to wear down and outsmart a Russian army distracted by infighting

Aging backward: South Koreans grow younger overnight as the country changes how it counts people’s ages

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TODAY IN HISTORY

On June 30, 1958: The U.S. Senate passed the Alaska statehood bill by a vote of 64-20. In the image above, Alaskans in Anchorage celebrate their admission as the 49th state to the union with a huge bonfire. (AP Photo)

A look at what else happened in history on June 30

A CHANGE OF PACE

A farmer selling "ugly" produce at a discount at a farmers' market in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Haven Daley) 

Upcycling is turning leftovers and scraps into ice cream and pizza
One cook’s trash is another chef’s bounty. That's the mantra of the upcycling movement. The trend is gaining ground as consumers spend more time learning where their food comes from and how it affects the environment.

Watch: ‘Watermelon snow’ appears in Utah

Patches of pinkish snow in parts of the Utah mountains some are calling “watermelon snow” are attracting photo-seekers this summer - and triggering questions about what caused it and if it’s harmful for people.

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