More than 90,000 residents in Georgia are currently sheltering in place following a significant fire at a chemical plant in Conyers, approximately 25 miles southeast of Atlanta. The fire erupted due to a malfunctioning sprinkler system, which triggered a chemical reaction that released a visible cloud into the atmosphere. Although no injuries have been reported, officials detected chlorine in the air and have advised residents to remain indoors with windows and doors closed and air conditioning turned off. The chemical haze has since spread to Atlanta, where air quality is being closely monitored.

In a notable energy transition, the United Kingdom is set to become the first G7 nation to cease coal-fired electricity generation, with the closure of its last coal plant, Ratcliffe on Soar station, occurring tonight. This marks the end of a 142-year era of coal mining in the UK, which played a crucial role in the industrial revolution. Currently, over half of the UK's electricity is sourced from renewables, including wind and solar, with the remainder coming from natural gas and nuclear energy.

In Nepal, the death toll from recent flooding and landslides has tragically risen to 193, following a weekend of heavy rainfall. The capital, Kathmandu, has been particularly affected, with residents beginning cleanup efforts as water levels recede. The flooding has severely impacted the southern parts of the city and has led to the closure of schools for the next three days.

In a significant legal development, a Georgia judge has overturned the state's ban on most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. This law, which was enacted in 2019 but only took effect after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, was deemed unconstitutional by Judge Robert McBurney, who affirmed that women have the right to make their own healthcare choices.

Meanwhile, the International Longshoremen's Association, representing 45,000 dock workers, has announced a strike set to commence at midnight, potentially halting operations at 36 ports across the East and Gulf Coast. This strike could disrupt approximately half of the goods shipped in and out of the United States, posing risks to supply chains and consumer prices. Union members are advocating for higher wages and a prohibition on the automation of certain port operations. President Biden has indicated he will not intervene to prevent the strike.

On Wall Street, stocks closed moderately higher today, buoyed by comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell regarding the economy's solid condition and the potential for future rate cuts. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a slight increase, while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 also ended the day on a positive note.