IN BRIEF

AMA adopts sweeping call to reduce US gun violence

The American Medical Association on Tuesday pressed for a ban on assault weapons and came out against arming teachers as a way to fight what it calls a public health crisis.

At its annual meeting in Chicago, the group bowed to demands from doctor-members to take a stronger stand on gun violence – a problem the organization says is as menacing as a lethal infectious disease.

Energy regulators see no immediate threat to power grid

Federal regulators are disputing the Trump administration’s claim that struggles facing the coal and nuclear industries threaten the reliability of the nation’s power grid.

Kevin McIntyre, the Republican chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, told Congress on Tuesday that “there is no immediate calamity or threat” to the nation’s bulk power system. He added that existing power sources are sufficient to satisfy the nation’s energy needs.

George H.W. Bush becomes first US president to turn 94

George H.W. Bush enjoyed a relaxing birthday Tuesday as he became the first former U.S. president to turn 94.

Bush was receiving calls and taking it easy at his seaside home in Maine, said chief of staff Jean Becker.

Former President Jimmy Carter will celebrate his 94th on Oct. 1.

Warmbier’s parents hope for ‘something positive’ from summit

The parents of Otto Warmbier said Tuesday they hope “something positive” can come out of the Singapore summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Fred and Cindy Warmbier of Wyoming, Ohio, issued a statement after the two leaders met. Otto Warmbier died soon after returning to the U.S. from captivity in North Korea.

Trump said Otto Warmbier’s death “was not in vain” and helped spur the nations to reach the diplomatic talks.

“We appreciate President Trump’s recent comments about our family,” the Warmbiers said. “We are proud of Otto and miss him. Hopefully something positive can come from this.”

Scalise vows not to run against McCarthy for House speaker

Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., said again Tuesday he will not run against Rep. Kevin McCarthy for speaker of the House.

Scalise said the GOP majority leader from California would be good in the House’s top leadership post. “He’s got a very good relationship with President Trump,” Scalise said at a Politico Playbook panel in Washington.

Scalise has been touted as a possible successor to Speaker Paul Ryan, who is not seeking re-election.