World in brief: July 30, 2024

UNITED STATES: The national debt exceeded $35 trillion for the first time, the Treasury Department announced on Monday.
According to the Peter G Peterson Foundation, a non-partisan organisation, the national debt of $35.001 trillion (around £27trn) translates to $103,945 (around £80,500) of debt per person.
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Public libraries are sanctuaries which facilitate the exploration of the universe of ideas for free for those curious enough. ROGER McKENZIE advocates their protection against authoritarian incursions, US style