Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu is under increasing pressure in the wake of U.S. President Biden’s Gaza proposal
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting pressure following President Joe Biden’s description of a proposed agreement to halt the fighting in Gaza. Many Israelis are calling on Netanyahu to accept the deal, but his far-right allies threaten to bring down his government if he does. Netanyahu has dismissed the idea of a permanent cease-fire in Gaza until certain conditions for ending the conflict are met. A large demonstration led by families of hostages held by Hamas in Israel over the weekend urged the government to take action. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar say the proposed agreement “provides a roadmap for a lasting cease-fire and resolution of the crisis.”
Trump’s criticism of the U.S. justice system after a guilty verdict could benefit autocrats like Putin
After his unprecedented guilty verdict, Donald Trump launched an attack on the U.S. criminal justice system, making baseless claims of a “rigged” trial that echoed sentiments from the Kremlin. Former senior White House national security advisor Fiona Hill and other analysts suggest that Trump’s criticisms could be advantageous to Russian President Vladimir Putin and other autocrats. These leaders aim to enhance their standing among their own populations, potentially influence the upcoming U.S. presidential election in which Trump is the likely Republican candidate, and undermine the global influence of the United States. Moscow supported Trump’s interpretation of the verdict, with a Kremlin spokesman labeling it as the “elimination of political rivals through any means, legal or illegal.”
Mexico is in the midst of an election that may result in the country’s first female president
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Polling stations are now open in Mexico for a presidential election that is expected to usher in the nation’s first female president. Voters must choose between a former academic pledging to continue the current leader’s populist policies and an ex-senator and tech entrepreneur promising a more robust approach against dangerous drug cartels. Nearly 100 million registered voters are participating in the race to succeed outgoing President AndrĂ©s Manuel LĂłpez Obrador. In addition to selecting a new president, voters will elect governors in nine of the country’s 32 states and decide on candidates for both houses of Congress, numerous mayor positions, and other local roles. These elections represent the largest the nation has seen and have been marred by instances of violence.
The Israeli army’s self-investigations face scrutiny amid allegations of misconduct
JERUSALEM (AP) — Throughout the seven-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel has faced significant criticism over alleged wrongdoings by its forces. Israel maintains that it has the capability to conduct internal investigations and has initiated numerous probes into the actions of its soldiers. However, following a deadly strike on a tent camp in Rafah, there is growing international doubt regarding Israel’s ability to impartially and comprehensively pursue these investigations.
Black leaders point out the contradictions in Trump’s stance on criminal justice as he condemns the guilty verdict
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump vehemently criticized the guilty verdict in his hush money trial this week, from the very same Manhattan courthouse that was the site of a well-known instance of injustice in recent New York history, in which he played a role. This is where five Black and Latino youths were wrongfully convicted 34 years ago in the assault and rape of a white female jogger. Trump famously called for the execution of the accused in a newspaper ad following the 1989 incident. Trump is now denouncing the same criminal justice system as corrupt and biased against him, a stance that some Black Americans find ironic.
Zelenskyy accuses China of exerting pressure to deter attendance at upcoming Ukraine peace talks
SINGAPORE (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of aiding Russia in obstructing a Swiss-organized peace conference on the conflict in Ukraine. Speaking at a news conference in Singapore on Sunday, Zelenskyy claimed that China is using its influence to dissuade other countries and leaders from participating. He insinuated that China is doing Russia’s bidding, expressing regret that such a powerful nation is being manipulated by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy’s comments came after he addressed an annual Asia-Pacific security conference and emphasized the importance of Asian involvement in the peace conference arranged by Switzerland.
Iran’s former hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad registers for the upcoming presidential election on June 28
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s former hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has submitted his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for June 28, seeking to reclaim the country’s top political position following the tragic death of the nation’s president and seven others in a helicopter crash. Ahmadinejad’s candidacy puts pressure on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During his tenure, Ahmadinejad openly challenged the 85-year-old cleric, and his bid for the presidency in 2021 was rejected by authorities. The controversial politician’s return coincides with heightened tensions between Iran and the West over Tehran’s advancing nuclear program, support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, and crackdowns on dissent.
Most U.S. students are making progress in recovering from setbacks during the pandemic, but many are lagging behind
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Schools in the United States are beginning to see improvements in getting students back on track after significant setbacks during the pandemic. However, the progress varies widely based on geographic location and economic status. Many students, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged or marginalized, have made minimal to no recovery in their academic performance following school closures due to the pandemic. The Education Recovery Scorecard project at Harvard and Stanford notes that Virginia students were behind in reading by the equivalent of 70% of a grade level in 2023. The state has allocated $418 million to enhance recovery efforts, but few states with slow progress are changing their strategies to accelerate improvement.
South Africa’s ANC is engaging with all parties as the country seeks a way forward after the election
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A senior official from South Africa’s African National Congress party stated that the party is in discussions with various groups in an effort to establish a stable coalition government for the most advanced economy in Africa, following the loss of its majority in the recent election. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula indicated on Sunday that the party is open to negotiations with the main opposition Democratic Alliance, despite the DA’s strong criticism of the ANC. Many analysts view a coalition agreement as the most viable option for stability in South Africa, after the ANC received just over 40% of the vote, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. Mbalula acknowledged that the ANC has been “humbled” by the election results and is exploring all avenues for forming a functional government.
Paris aims to host the most environmentally sustainable Olympics yet, though organizers acknowledge challenges
PARIS (AP) — Organizers of the Paris Olympics have set ambitious targets for environmental sustainability, aiming to reduce the event’s overall carbon footprint by half compared to the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games. Efforts to achieve this goal include minimizing construction, utilizing existing or temporary venues for most sports, prioritizing local and plant-based foods, and sourcing 100% renewable energy. Sustainability was a key consideration in the early stages of planning for the Olympics. While some experts applaud these efforts as akin to those made by businesses to reduce emissions, there are concerns about certain carbon-intensive sponsors and uncertainties about the long-term viability of such initiatives in a world grappling with a worsening climate crisis.
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