LGBTQ+ librarians face challenges related to book bans and personal attacks
As Pride Month events take place worldwide, many LGBTQ+ individuals report increasing difficulties at work, from being misgendered to experiencing physical assaults. Gender nonconforming library workers are especially affected as book bans become more common in the U.S., with titles on gender identity, sexual orientation, and race being the focus of criticism. The American Library Association recorded the highest number of targeted titles for censorship in over 20 years, with Maia Kobabe’s ‘Gender Queer’ being the most criticized library book for the third year in a row.
Republican efforts target Biden executive order on voter registration ahead of fall election
Republican lawmakers are challenging a Biden administration executive order that aims to assist with voter registration, claiming it is unconstitutional and an attempt to influence the upcoming presidential election. Subpoenas have been issued to agency directors, and a group of GOP secretaries of state has asked the Supreme Court to review the order. The White House has dismissed the criticism as baseless and coming from individuals who spread misinformation about the 2020 elections.
Biden seeks support from GOP women in swing-state suburbs away from Trump
President Joe Biden and his allies are working to win over Republican women in swing states who may not support a second term for Donald Trump. Despite efforts in Pennsylvania’s Bucks County, there is little evidence that traditional Republicans are willing to abandon Trump as the presumptive GOP nominee.
Israeli man found dead in West Bank amid deadly strikes in Gaza
An Israeli man was shot dead in the northern West Bank town of Qalqilya, while deadly strikes hit northern Gaza. Israeli forces were conducting operations in Qalqilya, where two militants were killed the day before. In Gaza City, 19 bodies were recovered from a building hit by an Israeli strike.
Yemen Houthi rebels likely behind ship attack in Gulf of Aden as Eisenhower heads home
Explosions near a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden point to a possible attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, leading the response to the attacks, has reportedly been ordered to return home. The Houthis are escalating their attacks on ships in the region amid ongoing conflicts.
Trump to address influential evangelicals pushing for national abortion ban
Former President Donald Trump is set to speak to a group of evangelical supporters who advocate for a national abortion ban. Trump’s stance on abortion has caused some division within the evangelical movement, but his Supreme Court appointments have garnered support from many in the group.
Rape survivor and abortion rights advocate to campaign with first lady
A woman who was raped by her stepfather as a child will join First Lady Jill Biden in campaigning around the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The woman, now a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, will focus on the impact of recent Supreme Court rulings limiting abortion access.
Fatal landslide in China as severe weather warnings continue
Rescuers discovered a family of six dead after a landslide in Fujian province, adding to the death toll from extreme weather in the region. Severe weather warnings have been extended as authorities deal with historic flooding and landslides in several provinces.
Racial tensions rise in South Africa’s new power-sharing government
The new coalition government in South Africa, which includes leaders from both Black and white parties, has reignited racial tensions in the country. Many Black South Africans are uncomfortable with a white-led party being part of the ruling coalition, reflecting the ongoing legacy of apartheid in the nation.
Russian mercenary chief challenges Kremlin with mutiny a year ago
A year ago, Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin staged a mutiny against the Kremlin, accusing military leaders of neglecting his forces in Ukraine. The rebellion, which was ultimately called off, posed a significant challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s rule. Prigozhin’s motives and his subsequent death remain subjects of debate and speculation.
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