Democrats are grappling with the decision of whether to attend Netanyahu’s upcoming address to Congress, as many are planning to boycott the event.
In a significant display of opposition, nearly 60 Democrats skipped Netanyahu’s last speech to Congress nine years ago, viewing it as a direct challenge to then-President Obama as he negotiated a nuclear deal with Iran. This time around, with Netanyahu scheduled to speak on July 24, the number of absentees is expected to be even higher. Congressional Democrats are torn between their historical support for Israel and their concerns regarding Israel’s military actions against Hamas in Gaza. Some Democrats plan to attend out of respect for Israel, while others want to distance themselves from Netanyahu’s appearance.
Russia has heightened tensions with the West over Ukraine by signing a new pact with North Korea. This agreement, which includes mutual military assistance between Moscow and Pyongyang, signifies a bold move by Russian President Vladimir Putin to challenge Western interests like never before. The pact also allows for Russia to provide weapons to North Korea, potentially destabilizing the Korean Peninsula and beyond. Putin justified the arms shipments as a response to NATO’s provision of longer-range weapons to Ukraine, asserting that Russia is willing to pursue its goals in Ukraine at all costs.
Abortion rights have been successfully defended at the ballot box in several states using citizen initiatives since the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion two years ago. However, half of US states lack this direct democracy option, particularly those under Republican control in the South that have implemented near-total abortion bans post-court ruling. Citizen initiatives have enabled voters in various states to safeguard abortion and reproductive rights independently of their legislatures in recent years.
Amid sweltering heatwaves and widespread floods in the Midwest, millions of Americans are bracing for extreme weather conditions. Floodwaters have submerged parts of the Midwest, leading to the evacuation of a town in Iowa where water levels reached rooftops. Public officials across the mid-Atlantic, Maine, the Midwest, and inland California are cautioning residents about the heat and potential storm threats. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for possible tornadoes in the Northeast on Sunday.
Iran-backed groups in the Middle East have offered to send thousands of fighters to Lebanon to support the militant Hezbollah in its conflict with Israel. This offer comes amidst escalating tensions along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon following repeated exchanges of fire since an attack by Hamas on southern Israel. While Hezbollah asserts it has sufficient fighters and does not require additional support, the involvement of foreign groups raises concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region. Israeli officials have warned of a military offensive in Lebanon if negotiations fail to push Hezbollah away from the border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the US of reducing weapons shipments to Israel for its operations in Gaza, despite denials from the Biden administration. Netanyahu claimed a significant decrease in arms deliveries began four months ago, without specifying the type of weapons affected. This dispute underscores the strained relationship between Israel and the US during the Gaza conflict, with Netanyahu’s previous allegations sparking controversy and confusion among critics and White House officials.
Recent Ukrainian drone and missile attacks have resulted in six deaths and over 100 injuries in Russia, while Russia’s aerial bombing of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine claimed the life of at least one person. The casualties in Russia included individuals hit by falling debris from Ukrainian missiles shot down in Sevastopol. These incidents come after Russia targeted Kharkiv with aerial bombs, including one that struck a residential building, resulting in three fatalities.
Vice President Kamala Harris has emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming presidential election for reproductive health rights, highlighting the stark contrast between Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump on the issue. As the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision overturning the federal right to abortion approaches, the Biden campaign is ramping up efforts to showcase the differing stances of the candidates. Harris stressed the urgency of protecting reproductive rights as the nation prepares for the presidential debate on Thursday.
The Republican primary in Utah will determine the direction of the party, with voters choosing between a moderate conservative in the vein of Senator Mitt Romney or a more aligned candidate with former President Trump’s agenda. Trump’s endorsement propelled Trent Staggs to victory at the state GOP convention, positioning him against John Curtis, a moderate congressman. Curtis, who advocates for a conservative approach to addressing climate change, is viewed as the frontrunner in the primary election.
Former first lady Melania Trump has maintained a low profile during her husband’s presidential campaign and subsequent events. Despite missing key campaign events earlier in the year, Melania has largely stayed out of the public eye since March. She did not accompany Donald Trump to his trial in New York or attend his recent campaign rallies. Trump frequently references his wife in speeches, indicating her continued involvement behind the scenes despite her absence from public engagements.
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