LGBTQ+ librarians face challenges amid book bans and discrimination
As Pride Month events take place around the world, LGBTQ+ individuals report increased difficulties in the workplace, including being misgendered and physically attacked. Gender nonconforming library workers are especially affected, with a rise in calls for book bans in the U.S. targeting titles on gender identity, sexual orientation, and race. The American Library Association documented the highest number of censored titles in over 20 years in 2023, with Maia Kobabe’s ‘Gender Queer’ facing repeated criticism.
Republicans take aim at Biden executive order on voter registration
Republicans criticize a Biden administration order that seeks to assist with voter registration, calling it unconstitutional and an attempt to interfere in the upcoming election. Subpoenas have been issued to agency directors, and a group of GOP secretaries of state have asked the Supreme Court to review the order.
Biden works to sway GOP women away from Trump in swing-state suburbs
President Joe Biden and his allies are seeking the support of Republican women in swing states who may oppose a second Trump presidency. Despite efforts to win over traditional Republicans in Pennsylvania’s Bucks County, little evidence suggests significant numbers are ready to abandon Trump.
Israeli man shot dead in West Bank as deadly strikes hit Gaza
An Israeli man was fatally shot in the northern West Bank, while deadly strikes rocked northern Gaza. Israeli forces are active in the area, with 19 bodies recovered from a building hit by an Israeli strike in Gaza City.
Yemen Houthi rebels target ship in Gulf of Aden as USS Eisenhower heads home
A commercial ship traveling through the Gulf of Aden experienced explosions near the vessel, likely the result of an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. U.S. officials reportedly ordered the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower to return home following escalating attacks on ships in the region.
Trump addresses influential evangelicals seeking national abortion ban
Former President Donald Trump speaks to a group of evangelical supporters who seek stricter restrictions on abortion. Trump’s views on signing a nationwide ban on abortion differ from many in the evangelical movement, but his appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices has garnered support.
Rape survivor campaigns with first lady Jill Biden for abortion rights
A woman who survived rape as a child advocates for reproductive rights and campaigns with first lady Jill Biden in Pennsylvania as part of a push around the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Restrictive abortion laws have been implemented in many states since the 2022 Supreme Court ruling.
Fatal landslide in China amid severe weather warnings
Rescuers discover six bodies in Fujian province following landslides caused by heavy rain. Authorities extend severe weather warnings as historic flooding results in multiple deaths in neighboring provinces.
New government in South Africa brings unity and resurgence of racial tensions
A coalition government in South Africa featuring a Black president and a white opposition leader reignites racial tensions, highlighting the country’s history of apartheid. The power-sharing agreement has led to discomfort among some Black South Africans.
Russian mercenary chief challenges Kremlin with mutiny
A year ago, Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin staged a mutiny against the Kremlin, accusing Defense Ministry leaders of neglecting his forces in Ukraine. Although the rebellion was short-lived, it posed a significant challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s rule. Prigozhin’s motives and mysterious death remain subjects of debate.
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