Israeli leader Netanyahu under increasing pressure in response to Biden’s Gaza proposal
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Prime Minister of Israel is facing mounting pressure following a proposed agreement by U.S. President Joe Biden to end the conflict in Gaza. Many Israelis are urging Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the deal, while his far-right allies are threatening to destabilize his government if he does. Netanyahu is adamant that a permanent cease-fire in Gaza is not an option until certain conditions to end the war are fulfilled. A significant demonstration took place in Israel on Saturday night led by families of hostages held by Hamas, urging immediate action from the government. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have stated that the proposed agreement “presents a path to a permanent cease-fire and resolution of the crisis.”
Trump’s criticism of the U.S. justice system following a guilty verdict could serve autocrats like Putin
After his unprecedented guilty verdict, Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on the U.S. criminal justice system, making baseless claims of a “rigged” trial similar to remarks made by the Kremlin. Former senior White House national security advisor Fiona Hill and other analysts believe that Trump’s criticisms could benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders. These leaders aim to enhance their standing among their citizens, potentially influence the upcoming U.S. presidential election in which Trump is the presumed Republican nominee, and undermine the global influence of the United States. Moscow has expressed agreement with Trump’s characterization of Thursday’s verdict, with a Kremlin spokesperson referring to it as the “elimination of political rivals through any means, legal or illegal.”
Mexico participates in an election likely to result in the country’s first female president
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Polling stations have opened in Mexico for a presidential election that is expected to see the country’s first female president elected. Voters are choosing between a former academic who promises to continue the current leader’s populist policies, and an ex-senator and tech entrepreneur who vows to intensify the fight against dangerous drug cartels. Nearly 100 million people are eligible to vote in the race to succeed outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. In addition to the presidential election, voters will also select governors in nine of the nation’s 32 states, as well as candidates for both houses of Congress, thousands of mayoral positions, and other local offices, marking the largest elections in the nation’s history, which have been marred by violence.
The Israeli military claims to conduct internal investigations. What progress has been made on these investigations?
JERUSALEM (AP) — Throughout the seven-month Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel has faced criticism for alleged misconduct by its armed forces. Israel asserts that it is capable of investigating itself and has initiated numerous inquiries into the behavior of its soldiers. However, following a deadly attack on a tent camp in Rafah, there is growing international doubt that Israel can impartially and effectively pursue these investigations.
Black leaders highlight Trump’s contradictions on criminal justice as he criticizes the guilty verdict
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump condemned the guilty verdict in his hush money trial from the same Manhattan courthouse that witnessed one of the most egregious examples of injustice in recent New York history, in which he played a role. This is the courthouse where five Black and Latino youths were wrongly convicted 34 years ago in the assault and rape of a white female jogger. Following the 1989 incident, Trump famously published a newspaper ad in New York City calling for the execution of the accused. Trump is now denouncing the same criminal justice system as corrupt and biased against him. Some Black Americans find irony in this situation.
Zelenskyy accuses China of pressuring other nations not to attend upcoming Ukraine peace talks
SINGAPORE (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of aiding Russia in disrupting a Swiss-led peace conference on the conflict in Ukraine. Speaking at a news conference at the Shangri-La conference in Singapore, Zelenskyy alleged that China is using its influence to dissuade other countries and leaders from participating. He implied that China is serving Russia’s interests, expressing regret that such a powerful nation as China is being manipulated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy made these comments following his address at an annual Asia-Pacific security conference, where he sought Asian participation in the peace talks organized by Switzerland.
Iran’s hard-line former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad registers for June 28 presidential election
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s hard-line former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has officially registered as a potential candidate for the upcoming presidential election on June 28, aiming to reclaim the country’s highest political office following a helicopter crash that claimed the life of the incumbent president and seven others. Ahmadinejad’s registration puts pressure on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During his presidency, Ahmadinejad openly challenged the 85-year-old cleric, and his attempt to run in 2021 was thwarted by authorities. The controversial politician, known for questioning the Holocaust, is returning during a period of heightened tensions between Iran and the West over Tehran’s advancing nuclear program, its support of Russia in the Ukraine conflict, and its extensive crackdown on dissent.
Most U.S. students are making academic progress after setbacks from the pandemic, but many are lagging behind
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Schools in the U.S. are beginning to make headway in helping students recover from the significant learning loss experienced during the pandemic. However, progress has been inconsistent, varying based on location and economic status. Many students, particularly those who are disadvantaged or marginalized, have made minimal progress in catching up on the lost learning during school closures caused by the pandemic. The Education Recovery Scorecard project led by Harvard and Stanford notes that in 2023, Virginia students were behind by the equivalent of 70% of a grade level in reading. The state has allocated $418 million to bolster recovery efforts, but despite efforts to accelerate improvement, few states with sluggish progress report changing their strategies.
South Africa’s ‘humbled’ ANC engages in discussions with all parties as the nation seeks a way forward post-election
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A senior official from South Africa’s African National Congress party reveals that talks are underway with various groups to establish a stable coalition government for the country, which lost its three-decade majority in the recent election. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated that the party is open to negotiations, including with the major opposition party, the Democratic Alliance. Although the DA has been critical of the ANC, many analysts see a coalition agreement as the most viable option for stability in South Africa. The ANC, which secured just over 40% of the vote, signaling the end of its long-standing dominance, admits to being “humbled” by the election results.
Paris aims to host the most environmentally sustainable Olympics to date, with organizers acknowledging room for improvement
PARIS (AP) — Organizers of the Paris Olympics have set ambitious targets for environmental sustainability, aiming to reduce the event’s carbon footprint by half compared to the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games. To achieve this, organizers plan to minimize construction by utilizing existing or temporary venues for most sports, prioritize local and plant-based meals, and rely solely on renewable energy. Sustainability considerations were taken into account early in the planning phase. While some experts commend the preparations as akin to how businesses plan for emissions reductions, questions remain regarding carbon-intensive sponsors and concerns about the long-term sustainability of the event in a world facing escalating climate challenges.
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