Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, signaling his intention to move ahead with a controversial plan to overhaul the country's judiciary. This has sparked mass protests and unrest, with many calling for Netanyahu to resign. The situation is still unfolding, with Netanyahu yet to comment on the dismissal or the protests.
News Mash
Four people have been confirmed dead and four are still missing after an explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania on Friday. Rescue crews worked overnight to locate the fourth victim, and the remains of a third victim were discovered on Saturday. Authorities are continuing their search for the remaining four missing persons, and the cause of the explosion is still under investigation. The West Reading community is in mourning as they grapple with this tragic loss of life.
Philadelphia is recommending that residents use bottled drinking water due to a chemical spill in the Delaware River, causing a rush on bottled water at a ShopRite store in South Philadelphia. The City is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available, advising residents to use bottled water until further notice.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after he called for a pause in the government's drive to overhaul the country's court system. This has caused a rift in the coalition government and has intensified the brewing showdown between Netanyahu's government and the judiciary. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel has asked the Supreme Court to punish Netanyahu for allegedly violating a conflict of interest agreement, and a parliamentary vote on a centerpiece of the overhaul is set for this week.
House Republican committee chairs have sought documents and testimony from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office regarding a possible criminal indictment of former President Donald Trump. In response, District Attorney Alvin Bragg has slammed the efforts of the GOP trio, saying that their inquiry serves only to hinder the investigation. Bragg added that the District Attorney's Office is committed to conducting a fair and impartial investigation into the $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign.
On Sunday, dozens of people gathered in Hong Kong for the city's first authorized protest since the lifting of major COVID-19 restrictions. The protest was organized by the Civil Human Rights Front, a pro-democracy group, and was held under unprecedentedly strict rules set by the police. The protesters marched peacefully through the streets of Hong Kong, chanting slogans and holding signs that read "No Reclamation" and "Protect Our Home". The protest is a reminder of the freedom of assembly that was promised to Hong Kong when it returned to China from Britain in 1997, but which has been increasingly eroded in recent years.
The Biden administration has suffered a setback after the withdrawal of their nominee to run the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Phillip Washington. The White House blamed the withdrawal on "an onslaught of unfounded Republican attacks" and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called Washington “an excellent nominee”. Despite Democratic support, key senators on their side balked at supporting Biden’s pick, and it remains to be seen who will be chosen to fill the role of FAA Administrator.
Rep. Ro Khanna of California announced on Sunday that he will not be entering the competitive Democratic primary to fill the Senate seat of retiring Sen. Dianne Feinstein, instead opting to endorse fellow progressive Rep. Barbara Lee. Khanna cited his belief that the House of Representatives is the best place for him to serve as a progressive, and Lee has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, economic justice, and women’s rights. The California Democratic primary for Feinstein’s seat will be held in June 2022, with Khanna’s decision to stay in the House setting the field of candidates vying for the seat.