The European Union and Ukraine are set to hold a joint summit in Kyiv on Friday, sending a strong signal of support to the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia's invasion. The summit will focus on the conflict in Ukraine, economic and energy issues, and the need for further reforms in Ukraine. It is hoped that the meeting will help to strengthen ties between the EU and Ukraine, and to bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
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The nation's central bank announced Thursday that the new $5 bill will feature an Indigenous design instead of an image of King Charles III, following consultation with the center-left Labor Party government. This move is part of a larger trend of countries around the world removing the British monarchy from their bank notes and is a sign of the changing times and a recognition of the importance of Indigenous culture in Australia. The new design is expected to be unveiled in the coming months.
Robert Hadden, an ex-gynecologist convicted of sexually abusing hundreds of patients, has been ordered to spend the next two months in jail by a federal judge in New York City. The decision was made after victims' statements were heard during the bail hearing, and was opposed by defense attorneys. Andrew Yang's wife, Evelyn Yang, was one of Hadden's victims and has spoken out about her experience. Hadden's attorneys have filed an appeal against the detention order, but it is unclear if it will be successful.
Authorities in Wolf Creek, Oregon have concluded their investigation into the deaths of two residents, KOBI Richard Lee Barron Jr. and Donald Owen Griffith, after a manhunt for Benjamin Obadiah Foster, wanted for kidnapping and torturing a woman nearly to death, ended with Foster fatally shooting himself. The investigation is still ongoing to determine the exact cause of death, and the Oregon State Police are offering counseling services to residents of Wolf Creek who may have been affected by the incident.
Republican attorneys general from 20 states have written letters to CVS and Walgreens executives warning them against using the mail to dispense abortion pills in their states, in opposition to the Biden administration's new policy. The attorneys general argue that the new policy could lead to a lack of oversight and regulation of the abortion pill, putting women's health at risk, and an increase in the number of abortions in their states. They have asked the pharmacy chains to comply with their state laws and not distribute the abortion pill through the mail.
The U.S. and the Philippines have signed an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement to strengthen their defense cooperation and provide the U.S. with access to more Philippine military camps. The agreement is seen as a way to ensure peace and stability in the region, and to deter any aggressive actions by China. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, having signed a Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951.
James Gordon Meek, a former investigative journalist for ABC News, was arrested and charged with transporting images depicting the sexual abuse of children. If convicted, Meek could face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years behind bars. The investigation began in March 2021 when Dropbox filed a tip with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
House Judiciary Committee Divided Over Proposed Amendment Requiring Pledge of Allegiance at Meetings
House Judiciary Committee Divided Over Proposed Amendment Requiring Pledge of Allegiance at Meetings
On Wednesday, a heated debate erupted in the House Judiciary Committee over an amendment proposed by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) that would require the committee to begin each meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) argued against the amendment, fearing it could be used to make a "mockery" of the Pledge. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) argued there was no need to pledge allegiance twice in the same day. The amendment was eventually withdrawn, highlighting the deep divisions in the House over the issue of patriotism and the Pledge of Allegiance.