Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is making his bid for House Speaker today, and Sean Hannity has been pushing for his election, causing some irritation among House members. Jordan is a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus and a frequent guest on Fox News, and the outcome of today's vote is uncertain.
News Mash
Justice Amy Coney Barrett has recently voiced her support for the adoption of a code of conduct for the Supreme Court, citing the need for more oversight following a series of ethics controversies. The American Bar Association has proposed that the court create a special committee to review complaints against the justices, and Justice Barrett's comments suggest that the court may be open to the idea. If adopted, the code of conduct would be a major step forward in ensuring the justices are held to the highest ethical standards.
President Joe Biden will visit Israel tomorrow to show solidarity and discuss aid to the region. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that makers of gun parts must comply with "ghost gun" rules, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has removed 21 species from the endangered list due to extinction, and a man wrongfully imprisoned for 16 years in Georgia was fatally shot by police.
India's Supreme Court has refused to legalize same-sex marriage, passing the responsibility to Parliament. Activists had gathered in the courtyard of the Supreme Court in New Delhi ahead of the ruling, but the decision has sparked debate in India over the issue of same-sex marriage. It remains to be seen whether Parliament will take up the issue and create a law that legalizes same-sex marriage in India.
Adar Eylon, sister of a woman killed in a Hamas terror attack in Israel, has spoken out about the difficult aftermath of the tragedy. Israel is conducting precision strikes on known Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, while Palestinian officials report that Major Gen. Fouad Abu Butihan has been killed in Israeli strikes. The tragedy of Shira's death serves as a reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict in the region.
Belgian police have shot and killed a suspected Tunisian extremist accused of randomly shooting two Swedish soccer fans in Brussels. Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden confirmed the suspect's death and thanked the intelligence and security services for their swift action. The motive for the attack is still under investigation, with the suspect reportedly claiming to be inspired by the Islamic State group.
Former President Donald Trump has called for expanding the travel ban to include potential refugees from Gaza, while President Joe Biden is set to travel to Israel to show support for the U.S. ally and has authorized $735 million in emergency funding. Biden is also working to restore the U.S.’s relationship with the Middle East and rebuild ties with allies in the region, as well as address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Justice Department has opened a federal hate crimes investigation into the death of six-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume and the serious injuries suffered by his mother, Hanaan Shahin. Attorney General Merrick Garland has expressed his condolences to the family and community, and the department is committed to ensuring justice is served. The Will County Sheriff's Office has arrested and charged landlord Joseph Czuba, alleging he targeted and stabbed Wadea and his mother because they were Muslim.