Former President Barack Obama has weighed in on the issue of gun ownership in America, calling it an "ideological" and "partisan" issue. The Supreme Court has declined to block a new law in Illinois that bans assault-style weapons, and a federal judge has blocked a similar law in Illinois. Obama has urged Congress to pass "common-sense gun safety laws" and called on Americans to come together to find common ground on the issue of gun violence.
Posts tagged as “Advancing American Freedom”
Salman Rushdie was awarded the Freedom to Publish Award at the British Book Awards, in recognition of his courage and determination to stand up for freedom of expression and freedom to publish in the face of ongoing threats. He spoke out against censorship and intolerance, and said that this is a “moment of crisis” for those rights in the West. The award is a new one, given for the first time in 2022.
Nikki Haley, former United Nations ambassador and 2024 Republican presidential candidate, discussed the Biden administration's efforts to address the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border on CBS' "Face the Nation." Haley noted that the administration has increased deportation flights and barred migrants who try to enter without permission, subjecting them to a five year ban. She concluded by saying that the administration must be honest with the American people about the situation at the border.
President Joe Biden addressed the graduating class of Howard University, a leading historically Black university, warning of the dangers of white supremacy and racism. He spoke of the need to recognize and confront the history of racism in the United States, and warned that “hate never goes away” and that “silence is complicity.” Biden also addressed the recent bomb scares made to HBCUs, and urged the graduates to “stand up for the best in us” and to confront the threats to American democracy and to suppress Black history.
President Joe Biden is refusing to negotiate over the federal government's obligation to pay its debts, while Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia is calling for the House's chief administrative officer to withhold pay for members of Congress until the looming crisis over the debt ceiling is resolved. House GOP leaders are pushing a plan to raise the debt limit through March 2024, but the plan is dead on arrival in the Democratic-led Senate. Speculation is growing that a potential deal could be reached, but President Biden is adamant that he will not negotiate over the federal budget.
Peruvian authorities have issued an order allowing Joran van der Sloot, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, to be temporarily extradited to the United States to face charges of extortion. Van der Sloot is currently serving a 28-year sentence in Peru for unrelated charges, and his attorney has said he plans to fight the extradition order. Natalee's mother, Beth Holloway, expressed her gratitude to U.S. and Peruvian authorities and hopes that van der Sloot will "answer for his crimes" in the U.S. The extradition has brought the mystery surrounding Natalee Holloway's disappearance back into the spotlight, but it is unclear when the extradition will take place.
The FDA has finalized a new rule that will make it easier for gay and bisexual men to donate blood. The rule will use a set of individual, risk-based questions to reduce the risk of HIV transmission, meaning that most gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships will no longer need to abstain from sex to donate. The new guidelines are the result of a rigorous scientific process and will take effect in the coming months, helping to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply.
One year after the killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, the FBI investigation has not spoken to key witnesses, raising questions about progress. Abu Akleh was a prominent journalist and was fatally shot by an Israeli soldier while reporting in the West Bank. A report by the Committee to Protect Journalists highlights the need for greater accountability and justice for journalists killed in the line of duty.