The Israeli military has called on civilians in eastern Rafah to evacuate, potentially indicating preparations for a ground invasion. Around 100,000 people have been advised to move to a humanitarian area, but details on the timeframe for evacuation have not been disclosed. Cease-fire talks have stalled, with concerns over a possible offensive in Rafah and the release of hostages still held in Gaza. CIA Director William Burns may travel to Israel for further discussions on the situation. Senator Mark Kelly has suggested conditioning future aid to Israel based on preventing civilian deaths in Gaza.
Democrats are preparing a new immigration strategy, including potential executive actions and votes that Republicans are likely to oppose. The goal is to capitalize on this issue ahead of the November election, where Democrats aim to take back control of the House and defend their positions in the Senate and White House. The White House is seeking input from immigration advocacy groups before potential executive orders are announced in the coming weeks. This comes after Republicans blocked a bipartisan border security bill aimed at addressing high levels of illegal crossings at the southern border.
Former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial continues with testimony resuming this week. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office plans to call its 10th witness, with concerns about Trump possibly posting about witnesses on social media. Trump was found in criminal contempt last week for violating a gag order. In another case, an ex-Army financial adviser has pleaded guilty to scamming Gold Star families out of millions of dollars. Instead of providing financial advice, he made unwise investments that resulted in losses for families who had lost loved ones on active duty.
The University of Mississippi has opened a student conduct investigation following a confrontation at a protest, with videos circulating online showing offensive and racist behavior. A group of pro-Palestinian protesters was surrounded by counterprotesters who exhibited hostile and unacceptable actions. Meanwhile, Boeing is set to launch its first piloted flight to space, with two astronauts scheduled to travel to the International Space Station. If successful, NASA could authorize routine flights to and from the space station, challenging SpaceX’s dominance.
In politics, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem suggested that President Biden’s dog should meet a similar fate as her own dog, whom she reportedly shot and killed. Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff will convene a panel focused on men advocating for more access to abortion rights. Democrats in Montana are framing a Republican Senate candidate as a threat to public land access. The Presidential race is six months away from Election Day, with potential changes ahead. And the Republican National Committee chief counsel is stepping down from his role.
Lastly, there is a delay in providing better sunscreens in the U.S. due to an FDA rule requiring testing on animals and classification as drugs. Sunscreens in other countries have different ingredients that are more effective in blocking harmful UV rays. Despite efforts to change these regulations, Americans are unlikely to have access to improved sunscreens in time for this summer. In other news, preparations are underway for the annual Met Gala, flooding has affected areas northeast of Houston, and a tragic incident occurred at Ohio State University’s graduation ceremony.
