On Sunday, former President Donald Trump was targeted in an attempted assassination at his West Palm Beach golf club but was unharmed, with a suspect in custody. Republican Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance defended Trump's debunked claims about Haitian migrants and suggested fabricating stories for media attention. The Nevada Green Party is appealing a state court ruling that blocks their candidate, Jill Stein, from the ballot due to a signature collection error. RFK Jr. is under investigation by the National Marine Fisheries Institute for allegedly mishandling a whale specimen, which he disputes. Far-right influencer Laura Loomer, known for conspiracy theories, has faced backlash for racist comments about Haitian immigrants.

Trump subject of apparent assassination attempt, FBI investigating (AP)

Vance stands by pet-eating claims (NYT)

Green Party urges Supreme Court to intervene in Nevada ballot dispute (CNN)

RFK Jr. says he is being investigated for collecting whale specimen (NBC)

Laura Loomer pushes back amid criticism of her proximity to Trump (ABC)

The situation in Venezuela is extremely unstable following a recent election, where President Nicolas Maduro was declared the winner by the National Electoral Authority. This result has sparked controversy and unrest, with opposition groups claiming they secured 73% of the vote and labeling the election a sham. Many international powers, including the United States, Brazil, and Argentina, have criticized the election's legitimacy, leading Maduro to expel foreign diplomats. The situation has escalated, with violent protests and growing isolation from the international community. The U.S. has issued travel advisories, anticipating further instability, while Russia continues to support Maduro's regime, highlighting Venezuela's geopolitical significance.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/government-opposition-both-claim-venezuela-election-win-official-results

Hey everyone, this is Wally Rashid. On July 24th, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress amid significant controversy, with many Democratic lawmakers and Vice President Kamala Harris absent. Netanyahu's speech emphasized the need for continued U.S. support for Israel, particularly in expediting military aid to help resolve the Gaza conflict. He framed the situation in the Middle East as a battle between "barbarism and civilization," highlighting Iran's role. He also addressed efforts to secure the release of hostages and condemned recent pro-Palestinian protests. The speech drew criticism, including from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and was followed by protests outside the Capitol. Netanyahu's U.S. visit continues with meetings with President Biden and Vice President Harris, as well as a scheduled visit to former President Trump. For more updates, follow me, Wally Rashid, on Instagram and TikTok.

Sources:

Coming Soon!

China and the Philippines have reportedly reached a peace agreement, though details remain undisclosed. This development is significant due to recent tensions, including China's construction of manmade islands and the Philippines' actions, such as beaching an old World War II ship to assert territorial claims. The conflict has involved unconventional tactics, like China's buoy barriers and clashes between Chinese and Filipino vessels. The situation had escalated to the point of physical confrontations, raising concerns about potential broader conflicts involving allies like the United States. The reported cooperation between China and the Philippines offers a hopeful sign of de-escalation, though the situation remains fluid.

Sources:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-philippines-south-china-sea-deal-rcna162887

Israel is facing a new battlefield tactic involving long-range strikes that breach the Iron Dome, its top missile defense system. These strikes, executed by Hezbollah, are penetrating deep into Israeli territory. Despite not achieving a 100% success rate, even one successful strike past the Iron Dome is concerning for Israel. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been increasing the range of their attacks, reaching as far as 60 kilometers into Israeli territory, and targeting civilian and military infrastructure. In response, Israel has been striking deeper into Lebanese territory to counter Hezbollah's advances.

Sources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/21/israel-hamas-war-news-gaza-yemen/

https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/21/middleeast/israel-strikes-houthi-rebels-explainer-intl/index.html

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-it-intercepts-missile-fired-yemen-houthis-say-they-targeted-eilat-2024-07-21/

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/houthi-tv-says-israeli-airstrikes-target-yemens-hodeidah-port-2024-07-20/

The Supreme Court has significantly reduced the powers of federal agencies by overturning the Chevron doctrine, a 40-year-old precedent that allowed these agencies to interpret laws they regulate. This 6–3 decision means courts will no longer defer to agencies' expertise on ambiguous laws, shifting this responsibility to judges. Chief Justice Roberts assured that previous rulings based on the Chevron doctrine remain valid, but future regulations may face new legal challenges. This ruling is seen as a victory for legal conservatives aiming to limit the influence of unelected bureaucrats.

Sources:

Republican’s side of Chevron (CNBC)

Supreme Court curbs regulators (Bloomberg)

Federal Agency power cuts (CBS)

Today on Current2 Politics, the Supreme Court declined to restrict President Biden's use of social media, citing free speech concerns. They also narrowed an anti-corruption law, distinguishing between gifts and bribery. Additionally, the Court accidentally leaked documents on an Idaho abortion case, potentially impacting emergency room procedures. Stay tuned for more updates this Sunday and catch up on our past episodes for the latest insights.

Bulletin brief

U.S.  Supreme Court will not curb Biden administration social media contacts (Reuters)

Supreme Court acknowledges accidentally posting Idaho abortion case document (NBC)

Supreme Court wipes out anti-corruption law that bars officials from taking gifts for past favors (LA Times)

On Saturday, presidential candidate Trump hinted at knowing his Vice President pick, with the announcement planned for the Republican National Convention in July. Among the contenders are North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, noted for his strong support and friendship with Trump, and Ohio Senator JD Vance, who transformed from a critic to a staunch supporter. Senator Marco Rubio, a former critic who could attract Hispanic voters, is also in the mix. Other potential candidates include Senator Tim Scott, Representative Elise Stefanik, and former HUD Secretary Ben Carson, each bringing unique advantages. Trump confirmed the chosen VP will attend Thursday’s CNN debate, raising anticipation for the reveal.

In a recent decision, the Supreme Court dismissed a case challenging FDA approvals for the abortion pill mifepristone, ruling that anti-abortion groups lacked legal standing. The case could have limited access to the medication nationwide despite state laws. It's the first major abortion-related ruling since Roe v. Wade was overturned. Supporters argued FDA decisions were based on scientific judgment, while opponents cited health risks. Mifepristone is crucial in most U.S. abortions, affecting hormone levels for pregnancy termination up to 10 weeks. The court's move sidestepped judgment on FDA legality but maintained expanded medication access.

Bulletin brief

Unanimous Supreme Court preserve access to widely used abortion medication (AP)

Supreme Court rejects bid to restrict access to abortion pill (NBC)