5 vital stories to know this week [8/11]
From an Israeli air strike killing over 100 Palestinians sheltering in a school to questions about Harris' political stances, here are five stories to know this week.
Israeli air strike on Gaza school kills more than 100 people
An Israeli airstrike on the al-Tabin school in Gaza City on Saturday killed more than 100 Palestinians (mostly women and children) and injured dozens more, sparking international condemnation and intensified calls for the United States to halt its military support for Israel.
A CNN Journalist confirmed that U.S.-made weapons including the GBU-39 small-diameter bomb, were reportedly used in the strike.
James Zogby, co-founder of the Arab American Institute, criticized U.S. police, questioning why the U.S. continues to arm Israel despite the massive civilian casualties.
RECENTLY: The State Department notified Congress of a pending sale of 6,500 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) to Israel, valued at $262 million. The sale, which had been delayed for review, is now set to proceed despite growing calls for an arms embargo, according to Zeteo news.
Kamala Harris Picks Tim Walz as Running Mate for 2024 Election
Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 presidential election, solidifying their newly formed ticket against former President Donald Trump.
Walz, a former teacher, football coach and Army National Guard veteran, emerged as a standout choice from a shortlist that included Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.
Harris, who selected Walz after personal interviews and a final meeting at her residence, praised his authenticity and warmth. Walz is a champion of progressive politics, known for his work in protecting LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and education reform in Minnesota.
Harris faces criticism over Israel as campaign preps platform
Vice President Kamala Harris’s recently formed presidential campaign is facing backlash over her unequivocal support of Israel, questioning her commitment to addressing Israel's alleged violations of international law by the International Court of Justice. The criticism, voiced by the “uncommitted movement” nationwide was articulated by the group’s leaders in a meeting with Harris before her recent rally in Michigan.
The uncommitted movement, which consists of mostly Palestinian Americans who are losing family members in Gaza, is advocating for an arms embargo on Israel, a position that Harris indicated she would be “open to.” However, her National Security Advisor contradicted this stance, reaffirming continued U.S. military support for Israel.
Harris, who has faced multiple anti-war protests in both Michigan and Arizona, has not yet unveiled her campaign platform, which is expected to be released ahead of the Democratic National Convention next week, which will be a crucial moment for clarifying her policies and addressing voter concerns.
Muslims in the UK Question Belonging Amidst Surge in Violence and Riots
Following a tragic stabbing attack in Southport, UK, that killed three young girls, a wave of violence and anti-Muslim riots has swept across Great Britain and Northern Ireland after misinformation spread on social media that the attackers were Muslim immigrants. The riots have included assaults on a local mosque and confrontations with police that resulted in over 50 officers being injured.
Nigel Farage, a right-wing broadcaster and MP, fueled uncertainty by questioning the police’s information on the attacker, who was a 17-year-old boy. The unrest spread to other areas, including Belfast, where rioters targeted a hotel housing asylum seekers. Muslims across the country are feeling a growing sense of fear and insecurity, according to interviews and reports.
13 Republican-Led States Opted Out of Federal Summer Food Program
Thirteen GOP-led states opted out of a new federal summer grocery program designed to assist nearly 21 million children facing food insecurity when school is out. The $2.5 billion initiative, which provides $120 per child over the summer months, was rejected by Republican leaders who labeled it as "welfare" and objected to the administrative costs. Now, as a result, families in those states face increased levels of “food insecurity” compared to states that have the EBT program.
CONTEXT: 17 million households faced food insecurity in 2022, an increase from previous years.