Bibi’s back in Washington
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets US President Donald Trump at the White House this evening, their third encounter there this year. Trump is pressing for a ceasefire in Gaza, after claiming Friday that a 60-day deal could be reached, in which Hamas would return 10 living and 18 dead hostages, Israeli forces would withdraw to a buffer zone along Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt, and aid would be distributed again by UN agencies and the Palestinian Red Crescent. As of this writing, however, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas were still ongoing.
Killer floods sweep through Texas
Even as rescuers are still searching for survivors of the Texas floods that have so far killed more than 80 people, including many children, the political finger pointing has begun. Homeland Security Kristi Noem blamed outdated National Weather Service systems, while critics say federal workforce cuts – including to weather forecasting agencies – have weakened disaster preparedness and left communities more vulnerable to catastrophic weather events.
Kenya’s police open fire on anti-government protesters
Police are cracking down on mass protests marking the 35th anniversary of Kenya’s return to democracy. Demonstrators and rioters – angry about cost of living, corruption, and police brutality – are calling for the resignation of President William Ruto, who won the 2022 election. Ruto’s alliance with the main opposition group has so far been a bulwark against anger from the streets – could that change? The next election is set for 2027.
