President Joe Biden is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris amid tensions over the use of U.S. weapons against Russia. Kyiv has been allowed to use limited Western-supplied weapons to strike military targets inside Russian border regions, but Ukraine is pushing for more support. The increased assistance for Ukraine has angered the Kremlin, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning that he could deploy arms to countries capable of striking the West in response. The meeting between Biden and Zelenskyy follows the D-Day 80th anniversary events in Normandy, where Western leaders showed solidarity in the face of Russia’s aggression.
Hunter Biden’s ongoing gun trial in Delaware has garnered significant support from close friends and family, despite the Biden campaign keeping a distance. First lady Jill Biden has been present in the courtroom behind her son, highlighting the family’s concern about the toll the trial could take on Hunter. The trial comes at a tumultuous time in the Biden family’s life, with Jill Biden shuttling between Delaware and France for official engagements. The trial has attracted a lot of media attention and scrutiny, particularly given the high-profile nature of the Biden family.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on July 24, following a formal invitation from all four Congressional leaders. Some Democrats have expressed concerns and indicated plans to boycott the speech over Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has reignited debates and activism on college campuses, with student activists demanding divestment from Israeli companies tied to the conflict. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of protecting civilian populations in the Gaza Strip, implicitly criticizing Israel’s conduct during the conflict.
The suspect in the Gilgo Beach serial killings has been charged with the murders of two more women, with one case dating back to 1993. Investigators have linked Rex Heuermann to the murders through DNA evidence and a “planning document” found on his laptop. Heuermann, who had been leading a quiet life with his family, has now been implicated in multiple murders, raising questions about his activities over the past three decades. The case continues to unfold, with Heuermann’s next court date set for July 30.
A woman who claims to have inspired the stalker character in Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” is suing the company for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Fiona Harvey alleges that she was harassed online after her identity was linked to the character, and she is seeking more than $170 million in damages. The lawsuit comes after Harvey’s public statement warning of legal action against Netflix for labeling her a “convicted stalker.” The case highlights the impact of online harassment and the potential consequences of media portrayals.
In other political news, a federal judge has ordered Steve Bannon to report to prison to begin a four-month sentence for defying subpoenas from the January 6 Committee. Two officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6 faced boos and walkouts from Republicans at the Pennsylvania state House. The Republican National Committee has hired a pro-Trump supporter from the “Stop the Steal” movement for a key role, and the Vermont Republican Party has rules prohibiting support for candidates with felony convictions. Additionally, advancements in AI technology have raised concerns about the manipulation of elections through deepfake videos, as seen in India’s recent election.
