10/29/24
Good morning! It’s Tuesday, October 29th.
National Cat Day
Ruth? Did you invent a holiday? Are you not getting enough attention? Because I truly don’t know how that would be possible. I basically smother you. It’s embarrassing for both of us.
And now, the news.
Update: Middle East
Starting with an update on things in the Middle East, after Israel announces that they are waiting for the results of our election next week before moving forward with on a possible two-day cease-fire.
So uh… great. No pressure there!
This news comes after Saturday’s attack on Hezbollah from Israel, in retaliation for last month’s attack in Israel. This was the one they’ve been warning the world about. As promised, the attack was not on Iran’s oil or nuclear sites. Instead, Iran says the attacks caused limited damage.
Meanwhile, in the UN – on Monday South Africa submitted its genocide case against Israel. The 750 page brief outlined the last year of attacks in Gaza and was filed last minute because, as their lawyers said, they wanted to keep it updated with all of Israel’s operations.
The filing will remain sealed until oral hearings begin next year.
On the same day that that was filed, the UNRWA, which is the main agency that aids Palestinians in Gaza, has been banned from working in Israel, which will directly affect what they’re doing in Gaza.
Most of the provisions will not take place for three months, but in three months, Gaza will still need help.
And what we do here, in America, in seven days, will be a big part of what the future of Gaza looks like.
Investigation into Sean Combs’ Prison
-via AP News
The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Prisons have launched an investigation into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, which is the same prison where Sean Combs currently is and that’s relevant here.
Combs’ lawyers have been asking for him to be released on bond and, as part of their reasoning, stated how terrible the conditions at that prison are.
And I just think… our prisons should be better. Our prison systems should be better. There’s a lot to fix.
And also, he should not get any credit if his lawyers’ complaining pushes forward those much needed changes.
Officials have so far refused to provide operational details.
Philadelphia DA Sues Musk
-via NPR
In Philadelphia, District Attorney Larry Krasner has asked a state judge to put a stop to Elon Musk’s $1 million check giveaway, calling it “indisputably an unlawful lottery.”
This is great. It’s a great way to stop what he’s doing.
Because it is fraud against voters – it’s bribing people to vote for a fascist.
And Marrick Garland should be stopping it but for whatever reason (I’m not a lawyer) isn’t. So here’s at least something.
TBD on whether the state judge stops him.
Election 2024
-via AP News
In Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington two ballot boxes, one in each, were set on fire by incendiary devices in what one election official called a “direct attack on democracy.”
The ballots will now be picked up more frequently, including at night to keep them from being full overnight.
Authorities believe these two incidents were related and they have at least a suspect’s car on camera.
And so here’s what I want to say – this is scary. This is not a great moment in our history.
But the only way out is through.
If you know a voter in Portland or Vancouver, tell them to go to their Secretary of State’s website and track their ballot. It’s not too late to make sure they’re still able to cast a vote.
We’re not going to let them win.
We’re going to stand up against this people that are trying to steal an election, and then we’re going to elect leaders that care about making sure we stay a democracy. Leaders that protect our right to a free and fair election.
That starts with Kamala Harris.
Because she is an advocate for democracy.
And also because Donald Trump basically had a nazi rally on Sunday, and nazis aren’t exactly known for their love of democracy.
Seven days.
Seven days.
It’s a fight for democracy and it deserves everything we’ve got.
And that’s it. That’s the news.
I’m proud of cats. My cat has never done anything wrong in her life.
I’m also proud of… well, if I’m being honest… I’m proud of you.