1. The Presidential Contest
The family of President Joe Biden has come together in support of him, pledging their “unequivocal support” for him to run for reelection in 2024. Two Biden associates claim that during a Sunday family get-together at Camp David, this support was reiterated. The meeting was important because, after a dismal showing in the previous week’s CNN presidential debate, Biden and his team are coming under increasing pressure to get out. Potential changes to Biden’s senior advisory team and campaign workers were also discussed within the family. According to a recent CBS/YouGov survey, 28% of registered voters still think Biden should stay in the race, but 72% of registered voters question his mental and cognitive fitness to serve as president.
2. The Supreme Court
Today, the Supreme Court will publish its last judgments of the term, addressing important matters like as former President Donald Trump’s argument that he is immune from allegations of federal election subversion. According to Trump’s justification, future presidents may be prosecuted for political reasons if they didn’t have some immunity. The court will also make decisions in matters pertaining to social media and the First Amendment, including those involving Florida and Texas legislation intended to stop conservative opinions from being suppressed on sites like Facebook and X. Online platforms are prohibited by these state regulations from deleting or downgrading postings that represent political viewpoints.
3. Hurricane Beryl
Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 3 storm, is about to make landfall in the Caribbean today, bringing strong winds and potentially fatal storm surges. Forecasts indicate that Grenada, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines are the most vulnerable places. Beryl’s arrival marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, which might be very early and catastrophic. Sunday saw the hurricane strengthen to Category 4, making history as the first storm of that size to form in the Atlantic Ocean in June. Even though it has already dropped to a Category 3, towns are still prepared for extensive destruction and power disruptions.
4. Aviation Security
Boeing announced intentions to purchase Spirit Aerosystems, a major supplier and manufacturing partner, as a significant step toward addressing safety problems. Spirit Aerosystems manufactures key parts for several Boeing models, including the 737 Max fuselage, which has drawn criticism for several safety flaws. In the meanwhile, an arrangement between Boeing and the Justice Department is almost finalized, which calls for a corporate monitor and a fine in return for a guilty plea to criminal charges. Attorneys for the relatives of those killed in two catastrophic 737 Max accidents have criticized this arrangement, calling it a “sweetheart deal.”
5. Election in France
Predictions issued on Sunday show that Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party is leading the first round of the French legislative elections. The party of President Emmanuel Macron is now ranked third as a result of this event. Even with its advantage, the National Rally may not be able to win the 289 seats needed for an absolute majority in the National Assembly, which might result in a hung parliament and further political unpredictability. Macron has promised to serve out his whole term as president, which ends in 2027. However, he may now have to deal with the difficult task of selecting an opposition party prime minister—a unique circumstance known as “cohabitation.”