Podcast Summary
Immigration and Crime: Two illegal immigrants from Venezuela charged with rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Texas, while the Supreme Court will review Tennessee's ban on puberty blockers and transgender surgeries for minors, and Russia accuses US of involvement in attack on Crimea using American-made missiles
Two illegal immigrants from Venezuela, charged with the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Texas, faced their first court appearance. The men, whose bonds are set at high amounts, allegedly lured Jocelyn Nungri under a bridge, assaulted, and killed her, then tossed her body in a bayou. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will review the Biden administration's challenge to Tennessee's ban on puberty blockers and transgender surgeries for minors. The case, USV Scrametti, will be argued in October, with Tennessee arguing that such decisions should be left up to the states. Russia summoned the U.S. Ambassador over allegations of American involvement in an attack on Crimea using American-made missiles, resulting in casualties and injuries. The U.S. and Ukrainian governments have yet to respond to these claims. This episode is sponsored by Black Rifle Coffee, where a portion of every purchase supports veteran and first responder causes, and Good Ranchers, offering $100 off your order and free-smoked brats for a year with promo code WIRED.
Israel-Palestine conflict, Hezbollah: Israeli PM Netanyahu opposes US-backed ceasefire, pushes for partial deal. Hamas, Biden admin seek permanent ceasefire. Israel readies troops for Hezbollah confrontation, risking escalation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing back against US-supported ceasefire proposals, insisting on a partial deal instead of ending the conflict with Hamas. Meanwhile, Hamas and the Biden administration continue to push for a permanent ceasefire in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages. Israel is also preparing to send more troops to its northern border to confront Hezbollah militants, which could lead to a significant escalation in military activities. Elsewhere, three deans at Columbia University have been placed on leave following an investigation into disparaging text messages during a panel on anti-Semitism. And a new federal rule mandates the immediate disclosure of hazardous chemicals on trains following any kind of derailment, in response to incidents like last year's Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.