The growing divide between Israel and the United States
Relations between Israel and the US appear to have sunk to a new low after the US allowed the UN Security Council to pass a ceasefire resolution in Gaza – and domestic political pressures in both nations they are increasing the tension.
President Biden faces outrage from global allies and his political supporters over the civilian death toll in the war against Hamas and over Israeli restrictions on aid entering Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces harsh criticism from his far-right coalition partners, whom he needs to maintain his government, for any hesitation in war against Hamas or expanding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. One of these partners recently accused Biden of tacitly supporting Israel's enemies, and yesterday, during a campaign event, Biden admitted that the Gaza protesters “are right.”
But despite the political signal, officials said U.S. policy of supporting Israel had not changed, and talks between the Israeli defense minister and the U.S. defense secretary continued yesterday even after Netanyahu recalled a delegation to Washington.
Six presumed dead after bridge collapse in US
A massive container ship struck the bridge's pylon as it left the Port of Baltimore early Tuesday morning, causing the bridge to plunge into the water below. The Coast Guard last night suspended the search for six construction workers who were repairing potholes on the bridge and are presumed dead.
The vessel lost power and issued a distress call shortly before the collision, giving officials a brief window of time to keep cars out of the 1.6-mile range. Two other workers were rescued from the water and none of the ship's 24 crew members were injured.
It is not known why the vessel, a nearly 300-meter-long cargo ship called Dali that was bound for Sri Lanka, hit the bridge. But an inspection last year showed the ship had a shortage related to “propulsion and auxiliary machinery.”
Russia amplifies disinformation after terrorist attack
The deadly terrorist attack at a concert hall outside Moscow had barely calmed down before Russia began a disinformation campaign suggesting that Ukraine and the West were somehow behind it, promoting a version of events that fits the Kremlin's war narrative and downplays a major security failure.
This campaign intensified even after the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack and Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that “radical Islamists” had carried out the attack, and despite the absence of any evidence directly linking the four suspects to the 'Ukraine.
The British monarchy once held a unique and exhilarating hold on the imaginations of millions of Americans.
Lately, however, a series of high-profile scandals within the royal family have collided with the rise of a celebrity-obsessed internet culture. The months-long frenzy over the whereabouts of Catherine, Princess of Wales, reflects a shift in sentiment that makes the Windsors like any other celebrity family in the public eye.
Lives lived: Richard Serra was one of the greatest sculptors of his era, known for creations with the scale and inscrutability of ancient temples. He died at 85 years old.
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To move on: Why Germany and Adidas are ending their partnership.
“Wasting millions”: Top tennis coach criticizes USTA for cutting its player development program.
Beyoncé goes to the countryside
“Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé's eighth solo album, explores and tests the boundaries of country music. But the country music industry greeted the wildly popular artist with a shrug, perhaps because Nashville has consistently marginalized both African-Americans and women.
But the contempt is mutual, and Beyoncé has found a path beyond the country's borders. Similarly themed LPs from lesser stars may be less effective in making the point Beyoncé makes, that black creativity fuels all corners of popular music, writes our critic Jon Caramanica.
That's all for today. Thanks for spending part of the morning with us and see you tomorrow. —Dan
PS The Athletic's Adam Crafton has been named sports journalist of the year at the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards.
You can contact Dan and the team at [email protected].