Russia Intensifies Drone and Bomb Attacks on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia, Deepening Civilian Fear 
New Zealand MMP Electoral System Faces Fresh Referendum Debate 
Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate Primary, Sets Up Key Midterm Showdown 
Russian Air Strike on Kyiv Kills Two, Injures Dozens as Attacks Intensify 
Michigan Democratic Senate Primary: Abdul El-Sayed Leads Haley Stevens in Closely Watched Race 
Zelensky Urges Faster NATO Action on Air Defense Missiles 
Trump Says U.S.-Iran Talks Progressing as Hopes Rise for Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
US-Backed Venezuela Government, Opposition Talks Begin 
North Korea May Deploy 120 Missiles to Russia 
Trump Urges Exxon, Chevron to Cut Gas Prices After Record Oil Profits 
New Mexico Sues DOJ Over Unredacted Jeffrey Epstein Files Amid Ongoing Investigation 
Trump Administration Weighs Executive Order on Vaccines and Autism Research 
U.S. Unseals Charges Against Five Alleged CJNG Leaders, Raises Reward for New Cartel Chief 
Canada, US Hold Constructive Trade Talks as Tariff Negotiations Continue 
Bezalel Smotrich Faces Election Battle as Israel’s Far-Right Vote Fractures 
Rubio, UK’s Miliband Stress Stronger European Security Role in Washington Talks 
US Expands Social Media Vetting to Foreign Journalists Seeking Visas 
First Lady Melania Trump is the recipient of the 2020 Woman of Distinction Award at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida. Despite the criticism coming from both students and alumni, university president Bill Fleming said that Trump deserved the award.
It would not be too far off to say that this was a move made with completely political motives, as Politicalflare reports that the First Lady attended the Women of Distinction luncheon at Palm Beach Atlantic University, not far from the Mar-a-Lago resort estate owned by her husband Donald Trump. Melania was given the “2020 Woman of Distinction” award and upon accepting the accolade, invoked her Be Best initiative which tackles cyber-bullying as well as opioid abuse.
Prior to the actual event, the university announced their decision in choosing Melania, explaining that this would put emphasis on “encouraging the potential of each person aligns with Mrs. Trump’s platform as First Lady.” However, many students and alumni were not pleased with their decision. One senior, Graysen Boehning, expressed that they were not convinced that Melania’s “character or impact here is worthy of that recognition.” Boehning went on to explain that the First Lady’s character does not represent the “community of love for people of all backgrounds and beliefs that PBA houses and fosters.”
Fleming defended the organization’s decision and said that it was “honorable.” After giving the award to Melania, Fleming said that the First Lady is “a role model with brilliance, elegance, and grace.”
Along with the students and alumni, many on social media have also criticized the decision to give Melania the award and mocked the First Lady’s speech, pointing out the incredible irony that it presented. “We live in an age where too many people allow the number of retweets or likes to define their self-worth. I am convinced now more than ever that teaching healthy online behavior is crucial to securing a safer future for our children.”
As footage of Melania’s acceptance speech was shared online, many pointed out the irony in her statements as Donald Trump is known for attacking people online. Scott Dworkin tweeted “Melania Trump doesn’t deserve an award unless it’s for helping to provide cover for the biggest bully in the world.”
Other commenters wondered what Melania’s Be Best initiative actually accomplished, and some pointed out that her initiative is pointless as it seems that she is complicit with her husband’s online behavior.
