Drones Spotted Near Zelenskiy’s Flight Path in Ireland Trigger Security Alert 
China’s Expanding Maritime Military Presence Alarms Taiwan and Japan 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Honduras Election Turmoil Deepens as Nasralla Alleges Fraud in Tight Presidential Race 
Cuba Reaffirms Anti-Drug Cooperation as Tensions Rise in the Caribbean 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
Michael Dell Pledges $6.25 Billion to Boost Children’s Investment Accounts Under Trump Initiative 
Hong Kong Faces Low Turnout in “Patriots-Only” Election Amid Public Grief After Deadly Fire 
Trump Administration Halts Immigration, Green Card, and Citizenship Processing for 19 Countries 
Australia and Japan Strengthen Defence Cooperation Amid Rising Regional Tensions 
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call 
Trump Administration Tightens H-1B Visa Vetting With New Focus on Free Speech and Censorship 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
UN Chief Says Gaza Operation “Fundamentally Wrong” as Concerns Over War Crimes Grow 
U.S. Defense Chief Pete Hegseth Defends Controversial Second Strike on Suspected Drug-Smuggling Vessel 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
Among the provisions that are included in the Democrat-led social infrastructure package is that of paid family leave. In a rare political statement, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has urged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to pass paid family leave.
Markle penned an open letter to Pelosi and Schumer to make her case as to why paid family leave should be passed in Congress. In her letter, Markle said that she was writing to them as a parent advocating for paid leave, noting that many parents are unable to take time off to properly care for their children. This comes as Democrats appear to be in the last stages of negotiations over the Build Back Better social infrastructure bill that would include provisions for climate change and care for families.
“I’m writing to you at this deeply important time -- as a mom -- to advocate for paid leave,” wrote the Duchess in her letter that was shared to media outlets.
“In June, my husband and I welcomed our second child,” wrote Markle. “Like any parents, we were overjoyed. Like many parents, we were overwhelmed. Like fewer parents, we weren’t confronted with the harsh reality of either spending those first few critical moments with our baby or going back to work.”
“Paid leave should be a national right, rather than a patchwork option limited to those whose employers have policies in place, or those who live in one of the few states where a leave program exists. If we’re going to create a new era of family first policies, let’s make sure that includes a strong paid leave program for every American that’s guaranteed, accessible, and encouraged without stigma or penalty,” wrote the Duchess.
In other news, the House has voted to hold former strategist to Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, in contempt for defying a congressional subpoena served by the House Committee that is currently investigating the Capitol insurrection. Nine House Republicans joined the Democrats in voting in support of the criminal contempt referral.
Following the vote, Pelosi has submitted the report to the DC US Attorney’s office which would then be handled by the Justice Department for prosecution.
