Biden trip to the Middle East aims to build ties with Israel and Saudi Arabia
President Joe Biden will begin his first presidential trip to the Middle East in Israel, America’s closest ally in the region, on Wednesday. before visiting Saudi Arabia on Friday. A monumental task Biden will have in both countries is convincing officials that he is committed to preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power. Since he took office, he has dealt with other priorities, notably Russia and China. For starters, the Associated Press reports that Israeli officials said the United States and Israel would issue a “Jerusalem Declaration” that would take a strong stance on Iran’s nuclear program. Biden will also walk a tightrope between other political challenges and his promises to prioritize human rights. Critics say that because of the US’s “ironclad” commitment to Israel, he has failed to hold the government accountable for its treatment of the Palestinians. Administration officials say Biden has worked to restore ties with the Palestinians that had been essentially severed during the Trump administration.
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The CPI report will likely support a further rate hike by the Fed
Several early warning signs of inflation they are declining, and economists say that should lead to softer price increases in a few months. But encouraging data is not expected to appear in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June, to be published on Wednesdayand the annual increase is likely to hit another new 40-year high of 8.8%. after jumping from 8.3% to 8.6% in May. And that ugly inflation report will likely cause the Federal Reserve to raise its key interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point for the second straight month in late July, according to economists. While there are signs that inflation should recede, including lower prices for oil, wheat and other commodities, it takes some time for such changes to work their way into consumer prices.
Highland Park survivors will rally at the US Capitol and push for gun control legislation
The organizers expect up to 1,000 people to converge on the United States Capitol on Wednesday in support of tougher gun laws in the wake of the 4th of July mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois. The “Fourth of March” rally is part of a broader call to action in the wake of recent mass killings, including the most recent attack in Highland Park, where a gunman climbed onto a roof in suburban Chicago. and opened fire on a parade. Seven people were killed and dozens were injured. Organizers say tougher policies must be enacted to prevent the steady stream of mass killings. There have been 333 mass shootings so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. families and survivors of Uvalde,Texas, where a gunman opened fire at a primary school in May, killing 21 people, they were also expected to attend.
Akron Declares Day of Mourning for Jayland Walker
Two weeks after police killed Jayland Walker, an unarmed black man, in Akron, Ohio, the city has declared Wednesday a day of mourning. Walker’s funeral will also be held Wednesday at the Akron Civic Theater. Officers shot and killed Walker, 25, on June 27 as he was fleeing from police who were pursuing him for a traffic violation and an equipment violation, according to authorities. The Akron City Council on Monday passed the resolution declaring Wednesday a citywide day of mourning for Walker, as public speakers and protesters gathered at City Hall to criticize the council for failing to reform Akron’s police force. Police said they will continue with their current traffic stop and chase policies.
Biggest supermoon of the year to rise
the The biggest supermoon of the year will rise on Wednesday in the southeastern sky. July’s full moon will reach its maximum illumination at 2:38 p.m. ET, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. “It will be below the horizon by this time, so plan to look southeast after sunset to see it rise into the sky,” the almanac advises. When the moon’s orbit brings it closer to Earth than usual, the cosmic combo is called a supermoon. The moon may appear slightly larger and brighter than normal, weather permitting. In addition to being a supermoon, the July moon may also be known as a “fallow deer” moon “because the antlers of male (male) deer are in full growth mode at this time,” said the Old Farmer’s Almanac. It’s also called the “thunder” moon because of frequent early-summer thunderstorms, NASA’s Gordon Johnston added.
Contributing: The Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden trip to the Middle East, inflation update: 5 things to know on Wednesday