We’re back and we’re reading – everything from “CNN” to the “New York Times.” We’re trying to help you keep up with the rapid pace of politics and everyday news. Today we’ve got an Oscars recap, outrage in Israel, and the latest on the R. Kelly sexual assault case.
Last night’s Oscars took a more inclusive turn
With “Green Book” winning best picture, this year’s Oscars saw a different dynamic.
The program had no host this year and moved swiftly through awards in an attempt to make the run time shorter, after last year’s all-time low in ratings.
The spread of awards was notably more inclusive, with “Black Panther” winning several awards and “Bohemian Rhapsody” earning four Oscars, more than any other film according to CNN.
A common theme throughout the night’s speakers was Trump’s immigration policy. Spike Lee notably made a remark urging people to start thinking about the 2020 election.
Prime Minister of Israel receives pushback over agreement with political party
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu often makes pacts with political parties, but his latest choice has sparked outrage within even his most dependable supporters.
Jewish leaders in the United States and Israel are furious following Mr. Netanyahu’s latest deal with the racist and anti-Arab party, Otzma Yehudit, according to The New York Times.
One high ranking rabbi compared this party’s ideology to Nazism due to the party’s support of deportation of Arabs in Israel and violence toward Palestinians.
Mr. Netanyahu, who needs every vote he can get, agreed to merge Otzma Yehudit with a mainstream party, the Jewish Home. This centralizes the group and could give them more influence.
R. Kelly due to appear in court today
R. Kelly was in a Chicago jail over the weekend with bond set at $1 million and is expected to appear in court today according to Fox News.
Attorney Michael Avenatti, representing two victims, had given prosecutors one video of Kelly assaulting a minor and said he had another, which he claims he will give to prosecutors today.
Kelly has denied all allegations. At the brief hearing today, a trial judge will be assigned to the case.
Kelly has been charged with 10 counts of aggravated sexual assault on four victims, which includes three minors.
Trump and Pence abroad today
President Donald Trump leaves today to attend a summit in Vietnam with Kim Jong Un.
At the same time, Vice President Mike Pence will be attending an emergency conference in Colombia to discuss the situation in Venezuela.
This scheduling is unusual. The last notable time the two were outside the United States at the same was last year.
According to the Associated Press, Pence will meet with a group of conservative Latin American countries called the Lima Group.
Elephant poaching is a serious issue for Botswana
An aerial survey of wildlife shows the increasing problem of elephant poaching, according to the BBC,
Even in Botswana, at one of the few remaining elephant sanctuaries, scientists conducting the survey discovered 128 recently killed elephants.
The survey, conducted by Elephants without Borders, found a six-time increase in recently killed elephants with signs of poaching.
Mike Chase, the principal scientist conducting the survey, said authorities are ignoring the results. Chase has since had one of his research licenses suspended by the government and received death threats.
Michael Cohen to testify before three congressional committees this week
Michael Cohen, former lawyer for Donald Trump, will be testifying this week.
Members of these committees have given previews as to what they will be asking Cohen.
House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff plans to find out why Cohen gave “false statements before our committee when he first appeared.”
Trump’s legal team consistently discredits Cohen and claims he is an uncredible witness.
Cohen will not be discussing Russia in the open session, but will do so with congressional investigators in the private session.
That’s all we have for today. Check back tomorrow for more.
