Israeli demonstrations continue:Â Demonstrations continued overnight in Israel against the action yesterday that stripped the country’s Supreme Court of much of its power. The right-wing coalition of Prime Minister Netanyahu in Israeli’s parlaiment took the action that eliminates Israeli’s Supreme Court as a check on the power of the Prime Minister. For months Netanyahu has been trying to take control of Israel’s courts while he faces criminal charges of corruption. Some Israeli newspapers this morning published front pages printed all in black with white type stating that what Netanyahu did amounts to the death of Israel’s democracy.
Obama’s chef drowns:Â Massachusetts State Police report that a paddle boarder who drowned in waters off Martha’s Vineyard was the personal chef of former President Obama. Tafari Campbell, who lived in Dumfries, Virginia, was vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard, a favorite vacation spot of the Obamas. He was a chef at the White House when President Obama took office and the Obamas asked him to remain with them when Obama left office.
Greece fires:Â Evacuation orders were issued overnight for residents of the Greek Islands of Corfu and Evia, which have been hit by wildfires. Fires still are burning on the island of Rhodes. An estimated 500 wildfires are burning throughout Greece, with a triple-digit heat wave continuing. Ten member countries in the European Union have sent firefighting teams and equipment to help Greece as have Egypt, Turkey and Israel.
Russians damage U.S. drone:Â The U.S. Air Force Central Command has revealed that there was an incident in the skies over Syria on Sunday involving Russian and U.S. aircraft. A Russian jet fighter intercepted a U.S. drone and, while flying over the drone, fired flares. One of the flares hit the drone’s propeller, causing severe damage. The remote operators of the drone were able to fly it back to its base. The U.S. called for an end to what it described as Russia’s reckless, unprovoked and unprofessional behavior.
McCarthy hints at impeachment:Â House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said last night on Sean Hannity’s program on Fox that Republicans in the House may soon investigate whether to impeach President Biden. McCarthy did not provide evidence of actions by Biden that would justify impeachment. However, extremist right-wing House Republicans have been advocating starting impeachment inquiries of Biden, Attorney General Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas.
New Chinese foreign minister:Â China announced today that Foreign Minister Qin Gang has been removed from office and replaced with his predecessor Wang Yi. It has been a month since Gang was last seen in public. Gang did not appear for scheduled meetings with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and U.S. envoy on the climate John Kerry.
