Thursday, May 20 top stories
It is Thursday, May 20. Here are today’s top stories.
The Israeli government announced that it has reached a 11-day cease-fire agreement to halt a military operation against Hamas. This deal was brokered by the Egyptian government. It is a positive news development after many days of news reports of bombings and deaths.
The violence started on May 10. At least 230 Palestinians have been killed, including 64 children, while at least 12 people in Israel, including two children, were killed. Over 58,000 Palestinians are displaced due to massive destruction in their neighborhoods.
U.S. President Biden pressed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu yesterday to move towards a cease-fire.
Today President Biden signed the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act into law, which is aimed to address an increase in attacks against Asian Americans.
Axios said the new law will direct the Justice Department to expedite the review of coronavirus-related hate crimes and issue guidance to state and local law enforcement on how to report the crimes.
President Biden said in a speech today before signing the law that too many Asian Americans woke up this past year genuinely fearing for their safety. Vice President Kamala Harris said the bill brings us one step closer to stopping hate, not only for Asian Americans, but for all Americans.
A report determined that well-known BBC journalist Martin Bashir used deceitful methods to get the opportunity to interview Princess Diana in 1995. The interview had a huge impact on the world because Diana revealed that her marriage with Prince Charles was going downhill.
A former judge said in the report that Bashir used fake bank statements to convince Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, that people were being paid to spy on Diana. That was allegedly used to gain Earl and Diana’s trust.
The BBC today apologized and said the interview fell short of what audiences have a right to expect.
Bashir said it was sad that the controversy is overshadowing the princess’ brave decision to tell her story.
The House of Representatives narrowly voted 213 to 212 on a $1.9 billion bill that would improve security around the U.S. Capitol in the wake of the January 6 attack.
The bill would give Capitol Police $43 million to cover overtime until the department can hire and train more officers, grants the National Guard $520 million to station troops in and around the building, and $162 million to harden windows and doors at the Capitol.
The bill now goes to the Senate where it needs at least 60 votes.
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In Louisiana, police body camera footage of a violent arrest of a 49-year-old Black man from two years ago was released by the AP. The man, Ronald Greene, died in police custody.
AP explained that Greene was stopped by troopers after leading them on a high-speed chase at speeds reaching up to 115 mph.
The videos show officers violently pulling him from his car and throwing him to the ground, using stun guns on him, punching and stomping on his body, and dragging him by his feet after his arms and legs were already cuffed and shackled.
Greene is heard saying “I’m sorry!” and I’m your brother! I’m scared! I’m scared!”
The officers left the man on the street for over nine minutes while they wiped their faces and hands of blood.
AP said the troopers initially told Greene’s family that he died on impact after crashing into a tree, but later said Greene struggled with troopers and died on his way to the hospital.
There are accusations of coverup because the videos have not been released for all this time. There is a federal civil rights investigation on the case and a wrongful death lawsuit.
Greene’s mother said it was murder, that his son never had a chance.
A massive iceberg that is the shape of Manhattan but is 70 times larger has broken off from Antarctica and is now floating in the Weddell Sea. The European Space Agency said it is the largest iceberg in the world.
It is 106 miles long and 15 miles wide. That means it is larger than the state of Rhode Island.
Scientists told CBS News that the breaks, called “calving,” are part of a natural cycle and that this incident is not linked to climate change.
That is all the top stories for today. See you tomorrow and stay with the light.
Diana Interview: https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/20/media/bbc-martin-bashir-diana-report-scli-intl/index.html
Louisiana troopers: https://apnews.com/article/ronald-greene-death-louisiana-eca021d8a54ec73598dd72b269826f7a
Anti-Asian hate crimes bill: https://www.axios.com/biden-anti-asian-hate-crimes-cf25f1fb-8293-4ad7-b3d9-8de1d06e674d.html
Capitol security: https://www.axios.com/house-capitol-security-funding-bill-jan-6-riot-4b309c32-6957-4004-8100-0dffa1e48fbe.html
Antarctica: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iceberg-antarctica-largest-break-off/