While immigration is a top issue in the United States presidential election campaign, an escalating water war is brewing between U.S. and Mexico. As Mexico’s President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum prepares to take office in October, talks between the two countries are heating up over Mexico’s inability to make good on its obligation to deliver water to the US side of the Rio Grande River.
(“A Water War is Looming Between Mexico and the US, Neither Side Will Win,” CNN, June 17, 2024)
After the January 2023 police murder of Tyre Nichols, community activists in Memphis, Tenn. mobilized. Nichols, who was black, was pulled over for a traffic infraction and beaten to death by police. Activists pushed the Memphis city council to ban police stops for minor infractions like broken brake lights or a recently expired vehicle registration.
(“Tennessee’s Governor Sabotaged Police Reforms After Killing of Tyre Nichols,” In These Times, May 28, 2024)
After the electoral success of progressive Democrats, known as the Squad – which includes Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, D-N.Y. – the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee imposed a ban on the hiring of political consultants, media advisors and pollsters who backed primary challengers to House incumbents.
(“Former DCCC Leaders Working to Defeat Incumbent House Democrats,” American Prospect, June 18, 2024; “Pro-Israel Groups Sink $14.5 Million into Bid to Defeat Major Critic,” New York Times, June 21, 2024)
This week’s News Summary was narrated by Anna Manzo.