The Full Belmonte, 7/12/2022
“Former White House adviser Stephen K. Bannon was charged Friday with two counts of contempt of Congress after refusing to comply with a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
He was indicted by a grand jury in Washington — a rare move by the Justice Department to escalate the consequences of a dispute involving Congress. Court records indicate only three such cases have been filed in D.C. since 1990.
The charges against Bannon each carry a maximum sentence of one year in jail and may serve as a warning to others seeking to avoid or defy the Jan. 6 committee.
Attorney General Merrick Garland in a news release said the charges reflect the Justice Department’s commitment to ‘show the American people by word and deed that the department adheres to the rule of law, follows the facts and the law and pursues equal justice under the law.’” Read more at Washington Post
Photo: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI via AP
“This is a cluster of galaxies as they appeared 4.6 billion years ago.
President Biden unveiled the first full-color scientific image from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, showing off the observatory's power with the deepest infrared image of the universe ever seen publicly.
Why it matters: The milestone sets the stage for the rest of the $10 billion telescope's mission to rework our understanding of how the universe evolved from the earliest galaxies, Axios Space author Miriam Kramer reports.
Biden said the images ‘are going to remind the world that America can do big things. And they’ll remind the American people, especially our children, that there’s nothing beyond our capacity.’
Today at 10:30 a.m. ET, NASA will reveal more images from the telescope. You can watch the announcement live on NASA TV starting at 9:45 a.m. ET.” Read more at Axios
Anna Moneymaker/AP
“The House select committee plans to show at a hearing today how right-wing extremist groups, including the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, prepared to attack the US Capitol in the days leading up to January 6, 2021. According to committee aides, the hearing will also focus on the roles of former President Donald Trump's associates, including Roger Stone and Michael Flynn, who both received presidential pardons after being charged with various crimes. Separately, former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne, an ally of Trump, is expected to meet Friday with the January 6 committee, three sources familiar with the matter told CNN. Byrne played an active role in supporting efforts to push baseless claims about the 2020 election, including attending a meeting at the White House to discuss strategies to overturn the election results.” Read more at CNN
“President Joe Biden on Monday said gun violence has turned everyday places in America into ‘killing fields’ as he marked the passage of the first significant federal gun safety legislation in 30 years. Biden said the package he signed into law last month represents ‘an important start,’ but falls far short of what he and his party had advocated for to curb the alarming rate of shootings in the US. During his remarks, Biden was interrupted by Manuel Oliver, a father whose son was killed in the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. ‘You have to do more than that,’ Oliver yelled. As of today, there have been 333 mass shootings in the US since the beginning of the year, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive.” Read more at CNN
Manuel Oliver, father of Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver, interrupts President Joe Biden speaking during an event to celebrate the passage of the ‘Bipartisan Safer Communities Act,’ a law meant to reduce gun violence, on the South Lawn of the White House, Monday, July 11, 2022, in Washington. Oliver was escorted out of the event.Evan Vucci, AP
“The Biden administration has stressed that federal law trumps state abortion bans when abortions are needed for emergency care. In guidance released Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services reminded hospitals and doctors of their obligation ‘under the law’ to provide emergency medical services. When state law prohibits abortion and does not include an exception for the life and health of the pregnant woman — or draws the exception more narrowly than federal law's emergency medical condition — ‘that state law is preempted,’ the guidance said. Read more at USA Today
“US health officials are urgently working on a plan to allow second Covid-19 boosters for all adults, a senior White House official confirmed to CNN. Second boosters have been authorized for adults 50 and older, as well as some people with weakened immune systems, since late March. But younger adults are eligible for only one booster shot, which was authorized in November. Some experts are concerned that younger adults' immunity may be waning as Covid-19 cases rise with the dominance of the BA.5 Omicron subvariant. The CDC reports that the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants constitute more than 70% of new infections in the country. And while these subvariants may partially escape the immunity produced by the vaccine and prior infection, vaccination still likely protects against severe illness.” Read more at CNN
Crowds gather in Tokyo for the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
“Mourners gathered in Tokyo today for the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, four days after he was assassinated in broad daylight. Photos captured the outpouring of grief as people gathered to pay their respects to Abe with flowers, notes and green tea -- symbols of help in the afterlife. The private funeral was hosted at the centuries-old Zojoji Temple by Abe's widow, Akie Abe. Millions around the world have reacted with shock and anguish at how Abe was gunned down during a campaign speech in the central city of Nara on Friday. According to police, the suspect accused of killing Abe had a ‘grudge’ against a church he believed Abe's grandfather -- another former leader of the country -- helped to expand.” Read more at CNN
“KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian authorities said Tuesday that their forces targeted a Russian ammunition depot in southern Ukraine overnight, resulting in a massive explosion captured on social media.
The Ukrainian military’s southern command said a rocket strike targeted the depot in Russian-held Nova Kakhovka, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) east of the Black Sea port city of Kherson, which is also occupied by Russian forces.
The precision of the strike suggested Ukrainian forces used U.S-supplied multiple-launch High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, to hit the area. Ukraine indicated in recent days that it might launch a counteroffensive to reclaim territory in the country’s south as Russia devotes resources to capturing all of the eastern Donbas region.
Russia’s Tass news agency offered a different account of the blast in Nova Kakhovka, saying a mineral fertilizer storage facility exploded, and that a market, hospital and houses were damaged in the strike. Some of the ingredients in fertilizer can be used for ammunition.” Read more at AP News
Vladimir Putin meets at the Kremlin yesterday with Andrei Vorobyov, governor of the Moscow region. Photo: Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik via Getty Images
“Breaking: The Kremlin said today that Vladimir Putin will visit Tehran next week, for a trilateral meeting with the leaders of Iran and Turkey, the so-called Astana format of meetings for Syria-related talks.
The White House said Iran is providing Russia with ‘hundreds’ of unmanned aerial vehicles — including weapons-capable drones for use in Ukraine, AP reports.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said it's unclear whether Iran has already provided any of the unmanned systems to Russia. But the U.S. believes Iran is preparing to train Russian forces to use them as soon as this month.
What's next: President Biden leaves tonight for Israel and Saudi Arabia, where Iran's nuclear program will be a big topic.” Read more at Axios
Heathrow Airport has struggled with high travel demand this summer.PHOTO: HENRY NICHOLLS/REUTERS
“LONDON—London’s Heathrow Airport said it would cap the number of departing passengers from the international hub at 100,000 a day until September and has asked airlines to stop selling new tickets from the airport for the summer season, as it and other European airports struggle with staff shortages and surging travel demand.
The cap on departing passengers follows similar moves at London Gatwick Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol as the industry grapples with a historic surge in flying just as it emerges from a hiatus caused by the pandemic.
Heathrow said it had assessed the capacity of check-in staff, baggage handlers and other staff before making the decision to cap passenger numbers.” Read more at Wall Street Journal
1 big thing: 3 stunning population stats
Data: UN. Chart: Nicki Camberg/Axios
“Here are three surprising stats from a UN report out today, released to coincide with World Population Day:
1. India is set to surpass China as the most populous country in the world sometime next year.
Despite democratic backsliding in recent years, India is the world's largest democracy and is viewed by the West as a key counterweight to China's influence in the region, Axios' Zachary Basu points out.
2. The world's population will reach 8 billion by Nov. 15 and climb to 9.7 billion in 2050.
But the global population is growing at its slowest pace since 1950 due to decreased fertility rates in many countries.
3. More than half of the population growth through 2050 will be concentrated in just eight countries — the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Tanzania.
Read the 54-page report ... Share this story.” Read more at Axios
“Premiership pitch | Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak sets out his bid to be the UK’s next prime minister today, pledging to cut taxes once inflation is under control. Sunak is currently the front-runner in the 11-strong field that will start to be whittled down today, with contenders needing the backing of 20 MPs to make it onto the first ballot.
The risk of a UK recession in the next 12 months is now almost 50-50, according to a Bloomberg survey.” Read more at Bloomberg
A Trump rally in Texas this year.Meridith Kohut for The New York Times
“Nearly half of Republican voters want someone other than Trump as the party’s 2024 presidential nominee, a New York Times/Siena College poll found.”Read more at New York Times
“Elon Musk said Trump should ‘sail into the sunset’ rather than run for president again and predicted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will easily beat Biden if the two square off in 2024.” Read more at Bloomberg
“The F.D.A. will consider making a birth control pill available without a prescription.” Read more at New York Times
A volunteer at the Samaritans Call Center in Boston answers phone calls from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Photo: Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
“One in six calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline end without reaching a counselor, The Wall Street Journal reports (subscription).
Why it matters: Government officials know the nations' crisis centers are struggling to keep up with the volume ahead of the switch on July 16 to the three-digit 988 number. But they have been slow to provide the necessary funding to meet the demand, Axios' Margaret Harding McGill reports.
1.5 million of 9.2 million calls between 2016 and 2021 were abandoned or disconnected before reaching a counselor, The Journal reported.
The majority of callers in 11 states were transferred to national backup centers because local centers did not have the capacity to answer. Experts say that a local counselor is preferable for those calling with a crisis.
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Español: 1-888-628-9454. Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255). Or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.” Read more at Axios
“The PGA Tour is now under DOJ investigation for potential antitrust violations regarding its competition with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. Go deeper.” Read more at Axios
Image caption, First Lady Jill Biden attempted to pay tribute to the diversity of San Antonio's Latino community
“US First Lady Jill Biden has caused offence after likening Hispanic people in a speech to "tacos".
Mrs Biden was addressing Latinos at an event in Texas when she attempted a compliment that referenced the traditional Mexican snack.
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) responded: "We are not tacos."
Her comment comes as President Joe Biden's popularity with Hispanic voters has been falling.
Mrs Biden was addressing a conference in San Antonio on the Hispanic "Quest for Equity" on Monday when she said: ‘The diversity of this community, as distinct as the bodegas of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami, and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio, is your strength.’
Mrs Biden mispronounced the convenience stores known as bodegas as ‘bogedas’.Data: BLS. Chart: Baidi Wang/Axios Read more at BBC
“The share of Americans working remotely because of COVID is leveling off, Alex Fitzpatrick writes for Axios What's Next.
Just 7.1% of American workers teleworked because of the pandemic in June — cut in half from 15.4% in January. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)” Read more at Axios
FILE - A view of the stage at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, is shown Sept. 22, 2019. Nominations for the 74th annual Emmy Awards will be announced early Tuesday, July 12, 2022, during a virtual ceremony. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
“LOS ANGELES (AP) — ‘Succession’ and ‘Ted Lasso’ are in the hunt for Emmy nominations that could add to their previous trophy hauls, but they’re up against hungry newcomers.
When the bids are announced Tuesday, the social satire “Succession,” a 2020 top-drama winner, may face a showdown with “Squid Game.” The South Korean hit about a brutal survival contest is vying to become the first non-English language Emmy nominee.
The Emmys once were dominated by broadcast networks and then cable, with the rise of streaming services changing the balance of power and perhaps the awards themselves. The possibility of Netflix’s “Squid Game” joining the Emmy mix is the result of streaming’s global marketplace focus.
Other possible drama contenders include the modern Western “Yellowstone,” workplace thriller “Severance” and “Yellowjackets,” a hybrid survival and coming-of-age tale.
Potential competition for “Ted Lasso,” which claimed seven trophies including best comedy last year, includes the inaugural seasons of “Abbott Elementary”and “Only Murders in the Building” — both popular and critical successes.” Read more at AP News