New steps Biden is taking to protect access to abortion Here’s why some advocates are urging the Biden administration to do more to protect abortion access across the country. Do you prefer to listen? Check out the 5 Things podcast:
In Israel, Biden draws attention to plight of Palestinians, will head to Saudi Arabia
After two days of reaffirming America’s alliance with Israel, President Joe Biden is turning his attention to the plight of the Palestinians on Friday, though he’s already acknowledged he can’t give them what they want. Biden said Wednesday that he still supports the creation of an independent Palestinian nation, but knows that won’t happen anytime soon. Instead, Biden visited a Palestinian hospital in East Jerusalem where he announced humanitarian aid and will meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Biden’s initiatives to benefit the Palestinian people include more than $316 million in aid. The other big test on Biden’s Middle East trip is his final stop in Saudi Arabia. Ahead of Biden’s arrival later Friday, Saudi Arabia announced it would open its airspace to all civilian planes, including those flying to and from Israel. Biden said the move was the result of months of “steady diplomacy” between his administration and Saudi Arabia. Biden has been criticized by some for visiting Saudi Arabia, which he promised as a candidate to make a “pariah” state because of its human rights abuses. Biden was awarded a Medal of Honor for his commitment to Israel President Herzog honored President Biden for his “decades of uncompromising commitment to Israel’s security” with Israel’s Medal of Honor. Claire Hardwick, Associated Press
The Buffalo supermarket where 10 were killed will reopen
The Tops Friendly Markets store in Buffalo, New York, where 10 people were killed and three others injured in a racist, mass shooting, will reopen on Friday. Company officials announced Monday that the store at 1275 Jefferson Avenue, which is in a predominantly black neighborhood, would reopen “quietly and respectfully” and would hold “a moment of silence and prayer” for the victims and employees affected by the shootings. . Since the May 14 massacre, the store has been closed and completely renovated, officials said. The company and the city of Buffalo have supported those affected by the shooting through financial aid and donations. As the only supermarket for miles, local officials say Tops became a kind of community hub on Buffalo’s East Side — where residents chatted with neighbors and caught up on people’s lives. Buffalo Market Reopens After Racist Shooting The Buffalo supermarket where 10 black men were killed by a white gunman will reopen its doors to the public on Friday, two months after the racist attack. (July 14) (AP Video/Michael Hill) AP
The Jayland Walker autopsy report will be released
Autopsy findings on Jayland Walker, who was shot and killed last month by police in Akron, Ohio, will be made available to the media Friday morning. A medical examiner will answer questions about the autopsy process but will not comment on other parts of the investigation into Walker’s death, a news release said. Walker, a 25-year-old black man, was killed June 27 after police shot him about 60 times following a car and foot chase. Hundreds of people mourned his death during his funeral on Wednesday, which was declared a day of mourning across the city after days of protests over his death. A new United Nations panel, called the International Mechanism of Independent Experts to Promote Racial Justice and Equity in Law Enforcement, plans to investigate Walker’s death. The team plans to make strong recommendations to the federal and state governments following their research. Jayland Walker was remembered during the open casket funeral in Akron, Ohio Mourners filed past Jayland Walker’s open casket wearing “Black Lives Matter” T-shirts as the community continues to heal from his fatal shooting. Patrick Colson-Price, USA TODAY
The World Athletics Championships begin
The World Track and Field Championships begin Friday in Eugene, Oregon. 37 world champions and 37 US Olympians will participate. The most anticipated non-Olympic track and field event will be held for the first time in the USA at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field. On Friday in a 4×400 medley relay, Allyson Felix is set to run for the last time as the 36-year-old retires. Her 18 medals are the most in the history of the world championships. In addition to Felix, Fred Kerley, Sydney McLaughlin, Erriyon Knighton and Noah Lyles are some of the other athletes to watch at worlds. Coverage of the World Track and Field Championships will be available on NBC, Peacock, USA Network, CNBC, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Also available to stream on fuboTV. The event will last until July 24. Allyson Felix reflects on her legacy, the Olympic record and being a mother After becoming the most decorated American Olympic track and field athlete, Allyson Felix caught up with Sports Seriously to discuss what she hopes will be her lasting impact and legacy. Sports Seriously, USA TODAY Contributed by The Associated Press
