In the months following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, the preeminent pro-Israel lobbying group in the United States increased its political spending nearly threefold, according to an analysis of the organization’s 2023 year-end filing with the Federal Election Commission.
Washington
Maryland’s Moore blasts Alabama IVF ruling as “out of step” with the country
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore denounced an Alabama Supreme Court ruling last week that frozen embryos have the same rights as children.
States, industry urge Supreme Court to dump air pollution rule
The federal “good neighbor” rule, part of the Clean Air Act, imposes strict pollution limits on upwind states, as their smog and fine particles travel to the East Coast downwind states, including Maryland.
Despite efforts to remove them, Confederates and segregationists live on in Capitol statues
Reminders of the oppression that African Americans suffered are still on display in the United States Capitol, taking the form of 12 statues of figures affiliated with the Confederate States of America and post-Civil War segregation.
Biden administration readies new sanctions against Russia, urges House to pass Ukraine aid
The Biden administration is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia to be unveiled. A move to hold Vladimir Putin responsible for the recent death of Alexei Navalny and the two-year war against Ukraine.
As Assange faces extradition to US, experts see threats to press freedom
As Wikileaks founder Julian Assange’s legal team makes its last appeal to prevent an extradition to the United States over Espionage Act charges, press freedom experts said they are concerned about how the this case could harm journalists’ First Amendment rights.
Maryland’s House Democrats press Republicans to pass Ukraine aid
Maryland’s House Democrats are criticizing Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, for refusing to hear the Senate-approved foreign aid package that includes Ukraine and Israel.
Anti-war protesters confront House hearing on Houthi threat
As lawmakers reviewed increasing Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, anti-war protesters confronted a House hearing Wednesday over U.S. military involvement in the Middle East.
Van Hollen, Democrats plan push for stronger policy protecting civilians from American weapons used by allies
Even though the White House has taken steps aimed at protecting civilians from American weapons in war zones, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, said that he would press for a stronger response.
Supreme Court will decide if cities can punish homelessness while a record number of people sleep on the street
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide if local governments can punish homeless people who sleep or camp outside.