Morning News Update: Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue targeted strikes in Rafah, with a tank brigade seizing control of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby clarifies that the operation is limited in scope and aimed at cutting off Hamas’s arms shipments.

Cease-fire negotiations with Hamas are on a knife’s edge, with State Dept. spokesman Matthew Miller stating that negotiations are ongoing in Cairo. Hamas demands IDF halt their offensive, while Israel insists on a cease-fire agreement before releasing Israeli hostages.

Protests erupt globally, including at the University of Chicago, Berlin, and the University of Amsterdam, with clashes and detentions reported. In Washington, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona addresses rising anti-Semitism on American campuses, emphasizing the need for a safe learning environment.

House Republicans investigate the FBI’s handling of President Trump’s classified documents trial, with Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan raising concerns about evidence tampering. Trump’s trial in New York continues, with pornographic actress Stormy Daniels testifying about an alleged encounter with Trump in 2006.

In a significant change, the Boy Scouts of America rebrands as Scouting America to be more inclusive. President and CEO Roger Krone cites historic low membership and the need to reduce barriers for all individuals to join. Critics accuse the organization of being driven by “wokeness” in removing gender references from its name.