December 6, 2023 - News Digest

Another mass shooting in America. Over 600 just this year.

Today is December 6, 2023, and here is your weekend digest. If you enjoy these digests and want access to more, exclusive content or to support my work, please consider becoming a monthly subscriber by clicking the link below:

1) Mass Shooting In Nevada

Another day, another mass shooting, this time at the University of Nevada’s Las Vegas Campus where three people have been killed and a fourth seriously injured as a result of an active shooter on campus earlier today. The shooter has been killed as well. At this time, we do not know why the shooter decided to commit this atrocities, but more details will likely be made clear in the coming hours and days. As of today, the United States has experienced more than 600 mass shootings just this year, and according to gun groups, the country is on pace to hit 700 mass shootings by the end of the year, which would be a record. Setting records like this one is far from ideal.

Since Columbine, Americans have grown to live in a country where mass shootings have become normal. Our leaders in office refuse to take simple action like requiring universal background checks prior to purchasing a firearm. While those in leadership delay, more Americans die with each passing day. Today’s shooting is no different, except once again, schools are the target, which means young people were the target. Instead of thoughts or prayers, it is imperative that we all call on our elected leaders to take action before more lives our lost. It’s the least we can do to make sure our children and grandchildren do not grow up in the same country we have.

2) Israel Update

Israel has expanded its ground operation into southern Gaza and is currently focusing its efforts on the southern city of Khan Younis where the Israeli military has already successfully breached the city’s frontlines. Meanwhile the Israeli War Cabinet approved an increase in aid to the Gaza Strip, permitting an increase in the amount of fuel that will be allowed to enter the enclave. As of this post, Hamas still has over 100 innocent hostages in its custody, including at least one American citizen.

3) Ukraine Aid Drying Up

The Biden Administration has become increasingly concerned that aid to Ukraine will soon run out if Congress does not pass an additional package. Latest estimates suggest that aid will run out at the end of the year if action is not taken soon. 

President Biden has proposed additional aid packages, but House Republicans have thus far stalled, choosing to play politics instead of protecting our ally overseas. Today, in a speech from the White House, President Biden announced a new $175 million package while pleading with Congress to pass additional aid before the upcoming Christmas holiday. During his latest address, Biden highlighted the importance of additional aid, stating that Putin will be able to take Ukraine if the United States does not continue to help. Biden proceeded to call out Congressional Republicans for playing politics with out national security, both in the United States Senate and the House.

The stakes truly could not be greater. As Ukraine faces a lengthy winter, Russia is expected to increase attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure to decimate the civilian population. In addition, Russia is waiting for western countries to cease supporting Ukraine so that it may continue its war of aggression in Eastern Europe. It is absolutely critical that Congress heeds the President's warning and passes critical aid to Ukraine this month. 

4) Nevada Republicans Indicted

The Nevada Independent has confirmed that six Nevada Republicans, including the state party chair, have been indicted for participating in the fake elector scheme during the 2020 election in an attempt to boost Donald Trump and overturn the election results in Nevada.

The six officials have been indicted on two felony charges, one for offering a false instrument for filing and the second for uttering a forged instrument. The first is a Class C felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and the second is punishable by up to 4 years in Nevada prison. The charges also carry a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in state prison.