September 26, 2023 - Your Daily Digest
Four days until the government shuts down, McCarthy in disarray, the President has an extremely successful week, and more
Today is September 26, 2023, and here are several stories that you missed from this morning and this past weekend. If you enjoy these news recaps, then consider becoming a monthly subscriber for more, regular content by clicking this button:
1) President Biden Has an Extremely Successful Week
The Biden Administration had one of the most successful weeks to date with both the President and the Vice President scoring major political points. First, Vice President Kamala Harris began her college tour across America, meeting with thousands of young people at several different colleges. This college tour included Hampton University, Reading Area Community College, and North Carolina A&T.
President Biden then announced the creation of the first ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The White House announced that Vice President Kamala Harris will oversee the office. Stefanie Feldman, the President's policy advisor, will serve as the Director of the office, while Greg Jackson and Rob Wilcox will serve as Deputy Directors.
During this same time, the Biden Administration took a major step in the fight against climate change by announcing the creation of the first ever climate corps. This new program is designed to prepare young Americans for future jobs in clean energy and climate resilience. These jobs include those meant to restore wetlands, forest management, and to help fight wildfires. Climate change activists have been asking for the Administration to take this step for many years. Now, their asks have turned into reality.
Later, President Biden spoke at the United Nations General Assembly where he reaffirmed America's stance on the international stage. Meanwhile, back in Washington, D.C., the President met with Ukrainian President Zelensky and reaffirmed the United States’ support for Ukraine, even agreeing to provide Ukraine with long range missiles for the first time in this war.
Finally, this week, the President is expected to join autoworkers at the picket line where he will stand alongside workers fighting for better wages and benefits in Michigan. This is the most pro-union action taken from a President in modern day history. It’s not surprising considering many, even some Republicans, have stated that Biden is the most pro-union President in history.
Overall, an extremely successful week for the President as he gears up for what will be a grueling 2024 campaign.
2) Government Shutdown 4 Days Away
We are now four days away from a government shutdown, and no deal appears in sight. The current deadline is September 30, 2023. The original plan sent around by McCarthy’s team kept members of Congress in D.C. over the weekend to pass legislation that would keep the government open. However, after significant internal turmoil, McCarthy sent lawmakers home for the weekend, and to date, there has been no progress toward a spending bill to keep the government open. It is looking increasingly likely that we may be in for a lengthy government shutdown. Learn more about what you should expect during a government shutdown here.
3) Ukraine Kills Major Russian Commander, or Not?
Last week, Ukraine launched one of its most significant attacks since the beginning of the war, striking the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, currently located in Occupied Crimea. According to Ukrainian officials this weekend, Ukraine successfully killed Viktor Sokolov, the commander of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, along with 33 other Russian military members. This would be the most significant kill of the war on either side thus far. However, days after Ukraine made this claim, Russia’s ministry of defense released a video that purports to show Sokolov at a meeting with other defense officials. Those who have seen this video, however, speculate whether the video actually shows Sokolov, and if so, whether the video was actually taken after the strike. Other than releasing this video, Russia is refusing to comment on Sokolov’s possible death.
Meanwhile, Russian drones attacked Danube River port infrastructure overnight, injuring Ukrainian truck drivers. These strikes came close to Romania, a NATO country, and forced the ferry crossing point between the two countries to be suspended for a period of time. In addition, Russia continues to target the town of Odesa, where overnight strikes killed at least two people and caused significant damage to port infrastructure. Finally, in significant news, the first batch of US Abrams tanks have arrived in Ukraine. These tanks will add an extremely powerful ground component for Ukraine, allowing the country to continue to take back land in what has been a long and drawn out counteroffensive.