Weekend-long immigration protests in LA. And, who won a Tony Award
Context:
Protests erupted in Los Angeles over the weekend in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, leading to President Trump's controversial decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops without California Governor Gavin Newsom's consent, which he argued would exacerbate tensions. The protests, initially peaceful, turned chaotic with law enforcement using forceful measures like tear gas and rubber bullets, resulting in numerous arrests and damage, including burning cars. Meanwhile, an investigation by NPR revealed a troubling culture of fear and harassment in the federal judiciary, affecting law clerks under the authority of some judges. The Tony Awards, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, highlighted the diversity of Broadway shows this season, resulting in no single show dominating the awards. In St. George, Utah, local leaders are considering recycling sewage water as a sustainable solution to address climate change challenges and water scarcity in the region.
Dive Deeper:
Los Angeles experienced a series of protests over three days due to ICE raids, leading President Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard soldiers, a move California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized for potentially inflaming tensions further. The clashes escalated with law enforcement using rubber bullets and tear gas, while protesters resorted to setting fires and throwing objects.
NPR's investigation into the federal judiciary uncovered significant issues with the work environment for law clerks, who reported cases of harassment and discrimination. This investigation spanned conversations with clerks from 50 judges across 26 states, revealing a culture of fear due to the judges' extensive power over their clerks.
The 78th Annual Tony Awards, hosted at Radio City Music Hall by Cynthia Erivo, did not see any single show sweep the awards, highlighting the diverse and competitive nature of this year's Broadway season. This diversity resulted in many close races for the awards, as noted by NPR culture editor Jennifer Vanasco.
St. George, Utah, faces significant challenges due to climate change, which is exacerbating heat and reducing rainfall reliability. Local officials are proposing a plan to use recycled sewage to irrigate lawns and fields, thereby conserving water for residential use, despite the high costs associated with implementing such a system.
WorldPride concluded in Washington, D.C., marking the first time the city hosted the international LGBTQ+ festival since its inception in 2000. The event celebrated the 50th anniversary of Pride in the city, drawing a diverse crowd and showcasing a vibrant parade filled with colorful displays and participants from various backgrounds.