5 Stories to Watch Next Week | July 17, 2020

5 Stories to Watch Next Week There are simply too many developing stories to follow in the world. To make things easier, we narrowed them down to five that you should really watch next week: Amid COVID-19 surge across US, states consider next steps — The coronavirus continues to surge across the country, with the number of cases increasing in several states. This trend raises several issues. One is whether and how best to make rules about wearing masks in public. Some states require masks, while others are less stringent. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R.) has moved to block rules forcing people to wear masks. Another issue is whether states should continue to reopen or reinstitute some level of the prior lockdowns as the economy slowly begins to recover. The labor market seems to be slowing and losing some momentum this month as the virus hits some parts of the country hard. Watch next week to see how all of these related stories, which directly affect all American lives, continue to develop. European leaders meeting to discuss COVID-19 rescue plan — European Union leaders are meeting in person for the first time in five months on Friday and Saturday. They are gathering to discuss a massive package to help the European Union recover from the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The plan will total about $2 trillion, though governments remain far apart on key issues. The biggest disagreement is over how much latitude to give those receiving the aid to spend it as they please. Much of the money will be guaranteed by wealthier northern states, some of which want to attach certain conditions to the aid. It’s unlikely that a deal will get done this week, but watch next week for any further progress to made. US considers sweeping travel ban on Chinese Communist Party members — The Trump administration is weighing a sweeping ban on members of the Chinese Communist Party and their families traveling to the United States. The presidential proclamation is still in draft form and has not been finalized. According to the New York Times, the measure could also authorize the federal government “to revoke the visas of party members and their families who are already in the country, leading to their expulsion. Some proposed language is also aimed at limiting travel to the United States by members of the People’s Liberation Army and executives at state-owned enterprises.” Watch next week to see if this plan comes to fruition. If it does, Beijing will no doubt retaliate. FBI investigates large-scale Twitter hack — The FBI has launched an investigation into the widespread hack of Twitter that occurred on Wednesday. Hackers commandeered several Twitter accounts, including those of prominent figures such as Joe Biden and Bill Gates. The hack occurred amid growing concerns about the vulnerability of Twitter’s systems. Given Twitter’s role in public discourse and government messaging, such hacks could have implications for national security. According to one report, some of the hackers paid a Twitter employee to help them with the breach. Watch next week to see if the FBI uncovers anything of note. Biden to address nation’s largest Muslim American PAC — On Monday, Joe Biden will speak to the nation’s largest Muslim American political action committee, Emgage Action. The PAC is the political arm of a 14-year-old Muslim outreach organization and will host Biden at its Million Muslim Votes Summit. (The event will be held online.) Last year, Emgage endorsed Bernie Sanders for president, but Biden is making an effort to court groups he didn’t reach during the Democratic presidential primary. Biden may give a standard political speech, but it’s possible he may outline substantive policies concerning religious freedom, the Muslim community, counterterrorism, foreign policy toward the Middle East, and other issues. Watch next week for Biden’s speech to see if it contains anything noteworthy. Order Newt's Latest Book: https://www.gingrich360.com/trump-and-the-american-future

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