July 9, 2026
Trump Administration Begins Process to Remove Syria from Terrorism List
“We commend the government of Syria for charting a new course…“
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on President Trump’s formal notice to Congress of his intent to remove Syria from the U.S. list of State Sponsors of Terrorism for the first time since 1979. This follows Wednesday’s meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Turkey.
Some bipartisan lawmakers have backed the change saying it would help Syria rebuild, while others remain cautious because of President al-Sharaa’s past ties to al-Qaeda, and ongoing human rights concerns.
Learn More:
- Initiating Rescission Process of Syria’s Designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (U.S. State Department)
- Trump Moves to Revoke Syria’s Designation as State Sponsor of Terrorism (TIME)
- Trump commits to remove Syria from state sponsor of terrorism list (The Hill)
CDC Warns of E. coli Outbreak Linked to Recalled Frozen Blueberries
“The company is committed to protecting consumers and is conducting a thorough investigation.“
Frutas y Hortalizas S.A., the company behind recalled GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries, after federal health officials linked the product to an E. coli outbreak Monday. Officials report 12 confirmed illnesses in Florida and Georgia, as well as four hospitalizations.
The recalled blueberries were sold at Publix stores in eight states. Consumers are urged not to eat the recalled product and to check their freezers for affected packages. The FDA says it’s working with the CDC and state health officials to determine the source of the contamination.
Learn More:
- Outbreak Investigation of E. coli: Frozen Blueberries (CDC)
- Frozen Blueberries Sold at Publix Linked to E. coli Outbreak (FDA)
- Publix Greenwise Blueberries Recall (Publix)
- Frozen Blueberries Sold at Publix Linked to an E. Coli Outbreak (Consumer Reports)
International Olympic Committee Lifts Suspension on Russia, Clearing Path for Athlete Participation
“…the IOC remains committed to promoting peace through sport among people and nations.“
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifting the suspension of the group that represents Russian Olympic athletes – a suspension tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The move could pave the way for Russia’s official return to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, although questions remain about whether Russian athletes will compete under the Russian flag. Russian athletes competed as “neutral” athletes at the Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
Learn More:
- Provisionally lifts suspension of Russian Olympic Committee (IOC)
- I.O.C. Lifts Russia’s Olympic Suspension, Clearing the Way for 2028 (NY Times)
President Zelenskyy Renews Push for Ukraine to Join NATO During Alliance Summit
“Do you really believe it would be right to leave outside NATO, a country and a people with this level of defensive capability?“
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewing his call for Ukraine to join NATO during the alliance’s summit in Turkey. Trump said the U.S. would allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defense systems and said he believes a deal to end the war with Russia could be reached.
NATO leaders pledged continued support for Ukraine, but membership remains uncertain as the alliance has not extended an invitation while the country remains at war with Russia.
Learn More:
- NATO should let Ukraine join to ‘make all of us stronger,’ says Zelenskyy (The Guardian)
- Trump wraps NATO summit on a positive note, after meeting Zelenskyy (NPR)
- NATO announces further spending on counter-drone capabilities and drone training (TIME)
Bonnie Tyler, Voice Behind “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” Dies at 75
“The world has lost one hell of a great talent!”
Music executive Judd Lander on the death of Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, whose family announced she died on Wednesday at age 75 after weeks of treatment for an illness in a Portugal hospital.
Tyler rose to international fame with hits including “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Holding Out for a Hero.” “Total Eclipse of the Heart” reached No. 1 in the U.S. and U.K. charts in 1983 and became one of the most recognizable power ballads of the era.
Learn more:
by Katie Larsen,
