Tuesday morning news: January 31, 2023

For WORLD Radio, I'm Kent Covington. 

Blinken in Israel » Speaking in Jerusalem, Secretary of State Tony Blinken Monday urged Israel and the Palestinians to ratchet down tensions.

BLINKEN: There is no question that this is a very difficult moment. We’re seen the horrific terrorist attacks in recent days. We have seen over many months rising violence that is affecting so many.

He said the United States condemns recent terrorist attacks by Palestinian militants. And he called a Friday’s attack outside an East Jerusalem synagogue “especially shocking.”

Blinken also met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the growing threat posed by Iran. Netanyahu told reporters that Iran exports aggression and terror …

NETANYAHU: Beyond its border and beyond the Middle East. And I think there’s a common consensus that this regime must not acquire nuclear weapons.

Netanyahu said he hopes to expand the so-called “Abraham Accords” — normalizing relations with several Arab countries.

Having a common adversary in Iran played a large role in forging those ties.

Sixth officer suspended in Memphis » The Memphis Police Department has relieved a sixth officer of duty in connection with the death of Tyre Nichols. WORLD’s Josh Schumacher has more.

JOSH SCHUMACHER, REPORTER: Civil rights leaders and members of Congress are calling for action after seeing video footage of officers beating Nichols after a traffic stop.

Five officers have already been charged with second-degree murder and other crimes after the 29-year-old died in a hospital from his injuries.

The Memphis Fire Department also dismissed three employees who were at the scene.

For WORLD, I’m Josh Schumacher.

Finland remains set to join NATO with Sweden » Turkey says it could greenlight Finland’s membership in NATO before that of Sweden. Turkey says Finland’s application as “less problematic” than that of Sweden.

But Finland’s Foreign Minister Pekka Haaivisto poured cold water on that idea, saying the two Nordic countries should join NATO at the same time.

HAAIVISTO: Finnish and Swedish security goes together. We share the common shore of the Baltic Sea. And whenever NATO is planning its defense in this region, it has to put to the map both Finland and Sweden.

All current NATO members must agree for a new member to join. And Turkey is especially hesitant to approve Sweden’s application. It accuses Stockholm of failing to crack down on terrorism.

Pakistan attack » AUDIO: [Mass funeral]

Reporters captured heartbreaking images from a mass funeral on Monday as Pakistani police gathered to honor the nearly 60 victims of a suicide bombing.

A terrorist entered a mosque in the city of Peshawar and detonated an explosive vest.

A commander in the Pakistani Taliban, known as the TTP, has claimed responsibility for the attack. But hours later another TTP official disputed that claim.

Mark Houck Acquitted » A Pennsylvania jury has acquitted pro-life activist Mark Houck on charges of obstructing an abortion facility. Last fall FBI agents arrested Houck at his home for allegedly assaulting a 72-year-old volunteer at a Planned Parenthood in Philadelphia.

Houck’s attorney Peter Breen:

BREEN: This is a sidewalk squabble that has now been turned into a federal case. It should have ended in the state courts, which threw this matter out.

Federal law makes it a crime to block access to abortion facilities.

Breen called Houck’s arrest an abuse of power by the Justice Department that was intended to intimidate pro-life Americans.

Texas border » Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced new measures to combat illegal immigration in his state, including naming a new “border czar.” He said the role —quote—“requires a leader whose only focus is responding to President Biden’s open border policies.”

ABBOTT: We found the right person for the job in Mike Banks.

Banks is a former Border Patrol agent.

Abbott also discussed his state’s efforts to build more sections of border wall along the Texas-Mexico border. He said the tough part is getting the land rights.

ABBOTT: With the work of the Facilities Commission, we have accelerated the process of acquiring the land rights. And now we’re able to be able to build even more wall going forward.

Abbott said state authorities have turned back more than 32,000 illegal immigrants trying to enter the country.

I’m Kent Covington. For more news, features, and analysis, visit us at wng.org. 

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