Today marks one year since the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, claimed the life of a counterprotester and showed the world that
white supremacists remain a tiny but vicious subset of American life. Now, far-right activists, led by
the organizer of last year's rally,
plan to gather again this afternoon in Lafayette Square, near the White House.
Their opponents have promised to show up, too, to advocate for justice and peace. Far-left activists, including some
who accept violence as a protest method, could also attend. Activists plan to rally against racism today in Charlottesville as well.
As the
workweek kicks off, keep your eye on two running stories that could generate fireworks. First, the
trial of ex-Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort on tax and bank fraud charges continues, with the defense expected to launch its pushback against the feds' dramatic presentation of Manafort's
lavish spending and
alleged hidden accounts. Across the pond, negotiations ramp up again between United Kingdom and European Commission leaders, who
look less and less likely to reach a
Brexit deal before the UK crashes out of the European Union.
On
Monday, two US Cabinet secretaries
reportedly are due to visit California to see for themselves the catastrophic damage left by this summer's wildfires. More than a dozen fires are burning across the state, claiming lives, obliterating homes and
setting records for their destructive force. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue are expected in
Redding, where the
Carr Fire is only about half contained.
On
Tuesday – you guessed it –
more primaries!
Eight Democrats are vying
to face Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who, in an interesting twist,
just bolstered Obamacare as his
poll numbers flag. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who has
said she'll oppose President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, also will learn which Republican she'll face in November. Minnesotans will decide
who competes for Al Franken's old Senate seat, along with other top offices. Two
Trump-talking Connecticut Republicans are facing off to challenge Sen. Chris Murphy, the Democrat who
represented Newtown in Congress at the time of the Sandy Hook shooting and who often is cited as a potential 2020 White House contender. And independent
Sen. Bernie Sanders, also a party to 2020 rumors, almost certainly will emerge to face one of
four GOP challengers in Vermont.
The school year opens
Wednesday at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and students in Parkland, Florida, can expect a "profoundly different" kind of first day. Their school, now the site of one of the
10 deadliest mass shootings in US history,
will feature metal detectors, dozens more cameras, charged locks on classroom doors, more security staff and counselors, plus a 12-foot fence. And of course, they'll feel the
absence of friends, teachers and coaches whose lives were cut short so violently. Meanwhile, due back in court is admitted shooter Nikolas Cruz, who told a detective that
a voice in his head urged him the night before the February massacre to hurt people.
We could learn
Thursday the conclusion of a murder drama with international intrigue. A court in Malaysia is expected to rule in
the killing of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother, Kim Jong Nam. You'll recall he was killed last year in a chemical attack at a Kuala Lumpur airport. South Korean intelligence indicated the North Korean ruler
ordered the killing, and the United States
sanctioned the North for it. Still, the trial of a woman from Indonesia and one from Vietnam has unfolded as North Korea has been on its
diplomatic charm offensive. If convicted, the women could face the death penalty.
The emotional toll of
an issue that has
stricken at the heart of communities of color will be laid bare
Saturday, with a town hall discussion on gun violence and its effect on survivors. It's part of the "Circle of Fathers Conference" organized by the
Trayvon Martin Foundation, which honors the unarmed teenager
gunned down in 2012 by a neighborhood watchman.
Trayvon's father, Tracy, will participate.
Saturday also is the birthday of former first lady
Rosalynn Carter, who with her husband
continues to be active in humanitarian efforts around the world. Happy 91st, Mrs. C!
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