Today is the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events of that day.

PUTTING ON THE PRESSURE

The Story

The Trump admin has some threats for the ICC.

Quick, remind me.

ICC: the International Criminal Court. It oversees cases of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity around the world. The US has a long, complicated relationship with it. And yesterday, the Trump admin made clear it's not a fan.

What's the problem?

US troops have been in Afghanistan for nearly 17 years. Back in 2016, the ICC released a report saying that US armed forces and the CIA might have committed war crimes there. And later called for an investigation. Yesterday, National Security Adviser John Bolton said the ICC better not pull out its magnifying glass. And threatened to sanction the court if it does, calling any investigation "utterly unfounded." But the court wasn't the only thing getting the cold shoulder from the Trump admin.

Explain.

Yesterday, the State Dept announced it's shutting down the Palestine Liberation Organization's (PLO) office in DC. ICYMI, the admin's been trying to play mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Then last year, President Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital and said the US embassy is moving there. And this year, the admin has cut off aid to a UN agency and hospitals helping Palestinians. Now, this.

Why the change?

The admin says Palestinian officials have been slacking on peace talks. And Bolton hinted it might have something to do with them asking the ICC to look into Israel's attacks on them. The PLO says it's a "dangerous escalation" that threatens the Middle East, and accused the US of "blindly executing Israel's 'wish list.'"

theSkimm

The ICC threats aren't shocking, considering the admin has been against many international orgs since Trump got into office. But this new move against the PLO is considered to be a tactic to try to get Palestinians on board with the US's yet-to-be-revealed peace plan.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

What to say when you give a work project your all...

California is giving 100% too. Yesterday, the governor signed a new bill to get CA to use 100% clean energy by 2045. This means that all electricity used by the state needs to come from things like wind and solar power. This new bill is ambitious and CA has a long way to go, but the governor says "it must be done" to fight climate change. Speaking of energy sources, Native American tribes from Montana and South Dakota are suing the Trump admin over the Keystone XL pipeline. The pipeline – which transports oil from Canada to Texas – has caused a lot of drama (think: lawsuits and protests) for nearly a decade. Obama vetoed it. Trump brought it back. Now, the tribes are reportedly saying "all historical, cultural, and spiritual places and sites of significance" on the pipeline's path are at risk.

What people are talking about...

This Dallas police shooting. Earlier this week, Amber Guyger – a white, off-duty officer – was charged with manslaughter after she killed her black neighbor, Botham Shem Jean. The officer says she accidentally mistook his apartment for hers – and thought Jean was an intruder and shot him. Jean was unarmed and his family says he did nothing wrong. The case is being presented to a grand jury, which could decide on more serious charges.

What people are watching…

Hurricane Florence. Yesterday, the incoming storm was upgraded to a Category 4. It's already reached 140-mph winds and states have started issuing evacuation orders. It's expected to hit the Carolinas later this week, and has the potential for devastating winds and flooding. Make sure you're prepared.

What to say when your friend needs a new book…

How about 'The Prince and the Paw-per?'

What to say when your co-worker says they were too young to watch "Boy Meets World"...

Making me feel (Darn)old.