Blinken Addresses New Report on Human Trafficking; SCOTUS Takes Up Case on Transgender Minors

Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report on June 24. The state department says this report represents the world’s most comprehensive resource of anti-trafficking efforts around the globe. It covers 188 countries and territories, including the United States.

The Supreme Court agreed on June 24 to hear a challenge by the federal government to a Tennessee law that prohibits the use of puberty blockers and medical treatments for minors who identify as transgender. The decision comes as several states have enacted legislation regarding transgender individuals’ treatments, participation in school sports, use of gender-specific bathrooms, and drag shows.

Gunmen opened fire on places of worship in two cities of Russia’s southernmost Dagestan province on Sunday, killing at least 15 police officers and four civilians, including an Orthodox priest, in what appeared to be a coordinated attack.