Jun 6, 2017

The battle to take Raqqa has begun

Syria Democratic Forces / AP

Syrian troops, backed by a U.S.-led coalition, have begun an operation designed to capture Raqqa, the capital of the Islamic State. Details, sourced from multiple media reports:

  • The Syrian force is called the SDF, via AP: "Talal Sillo, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, told reporters Tuesday that operations have begun in coordination with the U.S.-led coalition... Raqqa is currently surrounded from the east, north and west..."
  • Details on the it, from BBC: "The SDF, which is says it is not aligned with Syria's President Bashar al-Assad or the rebel forces seeking to overthrow him, has driven IS from about [2,300 square miles] of northern Syria over the past year."
  • Quote from SDF spokesman to Al Jazeera: "In addition to warplanes, there are coalition forces working side by side with the Syrian Democratic Forces."

Go deeper

Mike Allen
2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Postal slowdown threatens election breakdown

In 24 hours, signs of a pre-election postal slowdown have moved from the shadows to the spotlight, with evidence emerging all over the country that this isn't a just a potential threat, but is happening before our eyes.

Why it matters: If you're the Trump administration, and you're in charge of the federal government, remember that a Pew poll published in April found the Postal Service was viewed favorably by 91% of Americans.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Axios
Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 2 p.m. ET: 21,280,608 — Total deaths: 767,422— Total recoveries: 13,290,879 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 2 p.m. ET: 5,335,398 — Total deaths: 168,903 — Total recoveries: 1,796,326 — Total tests: 65,676,624 — Map.
  3. Health: The coronavirus-connected heart ailment that could lead to sudden death in athletes — Patients grow more open with their health data during pandemic.
  4. States: New York to reopen gyms, bowling alleys, museums.
  5. Podcasts: The rise of learning pods — Special ed under pressure — Not enough laptops — The loss of learning.
Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Mike Allen
2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

USPS pushes election officials to pay more for mail ballots

Protesters gather in Kalorama Park in D.C. today before demonstrating outside the condo of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. Photo: Cheriss May/Reuters

The Postal Service has urged state election officials to pay first class for mail ballots, which Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says could nearly triple the cost.

Why it matters: Senate Democrats claim that "it has been the practice of USPS to treat all election mail as First Class mail regardless of the paid class of service."

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow