News Brief: Sept. 9-13

International 

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to unfold, new concerns have emerged with the “delivery of Iranian missiles to Russia.” 

Until this point, the west refused to provide similar weapons to the country under invasion, referencing an attempt to avoid a violent domino effect. According to Landale, President Volofdymr Zelensky has “repeatedly called to allies to loosen limits on the use of Western supplied weapons.” 

As noted by Landale; Blinken, in a news conference on Wednesday, the U.S. could potentially be ready to open the discussion of the use of long-range missiles with the leadership in the UK. 

In light of recent events, the UK has decided to increase support to Ukraine with a hefty assistance of “$700m” and “780m in aid. To support the country’s other needs.”

Other countries also condemn the actions by Iran, placing sanctions for supplying Russia with these weapons. At the current time, the U.S. has not made any major moves or further commented on the developed information.

National 

On Tuesday, Sept. 11 the first presidential debate between the official Democrat and Republican nominee was hosted by ABC News. There are a number of thoughts about this debate across the country, with a range of news articles and memes emerging to commemorate the occasion.

A winner has not been officially announced,, but many are already speaking to the validity of the debate. According to Fox News, “ABC News sparked intense backlash among critics for its aggressive approach to former President Trump versus its soft treatment of VIce President Kamala Harris…”

However, many are also claiming President Trump is simply claiming the debate was biased. In an TIME article titled Debate Moderation Is a Thankless Job. Muri and Davis Got It (Mostly) Right, Berman claims “Davis and Muir (the moderators) fact-checks were sporadic but effective…”

Winners or losers aside, this debate comes at a critical moment in the election trail as November draws closer, potentially shifting key swing voters both candidates are desperately trying to sway their way. 

Local 

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt pushed back the voting on raising minimum wage in the state back until 2026

o bring a question to the polls, there is a minimum requirement of 92,000 signatures.  More than 157,000 Oklahomans signed their names in support of State Question 832, which would raise the minimum wage KFOR reported. 

When asked to comment, Governor Stitt told News 4: 

“Consistent with state law, Secretary Cockroft and the State Election Board recommended the next possible statewide ballot, which would be the June 2026 statewide primary. This choice caves taxpayers over $1.8 million and prevents the need for the Election Board to request supplement funding from the Legislature to arrange a standalone statewide election.”