In Russia, LGBTQ+ activists are being penalized for their activism, in line with a recent court ruling that labeled it as extremism. The government's crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights has resulted in jail time or fines for those displaying rainbow-colored items. The conservative country continues to suppress LGBTQ+ movements. 

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has voiced his opposition to the Senate's bipartisan border security and foreign aid package. Johnson argues that the package will encourage illegal immigration and overlook the broken asylum system. He criticizes fellow Republicans for compromising on the issue and pledges to block the package in the House. Johnson also criticizes President Biden's perceived weakness on the international stage and failure to address the border crisis. 

California is facing the aftermath of a powerful storm, which has caused devastating mudslides and flooding. The destructive weather has already claimed the lives of at least three individuals. More heavy rainfall is predicted, leading to a state of emergency declaration and travel disruptions across the state. 

Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina opposes the Senate's border and immigration deal, which includes aid for Israel and Ukraine. Scott believes that aid to Israel should be a separate matter and that President Biden already possesses the authority to resolve the border crisis. Critics of the deal argue that it normalizes illegal immigration and funds non-governmental organizations. Both conservatives and liberals have objections regarding the lack of a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the United States. Scott advocates for separate debates and passage of these issues, asserting that Biden can secure the border without Congress.

The Digest, 2/5/2024 @800PM, CDT

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