The US press still hasn’t got bored of writing about Egypt: The Washington Examiner suggests that it is in the US’ best interests to support El Sisi, citing Egypt’s importance for its counter-terrorism and security efforts in the region. A decidedly less rosy take is provided by the Washington Post, which claims that the structural issues facing employment, healthcare and education will be worsened by the proposed constitutional amendments.

On the subject of the constitutional amendments, Reuters reports that a petition website set up to collect signatures against the upcoming referendum has been blocked.

Other headlines worth noting in brief:

• Egypt’s nearly 250k refugees are struggling under tough economic conditions, writes Reuters.
• The AP picks up the news from North Sinai yesterday, where seven people were killed in a suicide attack.
• Five Russians detained by Egyptian authorities last year have been accused of extremism during the first round of closed court hearings earlier this week, reports RT News.