The Bulletin
World in Brief
Welcome to the Bulletin,
- TikTok ban bill passes: The Senate on Tuesday passed legislation that will force ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to divest from the hugely popular video app or else the service will be subject to a nationwide ban. Here's what a TikTok ban could mean for U.S. users. Read more about the bill, including Ukraine funding, below.
- Alina Habba alleges judicial bias: Alina Habba, a spokesman and lawyer for Donald Trump, denounced the U.S. justice system, specifically calling out judges presiding over the various cases against her boss. Here's what she said.
- Russia suspected of GPS jamming: Thousands of commercial airline flights in Europe have reportedly had their GPS data jammed, as Russia is suspected of waging the electronic attacks amid its ongoing war in Ukraine, according to British media reports.
- Lara Trump's RNC promise: Lara Trump, Donald Trump's daughter-in-law, said on Tuesday the Republican National Committee (RNC) wants to "physically handle the ballots" amid the 2024 election. Here's more context.
- In the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SSO) on Tuesday shared a video that shows one of its drones destroying a T-72 tank and other Russian equipment in the Donetsk region of Ukraine.
If you like this newsletter, please share it. If you've been forwarded this email, you can sign up here. If you have any story tips, feedback or ideas for what we should do next, please email Emeri B. Montgomery. We appreciate your feedback and you starting your day with us.
Senate Approves TikTok Ban, Aid Package for Israel, Ukraine
In a bipartisan vote, the U.S. Senate approved a long-awaited foreign aid package for Israel and war-torn Ukraine and a potential ban on TikTok. The Senate passed the $95.3 billion bill—which also includes aid for Taiwan—by a vote of 79-18.
Why it matters: Opposition was mostly, but not entirely, Republican. Of the 18 "no" votes, 15 came from GOP senators, including Ted Cruz of Texas. Three progressive senators, including Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, also voted against the bill. The passage of the TikTok ban also came with bipartisan opposition, with 58 lawmakers voting against the measure. The bill's military funding includes $1.9 billion for Taiwan's defense, but China called on the U.S. to rein in support for Taiwan as it sends a "wrong signal" to the Taiwan separatist forces.
Read more in-depth coverage:
Full List Of Republican Senators Who Voted Against Ukraine Aid
Ukraine Aid Bill: When Will New Weapons Arrive to Frontlines?
Congress Passes Ukraine Bill With Support for Taiwan—China's Response
TL/DR: "I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk...so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week," President Joe Biden said in a statement.
What happens now? Biden said that he would sign the bill into law when it reaches his desk today. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in China today, where he is anticipated to deliver a warning to leaders regarding their support for Russia's increased weapons production amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Deeper reading Senate Approves TikTok Ban, Aid Package for Israel, Ukraine
Trump Wins Pa. Primary, Suffers a Blow
Despite Donald Trump winning the Pennsylvania primary on Tuesday, he suffered a blow as thousands of Republicans refused to vote for him.
Why it matters: The former president won the key swing state with 83.5 percent of the vote, amounting to more than 786,000 votes. However, Nikki Haley, who ended her campaign in March, still received 16.5 percent of the vote. Trump won enough delegates to clinch the Republican presidential nomination in March. However, there have been signs that he is struggling to garner support from more moderate and independent voters who could be key in the general election against President Joe Biden, especially in the swing state of Pennsylvania.
Read more in-depth coverage:
Pennsylvania Primary: Key Battles That Could Shape 2024 Election
Gavin Newsom Issues Warning for Joe Biden
Trump "Devastated" to Cancel First Rally Since Hush Money Trial Began
TL/DR: Trump continued his dominance in the GOP primary with a resounding victory in Pennsylvania, one of the states that could ultimately decide who wins the 2024 election.
What happens now? The Indiana GOP primary will be held on May 7. The Republican National Convention, where Trump will be confirmed as the 2024 nominee, will take place in Milwaukee in July.
Deeper reading Donald Trump Suffers Huge Vote Against Him in Pennsylvania Primary
National Guard Threat Issued to Columbia Protesters, Students Claim
Columbia University students who refuse to end their protest against Israel's war in Gaza say university officials have threatened to bring in the National Guard and police to sweep their encampment.
Why it matters: It comes after Columbia authorized the New York Police Department to arrest more than 100 pro-Palestinian student demonstrators who had camped out on Columbia's main lawn to protest the war and demand their school divest from companies with ties to Israel. A Columbia University spokesperson told Newsweek that students have committed to dismantling many tents, ensuring non-affiliated people leave, and complying with safety requirements.
Read more in-depth coverage:
Columbia University Cancels Classes Over Protests
Police Investigating People 'Behind' Pro-Palestinian Protests
Ilhan Omar's Daughter Suspended From Barnard Over Pro-Palestinian Protest
TL/DR: "It is disturbing that Columbia is joining their ranks in history—but we are undeterred in out commitment to Palestinian liberation,” statement shared on X, formerly Twitter, by Columbia's chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.
What happens now? The student protesters said they would not engage in negotiations with the university "until there is a written that the administration will not be unleashing the NYPD or the National Guard on its students.” President Minouche Shafik acknowledges the right to protest but warns of disruptions and potential hostility on campus.
Deeper reading National Guard Threat Issued to Columbia Protesters, Students Claim
Russia's Deputy Defense Minister Arrested in Corruption Probe
Russia's Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov was arrested on suspicion of taking bribes on Tuesday, marking a rare arrest of a member of the Kremlin's elite.
Why it matters: Ivanov, who has been sanctioned by the U.S. and the EU, has held the post of Russian deputy defense minister since May 2016. His role includes asset management, overseeing the construction of ministry facilities, providing medical support for Russia's military, and managing troop housing. He is accused of receiving a bribe "on an especially large scale as part of an organized group while carrying out contract and subcontract work for the needs of the military department," the Moscow City Court press service told Tass. According to Russia's state-run news agency Tass, the section under the Criminal Code under which Ivanov was arrested applies to bribes over 1 million rubles ($10,800).
Read more in-depth coverage:
Russia Drops X-59 Missile on Belgorod in Latest Self-Bombing
Russia Plans 'Strategic' Economy Boost in Arctic
Sweden's Navy Chief Says Russian Shadow Fleet 'Spying' in NATO Lake
TL/DR: Timur Ivanov If convicted, Timur Ivanov faces up to 15 years in jail.
What happens now? Ivanov will be held in pre-trial detention until June 23, and if convicted, he faces up to 15 years in jail.
Deeper reading Russia's Deputy Defense Minister Arrested in Corruption Probe
Three Signs US Could Be Heading for a Recession
Gary Shilling, the financial analyst who correctly predicted the financial crisis of 2007-2009, said that there are at least three clear signs that a recession might hit the nation in the coming months.
Why it matters: Shilling told Newsweek that a recession could hit the U.S. in the coming months. He identifies three key signs – leading indicators indexes, which have declined for months; the Federal Reserve's reluctance to ease credit; and the weakening of the labor market, which has primarily been responsible for the country's resilience in the post-pandemic years. Although a soft landing or mild recession in 2024 is possible, Shilling points out that a soft landing has only happened once since World War II.
Read more in-depth coverage:
'Delayed' Mass Layoffs Spell Bad News for US Economy—Analyst
'Delayed' Recession Warning Issued for US Economy
The Hunger Stat That Shames America
TL/DR: While some experts expect the economy to make a soft landing in 2024, Gary Shilling said it's more likely the country will enter a recession.
What happens now? According to Shilling's analysis of the current situation, a recession could hit the U.S. "in the next six months or so.” but he acknowledges there's always a chance his prediction could be wrong.
Deeper reading Three Signs US Could Be Heading for a Recession
California Map Reveals Areas With Most High School Dropouts
A map shows which counties in California have the highest percentage of high school dropouts.
To determine which counties had the highest percentage of dropouts, Newsweek analyzed the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau which tracked the number of residents 25 and over with at least a high school diploma.
The analysis found that Monterey County had the highest percentage of high school dropouts, at 27.3 percent.
