Weekly News Bites #018 | Tucker is coming back, Trump's town hall on CNN, & Biden money
Weekly News Bites #018 | Tucker is coming back, Trump's town hall on CNN, & Biden money
All of the top stories 📰 of the week in small bites.
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It’s FRIDAY, May 12! YAY
Some of the stories this week!
Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, announced on Twitter that he would be relaunching his show soon on Twitter.
The House Oversight Committee Republicans released a memo accusing the Biden family of making money from Chinese and Romanian companies.
Former President Donald Trump filed an appeal after being found liable by a civil jury for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s.
New Washington law lets state ‘protect’ missing minors seeking abortions or sex changes from parents.
Britain became the first country to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles.
The head of the U.S. Border Patrol has authorized the release of illegal migrants into the United States without court dates.
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Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, announced on Twitter that he would be relaunching his show soon after being taken off the air by the network. Carlson's departure from Fox News came after the parent company settled a defamation lawsuit for $787.5 million, in which Carlson played a significant role. Known for his outspoken conservative views, Carlson's prime-time show, "Tucker Carlson Tonight," was the highest-rated cable news program in the critical 25-to-54-age demographic. Since his departure, ratings have declined. In a video posted on Twitter, Carlson expressed his gratitude and mentioned that other additions would accompany the new version of his show. The announcement followed his two-part interview with Twitter owner Elon Musk on Fox News, where Musk emphasized his commitment to free speech on the platform. Carlson's lawyers reportedly sent a letter accusing Fox of fraud and breach of contract, but no comments were provided by either Carlson's attorney or a spokesperson for Fox Corp.
→ Former President Donald Trump participated in a CNN town hall at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire, marking his return to the network since the 2016 campaign. The event saw Trump in his campaign mode, fiercely defending his actions and views on various topics. Anchor Kaitlan Collins challenged Trump on several issues, including his handling of classified documents, the Capitol riots, and allegations of sexual abuse. Trump stood his ground, asserting that his loss in the 2020 election was due to multiple factors, not just voter fraud. He also discussed the Capitol breach, his stance on abortion, and his predictions for the future. The town hall faced criticism, with calls for a CNN boycott due to the network hosting Trump. CNN defended its decision, stating that hosting presidential candidates is critical to their campaign coverage.
→ The House Oversight Committee Republicans released a memo accusing the Biden family of making money from Chinese and Romanian companies during Joe Biden's vice presidency. Still, there is no direct evidence implicating President Biden or proving a tangible impact on U.S. policy. The committee obtained these documents through subpoenas, but their authenticity has not been independently verified. While certain media outlets have sensationalized the documents, the allegations of explicit evidence of criminal activity and influence peddling are not substantiated. The documents raise questions about suspicious timing and financial transactions but do not establish a clear connection between the Biden family's business dealings and policy changes. The investigation is ongoing, but it is important to note that accepting money from foreign companies is not inherently illegal.
→ Biden considers invoking the 14th amendment as a last-ditch effort to continue U.S. debts and avoid default. The amendment addresses the nation's debt and may allow the president to continue issuing debts without lifting the debt ceiling. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that invoking the amendment would lead to a constitutional crisis and emphasized that Congress should raise the debt ceiling to avoid an economic catastrophe. President Biden has not ruled out the option, but lawmakers are seeking a deal between Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy to avoid default. The impasse has raised concerns, and some Republicans do not view invoking the 14th Amendment as a viable solution. The White House has repeatedly emphasized that Congress needs to act while a short-term fix is also being considered.
→ DeSantis signs legislation barring land purchases by foreign entities and officers, including those from China and six other countries. Critics argue that the law may discriminate against Chinese individuals seeking homes in Florida and could have broader implications for immigrants. The legislation applies to China and restricts citizens from Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria from buying farmland or properties within 10 miles of military installations, seaports, or airports. Furthermore, non-U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from China will be completely barred from owning property in Florida. Violating the new regulations carries civil and criminal penalties, and the law enables the state to seize property that is sold in violation of these restrictions.
→ The Biden administration has proposed a new rule requiring compensation for flight delays or cancellations caused by their actions. While the exact amount of compensation has not been specified, the department previously proposed a minimum of $100 for delays of at least three hours caused by airlines. The regulations will also aim to address expenses such as meals and hotels when passengers are stranded due to airline responsibility. However, it may take several years to finalize these rules, and there are doubts among some carriers about the department's legal authority to mandate such compensation. While U.S. airlines have no legal requirement to compensate passengers, the European Union and some other countries have compensation requirements for significant delays.
→ The federal government's plan to invest up to $3 trillion in green-energy initiatives over the next decade faces obstacles from farmers nationwide. In Kansas, for example, opposition from landowners has led to moratoriums or bans on wind and solar projects in several counties. Concerns range from the disruption of native landscapes to the potential industrialization of rural areas. Similar battles are taking place in other states as renewable energy projects expand in size and encroach upon more populated regions. These conflicts arise due to the patchwork of state and local regulations governing development. Despite the growing demand for clean power, installation rates have dipped, and projects will likely face longer timelines and higher costs. Efforts to streamline permitting processes and address local roadblocks are gaining bipartisan support, while some states are taking measures to override burdensome local rules.
→ Former President Donald Trump filed an appeal after being found liable by a civil jury for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s and defaming her when he denied her claims. After deliberating for less than three hours, the jury ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages. While the jury did not find Trump liable for rape, they substantiated Carroll's battery claim, finding that he sexually abused and forcibly touched her without her consent. Trump criticized the verdict, stating he did not know Carroll. Trump on Thursday appealed a New York jury's verdict in a civil case, claiming he has never met Carroll and that she is purposefully defaming him before the 2024 election. Trump was not found guilty of rape.
→ Daniel Penny, a former Marine, surrendered to authorities and was arrested for second-degree manslaughter related to the deadly chokehold incident involving Jordan Neely. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office announced the pursuit of charges against Penny, leading to his voluntary surrender. Penny's lawyer stated that his client surrendered with dignity and expected him to be arraigned later that day. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Neely's death, ruled a homicide by the medical examiner, caused significant tension in the city. Penny's lawyers argue that he acted in self-defense and to protect other passengers. Neely's family intends to hold a press conference while Penny's lawyers maintain his innocence.
→ Robert Kennedy Jr. has made a stunning allegation, placing the blame for the assassination of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, squarely on the CIA. Speaking on WABC 770 AM's "Cats Roundtable," Kennedy asserted that the evidence pointing to the CIA's involvement in the 1963 murder is "overwhelming" and "beyond a reasonable doubt." He referenced James Douglas' book, "JFK and the Unspeakable," as a compilation of the most compelling evidence supporting this claim. He criticized the denials of the CIA's role as a "60-year cover-up." The official investigation conducted by the U.S. government, known as the Warren Commission Report, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone and that there was no credible evidence of a conspiracy. The CIA's website labels claims of their involvement in JFK's assassination as a "lie."
→ New Washington law lets state ‘protect’ missing minors seeking abortions or sex changes from parents. Washington state has passed a new law that it says aims to protect children seeking gender-affirming care from the intervention of estranged parents. The law allows licensed shelters and host homes to contact the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families instead of notifying parents within 72 hours when a minor enters their care. The state will attempt to reunify the family if feasible. Additionally, youths will be allowed to stay at host homes without parental permission. The legislation aims to support and stabilize transgender youth accessing gender-affirming treatment and reproductive health care services. Several other states, including New Jersey, Vermont, Colorado, and Michigan, have also passed or considered similar bills to protect transgender rights and ensure access to gender-affirming care.
→ Anheuser-Busch InBev, the parent company of Bud Light, has faced a downgrade in its stock by HSBC analysts due to a "crisis" caused by its association with transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney. HSBC's Carlos Laboy downgraded the stock to a hold status, citing deeper problems and questioning the company's brand culture transformation and leadership decisions. The backlash and loss of volume have raised concerns about the company's risk assessment and ability to attract new consumers without alienating its core base. Bud Light's declining sales and other brands under Anheuser-Busch reflect the negative impact of the controversy. Anheuser-Busch InBev CEO Michel Doukeris downplayed the backlash, but the market reacted with a decline in the company's stock.
→ During Russia's Victory Day parade, President Vladimir Putin declared that the West was engaged in a "real war" against his country. Putin's statement aligns with his ongoing efforts to justify Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a necessary response to perceived threats. However, Ukraine and other nations deny the existence of such threats. Amid the celebrations, Putin emphasized the importance of unity and love for the motherland while also criticizing the "Western global elites." Amid these events, Ukraine faced another round of air strikes following Moscow's recent claim of thwarting a Ukrainian attack and assassination plot against Putin. In a separate development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the celebration of "Europe Day" on Russia's Victory Day, acknowledging the support of European neighbors since the start of the invasion.
→ Britain to become the first country to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles. A group of European countries led by Britain has requested that companies express their interest in providing Ukraine with missiles capable of reaching a range of up to 300 km (190 miles). The International Fund for Ukraine, which includes Britain, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden, aims to provide military support to Kyiv against Russia's invasion. The British Ministry of Defence, administering the fund, seeks missiles that can be launched from land, sea, or air and carry a payload between 20 and 490 kg (44 and 1,078 pounds). Desired features include a low probability of intercept, mission planning capability, and air defense penetration methods. While no final decision has been made, Western countries have increased their military aid commitments to Ukraine, including tank supplies. Ukraine welcomes the potential leadership role of the U.K. in providing long-range missiles, as they have consistently appealed to Western governments for such weapons.
→ The head of the U.S. Border Patrol has authorized the release of illegal migrants into the United States without court dates if agents face overcrowding at the border due to the end of Title 42. Migrants can be allowed into the country on parole if Customs and Border Protection faces overcrowding. They must make appointments with Immigration and Customs Enforcement or request a Notice to Appear by mail. Parole releases do not provide court dates or alien registration numbers. The use of parole is authorized when sector capacity exceeds 125% when agents apprehend 7,000 individuals a day over 72 hours, or when the average time in custody surpasses 60 hours. Florida has sued the Biden administration, arguing that the use of parole is not intended for mass migration. Critics also question the legality of this approach. The Department of Homeland Security claims that these releases are similar to actions taken by previous administrations and that each case will be considered individually, with individuals required to check in with immigration authorities and undergo removal proceedings. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has emphasized that migrants should not believe smugglers' promises of release into the U.S. and urged them not to risk their lives for false hopes.
→ The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a Republican-backed bill aimed at curbing immigration and drug trafficking across the southern border with Mexico. The legislation includes strict limits on asylum seekers, requiring them to apply for protection outside the United States, and proposes the construction of a border wall while expanding federal law enforcement efforts. The bill received no support from Democrats, and only one Republican voted against it. The Senate is expected to block the bill, but there is hope it will stimulate bipartisan negotiations for a comprehensive immigration reform measure. There are divisions within both parties regarding immigration policy, with some Republicans concerned about the impact on the agriculture industry.
→ New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued an emergency order to prepare for an anticipated increase in asylum-seekers in New York City following the expiration of the Title 42 immigration policy. The order enables New York to mobilize an additional 500 National Guard members and swiftly acquire necessary supplies and resources. New York City has already been grappling with an influx of migrants. Republican-led states have been transporting migrants to Democrat-led cities in protest of the Biden administration's border policies. Mayor Adams has been urging the federal government to provide more assistance, citing the financial strain on the city.
→ U.S. to limit asylum at Mexico border, open 100 migration hubs. The Biden administration rolled out a regulation on Wednesday that presumes most migrants are ineligible for asylum if they passed through other nations without seeking protection elsewhere first or failed to use legal pathways for U.S. entry. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the new rule would mean harsher consequences for migrants crossing illegally who, if caught, could be deported and barred from the United States for five years if they do not qualify for asylum. Republicans have criticized Biden, a Democrat running for re-election in 2024, for rolling back the hardline policies of Republican former President Donald Trump, the current front-runner for his party's nomination.
→ Richard Dreyfuss has expressed his strong opposition to the Academy's recently announced inclusion requirements, which aim to promote onscreen representation and diverse behind-the-scenes hiring. Dreyfuss criticized the notion of being compelled to conform to ever-changing moral standards as an artist and emphasized the artistic nature of the film industry. The new rules state that for a movie to be considered for the Best Picture category at the 2024 Oscars, it must meet at least two out of four inclusion standards, such as having underrepresented racial or ethnic groups as lead characters or focusing on their stories. Dreyfuss argued against such guidelines, questioning the idea of legislating hurt feelings and the limitations it places on artistic expression. He even defended Laurence Olivier's performance in blackface in the film Othello, challenging the notion that actors should be restricted from representing other groups. Dreyfuss criticized the perceived patronizing nature of these requirements and emphasized the importance of standing up against oppression instead of treating people as fragile.
→ Fans think Brittney Spears may be missing, following a strange video in which she advises her followers not to search for her if she deletes her Instagram account. A conspiracy theory has emerged, suggesting that the Britney seen in public is not her but an impersonator using artificial intelligence (A.I.). A TikTok video went viral, pointing out discrepancies in a dance video where the person claimed a filter was used to imitate Britney. Some fans have questioned the authenticity of recent photos and videos, noting differences in features like eye color and tattoos. They speculate that an AI-deep fake technology might be employed to mimic her. However, the validity of this theory remains uncertain, and some believe it is simply a result of using filters to enhance her appearance. Britney's lack of recent public appearances has fueled speculation, leading fans to wonder if she is intentionally staying out of the spotlight or if something more sinister is happening.