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Deadly Tornadoes Ravage Central US, Leaving Devastation in Their Wake

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At least five individuals, including a four-month-old infant, lost their lives as dozens of tornadoes tore through the central United States, causing extensive damage and power outages for tens of thousands of residents.

The havoc began on Friday with separate storms, claiming four lives in Oklahoma, where a state of emergency was declared in twelve counties. Additionally, a fifth fatality occurred in Iowa following another storm system striking the Midwest.

A car lies on its side after being knocked over during a tornado that tore through downtown Sulphur, Okla., Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Ken Miller)

Preliminary investigations by the National Weather Service (NWS) revealed that some of Saturday’s tornadoes had wind gusts exceeding 136 miles (218 kilometers) per hour. The storms, spanning from Texas to Missouri, also brought heavy rainfall of up to seven inches (18 centimeters) in some areas within a few hours.

Among the hardest-hit areas was Sulphur, Oklahoma, where video footage depicted demolished homes and overturned vehicles. Approximately 100 injuries were reported in the aftermath, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Holdenville and Marietta also suffered significant damage from the storms.

A partially torn off roof is seen on a damaged home in Omaha, Neb., on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Dozens of reported tornadoes wreaked havoc Friday in the Midwest. (Chris Machian/Omaha World-Herald via AP)

At a news conference in Sulphur, Speaker of the Oklahoma state House of Representatives, Charles McCall, expressed resilience, affirming that the affected communities would recover and rebuild.

Governor Kevin Stitt, after visiting Sulphur, described the devastation as the worst he had witnessed during his tenure, noting the destruction of numerous downtown businesses.

This image taken from a video provided by KOCO shows damage caused by a tornado in Sulphur, Okla., Sunday, April 28, 2024. (KOCO via AP)

President Joe Biden offered full federal support to Governor Stitt, as confirmed by the White House. Biden’s outreach followed a separate weather event on Friday that brought over 70 tornadoes to Nebraska and Iowa, particularly impacting the city of Omaha.

Residents like Brent Richardson recounted their harrowing experiences, describing the tornadoes as a deafening force of nature that left utter chaos and destruction in their wake.

Nebraska’s governor issued emergency declarations for three counties on Sunday, ensuring additional funding for rescue and recovery efforts. Despite a lowered tornado threat, meteorologists forecasted continued severe weather, including damaging winds and hail, across northeastern Texas, northern Louisiana, Arkansas, and southern Missouri.

Microsoft Commits $1.7 Billion to Boost AI and Cloud Infrastructure in Indonesia

Microsoft‘s commitment to Indonesia’s digital future reached new heights as CEO Satya Nadella announced a groundbreaking $1.7 billion investment over the next four years.

This monumental move marks Microsoft’s largest investment in Indonesia since establishing a presence in the country nearly three decades ago.

The focus of Microsoft’s investment extends beyond mere infrastructure development, delving deep into the realms of cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI).

With its colossal cloud computing infrastructure, Microsoft stands at the forefront of AI integration, exemplified by incorporating an AI-powered chatbot into its renowned search engine, Bing.

This strategic investment aligns with Microsoft’s mission to leverage AI technology to enhance workplace productivity and transform the way people live and work globally.

Nadella, speaking from Jakarta during his tour of Southeast Asia, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in reshaping Indonesia’s socio-economic terrain.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella meets with Indonesia President Joko Widodo at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Credit: Vico/Indonesian President Palace)

The planned investments span digital infrastructure enhancement, comprehensive skilling initiatives, and robust support for the burgeoning community of tech developers in Indonesia.

Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, emerges as a pivotal market for Microsoft, poised for significant AI-driven growth.

Projections by Kearney suggest that AI adoption could contribute nearly $1 trillion to the region’s GDP by 2030, with Indonesia expected to claim a substantial portion of this economic boost.

Microsoft’s investment pledge encompasses extensive AI training programs benefiting over 840,000 individuals and underscores its commitment to nurturing Indonesia’s tech talent pool.

Indonesia, boasting the third-largest developer community in the Asia-Pacific region, plays a crucial role in Microsoft’s strategic vision. The country’s vibrant tech ecosystem, with over 3.1 million developers actively engaged on platforms like GitHub, positions it as a key player in global software innovation.

President Joko Widodo’s administration has prioritized digital technology and information sectors, aligning with Indonesia’s ambitious Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella arrives for a meeting with Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo. (Credit: Bay Ismoyo)

This visionary roadmap aims to propel Indonesia into the ranks of the world’s top economies, with a projected GDP reaching up to $9 trillion by its centenary independence anniversary.

During his visit to Indonesia, Nadella engaged in discussions with President Widodo, culminating in proposals for establishing an AI research center and a Microsoft data center in strategic locations across the archipelago.

Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Budi Arie Setiadi, disclosed plans for a potential Microsoft data center in Bali or Nusantara, the upcoming capital city on Borneo island.

Nadella’s regional tour, commencing in Indonesia, underscores Microsoft’s enduring commitment to fostering digital innovation and economic growth across Southeast Asia.

The journey continues with stops in Thailand and Malaysia over the coming days, reaffirming Microsoft’s pivotal role in shaping the region’s digital future.

Samsung’s Profits Skyrocket with AI Boosting Memory Chip Market Recovery

Samsung Electronics announced a remarkable surge in operating profit, propelled by the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that have invigorated the computer memory chip markets.

The South Korean tech giant disclosed a tenfold increase in operating profit for the last quarter, reaching 6.6 trillion won ($4.8 billion), a stark contrast to the 640 billion won ($465 million) recorded during the corresponding period last year.

This surge in profit was accompanied by a robust revenue growth of nearly 13%, totaling 71.9 trillion won ($52 billion). The upswing was primarily fueled by elevated prices of memory chips and strong sales of its flagship Galaxy S24 smartphones.

Samsung’s semiconductor division notably rebounded, registering an operating profit of 1.91 trillion won ($1.38 billion), marking its first quarterly profit since the fourth quarter of 2022.

Samsung's Profits Skyrocket with AI Boosting Memory Chip Market Recovery
Visitors look at the Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphone during the 2024 World IT Show in Seoul on April 18. (Credit:
Getty)

This resurgence reflects the ongoing recovery of the chip market from the cyclical downturn exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and global trade tensions. Samsung anticipates sustained strength in the memory chip market, driven by the proliferation of generative AI technologies.

These advancements are fostering demand for both traditional chips utilized in servers and cutting-edge chips tailored for AI processing, such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Samsung has already commenced mass production of its latest HBM chips, the 8-layer HBM3E, and plans to introduce the 12-layer version in the second quarter.

Looking ahead, Samsung foresees favorable business conditions in the latter half of 2024, with robust demand, particularly for generative AI applications, despite potential macroeconomic fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties.

A person walks, at the Samsung stand during the 2024 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain February 27, 2024. (Credit: Albert Gea/Reuters)

In smartphones, Samsung remains focused on enhancing the sales of its flagship Galaxy S24, equipped with an array of AI-driven features.

These include live translation during phone calls in multiple languages and dialects, showcasing Samsung’s commitment to integrating AI into its products to drive growth.

Furthermore, Samsung aims to expand AI capabilities beyond the Galaxy S24 to encompass its entire mobile device portfolio, anticipating that AI technologies will continue to propel growth in the smartphone market amid improving global consumer spending patterns.

Moskowitz Considers Potential Run for Governor in Florida

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Representative Jared Moskowitz from Florida hinted on Sunday that he might run for governor in 2026.

He said on MSNBC’s “The Weekend” that he needs to look at the data and see how the election goes between Biden and Trump before deciding.

Moskowitz used to work as the director of Emergency Management under Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is a Republican. He talked about how he, as a Democrat, worked for a Republican governor.

Moskowitz Considers Potential Run for Governor in Florida
Jared Moskowitz (Credits: Sun Sentinel)

He thinks Democrats need someone who can appeal to both independents and Republicans to have a chance at winning.

He told Politico earlier this month that he’s not saying no to the idea of running for governor in 2026. He said it’s still early to decide.

Governor DeSantis can’t run for a third term because of the state’s rules, so there will be a new race for governor in Florida.

Biden Faces Challenge in Gaining Support from Haley Voters

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President Biden’s team has a hard job ahead: they need to win over moderate Republicans who might feel lost in the upcoming election with Trump running again.

Biden could have a good chance to get some of these voters on his side. That would help him win again and bring more people into his team.

There are a lot of these voters: Nikki Haley, a Republican from South Carolina, got 16% of Republican votes in Pennsylvania’s primary last week. Even though she stopped running for president two months ago.

Senator Tim Kaine said it would take some work but it’s possible to win over these voters. Many of them in his state say they won’t vote for Trump.

Former Governor Chris Christie, a Republican, said Biden hasn’t asked him for his support directly. Christie won’t vote for Trump and thinks Biden should ask him for his vote.

Biden Faces Challenge in Gaining Support from Haley Voters
President Biden (Credits: ABC News)

The Biden team hasn’t said why they haven’t reached out to Christie yet. But it shows that Biden has a tough task ahead.

Experts say Biden needs to appeal to these moderate Republicans to win. Trump doesn’t seem to be reaching out to them.

The Biden team has been trying to get Haley voters on their side since she dropped out of the race. They’ve released ads showing how Trump treated her badly and saying he doesn’t want her supporters.

Some experts think Biden has a chance with these voters because they might not like how Trump is handling things. But it’s going to be a tough fight.

Texans Player Shot During Florida Club Mass Shooting

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Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was one of the 10 people who got shot at a nightclub in Sanford, Florida, on Sunday night. The team confirmed this.

Luckily, Dell didn’t have any serious injuries and was out of the hospital on Sunday itself, the Texans mentioned. Thankfully, nobody died in the shooting, as per the Seminole County Sheriff’s Department. They said all the injuries weren’t life-threatening.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested for the shooting and charged with trying to kill someone, according to the sheriff’s department.

Texans Player Shot During Florida Club Mass Shooting
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (Credits: Houston Texans)

Police explained that an argument at the Cabana Live club in Sanford turned into gunfire right after midnight on Sunday. The club’s security caught the shooter.

Dell had a great first year with the Texans, and the team said he’s doing okay after the shooting.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 129 mass shootings in the U.S. in 2024.

Trump and DeSantis Meet in Miami for Fundraising Talks

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Former President Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis met secretly in Miami to settle their political differences, as reported by The Washington Post.

The meeting, organized by their supporters who wanted to calm down their intense rivalry, ended with DeSantis agreeing to support Trump, according to the Post.

DeSantis has a lot of influential supporters and donors who are cautious about Trump. This support could help Trump a lot in his campaign for the next election against President Biden.

The two hadn’t talked since DeSantis quit the race to become the GOP candidate for president back in January. He didn’t do well in his first national campaign, so he dropped out after the Iowa caucuses. Then, he backed Trump, who won against Nikki Haley in the primary.

Trump and DeSantis Meet in Miami for Fundraising Talks
Trump and DeSantis

Even though he supported Trump, DeSantis didn’t really help his campaign and even said some bad things about him. One of Trump’s top aides even called DeSantis a “sad little man” a month after he left the race.

This meeting might also show what DeSantis wants to do in the future. He can’t run for governor again because of term limits, so he might want to run for president in 2028, along with Nikki Haley.

Clashes Erupt Between Pro-Israel and Pro-Palestine Groups at UCLA

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People who support Palestine and those who support Israel fought at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) on Sunday. They were part of protests happening at colleges all over the country.

At UCLA, clashes started between some members of the two groups before a protest by the Israeli American Council. Many people gathered on the campus, showing support for both sides.

Some counterprotesters tried to break through barriers set up by the university to keep the groups apart. Later, pro-Palestine protesters also got through, leading to small fights.

Mary Osako, who speaks for UCLA, said they were sad about the violence. UCLA is known for peaceful protests, and they don’t want violence.

Clashes Erupt Between Pro-Israel and Pro-Palestine Groups at UCLA
Protests at University of California, Los Angeles

Despite the fights, most of the protests were peaceful. No one got arrested because of the fights.

The protests at UCLA are part of a bigger movement where college students are taking over campus spaces. They want to show they’re not happy with how the Biden administration is handling the conflict between Israel and Hamas. They also want their colleges to stop supporting Israel.

Across the country, hundreds of students have been arrested for protesting. Even though these protests are getting attention, they haven’t changed what the Biden administration thinks.

They mostly see them as anti-Jewish. Some Republican leaders have asked Biden to use the National Guard to stop the protests, but he hasn’t agreed.

Russia Issues Warning Amid Talks of Asset Confiscation

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Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned Western countries not to take Russia’s assets, in a statement on Sunday.

Zakharova mentioned a report from the Wall Street Journal saying Germany wanted to keep Russia’s frozen assets untouched. They might use them later to make Russia give back some of the Ukrainian land it took.

Zakharova said Russia wouldn’t give up any land and threatened a “harsh” response if Western countries took its assets.

Russia Issues Warning Amid Talks of Asset Confiscation
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova (Credits: Middle East Monitor)

“I don’t know who is saying what, but we don’t give away our homeland for anything. Our assets must stay safe, or there will be a strong reaction to Western theft,” Zakharova wrote on Telegram.

Under a new U.S. law, officials can take Russian state assets in the U.S. and use them for Ukraine. At the beginning of the war, the U.S. and its friends froze about $300 billion of Russian money abroad. About $5 billion is in the U.S.

This could mean more money for Ukraine, but the U.S. might not take the assets without agreement from other important countries like the Group of Seven and the European Union.

US Intel Official Says Putin Not Likely Behind Navalny’s Death

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Russian President Vladimir Putin probably didn’t tell anyone to kill opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a high-ranking U.S. intelligence official told The Wall Street Journal.

Navalny died in a Russian prison in February, and many foreign leaders blamed Putin, thinking it was a political murder. But the official said Putin is still to blame for Navalny’s death, even if he didn’t directly order it or know exactly when or how it would happen.

The official said most U.S. intelligence agencies agree that there’s no clear evidence linking Putin to Navalny’s death.

US Intel Official Says Putin Not Likely Behind Navalny's Death
Opposition leader Alexei Navalny

President Biden criticized Putin strongly after Navalny died, holding him responsible but not saying he ordered the killing, because the details were unclear.

“If reports of his death are true, which I believe they are, Russian authorities will have their own explanation,” Biden said from the White House. “But make no mistake: Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death. What happened to Navalny shows how brutal Putin is. No one should be fooled.”

Russian officials insist Navalny died of natural causes and deny any involvement.

Just a few weeks after Navalny died, Putin was re-elected for a fifth term in nationwide elections.

Impending Departure of Paramount CEO Bakish Looms as Skydance Merger Talks Progress

Paramount Global Board Sets Sights on CEO Bob Bakish’s Departure Amid Skydance Merger Talks. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Paramount Global’s board is poised to remove Chief Executive Officer Bob Bakish, with the announcement potentially coming as early as Monday morning.

Bakish is expected to be absent from the quarterly earnings call scheduled for Monday. In the absence of a CEO, the board is expected to rely on division heads as it reflects potential merger discussions with Skydance Media.

Controlling Paramount Global shareholder Shari Redstone is inching closer to a deal with Skydance Media. (Credit: Getty Images)

Paramount Global has established a special committee to analyze the proposed merger, with both companies engaged in exclusive talks until May 3, with the possibility of extending negotiations. Reportedly, Bakish has lost the confidence of Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone.

Redstone reportedly sought Bakish’s ouster ahead of crucial carriage negotiations with Charter Communications, which could significantly influence the company’s valuation in the merger discussions with Skydance.

While Paramount Global declined to comment on the matter, reports suggest that Paramount and Skydance are making progress towards a final agreement.

Skydance’s CEO David Ellison (Credit: AP)

Under this arrangement, Bakish would step down from Paramount, and Skydance’s CEO David Ellison would likely assume leadership of the company.

Internally, Bakish has reportedly voiced opposition to the merger, expressing concerns about its potential impact on common shareholders.

According to reports, the proposed merger would result in Skydance and its private equity partners owning nearly half of the combined entity, while common shareholders would retain ownership of the remainder, allowing the company to continue trading publicly.

Elon Musk Visits China Amidst Electric Vehicle Showcase at Beijing Auto Expo

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Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla, engaged in high-level discussions with a prominent Chinese government official in Beijing over the weekend.

The timing coincided with the Beijing auto show, where Chinese car manufacturers are proudly displaying their latest electric vehicle innovations.

During the meeting, Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed his desire for increased collaboration between the United States and China, emphasizing the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships.

He highlighted Tesla’s presence in China as a shining example of successful economic cooperation, as reported by China’s state broadcaster CCTV.

Elon Musk Visits China Amidst Electric Vehicle Showcase at Beijing Auto Expo
Elon Musk gets in a Tesla car as he leaves a hotel in Beijing, on May 31, 2023. (Credit: Tingshu Wang/Reuters)

Musk’s visit comes amidst a backdrop of strained relations between the U.S. and China, making his presence a welcome sight for Chinese officials seeking to bolster economic ties. Premier Li’s remarks underscore China’s commitment to attracting foreign investment to stimulate its economy.

While it remains unclear whether Musk will attend the auto show, Chinese automakers have been making significant strides in the electric vehicle market, posing competition to Tesla, particularly in terms of pricing.

According to an earlier report by CCTV, Musk was invited by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and engaged in discussions with its president, Ren Hongbin, regarding potential areas of cooperation.

Tesla’s manufacturing hub in Shanghai serves as a cornerstone for its operations in China, catering to both domestic demand and exports to Europe and other regions. Recent price reductions on Tesla models in China mirror similar adjustments made in the U.S.

Elon Musk steps out of a vehicle in Beijing, April 28, 2024. (Credit: Reuters TV)

Meanwhile, the European Union has initiated an investigation into Chinese subsidies for the electric vehicle industry, potentially leading to tariffs on EVs manufactured in China, including those produced by Tesla.

Despite these challenges, China’s green energy subsidies have significantly transformed the automotive world, with electric vehicles accounting for a quarter of new car sales last year, signaling a shift away from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

In response to this evolving market, foreign automakers such as Volkswagen and Nissan are racing to develop new electric vehicle models to maintain or regain market share in China, which remains the world’s largest automobile market.

Dubai’s $35 Billion Airport Move Set for Completion in 10 Years

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Dubai International Airport, renowned as the world’s busiest hub for international travel, is commencing on a monumental shift of its operations to the city-state’s expansive secondary airfield in the southern desert.

This colossal endeavor, valued at nearly $35 billion, is set to unfold over the next decade, as disclosed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Sunday.

The move signifies a pivotal chapter in the resurgence of Emirates, Dubai’s flagship carrier, following the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on global travel.

Dubai's $35 Billion Airport Move Set for Completion in 10 Years
Al Maktoum International Airport. (Credit: DMO)

Plans to transition operations from the current Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central have been long-standing but beset by delays, including those stemming from the economic downturn of 2009.

In an online address, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the significance of this project in securing enduring progress for future generations, envisioning Dubai as a quintessential global hub encompassing aviation, maritime trade, urban development, and innovation.

Renderings accompanying the announcement showcase a futuristic terminal design, drawing inspiration from the iconic Bedouin tents of the Arabian Peninsula. The new airport is slated to feature five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, a significant expansion from the current infrastructure.

The robust performance of Emirates has historically mirrored the health of Dubai’s aviation sector and broader economy.

Despite global challenges, both the airline and the city-state have demonstrated resilience, swiftly rebounding from the pandemic-induced downturn and sustaining momentum in tourism and real estate.

Mohammed bin Rashid approves designs, start of work on new AED 128 billion passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport. (Credit: Albayannews)

While DXB experienced a surge in passenger traffic in recent years, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, its capacity constraints have become increasingly evident.

The relocation to Al Maktoum International Airport, located 45 kilometers away, presents an opportunity for substantial expansion amidst the vast desert terrain.

Beyond aviation, Dubai envisions extensive development in the surrounding areas, with plans to accommodate a million residents and attract leading companies in logistics and air transport.

However, past financial strains, such as the 2009 crisis, serve as a reminder of potential hurdles in realizing these ambitions.

Furthermore, recent challenges, such as unprecedented rainfall disrupting operations, underscore the need for resilience and preparedness as Dubai charts its course towards a future as a global aviation powerhouse.

Shein Joins Ranks Facing Tough EU Digital Rules

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The European Union has announced that online fast-fashion giant Shein will now fall under its strictest level of digital regulations, joining a list of major platforms subject to increased scrutiny.

Shein, originally founded in China and now based in Singapore, has been categorized as a “very large online platform” under the EU’s Digital Services Act. This legislation aims to enhance safety and accountability on online platforms across the 27-nation bloc.

Acknowledging its classification, Shein has committed to collaborating with authorities to ensure a safe and compliant environment for its online community.

Shein Joins Ranks Facing Tough EU Digital Rules
Shein’s global head of public affairs Leonard Lin. (Credit: Linkedin)

Leonard Lin, Shein’s global head of public affairs, emphasized the company’s dedication to transparency and accountability, aligning with the core principles of the DSA.

With a substantial user base of over 45 million in Europe, Shein faces stringent requirements to be met by August.

These measures include safeguarding online users, combating the sale of illegal or counterfeit products, and assessing and mitigating potential systemic risks associated with its services.

Additionally, Shein is mandated to adjust its user interfaces and recommendation algorithms to prioritize consumer safety and well-being.

Businessman holds a sphere with the stars of the European Union. Content text DSA (Digital Services Act) which is intended to update the legal framework for online platforms in the EU. (Credit: Sebastien Bozon/AFP)

The company is also required to submit annual risk assessment reports, particularly focusing on potential harm to vulnerable groups such as children.

Shein’s inclusion adds to the roster of tech giants under heightened supervision, including Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Amazon, and Google Search.

While these platforms face the toughest tier of scrutiny, all online services operating in the EU must comply with the DSA’s general requirements. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual worldwide revenue.

Student Protest Leader at Columbia University Banned Over Anti-Semitic Remarks

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Columbia University says a student protest leader won’t be allowed back on campus after he made some really bad comments. Khymani James, who was leading protests supporting Palestine, said in a video that came out earlier this year that “Zionists don’t deserve to live.”

He also said people should be glad he’s not out killing Zionists. This happened around the same time he met with school officials because of a social media post about fighting with a Zionist.

James said he was sorry for saying those things, but the White House and others were not happy. They said his comments were dangerous and terrible. The White House said there’s no place for violent talk or hate speech in America.

Student Protest Leader at Columbia University Banned Over Anti-Semitic Remarks
Student Protests at Columbia

There’s been a lot of tension on college campuses lately because of what’s happening between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Some students have been protesting in support of Palestine, but it’s led to some trouble. The White House also said it’s not okay for anyone to target Jewish students or the Jewish community.

Columbia University is changing things because of all the protests. They’re moving some classes online for the rest of the semester. Some students are even suing the school, saying they’re being treated unfairly because they’re from Palestine.

Trump Highlights Republicans’ Position on IVF in Response to Newsom

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Former President Donald Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over the debate on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and said Republicans are leading on the issue.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump called out Newsom for not recognizing Republican leadership on IVF. He criticized Newsom’s governance of California, describing it as a failure.

IVF has become a topic of concern due to recent legal developments. Last year, the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling regarding frozen embryos and fertilized eggs affected IVF treatments in the state.

Newsom condemned the Alabama court’s decision in February, labeling it as part of a broader “war on women.” Trump also expressed support for protecting IVF treatments, a sentiment echoed by many Republicans.

Trump Highlights Republicans' Position on IVF in Response to Newsom
Former President Donald Trump

The issue of reproductive rights gained prominence after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Trump claimed credit for this decision, stating that he had returned the abortion issue to individual states for regulation.

He praised GOP-led states for enacting restrictive abortion laws, emphasizing that states are now setting their own rules. Trump asserted that by returning abortion regulation to the states, the issue has been removed from the national stage, preventing extreme positions such as late-term abortions.

Trump suggested that allowing states to decide on abortion regulations could lead to national unity on this divisive issue. He emphasized that the responsibility now lies with individual states, aligning with the desires of the majority.

Trump emphasized that abortion regulation is now the responsibility of the states, a decision that he believes reflects the will of the people and should have been the case from the beginning.

Trump Associate Comments on Melania’s Reaction to Hush Money Trial Revelations

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Stephanie Grisham, who used to speak for former President Trump, talked about how Melania Trump, the former first lady, is watching her husband’s hush money trial. Grisham said Melania probably isn’t happy with what’s being said.

Trump had to be in court while Melania celebrated her birthday. The trial is about Trump allegedly lying about money paid to Stormy Daniels, a film actress, to keep quiet about an affair.

David Pecker, a former magazine boss, spoke in court about Daniels and another woman, Karen McDougal, who says she was also with Trump. Trump says these affairs never happened.

Trump Associate Comments on Melania's Reaction to Hush Money Trial Revelations
Melania Trump, the former first lady (Credits: She Knows)

Grisham said it was new to hear that Trump talked about Melania in the White House and that White House staff talked to Pecker about keeping the secrets. She thinks Melania wouldn’t like hearing these things.

But Grisham also said Melania isn’t sitting at home feeling sad about it. But like any married woman, it’s not nice to hear these kinds of things.

People close to Melania think she won’t be a big part of Trump’s campaign for president again. They say it’s a loss because first ladies usually help during campaigns, especially with women and undecided voters. But they know Melania doesn’t like being in public much.

China’s Aggressive Reception of Blinken Reveals Growing Hubris

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently visited China, but it seems like the trip didn’t solve any big problems.

Before Blinken even arrived, China showed it was unhappy by launching a missile from a submarine. This was seen as a message to the U.S. that the talks would be tough.

The missile launch wasn’t the only unfriendly thing. It seems like China isn’t in the mood to talk seriously with the U.S. right now.

China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has been saying things that make China seem strong and powerful. This makes China think it can control what the U.S. does.

The U.S. keeps trying to talk to China, but this might be making China think it’s even stronger than before.

Also, China sees the U.S. and its allies as weak because they don’t agree on everything, especially when it comes to Ukraine.

China's Aggressive Reception of Blinken Reveals Growing Hubris
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Credits: Money Control)

Blinken talked about China helping Russia, but it seems like Europe is still doing a lot of trade with China, even after Russia invaded Ukraine.

The U.S. doesn’t seem to have a plan to punish China for helping Russia, even though it’s been warning China about it.

Some people still think the U.S. and China can work together, but that might not be true.

China and Russia have been clear that they’re working together, but some people in the U.S. don’t want to admit it.

Before Blinken’s visit, China said it didn’t want the U.S. to talk about Ukraine, showing that it doesn’t take Blinken’s visit too seriously.

Chinese media even said Blinken’s visit seemed like begging, and China didn’t give him a warm welcome at the airport.

And then, during Blinken’s visit, China launched a missile. This shows that China wasn’t very respectful to Blinken or the U.S.

Campaign Finance Violations Lead to FEC Fine for Former GOP Lawmaker

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The Federal Election Commission (FEC) fined the campaign of former Rep. Rodney Davis from Illinois for not giving back extra money from supporters on time.

The FEC sent a letter to Rodney for Congress campaign and its treasurer, Thomas Charles Datwyler, as reported by The Associated Press.

They were told to pay $43,475 because they didn’t return extra money from the 2021-2022 election cycle on time, according to the AP.

Campaign Finance Violations Lead to FEC Fine for Former GOP Lawmaker
Former Rep. Rodney Davis from Illinois (Credits: Roll Call)

The FEC says if a candidate gets too much money and doesn’t use it for their campaign, they have to give it back within 60 days.

The FEC found that one person gave $3,625 too much, and in the general election, there were extra donations of $479,784 that weren’t given back within 60 days.

Davis served in Congress for five terms. But when the districts were changed, he had to compete against Rep. Mary Miller in the 2022 GOP primary, and he lost.

The AP tried to call Davis but got no answer. His campaign told the FEC they would close after fixing the problem.

The Curious Case of David Pecker’s Continued Favor with Trump

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Donald Trump often speaks about having many enemies, but it seems that David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer and a key witness in the Manhattan district attorney’s case against Trump, is not one of them.

In recent testimony, Pecker revealed details about his long-standing relationship with Trump, including instances where he helped suppress negative stories about the former president and his opponents. Despite this damaging testimony, Trump has remained surprisingly positive about Pecker.

Pecker’s positive sentiments towards Trump are reciprocated. During his testimony, Pecker expressed no ill will towards Trump and even referred to him as a mentor.

Their friendship dates back to the late 1980s when they first met at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Over the years, Pecker supported Trump by providing advance notice of potentially damaging stories and assisting in silencing allegations, as seen in cases involving a doorman’s story and former Playboy model Karen McDougal.

The Curious Case of David Pecker's Continued Favor with Trump
Donald Trump and David Pecker

However, their relationship faced strains when Pecker refused to pay Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about her alleged affair with Trump. Despite this, Pecker still acknowledges helping Trump’s campaign by suppressing stories that could harm his presidential bid.

Pecker’s immunity deal with the Manhattan DA’s office in late 2019 protected him from prosecution in Trump’s New York hush money case. Unlike other former allies who have faced legal troubles, Pecker has largely remained in Trump’s good graces.

In contrast, individuals like Michael Cohen, once a loyal aide to Trump, turned against him after facing legal repercussions. Cohen’s relationship with Trump soured as he became embroiled in legal troubles related to the hush money payments.

Despite not speaking with Trump since early 2019, Pecker still considers him a friend, showcasing a stark contrast to the fallout between Trump and other former allies like Cohen.