The Bulletin
World in Brief
Welcome to the Bulletin,
- UCLA protests: A standoff has ensued between protesters and police as law enforcement entered an encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles. Hundreds of students have been warned they will be arrested if they don't leave their encampment.
- Cruz gets a boost out of Texas: Ted Cruz has scored a boost among Texas voters as he holds a substantial lead over his Democratic rival Colin Allred ahead of the U.S. Senate elections in November, according to a new poll.
- Boeing whistleblower dies suddenly: Joshua Dean, a former Boeing employee turned whistleblower, has died after a sudden illness. He is the second Boeing whistleblower to die unexpectedly. Find out what happened.
- Beef recall as dire warning issued: Numerous beef products have been recalled over fears that they may have been contaminated with E.coli. The products were shipped to Walmart stores across the country. Here are the recalled products.
- In the ongoing war in Ukraine, more than 100 Russian soldiers are believed to have been killed after footage appeared to show a training ground in Ukraine's eastern Luhansk region being targeted with U.S.-supplied long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS.
Full List of Democrats, GOP Who Voted Against Antisemitism Awareness Act
A total of 70 Democrats and 21 Republicans voted against the Antisemitism Awareness Act on Wednesday, signaling opposition to the bipartisan bill. The bill is aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses.
Why it matters: It comes amid several pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses in response to Israel's war with Hamas, which has led to concerns about rising cases of antisemitism. While the bill was passed by 320 votes to 91, some opponents in the House expressed concerns that it would hamper free speech and lead to censorship issues. Newsweek has compiled a list of all the members of Congress who voted against the legislation.
Read more in-depth coverage:
Mike Johnson Pledges Congressional 'Crackdown' on Antisemitism in College
Jewish Group Applauds Pro-Palestinian Campus Protesters
Teacher Probed for Antisemitism After Parents Say He 'Brainwashed' Students
TL/DR: The American Civil Liberties Union said that the bill “would likely chill free speech of students on college campuses by incorrectly equating criticism of the Israeli government with antisemitism."
What happens now? The bill will now go to the Senate.
Deeper reading Full List of Democrats, GOP Who Voted Against Antisemitism Awareness Act
Protesters at the University of Alabama Unite Against Biden
Pro-Palestinian protesters and pro-Israel counter-protesters chanted "f*** Joe Biden" at the University of Alabama, according to a video posted on social media.
Why it matters: It comes as protests have been taking place on campuses nationwide against Israel's offensive in Gaza, which followed Hamas' attack on southern Israel on October 7.The pro-Palestinian protesters are demanding that the University of Alabama call for a ceasefire in Gaza, cut ties with Lockheed Martin, rename a building named after a former CEO of the company, and disclose the university's investments, according to the student publication The Crimson White.
Read more in-depth coverage:
Lauren Boebert Tries to Remove Palestinian Flag From Statue at Protest
College Issues New Timeline for Israel Divestment
Caitlyn Jenner Wants Campus Protesters Deported: 'Have Fun' Being Beheaded
TL/DR: According to an AP tally, at least 38 arrests have been made at campus protests since April 18, with more than 1,600 people arrested at 30 schools.
What happens now? The protests and crackdowns come in an election year, raising the question that Biden could lose the support of young voters disappointed with his handling of the war. Meanwhile, tensions are boiling over at the University of California, Los Angeles. The LAPD was seen entering the UCLA encampment early this morning, with some officers retreating.
Deeper reading Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israel Protesters Unite To Chant 'F*** Joe Biden'
Trump Frets Over Losing Votes to RFK Jr.
Donald Trump has lashed out at fellow 2024 presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr., saying Republicans shouldn't vote for the independent candidate as he is a "Radical Left Lunatic."
Why it matters: Trump and President Joe Biden are said to consider Kennedy, an anti-vaccine activist who previously ran as a Democrat, a threat to their White House bids over fears he could siphon votes from them. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Biden narrowly ahead of Trump (40 percent to 39 percent) and Kennedy in third place with 8 percent. In response, Kennedy Jr. accused Trump of being "unhinged" while challenging him to a live televised debate.
Read more in-depth coverage:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has a Plan to Make Joe Biden Drop Out
Voting for "dangerous" RFK Jr. will help Trump win, Republican group warns
Donald Trump's Polling Numbers Plummet With Independents
TL/DR: Trump's latest attacks on Kennedy Jr. also arrived as the independent candidate has started to appear more frequently on conservative news networks and podcasts.
What happens now? According to FiveThirtyEight's national 2024 poll average tracker, Trump is currently ahead with 41.6 percent, Biden second with 40.8 percent, and Kennedy Jr. third with 10.3 percent.
Deeper reading Donald Trump Frets Over Losing Votes to RFK Jr.
Russia's Redeployment of Elite Units Fuels Speculation
Russia's military is redeploying its elite airborne (VDV) divisions from the southern front of Ukraine to boost its offensive in the east, where Moscow's momentum is continuing, it has been reported.
Why it matters: Pro-Kremlin and Ukrainian sources said Russia's 76th and 7th airborne (VDV) divisions deployed to the Robotyne area in the Zaporizhzhia region in the summer of 2023 to handle Kyiv's counteroffensive have been sent to other parts of the front. Ukrainian sources suggest they might be moved to Luhansk or Kramatorsk, while pro-Russian channels indicate they are relieving units near Krynky in Kherson. ISW assessed that Moscow may want to use the redeployments to support its offensive in the Donetsk region and to capitalize on Kyiv's vulnerability.
Read more in-depth coverage:
Avdiivka War Maps Reveal Russian Advances After Piercing Defenses
Russia's Missile Count Revealed by Ukraine
Drone Video Shows Dozens of Russians Targeted with ATACMS Cluster Rounds
TL/DR: The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Russia redeploying units to the east would allow its forces "to intensify offensive operations and place Ukrainian forces under increasing pressure."
What happens now? Ukraine had predicted that its forces would face a tough period ahead of an anticipated offensive by Moscow at the end of May or the beginning of June as they await delivery of a tranche of American military aid. Russia's Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that it would step up weapons production to deliver arms to the eastern front in Ukraine faster.
Deeper reading Russia's Redeployment of Elite Units Fuels Speculation
Boomers Are Refusing to Give Up Their Large Homes
Baby boomers are refusing to downsize in their golden years, according to a Redfin study. The study found that the generation born between 1946 and 1964 owns nearly three in 10 (28.2 percent) large homes in the nation—nearly twice as many as millennial households with kids (14 percent).
Why it matters: According to the Redfin analysis, Gen Zers with kids own only 0.3 percent of large homes in the U.S. Some 7.5 percent of the country's large homes are owned by boomers with households of three adults or more, which includes adult children living with their boomer parents. Despite smaller households, boomers are not downsizing, preferring to keep larger properties for hobby rooms or visiting family. This trend contributes to tight housing inventory, impacting the market.
Read more in-depth coverage:
Real Estate Map Shows Where It's Cheaper to Rent Than Buy
Gen Z Is Finding It Easier to Buy a Home Compared to Past Generations
TL/DR: According to Redfin, some 54 percent of boomers own their homes and no longer need to pay a mortgage.
What happens now? The impact of baby boomers dying off in the coming decades will "somewhat alleviate the inventory crunch," Redfin's chief economist Daryl Fairweather told Newsweek. However, it might not be enough to meet the housing demand of the younger generations.
Deeper reading Boomers Are Refusing to Give Up Their Large Homes
I Had an Abortion at 44. As a Christian, I Made Peace With My Sin
I was 44 years old and pregnant. Unbelievable. Five pregnancy tests, all torn apart in some hotel in Kansas City. All positive within seconds. I was flabbergasted.
My partner and I hadn't used birth control in years. Not because we were trying for a child, but because after years of being casual about birth control, we assumed he shot blanks. I guess the joke was on me.
That night, I met an old colleague, and we caught up. I was dying inside but couldn't—wouldn't—share. Not that he wouldn't have accepted me. I was just afraid. Prideful. In shock. In denial.
I called my partner and told him. He asked how that happened. I said, "Lack of birth control, bud." By this time, our union was just a shell game. Smoke and mirrors. A happy looking, successful, and beautiful couple turned into a sham.
