Here’s your morning news rundown—but first, a quick thank you. If you believe in this kind of journalism, please consider subscribing or becoming a supporter.
Now, let’s get into the news.
Senator Cory Booker and Leader Hakeem Jeffries have begun a sit-in outside of the United States Capitol this morning. They have been in front of the Capitol for several hours now, beginning around 6 AM EST. It is unclear exactly how long they plan on conducting this sit-in, but the purpose behind it stems from the fact that House and Senate Republicans will be considering a budget bill this week that could eliminate Medicaid funding for millions of Americans. I will have updates for you throughout the day.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has issued guidance directing state employees to limit cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unless agents present a valid judicial warrant. This move has sparked significant political debate within the state.
Amazon sellers are significantly increasing prices on hundreds of popular items, with average hikes nearing 30%, in response to President Trump's newly imposed tariffs on Chinese imports, which can reach up to 145%. Products affected include electronics, clothing, and household goods, as sellers pass on the elevated import costs to consumers. This trend is also observed on platforms like Shein and Temu, where prices have risen following the closure of a duty-free import loophole.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has recently advocated for reductions in federal programs, notably Medicaid, aligning with broader Republican efforts to curtail federal spending. He has vetoed multiple state bills that he believes would expand Medicaid, citing concerns over increased costs and potential reductions in federal funding.
Interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Ed Martin, has contacted several prominent medical journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), with letters questioning their editorial practices and suggesting, without evidence, that they may be biased or influenced by external pressures. NEJM's editor-in-chief, Dr. Eric Rubin, described the inquiry as "vaguely threatening" and reaffirmed the journal's commitment to rigorous peer review and editorial independence.
A recent New York Times/Siena College poll indicates that President Donald Trump's approval rating stands at 42%, with 54% disapproving, resulting in a net approval of -12 points. Only 36% of registered voters believe the country is on the right track, while 53% think it's headed in the wrong direction. Furthermore, 66% of respondents describe Trump's second term as "chaotic," and 59% characterize it as "scary," reflecting widespread concern about his leadership style and policy decisions.
A driver rammed a car into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver on Saturday night, killing at least nine people and injuring several others. Festival-goers helped detain the 30-year-old suspect at the scene, and police say the motive is still under investigation.
Donald Trump declared that American military and commercial ships should be permitted to traverse the Panama and Suez Canals without incurring fees. He asserted that these canals "would not exist without the United States of America" and directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the matter promptly.
The Trump administration's Justice Department, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has rescinded a Biden-era policy that protected journalists from being compelled to reveal sources during leak investigations.
China has recently asserted control over Sandy Cay, a small but strategically significant sandbank in the South China Sea, intensifying tensions with the Philippines. The Chinese Coast Guard reportedly raised the national flag on Sandy Cay, declaring sovereignty over the area.
See you this evening.
— Aaron
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