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 more than ever, with Donald Trump signing executive orders to target the media, your support is needed. So please consider subscribing today.
Now, let’s get into the news.
President Trump recently warned Americans they might face pricier, fewer holiday toys—but his own inner circle is thriving financially. Over his first 100 days, Trump and his family have launched a wave of profitable ventures, including crypto schemes, luxury clubs, and international deals, blurring the lines between public office and private gain in ways ethics experts call unprecedented.
Donald Trump has declared his intention to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status, intensifying an ongoing conflict between his administration and the Ivy League institution.
Trump has issued an executive order intended to reduce federal funding for NPR and PBS. For context, these organizations only get a small share of their budgets from Congress—the majority of their funding actually comes from donors and sponsors.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson strongly criticized Trump's recent remarks targeting judges, saying they appear intentional and meant to pressure those in the judiciary. She warned that such threats and harassment don’t just endanger individuals—they threaten the very foundation of democracy, our government, the Constitution, and the rule of law.
Trump has said he wants to change the name of Veterans Day to “Victory Day for World War I.”
The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April—more than economists had predicted.
Although he previously claimed the war in Ukraine could be ended in 24 hours—or later, in 90 days—Vance now says the conflict isn't ending any time soon. His comments came just hours after the U.S. signed a minerals agreement with Kyiv.
Yesterday, hundreds of thousands marched during the nationwide May Day protests against the Trump administration, its policies, and billionaire backers—framed by organizers as "a war on working people." Over 1,000 rallies took place across all 50 states and abroad, largely organized by the volunteer-led 50501 movement in collaboration with labor unions, student groups, and grassroots organizations.
Organizers say an aid ship bound for Gaza sent out a distress call after reportedly being struck by a drone and catching fire. The vessel, part of the Freedom Flotilla, had 30 aid workers on board—all of whom are safe, according to officials in Malta.
Reports say Radio Free Asia is currently laying off most of its staff and ending many of its news broadcasts and streams—part of the broader fallout from President Trump's push to scale back U.S.-funded international media outlets.
Microsoft is increasing prices on Xbox consoles, controllers, and headsets, citing "market conditions" as the reason. The company has not specified which regions will be affected or how significant the price hikes will be.
See you this evening.
— Aaron
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