Good morning everyone! Today is shaping up to be a very busy news day. Please consider supporting my work to allow me to continue doing this full-time by clicking the button below (on your computer) and becoming a paid subscriber today.
Now, let’s get to the news:
Elon Musk criticized Donald Trump over the recently passed House spending bill, calling it disappointing and financially irresponsible. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Musk said the "big beautiful" bill increases the budget deficit and undermines efforts by the DOGE team.
Tesla's European sales plummeted 49% in April, with just 7,261 vehicles sold, even as overall electric vehicle demand grew by over 34%, according to ACEA data. The sharp decline underscores mounting challenges for Tesla in a market that's otherwise booming for EVs.
SpaceX's Starship and Super Heavy booster exploded during a test flight on Tuesday—the third failure in a row for the system designed to eventually carry people to the Moon and Mars. The uncrewed launch, Starship’s ninth test, ended with the booster exploding shortly after liftoff and the spacecraft spinning out of control and detonating during reentry after a fuel leak.
According to Politico, the Trump administration is weighing a policy that would require all foreign students applying to study in the U.S. to undergo social media screening—a major expansion of current vetting. A cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio orders embassies to pause new student visa interviews to prepare for the potential policy shift.
The Supreme Court declined to hear a Massachusetts student’s challenge after he was barred from wearing a T-shirt stating “there are only two genders.” Justices Alito and Thomas dissented, signaling concern over free speech implications.
A U.S. judge has rejected President Trump's executive order targeting the law firm WilmerHale, according to court filings reported by Reuters. In a 73-page opinion, Judge Leon emphasized the importance of an independent judiciary and legal profession, stating, "The Founding Fathers knew this!"
More companies are warning investors about the growing risk of backlash over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies. In recent regulatory filings, firms like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot have noted that both supporting and rolling back these initiatives carry potential legal, financial, and reputational risks amid intensifying political division.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has condemned the country’s leadership and military actions in Gaza, saying he can no longer defend Israel against war crimes accusations. Citing the prolonged aid blockade and high civilian death toll, Olmert criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu and his far-right coalition for actions he called indefensible.
Chaos erupted at a Gaza aid distribution site run by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation on Tuesday, as thousands of Palestinians rushed for food amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. The incident follows an 11-week Israeli blockade that has pushed over 2 million people toward famine.
Natalie Phelps, a 43-year-old mother with stage 4 colorectal cancer, is facing life-threatening delays in treatment due to Trump administration cuts to the NIH. Her case, now cited in congressional hearings, highlights how the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” has disrupted critical clinical trials, halted research, and left patients like Phelps with few options and no clear timeline for care.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new defense sector investment agreements with Germany during a visit to Berlin on Wednesday. Speaking alongside Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Zelenskyy provided no specific details but emphasized Ukraine’s push for allied funding to support its growing defense industry.
A new report from the World Meteorological Organization warns there's an 80% chance global temperatures will break at least one annual heat record in the next five years, increasing the risk of extreme weather events. For the first time, data also shows a small chance the world could see a year 2°C warmer than preindustrial levels before 2030—a scenario scientists call “shocking.” The report underscores urgent climate threats and the need to stop burning fossil fuels and biomass.
Amid controversy over a transgender athlete's participation, California's high school sports board is changing its rules to allow more girls to compete in this weekend’s state track and field championships. The California Interscholastic Federation announced a new pilot process giving additional "biological female" athletes a chance to qualify, shortly after Donald Trump criticized the situation online. The decision comes amid a broader national debate over transgender rights in youth sports.
See you this evening.
— Aaron
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