Eleven members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Dick Durbin, have requested that Harlan Crow, a Republican donor and real estate magnate, provide an itemized list of gifts and real estate transactions given to Supreme Court justices or their family members. The committee has requested that Crow provide the requested information by May 22, 2023 and has not yet received a response. This is part of the committee’s ongoing efforts to craft legislation strengthening the ethical rules and standards that apply to the Supreme Court.
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J.R. Moehringer recently revealed in a New Yorker essay his experience ghostwriting Prince Harry's memoir "Spare," including a heated Zoom call between the two. Despite the unexpected intensity of the situation, Moehringer was able to appreciate Harry's passion and commitment to the project and form a personal connection with him. The essay provides an inside look into the collaboration between the two and insight into the intense process of ghostwriting a memoir.
On Tuesday, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan was arrested by agents from the country’s anti-corruption body, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Images of Khan being pulled by security forces towards an armored vehicle were broadcast on Pakistan’s independent GEO TV, drawing nationwide condemnation from Khan’s supporters. The NAB has not commented on the arrest, but has said that it is investigating Khan for alleged corruption and misuse of power, marking a dramatic escalation on Pakistan’s political scene.
Bob Huggins, the head coach of the University of West Virginia's basketball team, used a homophobic slur twice during a radio interview and later expressed regret for his "abhorrent phrase". The West Virginia athletic department released a statement calling Huggins' comments "offensive" and said they were reviewing the matter. Huggins has since apologized, but the university has yet to comment on the incident or the potential consequences for Huggins.
President Joe Biden has expressed his support for striking Hollywood writers, calling for a “fair deal” for them as soon as possible. The Writers Guild of America is leading the strike, which began last Tuesday, demanding higher pay for streaming services, better health care coverage, and an end to the practice of “firing and rehiring” writers. Biden’s remarks on Monday were his first public comments on the strike, and his support of the writers is a welcome sign for those on the picket lines.
President Joe Biden is meeting with the top four members of Congress to negotiate a resolution to the looming debt ceiling crisis. Republicans want spending cuts in exchange for raising the borrowing limit, while Democrats, including Mr. Biden, want to increase the debt limit without conditions. The White House has refused to negotiate over the debt ceiling itself, but both sides agree a resolution is essential to avoid the economic calamity of a default.
Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday morning targeted three senior Islamic Jihad commanders in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of 13 people, including the commanders, their families, and other nearby civilians. Twenty people were injured in the strikes, sparking outrage among Palestinians and condemnation from the militant group. The incident is likely to further strain the already tense relations between Israel and the Palestinians.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation on Victory Day, calling for unity against the West's "untamed ambitions" and warning of a "real war" against Russia. His speech was met with a standing ovation from the crowd and mixed reactions from the international community. The future of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains uncertain, but Putin's speech has made it clear that he is determined to protect his nation.