The Full Belmonte, 4/21/2024
House Speaker Mike Johnson discusses the foreign aid package. (Drew Angerer/AFP/Getty Images)
“House Democrats joined Republicans to pass a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific region. The measures now go to the Senate. House Speaker Mike Johnson defied the right flank of his party to shepherd the legislation through.” [CNN]
“President Joe Biden signed a bill that reauthorizes a key surveillance authority after the Senate passed the legislation despite a contentious debate over privacy concerns, avoiding a lapse in the controversial program.” [CNN]
“Two people were killed and at least six others were injured in a shooting at a block party in Memphis, where up to 300 people were gathered, police said. They believe at least two people opened fire at the party.” [CNN]
“Hourly workers at Volkswagen’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, overwhelming voted to join the United Auto Workers, a major breakthrough in the union’s effort to organize workers at plants nationwide.” [CNN]
“The University of Southern California called off appearances by prominent speakers and honorees at graduation, days after the institution canceled the commencement speech of Muslim valedictorian Asna Tabassum due to what it called security concerns.” [CNN]
THE LATEST NEWS
Congress
Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican. Haiyun Jiang for The New York Times
“The House voted to approve $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Speaker Mike Johnson, faced with opposition from the right wing of his party, marshaled support from mainstream Republicans and Democrats.” [New York Times]
“As part of the package, the chamber also advanced a bill that would force TikTok’s Chinese owners to sell the app or ban it in the U.S.” [New York Times]
“The Senate is expected to pass the legislation as early as Tuesday. See how the House voted.” [New York Times]
“Johnson had largely opposed aid to Ukraine as a rank-and-file member. He has attributed his turnaround in part to intelligence briefings.” [New York Times]
“The vote was met with relief in Ukraine. Experts say it could take weeks before U.S. assistance has a direct effect on the war.” [New York Times]
More on Politics
In Grants Pass, Ore. Mason Trinca for The New York Times
“A small Oregon town cracked down on homeless encampments. A lawsuit brought by homeless residents there is at the center of a Supreme Court case.” [New York Times]
“Opening statements in Donald Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial begin tomorrow. For the next few weeks, the former president — who values control — will have very little, Maggie Haberman writes.” [New York Times]
Middle East
In Rafah, in southern Gaza. Mohammed Salem/Reuters
“Israeli airstrikes on the southern Gazan city of Rafah killed several civilians and hit two family homes, according to Palestinian state media. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the strikes.” [New York Times]
“Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank went on a general strike after Israeli soldiers killed at least 10 people during a raid on a refugee camp there. The military called it a counterterrorism operation.” [New York Times]
“Israel’s retaliatory strike on Iran on Friday appeared calculated to send a message that it could bypass and paralyze Iran’s defense systems, Western and Iranian officials said.” [New York Times]
More International News
A race in China’s Zhejiang Province. Manan Vatsyayana/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
“Top Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned drug months before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. They were allowed to compete after Chinese officials secretly cleared them of doping, a Times investigation found.” [New York Times]
“After years of conflict in Myanmar, rebels have scored victories over the military junta, potentially turning the tide of the war.” [New York Times]
“Rahul Gandhi, the scion of an Indian political dynasty, is trying to unseat Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party. He traveled across the country to appeal to voters.” [New York Times]
“Lives Lived: Ellen Ash Peters was the first woman on the faculty of Yale Law School and the first female justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court. She died at 94.” [New York Times]
Beverly LaHaye, Soldier of the Christian Right, Dies at 94
“A pastor’s wife, she formed Concerned Women for America to oppose the Equal Rights Amendment. Ronald Reagan called her ‘one of the powerhouses on the political scene.’” [New York Times]
MONDAY
“Opening arguments and the first witness testimony could begin in the first criminal trial of former President Donald Trump. Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records for his alleged role in a hush money scheme before the 2016 election. It is one of four criminal cases he faces while running again for president.
April 22 is Earth Day, an annual event designed to highlight the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.
The Jewish holiday of Passover begins at sundown.
TUESDAY
The judge overseeing Trump's hush money trial is scheduled to hold a hearing over the prosecution's request that he be held in contempt for violating the gag order in the case repeatedly. The DA’s office claims Trump has continued to violate the gag order in several online posts to his Truth Social account and also in articles posted on his official campaign website.
Pennsylvania will hold its primary election. President Joe Biden made a three-day swing through the Keystone State last week, where recent polling shows a close contest between Biden and Trump heading into the November presidential election.
A full moon dubbed the Pink Moon will appear in the sky — one of 12 full moons occurring during 2024.
THURSDAY
The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the blockbuster case over whether Trump may claim immunity from prosecution in the federal election subversion case. The timing of the case has drawn considerable scrutiny, as it could help determine whether he faces a trial over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election before the November 2024 election. Special counsel Jack Smith, who brought the criminal charges, has sought to speed up the proceedings over Trump’s immunity claim so that he can bring the matter to trial as quickly as possible. An original trial date set for early March already has been postponed.
SATURDAY
Journalists, lawmakers, government officials and celebrity guests will gather alongside President Biden and first lady Jill Biden for the annual White House Correspondents Dinner — affectionately known as the “Nerd Prom.” "Saturday Night Live" cast member and "Weekend Update” co-anchor Colin Jost will headline the event. The White House Correspondents’ Association hosts its annual dinner as a fundraiser for the organization and to provide scholarships for students interested in pursuing a career in journalism.” [CNN]
THE WEEK AHEAD
What to Watch For
“The London Marathon is today.
Earth Day is tomorrow.
Passover begins tomorrow evening.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Wednesday over Idaho’s abortion ban.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Thursday over whether Trump has presidential immunity over his conduct surrounding the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021.
The N.F.L. draft begins on Thursday.” [New York Times]