ACTUAL NEWS Briefing: May 28th 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- May 28
- 19 min read
QUICK HITS
NEW: President Trump has officially commuted the sentence of Larry Hoover, founder of one of Chicago’s most notorious gangs and a man once described by the FBI as “the face of organized crime in the Midwest.”
“The U.S. has blocked a G7 proposal to tighten the price cap on Russian oil,” according to the Financial Times.
The plan was dropped after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly refused to back the measure.
Twitter Diplomacy
Kellogg stated that a potential meeting between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Putin could take place in Geneva, once Russia submits its peace memorandum. Ukraine has already provided its terms. Kellogg says the goal is to “bring all three leaders together to negotiate and sign a document to end the war.”
President Trump tweeted, seemingly addressing Putin..
Well, Medvedev tweeted his response, which prompted a reply from Kellogg
Meanwhile, Putin has called for Russia to "strangle" Western services in the country, criticizing Russians' reliance on Western platforms as a "bad habit" that must be broken.
He also said Russia was "literally forced into war, while being unfairly portrayed as aggressor.”
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov claimed: "Russia will not allow any part of post-war Ukraine to be governed by the current regime".
On Wednesday, Reuters reported that Putin is now demanding written guarantees from the West that Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and other former Soviet republics will never join NATO.
In addition, they mentioned the neutral status for Ukraine and lifting sanctions against Russia as some of the conditions for ceasefire.
NOTE: It’s time for the coalition of the willing to be willing to act.
Today, President Trump made the following statements in the Oval Office:
On Putin's intentions: "I will let you know within two weeks if Putin is tapping us along or not; if he is, we will respond differently."
On the war's end: "I cannot tell if Putin wants to end the war."
On Putin's actions: "Putin is playing with fire."
On recent attacks: "I am disappointed at what happened a couple of nights ago where people were killed in the middle of what you would call a negotiation," referring to Russian missile strikes on Ukraine.
Ukraine and Germany Deepen Defense and Economic Cooperation in Berlin Meeting
During a meeting in Berlin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed ways to advance peace, increase pressure on Russia, strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, and invest in Ukrainian drone production.
“Germany is among the global leaders in supporting Ukraine and the rules-based international order. And these rules must be preserved – so that normal life for people can be preserved as well,” President Zelenskyy stated. He emphasized that there can be no preconditions for an unconditional ceasefire and stressed the urgency of achieving one. “We all must remember what lies at the root of any war of aggression, including this war that Russia is waging against Ukraine. It is the entirely criminal desire to kill people and destroy lives. Russia must abandon this desire,” he said.
The leaders underlined the importance of maintaining strong sanctions and applying all forms of pressure on Russia. Germany reaffirmed its support for Ukraine in this effort.
A key focus of the meeting was on security and defense. Zelenskyy announced important agreements on strengthening air defense, with Germany pledging continued and expanded military assistance.
Chancellor Merz unveiled a new military aid package for Ukraine worth over €3 billion, according to Politico. The package includes air defense systems, artillery, drones, and other vital components to bolster Ukraine’s defense.
The main elements include:
3 IRIS-T systems and 3 Skyranger units to boost air defense.
10 howitzers, SAMs, 20 armored vehicles, artillery shells, and drones.
The total aid will increase to €7 billion by 2025.
In addition, Germany will finance a significant portion of Ukraine’s Starlink operations, and is considering support for the development of Ukrainian long-range cruise missiles with a range of up to 2,500 km, according to Bild. Zelenskyy also stressed the importance of continued cooperation between European nations and the U.S., as well as sustained funding and resilience for Ukraine's military. He called for frozen Russian assets to be used in supporting Ukraine, with Germany playing a potential role.
The meeting further addressed joint production and industrial cooperation, with agreements reached on investment in drone manufacturing and development of production facilities.
Finally, Zelenskyy and Merz agreed to revive the intergovernmental consultation format between Ukraine and Germany at the level of the President and Chancellor. These consultations, set to resume at the end of this year for the first time since 2004, aim to enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
In 2025, Russia is projected to earn around €233 billion from energy exports, with at least €20 billion coming from EU countries — an amount that surpasses the EU’s military aid to Ukraine, according to Bild. In February alone, the EU imported €2 billion worth of oil, gas, and uranium from Russia. Despite the 17th round of sanctions, key energy transactions continue, and exports to China, India, and Turkey remain unaffected.
Trump eyes global spheres of influence deal with Russia and China — NYT
President Trump is reportedly exploring a sweeping geopolitical agreement with Russia and China to divide the world into distinct spheres of influence, according to a New York Times report published May 26. The plan, described by aides and analysts as a return to 19th-century-style imperial politics, would envision Washington, Moscow, and Beijing as dominant powers in their respective regions. Trump’s vision, the report says, reflects a preference for strategic deals over multilateral alliances — and a belief that peace can be achieved through great-power accommodation rather than global democratic norms.
Ukraine’s Rare Earths Deal with U.S. Hinges on Billions in Investment and Security Guarantees
In an exclusive interview to The Times, Svyrydenko, who is Ukraine’s Economy Minister and First Deputy Prime Minister, shared that the landmark rare earths agreement signed with the U.S. will only become practical if Washington delivers an initial $5–10 billion investment. The deal, signed on April 30 with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, gives the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical mineral reserves — including lithium, graphite, and rare earth metals — essential for electronics, batteries, and defense technologies.
The agreement forms the basis of a new U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, expanding beyond minerals into oil, gas, and other natural resources. It reflects a Trump-era shift in U.S. foreign policy — offering support not as aid, but as an investment tied to profit-sharing.
Svyrydenko stressed that success depends on three conditions:
Immediate U.S. capital infusion,
Ukraine’s survival in its ongoing war with Russia,
And assurances that production facilities won’t be targeted by missile attacks.
President Zelenskyy initially proposed the deal as part of his “victory plan,” hoping for concrete security guarantees from Washington. Trump declined, offering instead a model where military assistance counts as a contribution recoverable through future profits — with no guarantee it will be provided. Ukrainian negotiators, including Deputy Ministers Taras Kachka and Oleksii Sobolev, faced early proposals demanding U.S. control over Ukraine’s resources in perpetuity. Those terms were rejected. Through calm, rational diplomacy — even under pressure from Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance — Ukraine won more balanced terms.
Despite leaked drafts, tense Oval Office meetings, and last-minute brinkmanship, the deal was finalized.
“We wanted this deal and we made it,” said Kachka.
“We wanted to show the U.S. this is different from their dealings with Russia.”
King Charles III delivered a speech to the Canadian Parliament on behalf of PM Carney from the throne, in which he stated:
"Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear and ones which the Government is determined to protect. The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. Canada's relationships with partners are also changing."
Canadians applauded an apparently emotional King when he said, “The True North is indeed strong and free.”
PM Carney offered some brief remarks while engaging with the crowds post the speech.
This was followed by yet another attempt by President Trump, using Truth Social, naturally, to claim that Canada would’ve been “better off as a 51st state.” He also claimed that Canada is considering investing $61B in his Golden Dome project. Neither claim has been verified or ever voiced by the Canadian government.
State Department has offered a questionable answer when asked to comment on President Trump's tweet that followed King's address to the Parliament.
TODAY IN HISTORY
585 BC: A solar eclipse occurred during the Battle of Halys between the Lydians and the Medes, leading to a truce — one of the earliest events in history precisely dated due to astronomical calculation.
1533: The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, declared the marriage of Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn valid, sparking the English Reformation.
1588: The Spanish Armada set sail from Lisbon under the command of the Duke of Medina Sidonia, beginning Spain’s attempt to invade England.
1830: U.S. President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law, leading to the forced relocation of Native American tribes and the Trail of Tears.
1934: The Dionne quintuplets were born in Ontario, Canada — the first known quintuplets to survive infancy.
1937: Volkswagen was founded in Germany by the Nazi trade union, with the aim of producing the “people’s car” — the Volkswagen Beetle.
1961: Amnesty International was founded by British lawyer Peter Benenson following his publication of “The Forgotten Prisoners” in The Observer.
1987: Mathias Rust, a 19-year-old West German pilot, flew a small plane from Finland and landed near Red Square in Moscow, breaching Soviet airspace.
1998: Pakistan conducted its first publicly announced nuclear tests in response to India’s tests earlier that month, becoming the seventh nuclear power.
2002: NATO formally invited Russia to join the NATO-Russia Council, creating a platform for cooperation — though tensions would later return.
QUICK ACTUAL NEWS
NATIONAL
Voice of America Terminations
Termination notices are expected to be issued this week to all remaining Voice of America employees, likely marking the end of the historic broadcaster founded in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda, according to Politico.
White House Budget Cuts Led by Musk Team
President Trump's budget chief said Wednesday that the White House will send Congress a formal package next week to codify spending cuts proposed by Elon Musk’s team, aimed at slashing federal government expenditures.
Trump Media to Invest in Bitcoin
Trump Media and Technology Group announced Tuesday it will raise approximately $2.5 billion to invest in bitcoin, as part of a strategy to diversify its revenue and expand into the financial sector.
Visa Bans for Censorship of Americans
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday the U.S. will impose visa bans on foreign nationals accused of censoring Americans. He suggested the new policy may target officials regulating U.S.-based tech platforms.
Federal Contract Cuts to Harvard
The White House plans to terminate federal contracts with Harvard University totaling roughly $100 million, according to The New York Times. This follows previous freezes on $3.2 billion in grants and attempts to block international student enrollment, citing the university’s alleged failure to address antisemitism. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration’s efforts to bar international students.
Concerns Over Tobacco Regulation Reorganization
Several leading organizations—including public health, civil rights, education, and medical groups—have urged U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reconsider recent agency restructurings, citing concerns about the impact on tobacco regulation.
Republican Push to Limit Benefits for Undocumented Families
Republican lawmakers are proposing to restrict federal benefits for families that include undocumented immigrants—a move that would primarily affect American children whose parents lack U.S. citizenship.
U.S. Oversight of U.S. Steel Sale to Nippon Steel
As part of a deal to approve Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel, the U.S. government will retain veto power over key decisions, a senior lawmaker announced Tuesday.
CDC Drops Routine COVID Vaccines for Pregnant Women, Children
The CDC has removed routine COVID-19 vaccinations from its recommended schedule for pregnant women and healthy children, according to U.S. health regulators. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed the update in a video posted to X.
NPR Sues Over Federal Funding Cuts
National Public Radio, along with three Colorado public radio stations, has filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s executive order to defund public broadcasting, NPR reported Tuesday.
Trump Pardons Sheriff Convicted of Bribery
On Tuesday, President Trump issued a full pardon to former Virginia Sheriff Scott Jenkins, convicted on federal bribery charges. “He will NOT be going to jail tomorrow,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, calling the case “HELL” for Jenkins and his family.
Trump Pardons Nursing Home Executive
President Trump also pardoned a nursing home executive who pleaded guilty to tax crimes. The executive’s mother reportedly attended a high-dollar fundraising dinner at Mar-a-Lago.
Michael Grimm Receives Full Pardon
Former New York Congressman Michael Grimm, who pled guilty to felony tax evasion in 2014, was granted a full pardon by President Trump, according to a White House official.
Trump Plans Pardons for Reality TV Couple
President Trump announced plans to pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of Chrisley Knows Best, who were convicted in 2022 on federal tax evasion and bank fraud charges.
Bitcoin Kidnapping Case Update
Authorities in New York have charged another suspect in the kidnapping and three-week torture of a man targeted for his bitcoin fortune.
Trump Cuts Basic Science Funding
Under President Trump, the National Science Foundation’s funding for basic research in math, physics, chemistry, and materials science has dropped by two-thirds—the lowest level in decades. This funding previously supported innovations such as bladeless LASIK and advanced weather radar.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to Remain Under Federal Oversight
President Trump announced Tuesday that while he plans to take Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac public, the U.S. government will maintain mortgage guarantees and oversight of the institutions.
Senator Tuberville to Run for Governor
Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville confirmed Tuesday he will run for governor of Alabama in 2026. “I will be the future governor of the great state of Alabama,” he said on Fox News.
Increased Oversight of Medicaid Spending on Immigrants
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said Tuesday it will step up enforcement to prevent states from using Medicaid funds for undocumented immigrants. Medicaid currently covers over 71 million Americans.
Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Fast-Track Deportations
President Trump’s administration asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday to allow the expedited deportation of migrants to third countries without giving them the opportunity to claim fear of persecution or torture.
Judge Questions Deportation of Columbia Student Activist
A federal judge in New Jersey said Wednesday the Trump administration’s effort to deport Columbia student and pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil is likely unconstitutional. Khalil remains in immigration detention in Louisiana.
Musk Spending Cuts Face Legal Challenge
A federal judge in Vermont on Tuesday allowed 14 states to proceed with a lawsuit challenging spending cuts implemented by Elon Musk as part of Trump’s government efficiency initiative.
Harvard Scientist's Detention Ruled Unjustified
A Vermont federal judge ruled Wednesday that immigration authorities unjustly detained a Russian-born scientist at Harvard, removing a major barrier to her release after three months in U.S. custody.
Immigrant Arrested for Threatening Trump
U.S. authorities arrested Ramon Morales Reyes, a 54-year-old Mexican immigrant, for allegedly threatening to shoot President Trump. DHS released an image of the threatening letter sent to an ICE officer.
Copyright Office Director Denied Emergency Reinstatement
A D.C. judge rejected Copyright Office Director Shira Perlmutter’s emergency request to block her removal by the Trump administration, stating she hadn’t demonstrated irreparable harm.
Trump Nominates Emil Bove to Appeals Court
President Trump has nominated Justice Department official Emil Bove—who previously defended Trump in a criminal case—to a seat on the federal appeals court.
VP Vance Urges Embrace of Bitcoin
Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that China’s skepticism of bitcoin should push the U.S. to embrace the cryptocurrency and solidify its strategic leadership in the digital asset sector.
Fed Warns of Economic Tradeoffs
Federal Reserve officials acknowledged during their May 6–7 meeting that rising inflation and unemployment could create difficult policy tradeoffs, amid growing concerns over recession and financial market instability.
Transportation Dept. Ends Equity Consideration in Funding
The Trump administration announced Wednesday that the Department of Transportation will stop factoring race and gender into decisions about federal highway and transit project funding for disadvantaged small businesses.
DEFENSE
AFRICOM Under Review
The U.S. is reconsidering the future of AFRICOM, its military command for Africa, with potential plans to merge it with U.S. European Command in an effort to streamline bureaucracy, according to reports under the Trump administration. Established in 2008 to address terrorism and counter growing influence from China and Russia, AFRICOM has seen declining relevance in West Africa amid a wave of military coups. The U.S. has lost ground to Russian-backed regimes, most notably in Niger, where the ruling junta in 2023 ordered the withdrawal of nearly 1,000 American troops and the closure of a $100 million drone base. Washington is now urging African nations to weigh in on the potential dismantling of the command.
$6 Billion Spent on Military Recruitment and Retention
Over the past three years, the U.S. military has spent more than $6 billion to recruit and retain personnel, responding to growing enlistment challenges. Financial incentives for reenlistment across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines surged significantly between 2022 and 2024.
U.S. Navy Without a Chief
The U.S. Navy has reached an unprecedented milestone: the longest period in its history without a confirmed chief of naval operations. With the Trump administration yet to nominate a replacement, concerns are growing among former Navy leaders, lawmakers, and defense analysts.
Pentagon Air Traffic Incident
Military air traffic controllers lost contact with an Army helicopter for roughly 20 seconds during a flight near the Pentagon earlier this month. The incident forced two commercial airliners to abort their landings at a Washington, D.C. airport.
Guam Missile Defense Gaps
Despite Guam’s critical role in the U.S. Pacific defense strategy, a new Government Accountability Office report found no unified plan for maintaining its missile defense systems. Military branches have yet to determine who is responsible for sustaining key equipment.
F-15E Arsenal Configuration Revealed
A new image shows a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle equipped with at least three seven-shot 70mm rocket pods on its left wing. If mirrored on the right, the jet could carry up to 42 rockets, alongside eight air-to-air missiles—creating a formidable counter-drone and missile platform with 50 engagement options.
New Top Enlisted Leader Named
Fleet Master Chief David Isom, a former SEAL Team Six member, has been selected to serve as the next top enlisted leader of the U.S. military, defense officials announced on May 27.
Air Force CIO Transition
Deputy Chief Information Officer Jennifer Orozco will temporarily serve as acting CIO for the Department of the Air Force while a permanent replacement is sought. Orozco assumed her deputy role in September 2024 following an internal reorganization.
Reservists Transitioning to Space Force
Hundreds of full-time Air Force reservists are set to transfer to the U.S. Space Force this year. The move, mandated by a 2024 law, will phase out space-specific reserve units, including the 310th Space Wing at Schriever Space Force Base.
VA Faces Morale Crisis Amid Layoffs
Morale is plummeting at the Department of Veterans Affairs as plans to cut roughly 15% of its workforce—around 83,000 employees—move forward. Critics warn the cuts could severely impact care and services for millions of veterans.
Massive Training Facility Planned in Alaska
This summer, work will begin on a $500 million Joint Integrated Test and Training Center at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. The 150,000-square-foot facility will host 426 computer servers powered by a 15-million megavolt-ampere electric substation and is expected to be completed by 2029.
Elon Musk-Backed Productivity Program Dropped
The Pentagon will end a controversial requirement for civilian employees to submit weekly summaries of five accomplishments. The practice was part of an initiative promoted by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Homeschooling Review for Military Families
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has launched a review of support for military families who homeschool their children, both in the U.S. and abroad. The assessment follows a January 29 executive order calling on the Pentagon to evaluate education options, including funding for private, religious, and charter schools.
Concerns Over NATO Commitment
Some European officials remain uneasy about U.S. commitment to NATO amid President Trump’s past criticisms and efforts to reduce global military engagement. However, American military commanders insist the current posture remains strong.
Ukraine Requests More Patriot Missiles
Ukrainian officials are expressing growing concern over the depletion of U.S.-provided Patriot air defense systems. While the Biden administration had sent key stockpiles, the new Trump administration has shown reluctance to approve additional shipments.
Space Force Awards Raytheon GPS Contract
Raytheon has secured a $379.7 million extension to continue work on the long-delayed Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX), a critical upgrade to the U.S. GPS network now more than eight years overdue.
GLOBAL
IAEA Chief Urges Robust Inspections in Potential Iran Deal
Any new agreement between the U.S. and Iran to rein in Tehran’s nuclear program must include "very robust" inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, said IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on Wednesday. Talks between Washington and Tehran continue following the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal under President Donald Trump. Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, indicated that Tehran may permit U.S. inspectors to visit its nuclear sites if negotiations are successful. A sixth round of talks is expected soon, with President Trump predicting “good news.”
Citgo Shares Auction Extended
A U.S. federal judge has extended until at least June 2 the bidding period for rivals vying for shares in Citgo Petroleum’s parent company. The court-supervised auction could impact control of the Venezuela-owned refiner.
Russia May Restart Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
Satellite imagery suggests that Russia may be preparing to restart Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which it seized early in the war, The New York Times reported.
Chemical Plant Explosion in China
An explosion at the Shandong Youdao Chemical plant in Gaomi, China, has left at least five dead, 19 injured, and six missing. The plant manufactured chlorpyrifos, a neurotoxic insecticide with nerve agent properties.
U.S. and Argentina Withdraw from WHO
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Argentine Health Minister Mario Lugones issued a joint statement on Tuesday affirming their countries' withdrawal from the World Health Organization, while criticizing the organization’s global health leadership.
No Death Penalty for El Chapo’s Son
U.S. prosecutors announced they will not seek the death penalty for Joaquín Guzmán López, son of convicted drug lord “El Chapo,” if he is found guilty of drug trafficking charges.
Trump Comments on TikTok, U.S. Steel Deal
President Donald Trump stated Wednesday that any deal allowing TikTok to avoid a U.S. ban would differ significantly from the expected agreement between Japan’s Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel.
Israel Authorizes Limited Gaza Aid Amid Criticism
Israel has authorized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to distribute food following heavy international criticism of its blockade on aid. Despite operational delays due to violence, GHF reported distributing enough food for about 2% of Gaza’s population for half a week. The U.S. and Israel praised the effort, while the UN criticized GHF as inexperienced and selectively engaged.
Ceasefire Talks Between Israel, Hamas, and U.S.
Public statements from Israel, Hamas, and the U.S. have clashed in recent days over ceasefire negotiations. A proposal for a 60-day truce is reportedly under discussion, but disagreements persist over whether it would lead to a permanent end to hostilities. Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a major operation aimed at occupying 75% of Gaza.
Trump Administration Drafting Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
A senior aide said Wednesday the Trump administration could finalize a new written agreement as early as this week to serve as the foundation for a potential Gaza ceasefire deal.
Israel-Syria Hold Direct Talks
According to multiple reports, Israel and Syria have conducted several rounds of direct negotiations aimed at de-escalating tensions. Neither country’s foreign ministry has commented. A Syrian official reportedly involved in the talks has denied participation.
China Pushes Regional Trade Bloc
Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for stronger trade integration among China, Southeast Asia, and Gulf nations at a summit in Malaysia. The event marked China’s first joint summit with ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council. While no major agreements were signed, Li visited Indonesia earlier this week to announce a partnership with the country's sovereign wealth fund.
India-U.S. Trade Talks Progress with Sticking Points
India is offering significant tariff reductions in ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S., but plans to retain higher duties on agricultural imports like grains and dairy. President Trump recently criticized India’s trade stance, saying the country offers "basically no tariff." Both sides aim to reach an initial agreement by fall.
Security Equipment Manufacturers Warn of Indian Restrictions
Global suppliers of security equipment have raised alarms over new Indian regulations requiring local testing of all hardware, software, and source code. Concerns center around Chinese firms active in the sector. India’s surveillance camera market, currently worth $3.5 billion, is projected to double by 2030.
NATO Chief Meets Icelandic PM
On May 28, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir at NATO Headquarters in Brussels to discuss alliance priorities.
NATO Ramps Up Ammunition Production
NATO is expanding its ammunition stockpiles and defense manufacturing to bolster collective security. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) is coordinating the effort, with Germany’s Rheinmetall playing a leading role. The company’s Unterlüß plant, employing over 2,800 people, produces artillery and tank rounds crucial to supplying both NATO forces and Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.
ICYMI
JPMorgan to Launch Luxury-Inspired Bank Branches
JPMorgan Chase plans to open 14 new branches designed with hotel-like amenities aimed at serving affluent American clients, CNBC reported.
Texas Mandates Ten Commandments in Public Schools
Texas lawmakers have passed a controversial bill requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom across the state.
U.S. Embassies Ordered to Halt New Student Visa Interviews
The White House has directed U.S. embassies to suspend new student visa interviews, according to a diplomatic cable obtained by Politico. All visa applicants will now be subject to social media screening, though the specific criteria for review have not been disclosed.
Harvard's Research Dominance at Risk, Warns Statistician
Harvard statistician Kareem Carr noted that, according to the Nature Index, Harvard is the only U.S. institution ranked in the global top 10 for research output. He warned that dismantling its infrastructure could lead to a top 10 dominated entirely by Chinese institutions.
Latvia Urges Visa Ban on Russian Citizens Across EU
Latvia is calling on fellow EU member states to stop issuing visas to Russian citizens over security concerns, said Foreign Minister Baiba Braže. While Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic have already suspended tourist visas for Russians, many still obtain Schengen visas through other EU countries. Despite existing bans, applications from Russian nationals rose 20% in early 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Russia Remains Barred from 2026 Winter Olympics
Russian sports teams, including its national ice hockey team, will remain banned from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, the International Olympic Committee confirmed.
VIRAL VIDEOS
📺 Scott Pelley Goes Unfiltered
Veteran CBS News correspondent Scott Pelley, with over 31 years at the network, delivered a sharply candid commencement speech that’s gone viral.
📺 Elon Musk Criticizes Spending Bill
Elon Musk expressed frustration over the latest federal spending bill, stating:
“I was disappointed to see the spending bill, frankly. It actually increases the deficit, not decreases it. It undermines all the work that DOGE has been doing. I think the bill can be big or it can be beautiful. My personal opinion.”
📺 Trump on Iran: “Blow Up the Lab—But No Casualties”
President Donald Trump made headlines again with his unorthodox take on dealing with Iran’s nuclear program:
“I want it very strong where we can go in with inspectors, we can take whatever we want, we can blow up whatever we want—but nobody getting killed. We can blow up a lab but nobody is gonna be in the lab, as opposed to everybody being in the lab & blowing it up. Right? Two ways of doing it.”
COMING UP
🇵🇱 May 28–31 – Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski Visits Sri Lanka Minister Sikorski is on a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka, representing the European Union. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic relations and explore expanded cooperation between Sri Lanka and the EU.
🌍 May 29 – African Development Bank (AfDB) Elects New President
The AfDB is convening in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to elect a new president amid significant financial pressures stemming from proposed U.S. funding cuts. Five candidates from South Africa, Senegal, Zambia, Chad, and Mauritania are in the running.
🇧🇷 Ongoing – Brazil's Supreme Court Proceeds with Bolsonaro's Coup Trial
Brazil's Supreme Court has commenced the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 election results. The trial includes testimonies from high-ranking military and political figures and is expected to continue over the next two weeks.
🇨🇳 May 31 – China Releases Official Manufacturing PMI Data
China's National Bureau of Statistics is scheduled to release the official Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for May on May 31. This data is a key economic indicator watched closely by global markets for signs of manufacturing sector health.
That's all from me for now. Thank you for reading. The next News Briefing will arrive on Friday.
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