The Show Notes: Biden Backlash, Canadian Gun Grab, & SCOTUS Leak
Welcome! I’m on vacation this week but still want to keep you updated on the news.
BREAKING: Sussmann acquitted on charge brought by special counsel Durham - Politico
Apple’s new iPhone and iPad software will reportedly add lots of big changes.
Clip of the day:
This Is Bad
NBC and Politico have seperate pieces lamenting the dire state of morale in the Biden White House.
This is from NBC:
Biden is rattled by his sinking approval ratings and is looking to regain voters’ confidence that he can provide the sure-handed leadership he promised during the campaign, people close to the president say.
Crises have piled up in ways that have at times made the Biden White House look flat-footed: record inflation, high gas prices, a rise in Covid case numbers — and now a Texas school massacre that is one more horrific reminder that he has been unable to get Congress to pass legislation to curb gun violence. Democratic leaders are at a loss about how he can revive his prospects by November, when midterm elections may cost his party control of Congress.
This is from Politico:
At least 21 Black staffers have left the White House since late last year or are planning to leave soon. Some of those who remain say it’s no wonder why: They describe a work environment with little support from their superiors and fewer chances for promotion.
The departures have been so pronounced that, according to one current and one former White House official, some Black aides have adopted a term for them: “Blaxit.”
Canadian Gun Grab
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a national freeze on handgun sales on Monday. Trudeau said “it will no longer be possible to buy, sell, transfer or import handguns anywhere in Canada” and went so far as saying “In other words, we’re capping the market for handguns.” Go deeper with Fox News.
SCOTUS Leak
According to multiple sources, SCOTUS law clerks are being asked to provide cell phone records and sign affidavits as the hunt for the SCOTUS leaker heats up. Gail Curley, a lawyer and former Army colonel, has been commissioned by Chief Justie John Roberts to lead the investigation. Go deeper with CNN.
India
India is buying Russian oil at massive discounts as the international commuinty shuns the Russian economy. According to CNN, India is purchasing oil for $95 per barrell while the international benchmark Brent crude is above $119 a barrel. India is importing Russian oil at nine times the rate it was just a few months ago.
The rest of the news:
Biden to meet Fed chair as inflation bites US pocketbooks - AP News
Rising gas prices and inflation top travel concerns, overtaking Covid, survey finds - CNBC
What the Gun Debate Misses - National Review
Inflation Eased Slightly in April, According to Fed’s Preferred Measure - WSJ
Mitch McConnell sounds bullish on his party's odds for success this fall: "The atmosphere for success of my party is pretty good." - Politico
House Democrats look to pass gun control legislation by early June - CNBC
Several southern cities of Ukraine are in a "complete information blockade," officials say - CNN
Cracks Show in Western Front Against Russia’s War in Ukraine - WSJ
Home prices surged over 20% in March as interest rates also rose, according to S&P Case-Shiller - CNBC
Elon Musk calls out Bill Gates for his ‘multi-billion dollar’ Tesla short position - NY Post
Economic Pessimism Growing in U.S. - Gallup
Support mounts among US bishops barring Pelosi from receiving Communion - Fox News
La Nina, Loop Current and other factors put Florida in crosshairs of another active hurricane season - Yahoo
Where America's cities are growing - Axios
Tweets that caught my eye: