Tuesday, April 22
A jury in Manhattan is deadlocked on the manslaughter charge against Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran accused of fatally choking Jordan Neely on a subway train. The judge gave an Allen charge, urging further deliberation. The jury may consider a lesser charge if the deadlock persists. The case has fueled debate about race, mental health, and public safety.
In his first post-election interview, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed surprise at the Democratic ticket's loss, reflecting on the perceived momentum that ultimately didn't translate into victory. He acknowledged the need for self-reflection while avoiding direct criticism of Kamala Harris's campaign. Walz has now shifted focus back to Minnesota's evenly split House, expressing optimism about navigating the challenging political landscape.
At a Fox Nation awards ceremony, former President Trump recounted threatening Canada with tariffs and claimed his tough stance on immigration led Mexico to curb illegal crossings. He also outlined plans for stricter immigration and election laws, while celebrating his past achievements. Canadian and Mexican officials offered contrasting accounts of their interactions with Trump.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, leading Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), met with House Republicans to discuss budget cuts. They proposed "nice" and "naughty" lists for Congress members based on how they support DOGE's budget-slashing proposals. DOGE aims to cut the US federal budget by at least $2 trillion.
Republican Senator John Cornyn and other influential figures within the GOP have publicly declared that Patel has the necessary votes for confirmation. This assertion reflects careful planning and strategic coordination among Senate Republicans, aimed at securing support for Trump’s nominee. Prominent senators, including Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham, have also voiced their backing, bolstering the party’s confidence in the outcome.
The moderators of the deleted Reddit post said that the post was removed as it was unproductive, "a time suck for the mods, without a good source, being brigade, arguably against Reddit's terms of service and featured too many inappropriate comments. It wasn't because of criticism of business practices. We criticize insurance business practices frequently here."
Donald Trump appointed David Sacks, former PayPal executive and venture capitalist, as the White House AI and Crypto Czar. Sacks, a member of the "PayPal Mafia," will guide policy on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. He's a prominent tech figure and co-host of the All-In Podcast. A vocal proponent of cryptocurrency, Sacks has described the rise of Bitcoin as a revolutionary moment for the internet. Interestingly, Sacks was involved in ousting Elon Musk, now also appointed by Trump, from PayPal over two decades ago.
Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet has been awarded the 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development. The award recognizes her global advocacy for human rights, gender equality, and the rights of vulnerable populations. Bachelet's career includes leading UN Women, serving as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and implementing significant reforms during her two presidential terms.
Amid the serious discussions, a surprising and surreal narrative emerged: the alleged killer’s unexpected rise as a “thirst trap.” Surveillance images released by law enforcement showed a suspect with striking features, sparking comparisons to actors like Timothée Chalamet and Josh O’Connor—icons of the so-called “Rodent Man” aesthetic. Social media users began commenting on the suspect’s angular jawline, prominent cheekbones, and brooding demeanour, turning him into an unlikely object of online fascination.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces mounting calls for impeachment after declaring martial law and accusing the opposition of supporting North Korea. His own party leader backs impeachment, and the military refuses to enforce further martial law orders. The opposition needs a few more votes to suspend Yoon, with the prime minister set to take over if successful.
