Saturday, May 9
U.S. reacts to hantavirus outbreak
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has notably shared limited information with the public regarding the current hantavirus outbreak. President Donald Trump's administration withdrew from the World Health Organization and laid off thousands of CDC employees, causing delays in communication between international counterparts and the CDC, according to The Associated Press.
The CDC shared that experts were deployed to evacuate the 17 Americans aboard the cruise ship that held the first cases of the disease to The University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Officials did not answer whether the passengers could leave the facility when they desired.
Hantavirus risk for Americans is extremely low, according to the agency, and spreading of the virus is difficult, according to other countries' health experts. Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, chief executive officer of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, says the outbreak proves the country's inability to deal with a disease threat.
Monday, May 11
Alabama voids primary election
In April, the Supreme Court eliminated a majority-Black U.S. house district in Louisiana due to an “unconstitutional racial gerrymander,” the AP reported. Following that decision, Alabama officials have enacted a law to hold a new primary election for changed districts implemented by the state’s revised map, which would get rid of one of the two largely Black districts in the state, rather than the U.S. House map used for the initial primary.
Steve Marshall, the attorney general in Alabama, believes the decision allocates the power to draw maps to the people and allows the legislature to favor Republicans. NAACP National President Derrick Johnson, however, compared the court's decision to Jim Crow laws and pushed those concerned to vote in November, according to the AP
The lower court can prosecute Alabama under the 14th Amendment if they find that they had intentionally discriminated against Black voters through gerrymandering, according to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
Tuesday, May 12
Patel under fire for allegations of drinking, poor behavior
During a budget hearing Tuesday, FBI Director Kash Patel disputed claims that he has been excessively drinking and unreachable by staff members during the job, the AP reported. Sen. Chris Van Hollen initiated the conversation stating, “these are serious allegations that were made against you.”
The Atlantic published an article describing Patel’s unsavory leadership. In response, Patel has filed a $250 million lawsuit, which The Atlantic is calling a “meritless lawsuit.”
Democrats highlighted Patel’s time on the job, mentioning his actions during the Winter Olympics, claiming the director blurred the line between leisure and his duties when he partied with the U.S. men's hockey team after their win. Patel's mass termination of FBI agents who were investigating Trump was also brought to attention.
Wednesday, May 13
Republican Senators vote against Iran war
Senate Republicans once again struck down Democratic legislation that would have halted the war against Iran. The White House continues to claim it does not need Congressional authorization for the war, the AP reported.
The vote, which occurred Wednesday, May 13, did see more GOP senators siding with Democrats on the war powers legislation. The issue was eventually blocked, however, by a vote of 49-50.
Republican leadership in support of the war argue the economic setbacks from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz pressures Iran more than it does the U.S.
Democratic leadership plans to continue weekly votes on war powers resolutions.
Thursday, May 14
Access to abortion pill continues during lawsuit
A Supreme Court ruling Thursday decided women’s access to purchase mifepristone, a popular abortion pill, would continue. Anti-abortion groups push for restrictions of mifepristone and requiring in person-doctor prescriptions for the drug, according to the AP.
Louisiana is attempting to challenge the Food and Drug Administration’s regulations of mifepristone prescriptions, claiming that the policy contradicts Louisiana's abortion bans.
Pro-choice advocates are disappointed by the longevity of the case, due to the possible prevention of healthcare until a verdict is found. Lower courts concluded Louisiana will prevail and access to mifepristone should be suspended while the case plays out, as decided by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Sunday, May 17
US and Iran plan to end ceasefire, strike on Arab
An unknown threat released drone strikes on the edge of the United Arab Emirates, near the Barakah nuclear power plant. The UAE established the attack to be unprovoked and by terrorists. They previously accused Iran of launching drone missile attacks on them recently, according to the AP.
The Barakah nuclear power plant is the only one in the Arab world and can produce a quarter of UAE’s energy needs. The attack caused no harm to any individuals but is building upon tensions between Iran and the U.S. and its allies.
