The latest from NPR News Now covers several key current events:
Congress has approved a $95 billion aid package, with funds allocated to support Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific region. If the China-based owners of TikTok do not sell their stakes, the U.S. will implement a nationwide ban on the app.
Student protests over the Gaza war continue to unfold at Columbia University and other campuses across the nation. The House Speaker addresses concerns around the safety of Jewish students during these demonstrations.
With Idaho's restrictive abortion law now in effect and facing challenges, the state defends its position as the case goes to the Supreme Court. The law's impact on medical providers, with many leaving the state, is outlined.
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The Senate has passed a $95B bipartisan aid package headed to President Biden for signing. Negotiators allocated $61B for supporting Ukraine, reports Margo Sanger-Katz. Another $26B is allotted for Israel and humanitarian relief in Gaza. The last $8B counters Chinese threats in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. Notably, a nationwide TikTok ban will ensue if its China-based owners don't sell their stake within a year.
At Columbia University, Sanger-Katz says over 100 students were arrested last week amid pro-Palestinian protests over Gaza. Demonstrations are spreading to other campuses. House Speaker Mike Johnson visits to address Jewish students' safety concerns and hold a press conference.
Since Idaho's restrictive abortion law took effect, Sanger-Katz reports 3 maternity wards have closed and 58 OB-GYNs left the state, while only 2 arrived. Idaho defends the law, disputing conflicts with federal emergency care requirements as it heads to the Supreme Court.
1-Page Summary
A bipartisan aid package totaling $95 billion, intended to support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, has successfully passed the Senate and is on its way to President Biden for his signature.
This substantial package emerged after months of negotiations, underscoring the complexity and the urgency of support for these regions.
The passing of this aid package is the culmination of lengthy discussions in Congress, where terms of the support had to be meticulously agreed upon.
A significant portion of the package, amounting to $61 billion, is allocated for Ukraine. This funding demonstrates strong U.S. support amid ongoing conflicts in the region.
The package contains $26 billion for Israel, signaling continued American commitment to its ally, as well as addressing the need for humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.
In addition to supporting European and Middle Eastern allies, the package also includes $8 ...
Bipartisan aid package to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan
Recent events at Columbia University have highlighted a wave of campus activism in response to the war in Gaza.
At Columbia University, pro-Palestinian demonstrations have flared up due to the conflict in Gaza. The protests have become a focal point for the university, prompting administration to engage in talks with students and delay a morning deadline for the disbanding of a student protester encampment.
The intensity of the protests is evident, as police arrested more than 100 people at Columbia last week. This significant police action reflects the scale of the protests and the impact they are having on campus operations.
The protests over the war in Gaza are not limited to Columbia University. Similar demonstrations are spreading to other college campuses, indicating a broader unrest among students concerning the conflict.
With the situation developing, House Speaker Mike Johnson is visiting Columbia University to directly address the concerns that have arisen from the protests.
Campus protests over Israel-Gaza war
The contentious Idaho abortion law has escalated to the U.S. Supreme Court, raising significant concerns regarding its impact on healthcare services in the state.
Since the Idaho abortion law took effect, there has been a notable decrease in available obstetric services in the state.
A stark outflow of OB-GYNs is seen in Idaho, with 58 departing from the state since the enforcement of the abortion law. This exodus of healthcare professionals has raised concerns about the availability and quality of maternal care in Idaho.
In contrast to the departure of dozens of OB-GYNs, Idaho has seen an intake of merely two OB-GYNs during the same timeframe. This disparity underscores the challenges the state may face in maintaining adequate women's health services and access to maternal care.
Idaho abortion law heads to Supreme Court
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