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Headlines for Today
The Senate, led by the GOP, resumes session today with the goal of passing a multi-trillion-dollar budget plan within a few weeks. President Trump’s ambitious domestic policy agenda, including tax cuts and major changes to defense, energy, and immigration policy, is at the core of the proposed plan. Congressional Republicans aim to have the bill on the president’s desk by July 4, but they face a challenging path due to various competing interests.
FILE—In a show of Republican unity, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., left, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., make statements to reporters ahead of vote in the House to pass a bill on President Donald Trump’s top domestic priorities of spending reductions and tax breaks, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, April 10, 2025. Now that the bill has passed the House, Thune and Senate Republicans can afford to lose only three Republican senators and still pass the Trump’s spending plan. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
J. Scott Applewhite/AP/AP
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J. Scott Applewhite/AP/AP
- 🎧 The Senate Republicans can only lose three votes to pass the plan, with some senators already expressing concerns, as reported by NPR’s Claudia Grisales on Morning Buzz. Challenging negotiations are expected, especially regarding provisions in the bill that address lifting the federal debt limit, a critical task to avoid a financial default by summer. Grisales predicts that the majority of the bill, around 60% or more, will remain intact, with Medicaid cuts likely to be a contentious issue for Senate Republicans.
An individual is in custody after multiple participants at a rally and vigil for Israeli hostages held by Hamas were assaulted and set on fire during an event in Boulder, Colo., yesterday. The perpetrator, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, shouted “free Palestine” before using an improvised flamethrower. Several individuals were hospitalized, and Soliman is expected to face legal charges.
- 🎧 The incident has deeply impacted and shocked the Jewish community in Boulder, according to Megan Verlee from Colorado Public Radio. The targeted group, known as Run for Their Lives, saw eight individuals injured, including a Holocaust survivor. Authorities believe Soliman acted alone. Colorado’s governor and attorney general have condemned the act as a hate crime. Stefanie Clarke, a leader of Stop Antisemitism Colorado, states, “The rise in such incidents is a result of allowing a culture of hate to thrive.”
A fresh round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is set to take place today in Istanbul, Turkey. This meeting follows Ukraine’s recent drone strikes on Russian military air bases, with Ukraine managing to infiltrate Russia by concealing drones in trucks near the bases before launching attacks. In retaliation, Russia launched over 470 drones and missiles against targets in Ukraine over the weekend.
- 🎧 NPR’s Charles Maynes notes that Russia typically dictates the terms in peace negotiations, leveraging its military strength. Maynes highlights that Ukraine’s recent actions demonstrate its military capabilities, indicating that Ukraine also holds cards to play. Trump aligns with Russia’s stance, emphasizing the need for significant concessions from Ukraine. However, Sunday’s events reveal Ukraine’s military prowess, challenging Russia’s dominance in negotiations.
- ➡️ Trump has pledged to bring peace to Ukraine. Here’s a look at the progress of his initiatives.
