Russia Launches Major Drone Attack on Ukraine; Trump's Tax Cuts Advance Amid Recession Fears
Key Takeaways
- Russia launched a major drone attack on Ukraine, causing casualties and destruction.
- Trump's tax-cut bill advances, projected to increase national debt by $3-5 trillion.
- Gaza hospitals face siege and attacks, leading to shortages and potential collapse.
- Nicusor Dan won the Romanian election amid claims of Russian interference.
- Miami schools trained 1,000 educators on A.I. and introduced chatbots for 105,000 students.
Top Stories
Russia, Ukraine conflict: Drone attacks, diplomacy, and intimidation.
On May 19, 2025, Russia launched a major drone attack on Ukraine, resulting in casualties and destruction, while claiming control of Bahatyr and downing 75 Ukrainian drones. Simultaneously, Western leaders urged sanctions against Russia before a Trump-Putin summit, where Putin expressed a desire for lasting peace, and Ukraine reported Russia planning an ICBM launch to intimidate.
Trump's tax-cut bill advances amid debt and recession fears.
On May 19, 2025, Donald Trump's tax-cut bill passed a key US House committee vote 17-16, despite projections of increasing national debt by $3-5 trillion and potentially causing 8.6 million people to lose Medicaid coverage. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued the bill would stimulate economic growth, while Senator Chris Murphy warned of a likely recession due to the credit rating cut.
Gaza hospitals face siege, attacks, and collapse.
On May 18, 2025, reports detailed the dire situation in Gaza, where hospitals were under siege and facing intensifying Israeli attacks, leading to shortages of medical supplies and potential collapse. Hundreds of Palestinians were reportedly killed in the last 72 hours, and the only remaining cancer treatment facility, the European Hospital, was put out of service.
Nicusor Dan wins Romanian election amid interference claims.
On May 19, 2025, Centrist Nicusor Dan won the presidential election in Romania with about 54 percent of the vote, defeating George Simion, who initially claimed victory before conceding. Romania's government reported detecting a misinformation campaign with "hallmarks of Russian interference," while Telegram founder Pavel Durov alleged French interference.
Miami schools pioneer A.I. training for teachers, students.
On May 19, 2025, Miami-Dade County Public Schools was reported to have trained over 1,000 educators on new A.I. tools and is introducing Google chatbots for more than 105,000 high schoolers, marking the largest U.S. school district deployment of its kind.
Climate Crisis
Trump administration disregards climate change economic costs.
On May 19, 2025, it was reported that the Trump administration declared two weeks ago that it would largely disregard the economic cost of climate change as it sets policies and regulations.
Global Watch
Somalia: Suicide bombing, assassination amid al-Shabab infiltration.
On May 18, 2025, a suicide bombing at an army recruitment centre in Mogadishu, Somalia, killed at least 13 people. The previous day, Colonel Abdirahmaan Hujaale was assassinated in the Hiiran region amid reports of al-Shabab infiltration.
Pope Leo XIV inaugurated, addresses Ukraine and Gaza.
On May 18, 2025, Pope Leo XIV was officially installed as the head of the Catholic Church, calling for unity and peace, and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He prayed for the victims of conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, lamenting the suffering of both populations.
Political Pulse
South Korea debates China, US relations in snap election.
On May 18, 2025, South Korean presidential candidates Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo participated in a televised debate ahead of the June 3 snap election. Lee advocated prioritizing South Korea’s interests in managing relations with China and Russia, while Kim pledged to create jobs and deregulate businesses.
Portugal holds election amid instability, cost of living crisis.
On May 18, 2025, Portugal held its third general election in three years, driven by concerns over immigration and the cost of living, after Prime Minister Luis Montenegro lost a vote of confidence. Montenegro appealed for a strong mandate to end political instability, expressing confidence in achieving stable governance.
Business Today
Markets decline amid U.S. debt concerns.
On May 19, 2025, markets are trending downwards due to growing anxieties surrounding U.S. debt.