Today’s read: 2 min 31 sec

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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

💊 McKinsey & Co. is under investigation for fueling the opioid crisis. The Justice Department launched a criminal investigation into the juggernaut consulting firm for their marketing advice provided to pharmaceutical companies for lethal opioids. McKinsey had previously settled on an opioid-related suit brought by all 50 states, but a federal probe threatens to jail company executives.

🎓 The House speaker visited Columbia University amid campus unrest. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) traveled to New York, where he delivered remarks in front of a rowdy, heckling crowd of pro-Palestine students. Johnson and others are calling on the school’s president to resign and to further shed light on the anti-Israel sentiments growing on American university campuses.

🇨🇳 Antony Blinken arrives in China as the U.S. weighs sanctions. Secretary of State Antony Blinken touched down in Beijing for a series of talks with CCP leaders, aiming to dissuade them from supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine. This diplomatic mission comes on the heels of President Biden labeling China “xenophobic” and vowing to raise tariffs on Chinese imports.

🔎 Congress is calling on the IRS to investigate China-linked activist groups. Anti-Israel activist groups who have helped organize university protests also have links to either the Chinese government or Chinese propagandists. U.S. House lawmakers are concerned that these groups are national security threats and may even be funded by America’s adversaries beyond China.

TRUMP TRIAL WATCH

• The Supreme Court will hear arguments Thursday on whether Donald Trump can claim presidential immunity for his alleged plot to overturn the 2020 election.

• Donald Trump said that N.Y. Judge Juan Merchan "thinks he is above the Supreme Court” for denying Trump from attending opening arguments in the SCOTUS presidential immunity case.

• Special Counsel Jack Smith pressed Judge Aileen Canon of the Mar-a-Lago documents case to prevent the release of unredacted discovery materials to Trump’s team.

WASHINGTON

Populist House Republicans take bitter losses

What’s happening: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) partnered with more than 200 Democrats to pass $96 billion in foreign aid, including $60.8 billion to Ukraine, leaving anti-Ukraine war Republicans in an angry minority.

The split: Hardline Republicans oppose more funding for Ukraine’s war with Russia while some want U.S. border security funding attached to such legislation. Johnson believes countering Russian aggression is a high priority and is temporarily willing to accept a lack of border solutions.

• Trump’s role: Johnson consulted former President Trump, who successfully pushed for some Ukraine aid to take the form of a loan instead of being “just a gift.” However, the aid package is largely a defeat for the anti-Ukraine war wing of the Republican Party.

Why it matters: In a narrowly split House, hardline Republicans have been railroaded on major issues. Johnson’s speakership is testing the fractured GOP caucus as they face a more unified Democratic party.

• On government spying: Johnson helped pass a bill this month expanding warrantless surveillance powers that Trump and his allies have long sought to reform.

• Government shutdown: Hardline Republicans have shown a willingness to allow a government shutdown if it pressures Democrats into making legislative concessions. Johnson continues to avoid this at all costs, saying it would hurt Republicans in the November elections.

Fighting back: Some conservatives are threatening to hold a vote to remove Johnson as speaker — the same vote that kicked out his predecessor, former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). The precarious situation raises the stakes for Trump’s reelection campaign, as a November win could shift more power to Congressional Republicans.

—H.C.

WHAT WE’RE HEARING

• Texas state troopers were sent to the University of Texas to maintain control of chaotic anti-Israel protests.

• Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) demanded the resignation of Israeli P.M. Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him an “obstacle” to peace.

• The International Criminal Court is considering issuing arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials.

How Democrats Will Fight Trump’s Abortion Strategy

What’s happening: Donald Trump last week announced his official abortion stance: deferring to individual states regarding legislation…

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OUR QUESTION TO YOU

POLL RESULTS FROM YESTERDAY

Are women going backward under Biden?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 👍 Yes (609)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 👎 No (18)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🤔 Other (8)

IN THE LOOP

• President Biden signed into law the $95 billion foreign aid package, also requiring TikTok to divest from the Chinese-controlled parent company ByteDance.

• A U.S. Commander warned that China is rapidly and aggressively building up their military.

• A new poll finds the matchup between Trump and Biden is currently a dead heat.

• U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ) passed away at the age of 65 on Wednesday.

• Uncover the shocking truth about "health foods" from Dr. Steven Gundry, the world-renowned heart surgeon. Watch his viral video featured on ABC and CBS to learn which foods to avoid for better digestion and health. Share with loved ones to help them too!

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