President Joe Biden will meet with lawmakers Tuesday, May 9, to discuss the nation’s debt ceiling issue, as the United States attempts to avoid a potential government default. And China has ordered the expulsion of a Canadian diplomat from the country in a move that has been viewed as a further escalation of tensions between the two nations. These stories and more highlight the daily rundown for Tuesday, May 9, 2023. 

Biden to meet with congressional leaders on debt ceiling

President Biden is scheduled to meet today with congressional leaders, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, to discuss the nation’s debt, which comes as the United States faces an unprecedented government default.

“There shouldn’t be negotiations on a debt, on the debt limit. This is something that they should get to regular order and get to work on,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Monday, May 8. “That’s what the president’s going to make very clear with the leaders tomorrow. Congress must avoid default without conditions, without conditions, as they did three times before in the last administration.”

This meeting will mark the first time since February that Biden has sat down with McCarthy to discuss an issue that could have a devastating impact on both the U.S. and global economy.

Democrats have been pushing for a stand-alone action to raise the debt ceiling, while Republicans say they are willing to raise the debt ceiling only if it is accompanied by major budget cuts to slow spending. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has been personally calling CEOs and business leaders to warn them of potential consequences if the nation is forced to default on its debt.

Border Patrol, ICE set to apprehend migrants in El Paso

Border Patrol agents and officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are set to apprehend migrants in El Paso, Texas, who entered the U.S. without proper processing.

Those found without U.S. government documents in the area could be expelled under Title 42, which is set to expire on May 11.

Migrants caught in the operation could also be placed in regular deportation proceedings and released with a notice to appear in court. El Paso has experienced an influx of migrants in the city, with thousands sleeping on city streets as shelters have filled up. Department of Homeland Security officials have said the number of migrants crossing the southern border each day could surpass 10,000 after Title 42 lapses.

“As we have said repeatedly, individuals who do not have a lawful basis to remain will be removed,” acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller said in a statement. “Individuals should not listen to the lies of smugglers and instead use lawful pathways to protection.”

The Biden administration has called this endeavor in El Paso a “targeted enforcement operation” amid a broader border surge that has seen over 26,000 apprehensions and over 7,000 “gotaways” in just 72 hours, according to official statistics. 

Abbott initiates process to pardon Uber driver in protest shooting

A Texas Uber driver who was convicted of murder for shooting and killing a Black Lives Matter protester in the summer of 2020 is scheduled to be sentenced in court today. Daniel Perry faces the possibility of life in prison for the killing, but Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has already initiated the process to issue a pardon before the sentencing.

The shooting incident occurred when Perry was driving down a street that was blocked by a group of protesters. Perry claimed that Garrett Foster, a protester in the crowd, pointed a rifle at him, and he fired his own gun back in self-defense. However, a jury found Perry guilty of murder, rejecting his claim of self-defense.

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has begun an immediate review of Perry’s case at the direction of Abbott, who has expressed his intention to sign the pardon once it hits his desk.

“Texas has one of the strongest ‘stand your ground’ laws of self-defense that cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive district attorney,” Abbott said. “I look forward to approving the board’s pardon recommendation as soon as it hits my desk.”

Perry’s sentencing hearing is expected to last up to two days, as the case has sparked debates over the use of lethal force, self-defense claims and the role of law enforcement in protests.

Putin claims “real war” being waged against Russia on Victory Day

Russia marked its annual “Victory Day” celebration on May 9, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The event was scaled back this year with mass events canceled over security concerns.

The marches that were held were largely a showcase of Russia’s military, with ballistic missile systems and tanks parading through the streets of Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin used the occasion to address what he called a “real war” being waged against Russia by the West.

“Today, civilization is once again at a crucial turning point, a real war has once again been unleashed against our homeland,” Putin said. “But we have fought back against international terrorism. We will also protect the people of the Donbas and ensure our security.”

Just hours before Putin’s speech, dozens of cruise missiles were fired at Ukraine, most of which were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses. During the Victory Day celebrations, the Russian leader also claimed that Ukraine has become “hostage to a coup d’etat and the criminal regime formed by its Western masters.”

Canadian diplomat expelled from China

China has ordered the expulsion of a Canadian diplomat in Shanghai in response to Canada’s decision to expel a Chinese diplomat on Monday, May 8. The Chinese government has given the Canadian diplomat until the end of the week to leave the country.

The recent tit-for-tat marks a new low in the deteriorating relationship between China and Canada. Tensions between the two countries have been rising, with Canada expressing concerns about Chinese influence in their country, from security concerns to suspected meddling in elections.

“We all want to make sure that we protect Canadians across the country and abroad,” Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said. “As a country now and as a parliament, we have a position, which is important, which is always part of Canada’s DNA, which is to call out situations and violations against human rights, including in China, which is an important player on the world stage.”

Canada accused a Chinese diplomat of intimidating a politician’s family in Hong Kong after the politician publicly criticized China’s forced labor camps and human rights abuses. China denied the allegations and accused Canada of “slander and defamation.”

Canada’s decision to expel the Chinese diplomat was a response to the alleged intimidation. China’s decision to expel a Canadian diplomat appears to be in retaliation, with the Chinese government warning that it could further retaliate against Canada over their diplomat’s expulsion.

Twitter begins process of purging old accounts

Twitter has begun a process of purging accounts on its platform that have been inactive for several years. The move is expected to free up a significant number of usernames or handles that are currently taken by users who no longer use the social media platform anymore.

“We’re purging accounts that have had no activity at all for several years, so you will probably see follower count drop,” Twitter CEO Elon Musk tweeted.

This initiative has reportedly been something Musk has been wanting to do ever since he took over the company, saying this move could free the namespace of about 1.5 billion accounts.

It is hoped that this initiative will also help to clear up clutter and make the platform more streamlined.