Top secret Pentagon documents from the U.S. government have leaked online, exposing U.S. intelligence on the Russia-Ukraine war. Now the Justice Department is investigating. And an Uber driver convicted of murder last week could receive a pardon from the Texas governor. These stories and more highlight the daily rundown for Monday, April 10, 2023.
Classified Pentagon documents leaked
The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the leak of top secret documents, some of which pertain to the war in Ukraine. Officials called it the most serious public leak of classified information in years.
A document marked “top secret” shows the daily disposition of forces in Ukraine and had been part of more than 50 documents posted online. The documents seem to detail Ukraine military vulnerabilities and information about U.S. allies including Israel, South Korea, and Turkey.
Some documents appear to show tensions with South Korea over military aid and the U.S. considering leaning on Israel to provide lethal aid to Ukraine. The Pentagon said the documents seemed to have been photographed then shared online.
Judge halts FDA approval of abortion pill
A federal judge in Texas has ruled to halt the FDA’s approval of the abortion medication mifepristone. That decision has ignited a new national battle over abortion rights. The Biden administration says it will fight the ruling.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra said ignoring the ruling is not out of the question, since everything is on the table to keep the abortion pill on the market.
The Texas judge put his ruling on hold for one week to allow for a challenge, and the Department of Justice has filed a notice of appeal.
A U.S. district judge in Washington state issued a counter ruling the same day as the Texas ruling, ordering federal officials not make any changes to access to the medication in states where Democrats have sued to protect availability of the abortion pill.
Chinese drills simulate Taiwan attack
The Chinese navy appears to have simulated warplane airstrikes on Taiwan — the first simulation of its kind. Military drills around the island have entered their third day.
The Chinese government promised repercussions following Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen’s return from a 10-day visit to Central America and the United States where she met with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and bipartisan groups of American lawmakers.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense reported four J15 fighter jets crossing into the island’s air defense identification zone.
Japanese forces observed 80 Chinese planes take off and land from a Chinese naval ship stationed in the Pacific.
Governor seeks pardon for Uber driver
An Uber driver in Austin, Texas, was convicted of murder last week after shooting a Black Lives Matter protester to death in July of 2020. Now, the Texas governor is seeking a pardon in the case, calling the shooting an act of self defense.
Daniel Perry, 37, was driving for Uber when BLM protesters surrounded Perry’s car. One protester, carrying an AK-47, according to the defense, had pointed his gun at Perry. The defense argued Perry had no choice but to fire his own pistol in self defense.
Gov. Greg Abbott, R, said over the weekend that he will pardon Perry, a U.S. Army Sergeant, as soon as a request from the parole board hits his desk. Perry was convicted by a jury last week and faces life behind bars.
His sentencing hearing is April 11.
Rutgers University staff to strike
Faculty at Rutgers University in New Jersey have gone on strike for the first time in the state university’s more than 250-year history. It’s one of the largest faculty strikes ever in higher education, affecting more than 67,000 students.
Three unions representing about 9,000 Rutgers University faculty and staff will go on strike after nearly a year of gridlocked contract negotiations.
