Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to China as he looks to strengthen ties between the two countries, and Slovakia’s prime minister is seriously wounded during an assassination attempt. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, May 16, 2024.
Putin meets with Xi in China as two countries look to strengthen ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid his country’s war with Ukraine, traveled to China, seeking sought support from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Putin arrived in Beijing for a two-day state visit as both countries navigate escalating tensions with Western nations.
The leaders are slated to discuss various issues including Ukraine, regional matters in Asia, energy and trade. They will also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s recognition of the People’s Republic of China.
Xi and Putin have signed a declaration reinforcing their strategic partnership, with Xi affirming that China will remain a “good partner” to Russia.
During Putin’s visit in February 2022, just before the onset of the war with Ukraine, China and Russia announced a “no limits” partnership.
While China claims neutrality regarding the conflict, the U.S. has expressed concerns that Chinese exports to Russia may be supporting the Kremlin’s war efforts. In response, China has accused the U.S. of making baseless allegations.
Putin’s trip to China marks his first international journey since his recent electoral victory, which extends his tenure as president until at least 2030.
Slovakia’s prime minister in serious condition after assassination attempt
Slovakia’s prime minister is in serious but stable condition following an assassination attempt that was recorded on camera. Police subdued a 71-year-old suspect immediately after he shot Prime Minister Robert Fico five times in what officials describe as a “politically motivated” attack.
The assailant has been charged and faces a potential sentence ranging from 25 years to life imprisonment. The deputy prime minister, Tomas Taraba, reported that doctors have stabilized Fico’s condition. According to a hospital spokesperson, the prime minister underwent five hours of surgery and will remain in the intensive care unit.
This incident marks the first significant assassination attempt on a European political leader in over two decades.
Gaza Strip Pier complete, aid poised to flow into war-torn area
The U.S. military has finished setting up a floating pier for Gaza to help bring humanitarian aid into the area.
The Pentagon reported that as part of this initiative, a ship has been anchored in the Mediterranean Sea to start offloading supplies, noting that no military personnel are expected to enter Gaza.
Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the deputy commander for U.S. Central Command, has indicated that hundreds of tons of aid are ready for delivery, with thousands more being prepared.
Additionally, the United Kingdom has announced its initial shipment of 8,400 temporary shelters, aiming for quick distribution to the people of Gaza.
The pier is designed to handle the transfer of 90 truckloads of aid per day, with plans to increase this number to 150 truckloads once it is fully operational.
Barge collides with Pelican Island Causeway in Texas
A barge collision with the Pelican Island Causeway Bridge in Galveston, Texas, on Wednesday, May 15, resulted in an oil spill and considerable damage. Authorities have reported no injuries, but the bridge remains shut down to all traffic.
Footage revealed a section of the rail line next to the bridge collapsed after the barge came loose and struck the structure.
The U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed that the barge is no longer leaking oil, although the full scope of the spill has not been determined.
Texas A&M University at Galveston has suspended campus activities through the weekend.
The bridge serves as a crucial link for Pelican Island’s approximately 9,000 residents to Galveston. Engineers are currently evaluating the damage to establish a timeline for reopening the bridge.
Trump in court as Biden hosts Brown v. Board families; both agree to debate
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican candidate, are set to participate in two presidential debates. Their schedules diverge significantly for Thursday, May 16.
Trump is due in a New York courtroom as his criminal trial continues after a recess. His ex-attorney Michael Cohen is expected to undergo further cross-examination by Trump’s defense team. Trump maintains his innocence in the case.
Meanwhile, at the White House, Biden is hosting plaintiffs and their families from the Brown v. Board of Education case, the historic 1954 Supreme Court decision that declared school segregation by race unconstitutional.
The narrative changes on June 27 and Sept. 10, when Biden and Trump are scheduled to engage in two presidential debates. These debates are organized by news outlets rather than the Bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, which typically arranges fall debates.
CNN will broadcast the first debate, while ABC will air the second.
Netflix to stream NFL’s Christmas Day games
In March, SAN reported that the NFL would feature two games on Christmas Day. We now know where viewers will able to watch them: Netflix.
The streaming service will broadcast both games on Wednesday, Dec. 25, as Netflix continues its venture into live sports programming.
Netflix is said to be paying $75 million per game as part of a three-year agreement with the NFL. Under this deal, Netflix will broadcast at least one game on Christmas Day in 2025 and 2026.
The upcoming doubleheader will showcase the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by a matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans.