Japan Eases Arms Export Rules, Opening Door for Potential Ukraine Defense Support 
Russian Forces Advance Toward Kostiantynivka as Fighting Intensifies in Eastern Ukraine 
Iran Threatens Prolonged Strikes as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Drives Global Oil Surge 
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Visits Eswatini Amid China Pressure and Airspace Tensions 
US Gaza Coordination Overhaul Raises Concerns Over Ceasefire and Aid Efforts 
Cuba Condemns New U.S. Sanctions, Calls Measures “Collective Punishment” 
U.S. Fast-Tracks $8.6 Billion Arms Sales to Middle East Allies Amid Rising Tensions 
Kim Jong Un Highlights Youth Role in North Korea’s Military and Political Agenda 
Trump Signals Possible Renewal of U.S. Strikes on Iran 
Medicare to Cover GLP-1 Weight-Loss and Diabetes Drugs Starting July 1 
Trump Signals Major U.S. Troop Reduction in Germany Amid NATO Tensions and Trade Disputes 
Judge Rules Use of Military Lawyers in Civilian Prosecutions Is Lawful 
Rising Tensions in US-Europe Relations Amid Trump Policies and Iran War 
Poland Sees No Delays in U.S. Patriot Missile Defense Deliveries Despite Stockpile Concerns 
Peru Election Results Under Scrutiny as JNE Calls for Comprehensive IT Audit 
Trump Rejects Iran Proposal as Tensions Persist Amid Fragile Ceasefire 
UAE Exits OAPEC Amid Shift Toward Independent Oil Strategy and Market Uncertainty 
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is currently facing an investigation into the claims of sexual harassment made against him. President Joe Biden weighed in on the situation during his interview on ABC, saying that Cuomo should step down if the claims were proven true.
Speaking with George Stephanopoulos on ABC News Tuesday, Biden was pressed on the allegations made against Cuomo. When pressed on whether or not he thinks Cuomo should step down if the allegations were confirmed by the ongoing investigation, Biden said yes, adding that it is likely that Cuomo would also face prosecution for his actions. Biden’s answer echoes that of his fellow Democrats of the New York delegation, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has called for Cuomo to step down in light of the recent claims.
Cuomo responded that he would not be stepping down and added that the lawmakers who are calling for his resignation would not know the facts until the investigation is done. New York Attorney General Letitia James is currently conducting the investigation and has appointed two lawyers to lead the investigation, one of them being a former acting US attorney.
“Takes a lot of courage to come forward. So the presumption is they should be taken seriously. But there should be an investigation to determine whether what she says is true. And that’s what’s underway here,” said Biden, citing the several women who have come forward and accused Cuomo of inappropriate behavior.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration is reportedly eyeing the middle of May to ease restrictions on traveling across both the northern and southern borders as well as inbound international travel coming from the United Kingdom, Europe, and Brazil. According to people familiar with the matter, there has yet to be a policy memo or a formal statement regarding the time frame as talks are focused on trying to combat the transmission of the new COVID variants domestically. This also comes as states are making their own decisions when it comes to reopening.
One senior Biden administration official revealed that there would be a big change coming by the middle of May when the vaccines are more available to everyone.
