Three European nations make a historic announcement: They will be recognizing a Palestinian state. And, a passenger describes what it was like on the Singapore Airlines flight hit by turbulence that resulted in one death and multiple injuries. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Ireland, Norway, Spain recognize a Palestinian state; Israel responds
Simon Harris, the Irish prime minister, announced Wednesday, May 22, that Ireland, Norway and Spain are recognizing the state of Palestine. This declaration comes amid Israel’s ongoing seven-month conflict with Hamas. Harris expressed confidence that more countries will soon join these three European nations in recognizing Palestine.
In response, Israel has ordered its ambassadors in Ireland and Norway to return immediately, with similar actions planned for Spain. Despite these diplomatic tensions, Harris reiterated Ireland’s recognition of Israel’s right to exist, condemned Hamas’ actions in October and called for the immediate release of all hostages.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the importance of pursuing a two-state solution, “living side-by-side in peace,” as the only viable political solution for both Israelis and Palestinians. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told the Spanish Parliament that recognizing Palestine grants the Palestinian people “dignity and hope.”
The move was welcomed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. However, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized the recognition, stating that it sends a message that “terrorism pays.”
Currently, over 140 United Nations member-states recognize a Palestinian state. The Biden administration supports a two-state solution but insists it should be achieved through negotiations.
Severe turbulence on Singapore Airlines flight; 1 dead, multiple injured
A 73-year-old British passenger died of a suspected heart attack and at least 30 people were injured when a flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence Tuesday, May 21. The Boeing 777, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok after a sudden descent of 6,000 feet, likely caused by clear air turbulence.
Most passengers continued to Singapore on a relief flight, while 79 remained in Bangkok, including those who were hospitalized.
“I saw people from across the aisle just going completely horizontal, hitting the ceiling and landing back down in really awkward positions,” Dzafran Azmir, a passenger on Flight SQ321, said. “People, like, getting massive gashes in the head, concussions.”
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau are investigating the turbulence.
Deadly tornado leaves trail of destruction in Greenfield, Iowa
Multiple tornadoes swept through the Midwest, Tuesday May 21, causing extensive destruction, especially in Greenfield, Iowa, where police confirmed several fatalities and numerous injuries.
The powerful storm system left a trail of devastation, flattening homes and businesses, uprooting trees and scattering debris across the town of about 2,000 residents.
The severe weather disrupted power to more than 34,000 homes in Iowa. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, R, has declared a disaster emergency for 15 counties.
Emergency services are actively conducting search and rescue operations, and authorities are closely monitoring the ongoing situation while beginning to assess the scale of the damage. The same storms also wreaked havoc across Nebraska, unleashing torrential rains, high winds and large hail.
Closing arguments set for Tuesday after defense rests in Trump trial
The defense rested on the 20th day of the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump after calling two witnesses and opting not to have Trump testify in his own defense.
The witnesses, paralegal Daniel Sitko and attorney Robert Costello, testified before a hearing was held to debate the exact instructions the judge will present to the jury.
The trial will resume on Tuesday, May 28, delayed by jurors’ schedules and the Memorial Day holiday. Both the defense and prosecution will make their closing arguments, then the case will be handed over to the 12-person jury.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen.
Biden administration to forgive $7.7 billion in student loan debt
The Biden administration announced Wednesday morning that it will forgive $7.7 billion in student loans for more than 160,000 borrowers.
The relief is categorized into three groups: those receiving Public Service Loan Forgiveness, those enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education plan (SAVE) and those receiving forgiveness through income-driven repayment plans.
After the Supreme Court struck down a more extensive cancellation plan last summer, the Biden administration has continued to find ways to reduce or cancel borrower payments.
As of this announcement, the Department of Education reports that the total loan forgiveness approved by the administration amounts to $167 billion for more than 4.5 million Americans.
Nestle releasing line of food targeting shoppers using weight loss drugs
Nestle, the world’s largest food company known for brands like DiGiorno Pizza, Hot Pockets and Stouffer’s, is launching a new line of frozen food products targeted specifically at people using weight loss drugs.
The company announced it will begin marketing $5 pizzas and protein-enriched pastas to American shoppers who use weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic. These products will be under a new brand called “Vital Pursuits,” described as “food solutions” complementing the eating habits of millions of Americans prescribed a weight loss drug.
The products are set to hit store shelves in October.
