Tennessee arms teachers, Boy Scouts, and airport snakes.

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Big Stories

Tennessee votes to arm teachers

Tennessee lawmakers voted to allow teachers to carry concealed weapons in schools.

• A gunman shot and killed three students and three staff members at a private Christian elementary school in Nashville in March 2023. This led to calls for stricter gun control laws. Thousands gathered at the Tennessee Capitol demanding legislation like universal background checks, safe gun storage laws, and measures holding the gun industry accountable.

• Despite some initial bipartisan support for gun control measures, the Republican-controlled Tennessee legislature took a different approach in 2024. Instead of enacting restrictions, they passed a series of bills expanding gun access. The most contentious of these allows teachers to carry concealed guns in schools after completing a training program and receiving approval.

• Supporters of the bill argue it will deter school shooters and prevent future tragedies. Opponents say there’s little evidence that it will make schools safer and that it could lead to accidents and the potential mishandling of firearms. The new law doesn't require schools to inform parents or other staff members if a teacher is armed.

• Lawmakers will have the opportunity to revisit the debate in 2025 when they consider bills that didn't pass this year, such as allowing open carry of long guns and preventing businesses from banning firearms on their property.

TikTok sues to challenge sale or ban

TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have taken legal action against a law signed by President Joe Biden that requires the sale or potential ban of the popular video sharing app.

• The companies argue that the law violates the First Amendment rights of TikTok's 170 million American users by threatening to shut down the platform due to what they see as unjustified concerns regarding data security and content manipulation.

• In their court filing, TikTok and ByteDance claim that this law represents an unprecedented move by Congress, singling out and permanently banning a specific platform. They argue that Congress has not shown sufficient evidence that TikTok poses the risks it aims to prevent, such as data security issues or foreign propaganda dissemination. TikTok believes the law could be considered unconstitutional, resembling a "Bill of Attainder" by imposing punishment without due process.

• The legal battle is the latest in TikTok's ongoing efforts to resist potential bans in the US. In past cases, courts have supported TikTok's position, notably against actions by the Trump administration. The next steps could involve TikTok seeking an injunction to halt the law's enforcement and potentially escalating the case to the Supreme Court.

• The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for social media platform regulation and the protection of free speech rights in the digital age.

Putin sworn in for another term

Vladimir Putin, aged 71, began his fifth term as Russia's leader in a lavish ceremony at the Kremlin on Tuesday.

• Despite Russia's confrontation with the West over Ukraine, Putin's grip on power remains strong. He won a controversial election in March, ensuring no serious challengers. The ceremony, boycotted by Western nations, was broadcast live on Russian TV.

• During the ceremony, Putin vowed to serve the Russian people, emphasizing unity and strength in the face of challenges. He praised those involved in Russia's military actions in Ukraine, framing the conflict as crucial for the nation's survival against Western pressures. Putin signaled openness to dialogue with the West but demanded a change in their approach (sanctions) towards Russia.

• Putin's rule, dating back to 2000, faces little domestic opposition. After the ceremony, analysts anticipate a government reshuffle, possibly affecting top positions like the prime minister and defense minister. Despite reaching historic tenure lengths, Putin shows no sign of stepping down and will be eligible for re-election in 2030.

Little Stories

• An independent investigation found the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) to have a serious problem with sexual harassment and discrimination. Earlier reports of misconduct prompted the investigation, and many employees shared experiences of harassment and fear of retaliation. (More)

• A federal judge has indefinitely postponed the trial of former President Trump on charges related to retaining and concealing classified documents. The trial, originally set for May 20, has been vacated, with new pretrial proceedings starting July 22. This delay raises doubts about whether Trump will face trial before the November election, as his lawyers have requested a post-election trial date. (More)

• Two Ukrainian State Protection Service colonels, allegedly recruited by Russia's FSB, were detained for planning to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Their mission was to identify personnel capable of carrying out the assassination. Other Ukrainian officials, including SBU head Vasyl Malyuk and military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov, were also targeted. (More)

• The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is changing its name to Scouting America to be more inclusive. This comes after years of controversy including sexual abuse claims and a decline in membership. The organization recently allowed girls and gay youths to join. The new name will be official on February 8, 2025. (More)

• Pro-Palestinian protests on US campuses are in their third week. Several universities made deals with protesters to dismantle their camps before graduation. Protesters generally want the Israel-Hamas war to end, university investments disclosed, and divestment from companies linked to Israel and its military actions. Agreements were reached at Northwestern, Brown, Rutgers, Johns Hopkins, Minnesota, and UC Riverside. (More)

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Small snakes are found in passenger’s pants at Miami airport.