The Daily Debate
Who Is Winning the Fight Over Education in the U.S.?
Top Stories
105 Republicans backed the successful vote to expel the controversial GOP lawmaker from New York.
4 MIN READ
Welcome to the Bulletin,
- Climate Change: The U.S. will contribute $17.5 million to a Climate Impact and Response Fund after reaching an agreement with other global leaders on Thursday at the COP28 conference in Dubai.
- Guyana Invasion: Brazilian intelligence has warned that the Venezuelan army is going to invade Guyana in the coming days, raising concerns about regional stability and territorial disputes in South America.
- Jobless Figures: Unemployment in the U.S. is expected to increase from a current rate of 3.6% to 4.1% in 2024, the Organization of Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) said in its economic outlook.
- Philippines Dispute: China lashed out at Washington Thursday for continuing to side with U.S. treaty ally the Philippines in an escalating territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
- Von Miller Arrested: Buffalo Bills star Von Miller turned himself in on an outstanding warrant for his arrest in an alleged domestic violence case involving his pregnant girlfriend in Dallas. He was released after posting a $5,000 bond.
- Trump Lawyer Sued: Alina Habba, one of Donald Trump's top lawyers, is being accused of "grooming" a former employee of the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, after the worker was allegedly sexually harassed by a supervisor.
- War in Ukraine: During an OSCE ministerial conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov appeared to issue an implicit warning to Moldova, cautioning the country against its aspirations to join the European Union, amidst ongoing assertions by the Kremlin that the conflict in Ukraine was instigated by Western powers.
If you like this newsletter, please share it. If you've been forwarded this email, you can sign up on Newsweek.com/newsletter. If you have any story tips, feedback or ideas for what we should do next, please email Emeri B. Montgomery at e.montgomery@newsweek.com. We appreciate your feedback and you starting your day with us.
TL/DR: "Hamas violated the operational pause and in addition, fired toward Israeli territory," the IDF said in a social media post. "The IDF has resumed combat against the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip."
The ceasefire in Gaza ended Friday morning after Israel said Hamas fired rockets into Israel, and it responded with airstrikes in the territory, following a weeklong pause in the fighting during which hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that Hamas violated the terms of the ceasefire. Hamas "has not met its obligation to release all of the women hostages today and has launched rockets at Israeli citizens," the office said. Hamas did not immediately comment on the collapse of the ceasefire.
Why it matters: The truce, which began on November 24 and which was extended twice, allowed for the release of 110 hostages held by Hamas and 240 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. With the fighting underway again, Israel plans to resume its goal of destroying Hamas's military capacity, the prime minister's office said. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister, added that the IDF must "return and crush Gaza with all our might." The breakdown in negotiations early Friday underscored the obstacles for both sides to reach a temporary pause or longer-term end to the war.
Read More In-Depth Coverage:
IDF Faces 'Surprising' Strength and Sophistication of Hamas Tunnels in Gaza
Jerusalem Attack Puts Gaza Ceasefire Under Pressure
Iran Allies Issue New Warning to US, Israel As Time Runs Out for Gaza Truce
What happens now? Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, despite the ceasefire ending, according to a statement from the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. Meanwhile, IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee asked Gaza residents to evacuate their homes if necessary. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently in Dubai, urged Israel to put into place “humanitarian civilian protection plans” and avoid "further significant displacement of civilians" shortly before the fighting resumed. But casualties appear set to spike once again; within hours of the truce expiring, Gaza's Hamas-controlled health ministry reported that 32 people had already been killed in air strikes. Hamas has signaled that it will require further concessions from Israel in exchange for releasing men, including Israeli soldiers, it is holding hostage.
TL/DR: "You're trolling folks and trying to find migrants to play political games, to try to get some news and attention, so you can out-Trump Trump. And, by the way, how's that going for you, Ron,” Gavin Newsom said in his debate against Ron DeSantis.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his Florida counterpart Ron DeSantis engaged in a heated debate moderated by Fox News host Sean Hannity on Thursday. Newsom attacked DeSantis for his stagnating presidential campaign, the death toll in Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as his policies that target the LQBTQ+ community. In response, DeSantis accused Newsom of running a "shadow" presidential campaign against Joe Biden, attacked him on crime (more on that in another Bulletin story below) and homelessness in California, and tried to tie the Democrat to the president, who is frequently recording low poll numbers heading into 2024.
Why it matters: It was a messy "red vs. blue" state showdown in Georgia that left many wondering why it was happening in the first place. With nothing to lose, Newsom pounced on why DeSantis may not be the best candidate to run for president in 2024. Newsom mocked DeSantis over trailing former President Donald Trump in the GOP primary polls by wide margins, saying, "Neither of us will be the nominee for our party in 2024." He even suggested that DeSantis allow former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley to challenge Trump. Haley has gathered momentum recently, notably securing high-profile endorsements. DeSantis fought back by pulling out a map showing areas where human feces was reported on the streets of California. Seriously, he did. You can read that story below.
Read More In-Depth Coverage:
Ron DeSantis Mocked Over 'Eerie' Smile During Gavin Newsom Debate
DeSantis Tries to Use 'Poop Map' to Take Down Newsom in Debate
Did Ron DeSantis Handle COVID Better Than Gavin Newsom?
What happens now? Newsom has said that he has no hopes for running in 2024. But does that leave the door open for a 2028 bid? The debate may have been a dress rehearsal to showcase him as a fresh Democratic leader who can take the heat from both Fox News and Republicans. However, California’s crime rate and high tax rates won’t go away for him. For DeSantis, the debate may have given him more attention. But, it may have done nothing to give him a boost against Trump or stave off Haley from rising in the polls.
TL/DR: "This view reflects the bipartisan national security consensus in Washington that has emerged in recent years," Ronald Reagan Institute's policy director Rachel Hoff told Newsweek.
A National Defense Survey conducted by the Ronald Reagan Institute reveals a significant shift in American perceptions of global threats, with China now viewed as America's greatest adversary by most respondents. The findings reflect a growing public awareness and concern about China's rising influence and its implications for U.S. national security. 51% of Americans perceive China as the primary threat faced by the U.S., a substantial increase from 21% five years ago.
Why it matters: The survey sheds light on specific concerns regarding China, particularly the potential for a Tawan invasion. About 73% of Americans are worried about this possibility and there is growing support to deter China and defend Taiwan. A separate poll showed that a majority of people in Taiwan said they would favor a military alliance with the U.S., an unlikely agreement reflecting Washington's decades-long role as its strongest security guarantor. It comes amid heightened Taiwan-China tensions, with China recently warning that Taiwanese voters faced a choice between peace or war.
Read More In-Depth Coverage:
Sixty Percent in Taiwan Poll Want US Military Alliance to Counter China
China Warms to America in New Poll
Chinese Official Threatens Taiwan Ahead of Key Elections
What happens now? Other key findings from the National Defense Survey relate to the perception of international alliances and concerns about the impact of congressional budget cuts on U.S. military capabilities. There’s growing support for increased U.S. military spending, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence — seen as crucial for maintaining technological superiority. Empowering U.S. allies is a sustainable way to manage global security challenges and reduces the burden on U.S. forces, Hoff said. This approach positions America as the "arsenal of democracy" in contrast to adversaries like China.
TL/DR: “There is a perception that property and violent crime has increased in California, particularly in metropolitan cities, and elected prosecutors have not done enough to combat it," Neama Rahmani, a Los Angeles attorney, told Newsweek.
Anti-crime activists are trying to recall progressive district attorneys in California, amid rising concerns about street crime. Residents are campaigning to recall District Attorney Pamela Price in Alameda County in the San Francisco Bay Area, while Chesa Boudin, the district attorney for San Francisco, was recalled last year. Last week, Price launched her "Protect the Win" campaign to fight the recall. The Los Angeles County DA George Gascón successfully fought off two recall attempts in two years and faces another one next year.
Why it matters: Videos capturing audacious thefts, notably the recent looting of a Los Angeles Nike store amounting to $12,000, have ignited public anger and heightened the urgency for change. The share of California adults saying violence and street crime is either a big problem or somewhat of a problem has increased by 11% since February 2022, according to a survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, while earlier this month, the institute noted new FBI crime data showing that, as of 2022, California's violent crime rate was 31% higher than the U.S. average.
Read More In-Depth Coverage:
California Progressives Face Growing Anger Over Soft Approach to Crime
I Was a California Cop, Words Can't Describe the Horrors I Saw
LA Nordstrom Looted by Hooded Thieves As California's Crime Issues Continue
What happens now? The recall movements set the stage for a pivotal showdown between advocates for tougher law enforcement measures and supporters of progressive prosecution approaches. Save Alameda For Everyone (SAFE), the advocacy group that launched the recall campaign says it has already collected more than 70,000 signatures, with another 5,000 needed to put the recall on the ballot in June 2024, though its members are incensed that the Alameda Board of Supervisors are considering an ordinance that would make the recall efforts much more difficult.
TL/DR: "Our findings were that the Air Force, as part of the DOD enterprise, was truly leading in a lot of the research with regard to both artificial intelligence and test evaluation with artificial intelligence," Tom Longstaff of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) told Newsweek.
The United States is at the forefront of incorporating artificial intelligence into its military with the recent unveiling of the B-21 Raider nuclear stealth bomber. Developed for the U.S. Air Force by Northrop Grumman, the dual-capable stealth bomber finds itself in a new military frontier with the ability to stay "invisible" to penetrate air defenses and reach targets worldwide, which 90% of current U.S. bombers cannot do. Tom Longstaff of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) told Newsweek that AI incorporated into other aircrafts—which can support flight autonomy, object detection, target identification, and counter-defense identification—will lend itself to the B-12.
Why it matters: AI has become rampant in private and public sectors regarding software created for defense purposes and ubiquitous programs like ChatGPT. Experts say advancements must continue to keep up with U.S. adversaries. A recent South China Morning Post report suggested China's weaponry can potentially counter the sophisticated bomber, exemplifying a bigger push toward AI through defense spending to maintain an advantage. Longstaff says the Air Force has been ahead of what is occurring in the public domain, and the AI push seems to be working. In 2021, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall revealed AI-enabled targeting was used in a "real world kill-chain operation," meaning algorithms were used to discern targets for military strikes.
What happens now? Today, the DOD funds 686 AI-centric programs. The first bomber deliveries are expected in the mid-2020s, though no exact date was provided. Northrop Grumman said the tech will “undoubtedly support thousands of direct and indirect jobs” nationwide. Longstaff said the Air Force and other branches should continue to focus on traditional cyber-attacks, which can potentially alter the training of systems before deployment. However, Longstaff added that the AI shift is not turning over U.S. defense to a computer—but rather is making jobs easier “in pretty much every way.”
TL/DR: "We've seen this happen plenty of times before. When budgets get tight, benefits are often on the chopping block,” Amy Spurling said.
Many employer-sponsored benefits are likely to disappear next year, according to a Glassdoor workplace trends report. Declines in employee benefits, including 401(k) plans, dental insurance, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, gym memberships, and phone discounts, were evident across industries in 2023, a trend expected to intensify in the upcoming year, the Glassdoor report projected. "There is evidence that benefits access has begun to diminish, a trend likely to accelerate in 2024," the report stated, indicating an impending erosion in employee benefits.
Why it matters: Industries such as tech and finance bore the brunt more severely due to economic uncertainties and widespread layoffs in recent years. However, inflation, currently at 3.2%, is being felt across all sectors. Amy Spurling, CEO of employee stipend software Compt, told Newsweek, "Companies often curtail benefits during economic downturns to reduce costs," indicating a propensity to cut benefits as a cost-saving measure during financial hardships Some benefits— including fertility assistance, adoption assistance, parental leave and mental healthcare— increased in 2023.
Read More In-Depth Coverage:
The Business Benefits of Employee Well-Being
America Slashes Inclusivity Spending
Yes, Quiet Quitting Is Still a Thing: Here's How to Engage Employees
What happens now? Employees who see their benefits decrease in the coming year could see significant effects in their daily lives, but it isn't likely to leave the companies unharmed. "Without company-subsidized insurance, paid time off, retirement savings plans and other financial security supports, workers struggle affording basic healthcare, enduring income losses, and providing for themselves and families," Brittany Truszkowski, a human resource specialist and chief operating officer at Gale, Angelo, Johnson & Patrick P.C, told Newsweek. "As disadvantaged employees seek better compensation packages elsewhere, retention plunges while recruitment costs surge.”
'Cannibal' Sun Eruption to Hit Earth Friday, May Affect Satellites, Radio
A "cannibal" ejection of solar plasma from the sun is due to slam into the Earth on Friday, triggering "strong" geomagnetic storms in the atmosphere that could affect electronic communications.
Cannibal coronal mass ejections are CMEs that are released from the sun after a prior CME but travel faster, overtaking and consuming the first. In this case, the slower CME was released as a plume of solar plasma and radiation on Tuesday, while the second was released the next day, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center models.
The two CMEs will combine on Thursday and then hit the Earth on Friday.
The Full STORYTrending
Dog Left Terrified After 'Only Family She Knew' Gave Her Up to Shelter
2 MIN READ
Divers Discover Fresh Riches From Sunken Treasure Ship Thought Picked Clean
5 MIN READ
Taylor Swift Just Did Something Unprecedented
3 MIN READ
Transgender 18-Year-old Showering With Girls at School Sparks Investigation
3 MIN READ
Bagel Recall as Warning Issued Over Potentially Fatal Products
2 MIN READ
California Crime Rise Sparks Reckoning for District Attorneys
6 MIN READ
Will a Democrat Replace George Santos? Republicans' Chances of Losing Seat
3 MIN READ
Opinion
The Debate
Russia-Ukraine War
Ukraine Hunting Down Russia's Prized Radar Systems
5 MIN READ
Russia's Celebration Over Hitting Ukraine's 'Su-25 Jet' Proves Short Lived
2 MIN READ
War Destroying Ukraine's Cultural Heritage at Scale 'Not Seen Since WWII'
4 MIN READ
Putin's Newest Military Move May Come Back to Haunt Him
The Russian president signed an order Friday to increase the number of Moscow's servicemembers by 170,000 troops.
2 MIN READ
- TRENDING In Russia-Ukraine War
Culture
Dan Aykroyd on 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' and 'UnBelievable' New Series
Get the scoop from Aykroyd in this wide-ranging exclusive interview.
6 MIN READ
Diddy's Brand Is Damaged—But Not Destroyed
7 MIN READ
Julianna Margulies Is Getting Canceled
4 MIN READ
Sarah Silverman Breaks Silence on Israel-Gaza Backlash
3 MIN READ
Kid Rock Reignites Target Pride Collection Fury
2 MIN READ
- TRENDING In Culture
My Turn
I quit my $250k job for a side hustle
6 MIN READ
I walked on dead bodies—ceasefires are meaningless to me
5 MIN READ
Dad came home drunk with a shotgun. I hid my brothers
8 MIN READ
I was newly divorced. My dog helped me find love again
I was in my mid-30s and had not only outgrown my marriage but other aspects of my life, too.
7 MIN READ
Travel
Woman shares astronomic cost of groceries in the Arctic: "$48 for Nutella?"
"Things are shockingly more expensive in the north, compared to the rest of Canada," Willow Anne Allen told Newsweek.
3 MIN READ
An Inside Look at the 'Most Badass Fighting Force on This Planet'
Journey to Fly in a B-2 Stealth Bomber
Korea's “Hidden Champions” to play a vital role in global supply-chain realignment
Japan’s manufacturers ready to seize moment
Vape Bans, More Tax Dollars for War, Seafood Crimes, and the Popular Vote
Andrew Tallman, Amani Wells Onyioha, Jeff Charles, and Rakim Brooks debate whether or not government should be further restricting or banning vape products, President Biden asking Congress for $100 billion for Israel and $60 billion for Ukraine, the human rights violations associated with imported Chinese seafood, and whether or not the President of the United States should be elected by the popular vote.
Is Israel Capitulating to Hamas?
Josh discusses the latest on the Israel-Hamas war, including Israel's current pause in military action and the exchange of Israeli hostages for imprisoned Palestinian-Arab terrorists.
The Case For Climate Capitalism (Feat. Tom Rand)
Tom Rand joins host Ellis Henican to discuss his book: The Case For Climate Capitalism, Economic Solutions For A Planet In Crises, where he argues that a warming climate and a general distrust of Wall Street has opened a new cultural divide among those who otherwise agree we must mitigate climate risk.
Final Thoughts
In this final episode, Kristal shares her thoughts on Donald Trump's legal battles and the new House majority leader, Mike Johnson (R-LA).
- Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
- Unlimited access to Newsweek.com
- Ad free Newsweek.com experience
- iOS and Android app access
- All newsletters + podcasts
- Unlimited access to Newsweek.com
- Ad free Newsweek.com experience
- iOS and Android app access
- All newsletters + podcasts
Editor's Pick
How America's New Nuclear Bomber Is Using AI
"AI is not simply turning over our defense to a computer," one expert told Newsweek about U.S. military adaptation.
8 MIN READ
US Set for Exceptionally Warm Winter as Record Global Temperatures Expected
Due to the combination of climate change and El Niño, this winter is set to be extraordinarily warm, as much of the past year has been.
2 MIN READ
U.S.
Florida newspaper mocks Ron DeSantis' debate performance
The Miami Herald's editorial board said DeSantis was treated like a "teacher's pet" by Fox News host Sean Hannity.
2 MIN READ
World
Putin's latest asset grab could alienate key Middle East ally
2 MIN READ
Ukraine army's ex-chief wants five changes to beat Russia
5 MIN READ
China and Russia plan to take their partnership to the moon
2 MIN READ
Mass removal of China-linked Facebook accounts targeting U.S.
2 MIN READ
China's Xi under new pressure to stop aiding Russia's Ukraine war
China hasn't acted on the EU's previous request to crack down on its companies.
2 MIN READ
Business
Man left stunned by $200 tip request for Botox
A man was floored after his Botox office asked for $200 as a standard tip and then blacklisted him as a client for failing to pay up.
3 MIN READ
Science
Was "unknown" DNA found in Peru mummies? What we know
4 MIN READ
Plastic surgeons reveal the "most desirable" shape for a man's buttock
2 MIN READ
Volcano behind cataclysmic 1883 eruption sparks modern tsunami fears
2 MIN READ
Drought unfolding as "unprecedented" planetary-scale emergency
2 MIN READ
Archaeologists "surprised" by 6,500-year-old Stone Age site near Arctic
"The north is a magical place, and it holds many surprises—Tainiaro being just one of them," archaeologist Aki Hakonen said.
4 MIN READ
Sports
Every pro athlete that's been unmasked on "The Masked Singer"
Here's a look at all of the athletes who stepped off the field and onto the "Masked Singer" stage.
3 MIN READ
Kevin Durant mocked by Adidas in since-deleted post
2 MIN READ
Pac-12 Title Game: Where Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr. stand in Heisman race
4 MIN READ
Mike Tirico perfectly speaks to the NFL's Taylor Swift truth
5 MIN READ
Knicks player invited high school coach to live with him after wife's death
2 MIN READ
Experts
Embracing Failure: How Large Failures Can Lead to Great Successes in Busine
4 MIN READ
Post-Traumatic Growth: 3 Things We Can All Learn from First Responders
4 MIN READ
Meeting Customers Where They're At: The Secret to Sales Success
4 MIN READ
Crafting Apologies That Heal and Empower
4 MIN READ
The Critical Role of AI in Space Exploration
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a critical feature in allowing humans to better understand what we have found out in the cosmos.
4 MIN READ