5 things to know for May 1: Campus protests, Hostages, Trump trial, Kansas tornado, Walnut recall

By CNN Newsource

Published May 1, 2024 5:50 AM

By Alexandra Banner, CNN

(CNN) — A controversial abortion law in Florida went into effect at midnight — dropping the state’s 15-week ban to a six-week ban. Vice President Kamala Harris is now headed to the state to speak about reproductive rights amid the uptick in restrictions being adopted across the country.

Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.

1. Campus protests

A large police presence arrived at the University of California, Los Angeles, overnight after a violent confrontation broke out between pro-Palestinian protesters and Israel supporters. Hours earlier, police in riot gear entered Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall and used flash bangs when breaching the building in which pro-Palestinian protesters had barricaded themselves. Since April 18, more than 1,000 people have been arrested on more than 25 campuses across at least 21 states. Analysts say the nationwide protests have become a test for President Joe Biden as he seeks reelection with the Gaza war tearing deep rifts in his fragile coalition.

2. Hostages

Secretary of State Antony Blinken began another round of high-stakes talks in Israel today as the US seeks to ratchet up the pressure on Hamas to accept a ceasefire and hostage release deal. “We’re determined to get a ceasefire that brings the hostages home, and to get it now,” Blinken said during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, adding that the US remains committed to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Blinken reiterated Tuesday that he believes a deal is “achievable because the Israelis put a strong proposal on the table,” and that the US wants to see such an agreement come together “in the coming days.”

3. Trump trial

Former President Donald Trump was fined $9,000 on Tuesday for violating his gag order in the New York hush money trial. Judge Juan Merchan sanctioned Trump for multiple violations, including targeting witnesses and jurors on social media. In his order, the judge warned the former president that he could be imprisoned if he continues to willfully violate the gag order. Merchan could jail Trump for 30 days for finding him in contempt. Among other developments in court on Tuesday, Trump was informed that he would be able to attend his son Barron’s high school graduation. The judge had previously said he didn’t know if that would be possible but now believes things are moving quickly enough that he is comfortable having no court that day.

4. Kansas tornado

A powerful tornado hit a Kansas town on Tuesday, leaving at least one dead and several others injured. The tornado touched down in Westmoreland, which has about 740 residents, according to the National Weather Service. Twenty-two houses were destroyed or are unlivable, and 13 other homes and one business were damaged, Pottawatomie County Sheriff Shane Jager said. This comes just days after a devastating, multi-day tornado outbreak leveled entire neighborhoods across several states in the American Heartland. Those storms killed at least five people, including four in Oklahoma.

5. Walnut recall

The CDC has issued a warning about a multi-state e.coli outbreak connected to walnuts. Twelve people from two states have gotten sick with this particular strain of the bacteria and two have developed a form of kidney failure, the CDC announced Tuesday. An investigation found that nearly everyone who has gotten sick reported having bought organic walnuts from bulk bins found at natural food stores and co-ops. The stores have been located in California and Washington state. Consumers who purchased the tainted walnuts are encouraged to throw them away and sanitize any surfaces that they touched.

BREAKFAST BROWSE

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TODAY’S NUMBER

50
That’s around how many years marijuana has been categorized as a Schedule I substance, reserved for the most dangerous drugs, including heroin and LSD. On Tuesday, the Department of Justice recommended marijuana be rescheduled as a lower-risk substance — a move hailed by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle — amid growing accessibility for adult medical or recreational use.

TODAY’S QUOTE

“I’m happy for my family. They will have a good life.”

— Cheng Saephan, an Oregon man battling cancer, announcing he is among three winners of this month’s $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot. Saephan, a native of Laos who has lived in Portland for 30 years, said he plans to find a good doctor and buy his family a “dream home.”

TODAY’S WEATHER

Check your local forecast here>>>

AND FINALLY …

Chiropractor adjusts a giraffe
This chiropractor was thrilled to adjust the “largest neck in the world!” See the giraffe’s positive reaction here.

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