Hi Global Recap readers,
Did you know that today, May 8, is World Donkey Day?
It was created by a scientist named Ark Raziq, who wanted to honor the contributions of hard-working donkeys to humans.
Even Jesus rode on a donkey during his triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
🇺🇸 United States
TikTok admits
🔘 Legal Battle: TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, are suing the US government over a law that could ban the app unless sold.
The law is part of a $95 billion foreign aid package.
ByteDance claims the law is “obviously unconstitutional.”
🔘 Algorithm’s Fate: ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, admitted in a court petition that the CCP will not allow the sale of TikTok’s algorithm, which is crucial for the app’s success in the US.
“(…) the Chinese government has made clear that it would not permit a divestment of the recommendation engine that is a key to the success of TikTok in the United States.”
🔘 National Concern: The US government views TikTok’s algorithm as a national security threat, fearing China’s potential mass influence operations in the US.
🇺🇦 Ukraine
Darkness descends on Ukraine
🔘 Assault: In a devastating overnight attack, Russia targeted Ukraine’s energy facilities across six regions, causing widespread power shortages. Ukrainian officials have announced electricity rationing measures to cope with the crisis.
🔘 Defense: Despite Ukrainian air defenses intercepting numerous missiles and drones, some managed to penetrate, damaging three major thermal power stations. This marks the fifth large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy sector in recent weeks.
🔘 Impact: The onslaught has left Ukraine’s largest power supplier, DTEK, with 80% of its generating capacity damaged or destroyed. Civilians are now facing potential brownouts during peak evening hours.
Will Ukrainians’ support for the war falter?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Russian diplomat expelled
UK UK Secretary of State for the Home Department James Cleverly
🔘 Expulsion: The Home Secretary announced the immediate expulsion of an “undeclared” Russian military intelligence officer and the closure of several Russian diplomatic premises.
"Our message to Russia is clear. Stop this illegal war, withdraw your troops from Ukraine, cease this malign activity.”
🔘 Measures: He also announced new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas, which include a cap on the length of time Russian diplomats can stay in the UK.
Cleverly expressed the UK’s determination to “target and dismantle Russian intelligence-gathering operations.”
He also warned that the Kremlin will soon make accusations of “Russophobia” and spread conspiracy theories.
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
Hong Kong bans song
Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal has ruled to ban a VERY DANGEROUS song.
It’s none other than the infamous protest anthem “Glory to Hong Kong.”
🔘 Ruling: The court deemed the song a potential “weapon” to incite secession and sedition.
🔘 Reaction: Critics argue this reflects the erosion of Hong Kong’s rule of law and freedoms, while Beijing maintains the ban is essential for national security.
🔘 Exceptions: ”Lawful” academic and journalistic activities are exempt from the ban.
