Reporter Prem Thakker discusses the U.S. veto on a ceasefire in Gaza and FAFSA chaos. Students are left in the dark about aid packages impacting college decisions. Also, updates on a shooting at a Super Bowl parade, attacks on librarians in West Virginia, and Bridgit Mendler's space startup.
The U.S. vetoed a U.N. resolution for a Gaza ceasefire, highlighting tensions with Israel.
The flawed FAFSA revamp delays aid packages, impacting college decisions and leaving students in the dark.
Deep dives
US Vetoes UN Resolution for Gaza Ceasefire
The United States has vetoed a United Nations resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, cited ongoing negotiations to free hostages as the reason for the veto. The resolution, proposed by Algeria, raised concerns about Israel's military operations, but 13 council members voted in favor, while Britain abstained. This veto contrasts with the Biden administration's critical stance on Israel's actions and its frustrations with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
FAFSA Overhaul Delays College Admissions
A problematic revamp of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) system has caused delays in college admissions. The overhaul, intended to simplify the application process, faced repeated delays, and the new website experienced glitches. As a result, millions of families have been left waiting longer than usual for their aid packages, impacting their decisions on attending college. The Education Department has acknowledged the issues and is providing support to colleges and working on fixing the problems.
Former Disney Star Launching Space Startup
Bridgit Mendler, a former Disney Channel star, has announced plans to launch a space startup called Northwood Space. Mendler, with a background in music and a doctorate in legal studies, aims to improve the connection infrastructure between satellites and Earth. Backed by investors, Mendler's company seeks to create a data highway between Earth and space. This venture showcases Mendler's diverse skill set and ambition beyond entertainment.
The U.S. vetoed a U.N. resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and stood alone on the 15-member U.N. Security Council in its vote. To understand the veto and the current state of hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas, we spoke with The Intercept’s Prem Thakker.
A newly-overhauled website for FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is not working as intended and it’s creating chaos for students applying for college. Left in the dark about the size of their aid packages, some students don’t know which schools they can afford. We discuss what the Department of Education says they’re doing about it.
And in headlines: two men were charged in last week's shooting at a Kansas City Super Bowl victory parade, librarians could be under attack in West Virginia, and Bridgit Mendler rides the Disney-Channel-star-to-CEO pipeline.