The Bulletin

• NYC helicopter crash updates: All six people aboard a helicopter that crashed in New York City's Hudson River on Thursday, have died. Meanwhile, the company which operated the helicopter was also involved in dangerous incidents in 2013 and 2015, according to reports.

• Trump's approval rating: In a significant setback for President Trump, new polling data reveals a sharp decline in his approval ratings. Here's what it suggests.

• ICE deletes post about stopping 'illegal ideas': U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) quickly deleted a social media post Thursday that claimed that its mission is not just to keep out illegal immigrants, money, and products, but "ideas" as well. More about the post.

• Democrats vote to pass SAVE Act: Four Democratic Representatives broke party ranks on Thursday to help pass a bill requiring in-person proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, to register to vote in federal elections. Here's who voted in favor.

• Mexico accused of stealing water: The president said on Thursday that Mexico "owes Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty," and added that the country is "violating their Treaty obligation."

• Chinese and Russian military aircraft buzzing US allies: The Chinese and Russian militaries in 2024 conducted extensive flight operations near Japan and South Korea, which are United States allies in Northeast Asia, a map shows.

The rundown: Chinese leader Xi Jinping has broken his silence on the deepening trade war with the United States, saying there will be "no winners." Read his full remarks.

Why it matters: Xi Jinping warned Trump that China is "not afraid"—and shortly after his statement, Beijing announced reciprocal tariffs of 125 percent on all U.S. imports. "There are no winners in a trade war, and going against the world will only lead to self-isolation," Xi said on Friday, according to CCTV, China's state broadcaster. "For over 70 years, China's development has relied on self-reliance and hard work—never on handouts from others, and it is not afraid of any unjust suppression." Meanwhile, China also reacted to Trump's tariffs by announcing it will reduce the number of U.S. films it imports.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Why Trump's War With China is Much Bigger Than Trade

TL/DR: Since Trump became president, tariffs have been a major part of his policy offering and his implementation of tariffs on China has sparked an escalating trade war.

What happens now? The trade war between the countries shows no signs of abating. The ramifications of this conflict on the global economy remain to be seen.

Deeper reading Xi Jinping Breaks Silence on US Tariff War

The rundown: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has classified thousands of migrants as dead, effectively halting their ability to claim benefits or work legally in the United States, according to reports.

Why it matters: The SSA added the names and Social Security numbers of more than 6,000 predominantly Latino migrants to a database used to track deceased individuals, according to The Washington Post. Individuals reportedly targeted by the SSA's move include migrants with valid Social Security numbers who have lost their legal status in the U.S., such as those who initially entered through now expired temporary work programs during Joe Biden's administration. The migrants' names are believed to have been added to a database—known as the Death Master File, which contains more than 85 million records of deaths dating back to 1936—after two memorandums of agreement were reportedly signed by Noem and acting Social Security commissioner Leland Dudek on Monday.

Read more in-depth coverage:
New Social Security Rules Block Benefits for Millions, Report Shows

TL/DR: The SSA pays out benefits to tens of millions of recipients every month. But individuals who are declared dead can no longer receive benefits or get access to other government services.

What happens now? Without Social Security numbers, the affected individuals will not be able to receive benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, unemployment insurance, or federal loans. The SSA has not yet confirmed the reports.

Deeper reading Thousands of Social Security Numbers Cancelled: What To Know

The rundown: As representatives of the United States and Iran prepare to officially explore the possibility of reviving nuclear diplomacy on Saturday, President Trump stands on the precipice of a major step toward his stated vision of peace in the Middle East. Here's what experts are saying.

Why it matters: Analysts and former officials say both sides will have to carefully calibrate their expectations to achieve a peaceful outcome and avoid a serious escalation that could even lead to war. They argue only a limited deal with increased transparency—not full nuclear dismantlement—would be acceptable to Tehran. Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, supports a realistic approach, but hardliners in both nations pose obstacles. Iran shows interest in diplomacy and economic engagement, yet demands respect for its nuclear rights. Previous failures with North Korea highlight the risks of mixed messaging and coercive tactics. Experts warn that pushing too hard may lead to war, not peace.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Iran Shows Off Nuclear Advances Ahead of US Talks

TL/DR: While Tehran and Washington have both voiced their preference to avoid open conflict, the threat of a runaway escalation, deliberate or inadvertent, remains real.

What happens now? While Tehran and Washington have both voiced their preference to avoid open conflict, the threat of a runaway escalation, deliberate or inadvertent, remains real. The Oman talks are a chance to prove serious intent, ease tensions, and craft a verifiable agreement that avoids past diplomatic pitfalls.

Deeper reading Will Donald Trump Finally Get His Moment of Peace With Iran?

The rundown: President Donald Trump knows his hike in tariffs for China's goods to 145 percent will up the ante in a trade war, but Beijing also holds a strong hand with its control of the materials critical for the United States defense industry. Find out more.

Why it matters: China first responded on April 3 to Trump's initial salvo of 54 percent levies on its exports by placing export restrictions on rare earth elements, which are key for the fighter aircraft that will form the backbone of the U.S. Air Force's next-generation fleet. Following a deal with Boeing, Trump has touted the F-47 as the successor to the F-22 Raptor. But the viability of the U.S. Next Generation Air Dominance program depends heavily on the materials China produces. They include seven categories of medium and heavy rare earths, including samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium. These minerals are needed for high-performance magnets and actuators. Although Trump signed an order to boost U.S. mineral independence, experts warn domestic development will take years.

Read more in-depth coverage:
China Makes Rare-Earth Discovery: 'This Changes Everything'

TL/DR: "They are definitely arrows in their quiver of how China can respond to these ever-increasing tariffs," said Tom Brady, professor of practice at the Colorado School of Mines.

What happens now? As China tightens export controls, the U.S. faces a strategic challenge to secure its defense and tech industries’ supply chains.

Deeper reading Why China's Rare Earth Curbs Could Devastate US Defense Industry

The rundown: One of the biggest staples of science fiction, the flying car, could soon be taking to the skies. The only question is this: Which country will get there first? Find out here.

Why it matters: Advanced air mobility, which most people will understand as a taxi capable of takeoff and flight similar to a helicopter, is approaching the final stages of testing and certification in China and the United States. U.S. industry leaders are aware of the developments in China but are focused on doing things right, experts said. Eric Allison, chief product officer at Joby Aviation, told Newsweek that they are currently midway through the fourth stage of five in a certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration, which requires running tests on every single component of the aircraft. Results of the tests, which require flight, will be submitted to the administration in stage five.

Read more in-depth coverage:
City Prepares to Start Electric Plane Air Taxi Service

TL/DR: With the tech contest between the two countries reaching new heights under the Trump administration, Newsweek spoke to industry leaders to establish how close the U.S. was to takeoff.

What happens now? Exact timelines for the rollout of flying taxis are not yet established, though flight tests are now happening regularly in both the U.S. and the U.K., where Joby has a partnership with Virgin Atlantic to develop shuttle services from British airports.

Deeper reading Flying Taxis Are Finally Nearing Takeoff