The Bulletin

• Biden trashes Trump: Former President Joe Biden accused President Trump of "modern-day appeasement" over his dealings with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine, in his first interview since leaving the White House.

• Family urges action on China detainee: The brother of an American woman said to be wrongfully held in a Chinese prison for over a decade has a message for the federal government. Read it here.

• US shows off new missile: The United States showcased its airpower by displaying advanced air-to-air missiles in Japan, which are capable of defending a valuable aircraft carrier fleet from China's threats. Know more.

• Florida's child labor laws: A bill that would have loosened child labor laws in Florida has died in the state Senate. Learn more.

• Tourists warned at Texas' largest National Park: Tourists at Big Bend National Park in Texas were warned of unhealthy air quality levels on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

• Chinese warship shows up: China dispatched a warship to the Persian Gulf for a visit as tensions between Iran, Beijing's strategic partner, and the United States continue to grow over the nuclear program of Tehran. Get more details.

• VA announces change to veteran benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a major three-part initiative to simplify and speed up how survivors and dependents of deceased veterans and service members access VA benefits. Find out here.

The rundown: Pakistan has issued a warning to India, demanding an end to its military operations or risk further escalation following Indian airstrikes under 'Operation Sindoor' in response to the killing of tourists in Kashmir. More on the escalating tensions.

Why it matters: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said Pakistan is "willing to wrap up these things" if India halts its actions, but cautioned, "If India attacks, we'll respond." The ultimatum was delivered alongside a formal protest lodged with India's Charge-d'Affaires in Islamabad. Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors ratcheted up after gunmen massacred 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, in Indian-controlled Kashmir last month. India responded by striking nine targets inside Pakistan, saying they were used to plan the attack. Pakistan has denied this, stating Indian strikes hit civilian areas and violated its sovereignty.

Read more in-depth coverage:
India Hit 3 Pakistan-Based Militant Groups, Intelligence Document Says

TL/DR: India launched airstrikes on Wednesday targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

What happens now? Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to deliver a national address outlining Pakistan's response strategy. The situation remains volatile, with any further military action likely to trigger a wider crisis.

Deeper reading Pakistan Issues India Ultimatum Following Airstrikes

The rundown: As Catholic cardinals gather in Vatican City this week, the centuries-old process of selecting the next pope is set to begin. Here's what to know.

Why it matters: Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at age 88, the College of Cardinals is beginning the process of selecting his successor. The process, known as the conclave, is one of the most secretive elections in the world, cloistered inside the Sistine Chapel under intense procedural rules designed to preserve the sanctity and security of the decision. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. This year, 133 cardinals are expected to participate, despite a formal cap of 120. Each voting session involves cardinals writing a name on a ballot, folding it and depositing it into a designated urn. Votes are tallied and verified by scrutineers. The results of each vote are then burned in a stove inside the Sistine Chapel.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Could the Next Pope Be American? These Are the Dark-Horse Contenders

TL/DR: Secrecy is foundational to the conclave. Cardinals must surrender all electronic devices, and the Sistine Chapel is placed under full lockdown.

What happens now? As voting begins on May 7, global attention returns to the Vatican, where more than 100,000 people are expected to gather in anticipation. With 108 of the 135 eligible cardinals appointed by Francis, his influence may be felt even in his successor's selection.

Deeper reading Conclave to Choose New Pope to Begin: What Happens Next?

The rundown: President Donald Trump's administration is planning to deport migrants to Libya, according to reports.

Why it matters: Libya has become notorious for its network of migrant detention centers, which human rights groups have described as inhumane. Amnesty International has previously called the facilities a "hellscape," where detainees suffer torture, sexual violence, forced labor, and even slavery. The U.S. State Department has also documented the "harsh and life-threatening" conditions in the facilities. The U.S. military could fly deportees to the country as soon as Wednesday, The New York Times and Reuters reported, citing officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. It was not immediately known how many migrants could be sent to Libya or the nationality of the individuals the administration is planning to deport.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Appeals Court Denies Trump Request to Revoke 400,000 Migrants' Legal Status

TL/DR: Trump, who made immigration a centerpiece of his campaign, has launched a major crackdown since returning to office in January.

What happens now? The legal path forward remains uncertain. A Supreme Court order in April temporarily barred the deportation of a group of Venezuelans the administration labeled as gang members. It remains unclear if any similar legal action will be taken ahead of any deportations to Libya.

Deeper reading Donald Trump Planning to Send Migrants to Libya: What We Know

The rundown: The Yemeni Houthis said a ceasefire agreement reached with President Donald Trump's United States will not deter the group's attacks on Israel. Learn more.

Why it matters: The statement comes after an announcement halting the U.S. military campaign in Yemen and suspending Houthi attacks on American vessels. The Iran-backed Houthis have shown growing defiance despite more than nine weeks of airstrikes aimed at deterring attacks in the Red Sea and on Israel. "Yemen's operations will not stop, and the preliminary understanding with the Americans has nothing to do with our position on supporting Gaza," Mohammed Abdul Salam, the group's official spokesperson told Yemeni media. Shortly before a U.S.-Houthi ceasefire agreement was reached on Tuesday, the Israeli military bombed the airport in Yemen's Houthi-held capital Sanaa, saying it had disabled the airfield and set aircraft ablaze, according to The Associated Press.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Houthis Declare Trump Ceasefire a 'Failure' for Israel's Netanyahu

TL/DR: Arab countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and Egypt welcomed the new agreement with the U.S., which was mediated by Oman.

What happens now? While the ceasefire looks set to ease pressure on Red Sea shipping, it leaves Israel and the Houthis in confrontation.

Deeper reading Trump Ceasefire Won't Stop Houthis Attacking Israel

The rundown: In 2015, Donald Trump vowed to revive "Merry Christmas" in retail, casting inclusive greetings as part of a cultural war. Read more.

Why it matters: Now, as president again, his economic policies—specifically a 145 percent tariff on Chinese imports—are disrupting supply chains and threatening the holiday season. Toy makers warn of shortages and soaring prices, with some calling Trump a "Grinch" for hurting working families. Trump defends the tariffs, arguing kids don't need excess toys, a stance critics say clashes with his luxury branding. Retailers, especially smaller ones, face financial strain, while major companies like Mattel, Nintendo and Microsoft report delays and rising costs. Economists question whether U.S. manufacturing can replace lost imports.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Trump's Tariffs Are Starting to Bring in Revenue

TL/DR: The White House remains confident the country is on the right track. "The tariffs are going to be great for us," Trump told NBC News on Sunday. "It's going to make us rich."

What happens now? Americans are urged to shop early as holiday uncertainty grows, even as the White House insists the tariffs will ultimately boost the economy.

Deeper reading Donald Trump's War on Christmas