The VICE Morning Bulletin

Everything you need to know about the world this morning, curated by VICE.

US News

Foreign Powers Discussed How to Manipulate Jared Kushner, Report Says
Officials from Israel, China, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates all talked about trying to influence the president’s senior adviser and son-in-law by way of his sprawling business ties, according to anonymous officials. Kushner was told Friday he would have his security clearance downgraded, a decision reportedly reached in part because of unease about his contacts with foreign officials.—The Washington Post

Hope Hicks Admits Lying for Trump, Refuses to Talk White House
The White House communications director reportedly refused to tell the House Intelligence Committee anything related to Trump's time in office or the transition period, only answering questions about his campaign. According to anonymous officials, Hicks admitted she had told “white lies” on behalf of Trump, but insisted she had not lied about anything related to the Russia probe.—The New York Times

ICE Sweeps Up 150 People in Bay Area
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials made the arrests as part of a regional crackdown this week. Thomas D. Homan, deputy director for ICE, said “sanctuary jurisdictions” like San Francisco and Oakland had been harboring “dangerous criminal aliens." ICE said around 50 percent of those detained had non-immigration-related criminal convictions.—CBS News

Suspicious Letter Leaves 11 People Sick at Military Base
Three of the 11 people who fell ill after a letter containing unknown material was sent to a base in Arlington, Virginia, were hospitalized. All were said to be in stable condition, having reported a burning feeling in their hands and face. Initial analysis did not reveal any harmful substances, but the letter was sent for further tests.—CNN

International News

North Korea Sent Syria Equipment for Chemical Weapons, UN Says
Pyongyang provided valves, pipes, and other materials that could have been used to manufacture chemical weapons in Syria, according to a new report by the UN Panel of Experts. UN investigators believe North Korea made roughly 40 deliveries between 2012 and 2017. They also said North Korean missile experts were spotted at weapon sites in Syria.—BBC News

Afghan President Willing to Recognize the Taliban
President Ashraf Ghani said his government would accept the legitimacy of the Taliban as part of an effort to form a lasting political structure in the country. Speaking at an international conference designed to “draw” the Taliban into peace talks, Ghani said a ceasefire, new elections, and a prisoner release program were all on the table.—Reuters

Jerusalem Church Claims ‘Victory’ in Tax Row
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre opened its doors on Wednesday after closing for three days in protest of an Israeli government plan to introduce a church property tax. Parliament dropped the proposal Tuesday. “This is a victory,” said Adeeb Joudeh, custodian of the site in Jerusalem. “We’re celebrating.”—Al Jazeera

At Least 15 Killed in Egyptian Train Crash
Two passenger train carriages collided with a cargo train in Egypt’s northern Beheira province Wednesday. At least 15 people were killed and another 40 injured in the crash, according to a state news outlet.—Reuters

Everything Else

Parkland Shooting Survivors Join Demi Lovato Onstage
The star welcomed up six students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the first performance of her world tour in San Diego Tuesday night. “It was such an honor to meet them and hear their courageous stories,” Lovato said.—Billboard

Soundtrack for New Wes Anderson Movie Revealed
ABKCO shared a full tracklist for the Isle of Dogs soundtrack Tuesday, including the score by Alexandre Desplat. Released March 30, it also features music by the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band and Kaoru Watanabe.—Pitchfork

Looks Like Spice Girls Will Perform at the Royal Wedding
Mel B said all five members of the British girl group have been invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. When asked about it on The Real, she implied the Spice Girls would be singing at the reception. “I’m gonna be fired,” she said.—TIME

Trailer for JAY-Z’s Trayvon Martin Documentary Drops
Paramount Network shared a first look at Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin, a new series about the unarmed 17-year-old fatally shot in 2012. JAY-Z is producing the six-part project.—i-D

YouTube Bans Neo-Nazi Channel
The move came after the Anti-Defamation League urged the company to “immediately” remove material posted by Atomwaffen Division. CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said the Neo-Nazi group’s videos feature “disgusting racist content” and “incite hatred.”—Motherboard

Make sure to check out the latest episode of VICE's daily podcast. Today we’ll hear from Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Radio One, the largest African-American owned and operated broadcast company in the nation.

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