House Speaker Mike Johnson made an appearance at former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial, defending his actions as necessary to call out a threat to the justice system. The visit was spontaneous, with Johnson joining others at the trial this week. In an exclusive interview, Johnson described the car ride with Trump and discussed his philosophy as a “New Testament guy.” Johnson also addressed potential issues with his leadership, including surviving a recent threat from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Slovakia’s populist prime minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times in an attempted assassination, leaving him in serious condition. The incident, which occurred while Fico was greeting the public, has sparked concern over political violence in Europe. Fico has been a divisive figure, with criticisms from both the European Union and opposition parties in Slovakia. The attack has raised alarm about increasing political divides in the region.
The United States successfully towed a floating dock system to the Gaza Strip to deliver critical humanitarian aid. The aid delivery system involves a complex process of moving supplies from the dock to the beach without the need for U.S. troops to enter the enclave. This effort comes as the Biden administration plans a potential $1 billion weapons sale to Israel, indicating ongoing military support for Israel despite operations in Gaza. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker faced backlash for his commencement speech at Benedictine College, where he made controversial statements about women.
City officials across the South and Southwest are preparing for a scorching summer, following record-breaking heat in previous years. Projects aimed at shielding residents from extreme heat include creating “cool corridors” in Phoenix, with more trees and resurfaced pavement to reduce urban heat. The efforts come as scientists warn of increasing global temperatures, with a new study linking heat waves to thousands of deaths across various countries. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have agreed to participate in two general election debates, scheduled for June 27 and Sept. 10.
In other news, Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s performance with a band in Ukraine, where he played ‘Rockin’ in the Free World,’ was met with criticism as some felt it was out of touch with the country’s mood amid conflict with Russia. Additionally, a barge collision in Galveston caused a bridge to shut down, South Carolina officials requested FBI assistance in the investigation of a pastor’s wife’s suicide amid abuse allegations, and a study shed light on the increasing frequency and intensity of migraines in Americans. Furthermore, a truck driver involved in a fatal crash with a bus carrying farmworkers had been in another wreck just days before.
