House Speaker Mike Johnson defended his appearance at Donald Trump’s hush money trial, describing it as a spontaneous decision to call out what he believed was a threat to justice. Johnson, once a low-tier member of Congress, has faced challenges as speaker but survived a recent leadership threat from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. He also revealed his philosophy as a “New Testament guy” and discussed what he would tell Trump if he won the presidential election in November. Johnson was among several allies and potential vice presidential picks to attend Trump’s trial, which also featured former lawyer Michael Cohen returning to the witness stand.
Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico was the target of an attempted assassination, leaving him in serious condition and shocking the country and Europe. Fico, known for his divisive policies and criticism of the EU and U.S., has been the subject of protests over corruption and media control. The attack has raised concerns about political violence in the region and deepening divisions in Europe. Leaders across the continent have condemned the incident, with analysts warning of potential dangers as political divides widen.
A floating dock critical for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza has been successfully towed to the shore without U.S. troops entering the area. The aid system is complex and involves multiple components, but it aims to provide more aid than airdrops can. The delivery comes as the U.S. plans to advance a potential $1 billion weapons sale to Israel despite ongoing operations in Gaza. Meanwhile, backlash has erupted over a commencement speech by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, in which he made controversial statements about women and other topics, sparking a cultural debate.
Cities are bracing for another scorching summer, with last year’s record-breaking heat expected to continue or worsen. Officials are implementing projects to protect residents from extreme temperatures, with initiatives like “cool corridors” in Phoenix to combat urban heat. Concerns over heat-related deaths and the impact of climate change on extreme weather events have prompted cities to take action. In politics, President Biden and former President Trump have agreed to participate in two general election debates, while the bribery trial of Sen. Bob Menendez has begun.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced criticism for his guitar performance in Ukraine as tensions with Russia escalate. The performance of ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ was seen as out of touch with the seriousness of the situation in Ukraine. In other news, a barge collision in Galveston caused a bridge shutdown, South Carolina officials requested FBI assistance in investigating the suicide of a pastor’s wife amid abuse allegations, and a study highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of migraines among Americans. Additionally, a truck driver involved in a fatal crash had been in another wreck just days before.
