Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker is facing scrutiny from Donald Trump’s lawyers in a hush money case involving efforts to suppress damaging stories during Trump’s 2016 campaign. Pecker admitted to being involved in efforts to kill stories involving Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels. Trump’s lawyer attempted to challenge Pecker’s credibility during cross-examination by pointing out inconsistencies in his testimony. This trial marks the end of the second week of proceedings.
In other news, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Trump’s federal election case, with his lawyer appearing to agree that some of the allegations do not involve official acts of the president. This could potentially delay a trial before Election Day. The NFL draft saw multiple teams bet on quarterback prospects in the first round, with six teams selecting signal-callers. Other highlights include defensive players being taken later in the draft and big surprises like the Falcons selecting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8.
Traces of the bird flu virus were found in 1 in 5 samples of pasteurized milk, raising concerns about the extent of the virus in the milk supply. Health officials assert that pasteurized milk is safe to drink, but experts point out that the number of positive samples is higher than expected. In geopolitics, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to address contentious issues and stabilize relations amid growing tensions.
Boys at an American-run school for troubled teens in Jamaica reported being abused by staff, including beatings, starvation, and forced exercise until vomiting. Allegations prompted Jamaican authorities to remove students from the school and investigate the claims, resulting in the arrest of five employees. In other news, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee plans to sign a bill allowing school staff to carry concealed handguns, while a report highlights the challenges faced by transgender youth in states considering restrictive legislation.
Jennifer Adkins’ story sheds light on Idaho’s near-total abortion ban, which left her unable to terminate a dangerous pregnancy. The Supreme Court is expected to address the legality of such bans conflicting with federal emergency care laws. USC canceled its main commencement ceremony, concerns over graduation disruptions at Columbia University arose, and new developments include the overturning of Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction and the CDC confirming cases of HIV transmitted via vampire facials at a New Mexico spa.
