Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker is facing more questioning from Donald Trump’s defense lawyers regarding his involvement in quashing stories that could have harmed Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Pecker admitted to being involved in efforts to suppress stories about alleged affairs with Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels. Trump’s lawyer appeared to agree that some allegations in the indictment do not involve official acts of the president, potentially impacting the timeline of the trial. The hush money trial is now in its second week.
The 2024 NFL draft saw a heavy focus on quarterback prospects, with six teams selecting signal-callers in the first round. Caleb Williams from the University of Southern California was the first overall pick by the Chicago Bears, leading a trend of quarterbacks being taken early in the draft. The Atlanta Falcons surprised many by selecting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8, deviating from their expected strategy. Overall, 23 offensive players were selected on the first day, setting a new record for the NFL draft.
Traces of the bird flu virus were found in 1 in 5 samples of pasteurized milk, raising concerns about the extent of the virus’s presence in the milk supply. Health officials maintain that pasteurized milk is safe to drink, but experts note that the number of positive samples is higher than expected, indicating a larger number of infected animals than reported. The bird flu has been detected in 33 herds across eight states, prompting further monitoring of the situation.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss contentious issues and warnings of a potential downward spiral in relations. Blinken’s visit aimed to address China’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, economic and trade practices, aggression in the South China Sea, and other geopolitical issues. The meeting underscored efforts by both countries to stabilize relations despite ongoing disagreements on various fronts.
Boys at an American-run school for troubled teens in Jamaica have alleged abuse by staff members, including beatings, starvation, and excessive exercise. Former students, parents, and attorneys have shared accounts of maltreatment at the Atlantis Leadership Academy, prompting investigations and arrests of employees. The boys reported limited contact with their parents and attempted to flee to the U.S. Embassy but were allegedly beaten after being caught.
In politics, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee plans to sign a bill allowing school staff to carry concealed handguns on school property, following a shooting incident in Nashville. A recent NBC News poll revealed that voters see President Joe Biden’s age and former President Donald Trump’s legal issues as significant reasons to oppose them. The FCC voted to restore net neutrality rules, requiring broadband providers to treat all internet traffic equally, while states continue to consider legislation affecting LGBTQ rights. A feature story highlights the challenges faced by a woman in Idaho when trying to terminate a pregnancy due to a rare condition, raising questions about the state’s abortion ban.
