Stealing from Trump was , ‘self-help,’ Cohen testifies at hush money trial
Fact: Michael Cohen testified that he stole money from Trump’s company as a form of “self-help” during Trump’s hush money trial.
Washington
What we know about the crashed helicopter carrying Iran’s president
The helicopter that crashed in Iran, killing the president and foreign minister, was a Bell 212 model. Bell developed the aircraft in the late 1960s for the Canadian military, and it is used globally for various purposes. The Bell 212 can carry passengers, cargo, and mount weapons. Non-military organizations and countries like Japan, the United States, and Thailand operate the Bell 212. Iran’s current fleet includes Italian-built naval versions of the helicopter. The most recent fatal crash involving a Bell 212 was in 2023 off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Iran has managed to keep its aviation fleets flying through a combination of smuggled parts and reverse-engineering. The accident does not automatically fall under global rules for air accident probes, and it is unlikely that Iran will seek outside help for the investigation.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange allowed to appeal extradition from Britain to US
Julian Assange has been granted permission to appeal against extradition to the U.S. by arguing that he might not have free speech rights in a U.S. court. The appeal is based on concerns that he could be discriminated against as a foreign national. Assange is wanted in the U.S. on 18 charges related to WikiLeaks’ release of secret U.S. documents. The appeal was welcomed by his supporters, who gathered outside the court. If the ruling had gone against him, Assange could have been extradited to the U.S. within 24 hours. U.S. assurances that Assange could rely on First Amendment protections were deemed inadequate by his legal team. The appeal will now cover all 18 charges against him.
Iranian President Raisi feared dead as helicopter wreckage found
The fact described in the text is that hopes are fading that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister have survived a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain and icy weather, as search teams located the wreckage and all passengers are feared dead.
Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza; new cracks in Netanyahu coalition
Israeli troops and tanks entered parts of the northern Gaza Strip, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians. The Israeli forces also took over ground in Rafah, a city by the Egyptian border. Benny Gantz threatened to resign if Netanyahu does not agree to a post-war plan for Gaza by June 8. The recovery of the body of a hostage taken by Hamas triggered the latest incursions. Israeli forces have continued operations in Gaza, conducting precise operations against terrorists and infrastructure. Netanyahu has faced criticism for failing to articulate an endgame in the war. Gantz proposed a six-point plan for Gaza’s civil administration. The strain on Israel’s coalition has increased, with demands for clarity on post-war plans. Armed groups attacked Israeli forces in Jabalia and Rafah, resulting in casualties on both sides. Israel’s military reported 281 soldiers killed in fighting, while over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes. UNRWA stated that nearly 800,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah since the ground operation began. Israel aims to capture Rafah to destroy Hamas and ensure security.
Fierce fighting in northern Gaza as Israel faces World Court challenge
Israeli forces engaged in fierce battles with Hamas fighters in Jabalia, Gaza, while militants attacked tanks in Rafah. The U.S. military started delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza. Residents reported destruction in Jabalia, with homes and shops being demolished. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed to have killed over 60 militants in recent days. The conflict has led to widespread hunger and a collapsed medical system in Gaza. Over 630,000 people have been displaced in Rafah since the military offensive started. Israel is facing accusations of violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza.
Here’s what the economy could look like with a Biden or Trump presidency
The text discusses the potential impact of a Biden or Trump presidency on the US economy. The analysis covers eight major economic categories, including domestic manufacturing, higher education, healthcare, housing, labor, taxes, tariffs, and trade. Biden and Trump have different plans and approaches to these economic categories based on their past records as president and their campaign promises. Biden focuses on issues like lowering prescription drug costs, investing in the future, supporting workers and small businesses, and ensuring fair taxation. Trump, on the other hand, has proposed plans such as protecting American car manufacturers, imposing tariffs on foreign-made cars, and focusing on fossil fuels. The text also highlights the differences in their views on student loan debt, healthcare, housing costs, labor unions, taxes, tariffs, and trade policies.
US anchors aid pier to Gaza beach but distribution plans uncertain
The United States has anchored a temporary floating pier to a beach in Gaza to boost aid deliveries, facing challenges in distributing assistance due to a dire shortage of fuel for aid trucks and security concerns. Trucks carrying humanitarian aid are expected to begin moving ashore soon, but there are still unresolved challenges. The pier project, costing 0 million, aims to combat the humanitarian crisis in Gaza by opening a sea route for aid delivery. Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a seven-month-long war, with the U.N. losing staff members in the conflict. Aid access in Gaza has dwindled, and a severe fuel shortage may impact aid operations. The U.S.-delivered aid will follow a complex path, involving inspections by Israel, third-party collection and distribution by the U.N. officials, and security concerns in the region. Discussions between the U.S. and the U.N. on aid delivery from the pier are ongoing.
US military pier starts moving towards Gaza
The U.S. military is moving a pier towards the Gaza coast to launch a maritime port for humanitarian aid promised by President Joe Biden. The pier was pre-assembled at the Israeli port of Ashdod due to weather conditions. A British aid shipment is on its way to the temporary pier in Gaza. Israel’s assault on Gaza has led to global protests and strained relations with the U.S. Israel has been urged to address concerns about aid worker deaths in Gaza.
US aid pier for Gaza floats into wartime reality
The United States is working on establishing a floating pier off the coast of the Gaza Strip to improve aid deliveries, facing challenges such as fuel shortages and security concerns. The project has been slow and expensive, with the U.N. emphasizing that land routes remain crucial for aid operations. Aid deliveries via the maritime corridor have begun, with plans for U.S.-delivered aid to be collected by third parties and distributed by the U.N. Israel has been accused of impeding aid deliveries, but denies any constraints on operations.