Breaking News Today
Supreme Court’s approval of same-sex marriage has unleashed an onslaught of backlash, highlighted by President Donald Trump’s Truth Social comments and a federal ruling which prevents his use of National Guard troops in Los Angeles.
As Congress debates Trump’s big budget proposal, Axios provides details.
Table of Contents
Juneteenth
Juneteenth marks a landmark date in 1865 when Galveston slaves in Texas finally learned they were free, two years after President Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation declaring all enslaved people within Confederate states free. Although freedom was declared two years earlier through President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, enforcement required more time.
As such, Black communities have taken to celebrating Black History Month by honoring their history and community, according to an article from Capital B, a Black-led news organization. Additionally, it allows them to pay respect to ancestors while remembering to support local small businesses such as restaurants, galleries and stores on this special day.
Joe Biden helped bring Juneteenth back into federal recognition a year ago and this is a welcome development during this time of unrest and protest against police brutality. Fannie Lou Hamer once famously stated, “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free”, so hopefully Juneteenth can inspire similar sentiment in today’s society.
June 19
Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband are seeking justice after being murdered by extremist Christians with anti-abortion views who used hateful rhetoric against them to incite violence against them. Melissa Hortman had been elected to her state’s legislature for nine consecutive terms as an anti-abortion representative until her murder. Their daughter recalls them being at the heart of her life until the killer used Christian anti-abortion rhetoric against them to incite violence.
Federal Judge Pauley Barros has blocked an order from the White House that would require states to enforce President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown or risk losing transportation funding, along with his attempt to use National Guard forces for such purposes in Los Angeles. This decision effectively put a stopper to that plan as well.
Pro-Trump super PACs have invested millions to unseat Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky Republican, whom the White House regards as one of its primary adversaries in Congress. Axios’ Nancy Isenstadt examines this controversial move.
June 20
One man was shot during a robbery attempt at a convenience store in Brooklyn and has since been detained as the suspect.
The Duchess of Sussex announced she and Prince Harry are expecting their first child together in 2021, along with sharing an adorable video showing them dancing together.
June 20 is marked by many historic events: in 451 AD, Roman general Flavius Aetius battled Attila the Hun at the Battle of Chalons; 1975 saw Jaws become one of the highest-grossing films at that time; while 1948 witnessed Wernher von Braun and his team of Nazi rocket scientists being transferred from Germany under Operation Paperclip into America.
June 21
House Republicans are witnessing President Trump’s “big beautiful bill” with both horror and displeasure as it becomes a massive monstrosity in their eyes. A pro-Trump super PAC is investing part of its $500 million war chest into Kentucky elections to unseat Rep. Thomas Massie who the White House considers an opponent to its agenda.
Evita, the musical inspired by Eva Peron’s life, premieres this week at London’s Prince Edward Theatre. Additionally, this week saw the Supreme Court issue its historic same-sex marriage ruling and Booksmith announce it would no longer sell J.K. Rowling books.
