Insurrectionists’ symbol: The New York Times reported today that in the days after the insurrection at the nation’s Capitol on Jan. 6 there was a symbol of support for the insurrectionists flying on the flagpole in front of Conservative Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s house. The symbol was an upside down American flag, used by people in the mob that stormed the Capitol as a symbol of their belief that the country was in distress. In a statement sent to the Times, Alito said that it was his wife who flew the upside down flag on the flagpole.
Trump trial: There’s no session in the Trump hush money trial today as Donald Trump attends the high school graduation of his son Barron. Former Trump attorney and fixer Michael Cohen is expected to return to the stand on Monday for more cross-examination. The prosecution said it would not call any more witnesses and the defense said it will not call any witnesses. Donald Trump had gone on the record saying he wanted to testify in his defense. Closing arguments could begin on Tuesday with the case going to the jury by the end of next week.
Putin and Xi meet: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi put on a show of mutual support as part of Putin’s state visit to China. Putin was scheduled to remain in Beijing through today. In a joint statement, Putin and Xi said that Chinese and Russian relations have survived rapid changes in the world and shown strength and stability. Putin was seeking overt support from China for his invasion of Ukraine.
Houston weather: At least four people have been killed as a result of severe storms that hit Houston, Texas, and the surrounding area. An estimated 900,000 homes and businesses lost power. Streets were flooded and a number of tornadoes were reported. Wind speeds of 100 miles per hour were recorded. Houston’s Mayor John Whitmire urged people to stay home today and allow cleanup crews to clear downed trees, wires, glass from shattered windows and other debris.
PGA: The PGA Championship tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, had a delayed start this morning following an incident in which golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested during a traffic stop. Police say Scheffler ignored directions from police as he was trying to avoid traffic and get to the golf course. He was charged with assaulting a police officer, criminal mischief and reckless driving. He was arrested and put in handcuffs. Scheffler, who won the Master’s Tournament, is the favorite to win the PGA Championship.
Floating pier: Aid supplies for Gaza civilians have started to move through the floating pier that was built by the U.S. military to allow supplies to reach Gaza by sea. U.S. military officials estimate that up to 150 truckloads a day could reach Gaza via the pier. Before the Hamas invasion of Israel on Oct. 7 and the Israeli response, an estimated 500 truckloads of supplies went into Gaza every day.
