April 16 U.S. and Global News

In a whirlwind of political drama, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced plans to bring four aid bills to a vote this week, sparking controversy among his colleagues. The bills in question deal with aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the creation of a loan program for humanitarian aid for Ukraine. While Johnson aims to merge the bills into a single package for the Senate, far-right Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has voiced strong opposition to this plan. Greene even threatened to force a vote to remove Johnson as speaker, highlighting the deep divide within the Republican party on this issue.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump found himself back in court for the second day of jury selection in his hush money trial in Manhattan. With 96 prospective jurors called in for interviews, 50 were dismissed due to their inability to remain impartial. Reporters noted that Trump appeared to have trouble staying awake during the proceedings, raising eyebrows among onlookers.

In the business world, Trump Media saw a significant drop in its stock price, trading at less than $25 per share after an initial high of over $79. Despite this setback, the company announced plans to launch a streaming TV service offering news, entertainment, and religious programming. Additionally, Trump himself plans to sell a substantial number of shares in the company, further shaking up the market.

On a more somber note, a fire ravaged the historic stock exchange building in Copenhagen, causing extensive damage. Fortunately, all occupants were able to escape, and some valuable artwork was salvaged from the flames. The incident drew comparisons to the Notre-Dame fire in Paris, underscoring the loss of a cultural landmark.

Lastly, the Library of Congress unveiled its 2024 additions to the National Recording Registry, preserving audio treasures for future generations. This year’s selections include iconic songs like Gene Autry’s “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” highlighting the diverse range of cultural contributions recognized by the registry.