Trump’s legal battle reaches a critical point as strike threats loom over Cannes

Former President Donald Trump’s trial in Manhattan on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels continues to dominate the political scene in the US. This week, his fixer-turned-key prosecution witness Michael Cohen is expected to take the stand, as prosecutors aim to wrap up their case. In addition, Trump will be hosting a private fundraiser for his 2024 presidential campaign.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is facing backlash over the Israel-Gaza conflict, with student protests erupting on campuses across the country. Despite this, Biden is scheduled to deliver an address at Morehouse College’s commencement ceremony this Sunday, sparking controversy among faculty members, students, and alumni.

In Singapore, Lawrence Wong is set to become the country’s first new prime minister in 20 years on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in leadership for the affluent city-state. Wong, only the second non-member of the Lee family dynasty to lead Singapore, faces a host of challenges as he takes the helm.

On the global stage, the Cannes Film Festival is set to kick off this week, drawing attention to the French Riviera as movie moguls gather for the annual event. However, the festival has been marred by strike threats from festival workers protesting new labor laws, supported by some 300 filmmakers. Notably, Iranian writer-director Mohammad Rasoulof, whose film is premiering at the festival, was recently sentenced to eight years in prison and flogging.

Overall, this week promises to be eventful with a mix of political, economic, and cultural developments unfolding around the world. Stay tuned for updates on these stories and more as they continue to evolve.