Following a failed mutiny attempt by mercenaries, Russia's top military generals have been absent from the public eye, leading to speculation that they may have supported the rebellion. U.S. officials have said General Valery Gerasimov and General Alexander Surovikin had "advance knowledge" of the plans, though Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has dismissed these reports as "speculation and gossip". President Vladimir Putin is reportedly attempting to reassert his authority, and it is unclear what role the top military generals will play in the future.
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On Wednesday, an Amtrak train derailed in Southern California after striking a county water truck, critically injuring the driver and sending fourteen passengers to hospitals with minor injuries. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation, and Amtrak has suspended service on the line until further notice. Local authorities are urging commuters to seek alternative routes and to remain vigilant and follow all safety protocols.
President Joe Biden is using a CPAP machine to treat his sleep apnea, a common condition that affects 30 million people in the US. It is caused by obesity, aging, or facial structure, and is treated most effectively with a CPAP machine. Biden's use of the machine is a reminder of the importance of getting regular check-ups and being aware of one's own health.
Federal judges in Kentucky and Tennessee have temporarily blocked portions of bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, just days before the statutes were set to go into effect. The rulings blocked portions of the law in Kentucky that would have banned transgender youth from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapy, and in Tennessee, stopped short of blocking the ban gender-affirming surgeries for youth. The rulings are seen as a victory for transgender rights advocates, and set a precedent for other states considering similar bans.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed closing four federal agencies - Education, Commerce, Energy, and IRS - if he is elected president, in order to reduce the size of government and push back against "woke ideology" and "leftism". The proposal has been met with mixed reactions, with supporters arguing it would reduce costs and critics arguing it could lead to job losses. DeSantis has vowed to use the agencies to push back against "woke ideology" if Congress does not go along with his plan.
Domingo Germán of the New York Yankees has pitched the 24th perfect game in major league history, joining Don Larsen, David Wells, and David Cone as the only Yankees pitchers to do so. This was the first perfect game since Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez pitched one in 2012 and the first time Germán pitched an entire game in his Yankee career. The Yankees celebrated the historic feat with a standing ovation for Germán, who was visibly emotional after the final out.
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend welcomed their fourth child, Wren Alexander Stephens, on Monday, June 19th, with the help of their surrogate Alexandra. Teigen expressed her gratitude for Alexandra's "selfless act" and shared her and Legend's joy at having Wren in their lives after the tragedy of losing their son Jack in September 2020. The couple is now looking forward to many more adventures with their four children.
Pop star Madonna, 64, has been hospitalized for a "serious bacterial infection" and has had to delay her upcoming The Celebration Tour. Her manager Guy Oseary announced the news on Wednesday, saying that all commitments must be paused until Madonna makes a full recovery. Details on the type of infection and how long her recovery is expected to take are not yet available, but fans are wishing her a speedy recovery.