The Presidential Daily Brief

Ukraine Fakes Murder of Russian Journalist

Yesterday, Ukrainian authorities said war correspondent Arkady Babchenko was shot multiple times as he left his apartment in what seemed to be a targeted killing. Today, Babchenko — a dissident journalist who emigrated from Russia last year — appeared at a press conference alive and well, claiming it was a sting operation to expose an alleged plot by Russian agents. Kiev has seen several suspicious killings of Kremlin opponents in recent years. Russia had called for an investigation into Babchenko’s death and said Ukraine is “becoming the most dangerous country for reporters.”

Italy Haggles Over Elections Amid Bond Sell-Off

Mamma mia, here we go again. Having been without a government since March, Italy’s latest prime minister-elect, Carlo Cottarelli, has been unable to win support from the country’s major parties and may step down without being sworn in — just days after a coalition choice for prime minister did the same. Such a move could force President Sergio Mattarella to call snap elections as early as July. Meanwhile, Italian two-year bonds had their worst day since 1989 as fears that Italy could exit the eurozone threw markets into chaos.

Missouri Governor Resigns Amid Sexual and Political Scandals

Elected less than two years ago, Gov. Eric Greitens announced that he’ll resign over a number of scandals he says have put “an incredible amount of strain” on his family. Once a rising star of the Republican Party, Greitens has been under investigation for months, dogged by threats of impeachment. He’s been charged with two felonies for allegedly using a charity’s donor list for political purposes, and is facing claims of coercing a woman into sex by threatening to share a naked photo of her. Lt. Gov. Mike Parson will take over Friday.

China Vows to Fight Back as US Raises Tariff Threat Again

“If the U.S. wants to play games, then China would be more than willing to play along.” So said the Global Times, a newspaper run by China’s ruling Communist Party, after the White House said it would move ahead with imposing tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports. A final list of the goods being targeted will be released June 15. The tough talk further ignited fears of a trade war — and could jeopardize a $44 billion American deal that requires approval from Chinese regulators.

Gaza, Climate Change and a Horrible Legacy

Know This: Amid continued airstrikes on Gaza, Hamas says Palestinian groups have agreed to a ceasefire if Israeli forces will reciprocate. A major study says hotter weather means students are less likely to perform well on exams. And molestation accusations against famed equestrian trainer Jimmy Williams, who died in 1993, have thrown California’s Flintridge Riding Club into turmoil.

Read This: A new study reveals that Puerto Rico’s death toll from Hurricane Maria may exceed 4,600 — 70 times higher than the official government count of 64 — making it America’s deadliest natural disaster in a century.

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