Mike Johnson’s cruelty is a call to arms

Plus, why Mike Pence dropped out of the 2024 presidential race

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Sunday, October 29, 2023 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Israel expanded its ground operations in Gaza on Friday night Eastern Time and into Saturday, with artillery bombardment airstrikes beginning what officials describe as "the next phase of the war." A near-total internet and communications blackout in Gaza has created dire challenges for accurate information and humanitarian supplies.   A multi-state, multi-day manhunt came to an end late Friday night when the man accused of killing 18 people in mass shootings Wednesday was found dead in Lisbon Falls, Maine. The shootings, which left another 13 injured, are the deadliest so far this year and the 565th mass shooting in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive.   On Wednesday, Republicans elected Republican Rep. Mike Johnson as House Speaker, ending a 3-week long stalemate of GOP infighting and political paralysis. The new Speaker has come under scrutiny in the days since for his high-profile role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election and history of far-right, extremist views on abortion, same-sex marriage, LGBTQ rights, and more.   Former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis became the fourth co-defendant to plead guilty in the Georgia election case. Donald Trump also faced new obstacles in his $250 million civil fraud trial this week, including a $10,000 fine for violating his gag order, and dramatic testimony from his former lawyer Michael Cohen. That testimony led the former president to storm out of the New York City courtroom. This week, the New York attorney general's office will call Trump's three adult children to testify, while the former president will take the stand Nov. 6.   Missed something? Don't worry. Here are our select columns and videos from the week. And don't forget to check out MSNBC.com for more.  EDITOR'S PICKS GUTHRIE GRAVES-FITZSIMMONS I've picked up plenty of Bibles, Mike Johnson. I didn't see your hate anywhere.  Johnson's views on the dignity of LGBTQ Americans could not be more out of step with the American public. Read more. CHRISTIAN HEYNE After the Lewiston shooting, let's be honest about the myth of mental illness and guns The preventable tragedy in Lewiston showed that Maine's 'yellow flag' gun law clearly isn't enough. Read more. LISA RUBIN We knew Michael Cohen was trouble when he walked in  Cohen was in the rooms where it happened — and he might be the only person who will testify truthfully to what went down. Read more. MARTIN FLETCHER What it feels like learning Hamas is using your family members as human shields  Thankfully my relatives have been released, along with two more hostages. But 200 are still in captivity as Israel's worst nightmare becomes reality. Read more. JA'HAN JONES Speaker Mike Johnson embodies Trump's media obsession A former TV host turned president wanted another former radio host to be speaker of the House of Representatives. What could go wrong? Read more. JORDAN RUBIN Jenna Ellis' plea deal in Georgia puts spotlight on Rudy Giuliani  The former lawman turned Trump stooge already had enough legal worries. And now Ellis is seemingly prepared to testify against him. Read more. YASMIN VOSSOUGHIAN REPORTS Mike Pence drops out of 2024 presidential race The former president announced at the annual Republican Jewish Coalition convention that he has suspended his 2024 presidential campaign. MSNBC What to expect from Trump's eldest 3 children's testimony in NY civil fraud trial this week NBC News Justice reporter Ryan Reilly speaks to Lindsey Reiser about what to expect from the testimony of Donald Trump's children in New York this week. ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR Netanyahu announces IDF will expand ground operations in Gaza Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a press conference where he announced that the IDF will expand ground operations in Gaza.  MSNBC Friends' star Matthew Perry dies at 54 Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the sitcom "Friends" has died at the age of 54.  MORE FROM MSNBC Tonight, MSNBC Films presents "Martha's Vineyard v. DeSantis," the latest installment of "The Turning Point" documentary series from Executive Producer Trevor Noah. The film tells the story of the migrants flown to the New England island, the community that took them in, and the Florida governor behind it all. Watch "Martha's Vineyard v. DeSantis," tonight at 10pm ET on MSNBC and streaming on Peacock.  MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community. 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE