Jurors in Trump’s hush money trial zero in on testimony of key witnesses as deliberations resume
NEW YORK (AP) — The jury in Donald Trump’s hush money trial is set to resume deliberations after requesting to review important testimony regarding the alleged hush money scheme central to the groundbreaking case. The 12-person jury deliberated for about 4 1/2 hours on Wednesday without reaching a verdict and will reconvene on Thursday. In addition to wanting to revisit testimony from a tabloid publisher and Trump’s former lawyer and personal fixer, the jury also asked to revisit at least part of the judge’s hour-long instructions aimed at guiding them on the law.
Israel says it has taken control of a key area of Gaza’s border with Egypt known for smuggling tunnels
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s military has announced that it has seized control of a vital corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt. The capture on Wednesday gives Israel control over a strip of land riddled with smuggling tunnels that have supported the militant Hamas group. However, this move may complicate relations with Egypt, which has cautioned against an increase in Israeli troops in the area. The development comes as Israel has intensified its presence in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Meanwhile, a top Israeli official has warned that the conflict could extend through the end of the year.
The US-built pier in Gaza has broken apart. Here’s the current situation and possible next steps
WASHINGTON (AP) — A series of security, logistical, and weather-related issues has hindered the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza through a U.S. military-built pier. The project, which cost $320 million, was damaged by strong winds and heavy seas shortly after becoming operational. Despite criticism that it has not lived up to expectations, U.S. officials have stated that the pier is undergoing repairs and will soon be operational again. Aid groups have expressed mixed reactions, welcoming the aid while also viewing the pier as a distraction diverting pressure from Israel to open more land routes. The Biden administration has emphasized that the pier was never intended to be a complete solution.
14 pro-democracy activists convicted, 2 acquitted in Hong Kong’s largest national security case
HONG KONG (AP) — A court in Hong Kong has convicted 14 pro-democracy activists in the city’s most significant national security case under a law imposed by Beijing to suppress public dissent. Among those found guilty on Thursday were former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung and Lam Cheuk-ting. The judges acquitted former district councilors Lee Yue-shun and Lawrence Lau. These individuals were part of a group of 47 democracy advocates prosecuted in 2021 for their involvement in an unofficial primary election. Prosecutors accused them of attempting to disrupt Hong Kong’s government and overthrow the city’s leader by gaining the necessary legislative majority to indiscriminately veto budgets.
To recuse or refuse? A closer look at Supreme Court justices’ decisions on stepping aside in cases
WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Samuel Alito’s decision not to recuse himself from two high-profile Supreme Court cases provides insight into the opaque process through which justices determine whether to step aside. Alito faced calls from Democrats to recuse himself from cases involving former President Donald Trump and Jan. 6 defendants due to controversial flags displayed at his homes. Alito explained on Wednesday that the flags, similar to those carried by Capitol rioters in January 2021, were put up by his wife, and his impartiality could not reasonably be questioned. While this explanation may not satisfy Democratic critics, they have limited recourse.
A violent, polarized Mexico goes to the polls to choose between 2 female presidential candidates
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico heads into Sunday’s election deeply divided, with friends and relatives avoiding political discussions to prevent further widening of unbridgeable gaps. Drug cartels have fragmented the country into warring territories. Amid a surge of heat, drought, pollution, and political violence, it remains uncertain whether Mexico’s next president, both major-party candidates being female, can quell the underlying violence and division. Soledad Echagoyen, a Mexico City doctor supporting President AndrĂ©s Manuel LĂłpez Obrador’s Morena party, laments the breakdown of political discourse among colleagues due to personal attacks.
Iran opens registration period for presidential election following a helicopter crash that killed Raisi
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has commenced a five-day registration period for candidates seeking to run in the presidential election on June 28. The new president will succeed the late Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash earlier this month along with seven others. The election occurs amidst Iran navigating the aftermath of the May 19 crash and heightened tensions with the U.S., as well as widespread protests, including those protesting the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. While Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds ultimate authority, past presidents have influenced Iran’s stance towards the West. The registration period began on Thursday and will last for five days.
A nurse recognized for compassion is terminated after referencing Gaza ‘genocide’ in a speech
NEW YORK (AP) — A nurse was dismissed from a New York City hospital after describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” during an award acceptance speech. Hesen Jabr was honored by NYU Langone Health for her work with grieving mothers who had lost babies when she drew parallels between her experiences and the struggles of mothers in Gaza. Following her comments, which some of her colleagues found unsettling, Jabr was terminated upon her return to work. A spokesperson for NYU Langone stated that some of Jabr’s coworkers were offended by her remarks.
At 100, this veteran believes the ‘greatest generation’ label is fitting ‘because we saved the world.’
HELEN, Ga. (AP) — Andy Negra Jr. proudly identifies as part of “The Greatest Generation.” The World War II veteran, who recently turned 100 in Helen, Georgia, served in the 128th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Armored Division. His unit landed on Utah Beach in Normandy in July 1944, participated in the battle for the French port city of Brest, and was involved in the Occupation of Germany. For the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, Negra plans to visit the site where he survived an attack by German aircraft.
‘Star Trek’ actor George Takei is committed to sharing his Japanese American story
TOKYO (AP) — The internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans, including children labeled as enemies during World War II, has left a lasting impact on the Japanese American community. George Takei, who portrayed Hikaru Sulu in the “Star Trek” series, remains devoted to sharing his family’s wartime ordeal. Takei recently released a picture book titled “My Lost Freedom” recounting his family’s experiences. He believes that the lessons from the failure of American democracy during that time have yet to be fully absorbed, especially among younger generations.
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