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 hear potentially crucial testimony about the alleged hush money scheme at the center of the history-making case. The 12-person jury deliberated for about 4 1/2 hours on Wednesday without reaching a verdict and will reconvene on Thursday. Along with revisiting testimony from a tabloid publisher and Trump’s former lawyer and personal fixer, the jury also asked to review at least part of the judge’s hour-long instructions meant to guide them on the law.
The Latest | 2 soldiers are killed in a West Bank car-ramming attack, Israeli military says
The Israeli military has reported that two soldiers were killed in a car-ramming attack in the occupied West Bank. Violence in the region has escalated amid the war in Gaza, with Israel conducting raids in Palestinian towns to suppress militancy, resulting in the deaths of over 500 Palestinians. In the Gaza Strip, residents of Rafah reported heavy fighting on Wednesday. Israel’s military announced it had taken control of the entire Gaza-Egypt border. The fighting in Rafah has led to over 1 million Palestinians fleeing the area, seeking refuge in other war-torn areas and facing shortages of shelter, food, water, and other necessities for survival.
The US-built pier in Gaza broke apart. Here’s how we got here and what might be next
WASHINGTON (AP) — Several security, logistical, and weather challenges have hindered the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid to Gaza through a U.S. military-built pier. The project, which cost $320 million, faced criticism for not meeting expectations and being damaged shortly after becoming operational. U.S. officials have stated that repairs are underway and the pier will be back in operation soon. While aid groups welcome the assistance, some view the pier as a distraction from pressuring Israel to open more land routes. The Biden administration clarified that the pier was never intended to be a complete solution.
14 pro-democracy activists convicted, 2 acquitted in Hong Kong’s biggest national security case
HONG KONG (AP) — Fourteen pro-democracy activists have been convicted in Hong Kong’s largest national security case, with the court ruling that their efforts to bring about change through an unofficial primary election would have undermined the government’s authority and caused a constitutional crisis. Following the extensive protest movement in 2019, dissent in Hong Kong has been severely curtailed through restricted public election choices, crackdowns on media, and the imposition of a security law by Beijing under which the activists were found guilty.
To recuse or refuse? A look at Supreme Court justices’ decisions on whether to step aside in cases
WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Samuel Alito declined to recuse himself from two high-profile Supreme Court cases, shedding light on the process by which justices decide whether to step aside. Calls from Democrats for Alito to recuse himself from cases involving former President Donald Trump and Jan. 6 defendants due to controversy over flags flown over his homes were addressed by Alito, who explained that his wife was responsible for the flags resembling those carried by Capitol rioters in January 2021. While the explanation may not satisfy critics, Democratic members of Congress have limited options for recourse.
A violent, polarized Mexico goes to the polls to choose between 2 women presidential candidates
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico faces deep divisions as it prepares for Sunday’s election, with friends and family members avoiding political discussions to prevent further rifts. The country is plagued by drug cartel conflicts, extreme weather, pollution, and political violence. It remains uncertain whether the next president of Mexico, with both major-party candidates being female, will be able to address the underlying violence and polarization. Some citizens, like Mexico City doctor Soledad Echagoyen, feel unable to discuss politics due to personal attacks that have already occurred.
Papua New Guinea landslide survivors slow to move to safer ground after hundreds buried
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Survivors of Papua New Guinea’s devastating landslide are hesitant to relocate to safer areas as authorities plan to clear debris, fearing the risk of triggering another landslide. Up to 8,000 people may need to be evacuated as the unstable area where the collapse occurred last week poses further danger. Despite this, only 700 individuals have agreed to leave, with reluctance stemming from attachment to their homes and concerns about tribal conflicts in the region.
A nurse honored for compassion is fired after referring to Gaza ‘genocide’ in speech
NEW YORK (AP) — A nurse was dismissed by a New York City hospital after describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” during an acceptance speech for an award. Hesen Jabr, recognized by NYU Langone Health for her compassionate care of grieving mothers, drew parallels between her work and the suffering of mothers in Gaza, leading to her termination. NYU Langone justified the firing by stating that Jabr’s comments had upset some colleagues.
At 100, this vet says the ‘greatest generation’ moniker fits ‘because we saved the world.’
HELEN, Ga. (AP) — Andy Negra Jr., a World War II veteran residing in Helen, Georgia, recently turned 100 and proudly identifies as part of “The Greatest Generation.” Serving in the 128th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Armored Division, Negra participated in the D-Day invasion and subsequent battles in France and Germany. Despite his age, he plans to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the invasion with a visit to the location where he survived an attack by German planes.
‘Star Trek’ actor George Takei is determined to keep telling his Japanese American story
TOKYO (AP) — Japanese American actor George Takei, known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the “Star Trek” franchise, remains committed to sharing the experiences of his community, particularly the internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. Takei recently released a picture book titled “My Lost Freedom,” focusing on his family’s wartime struggles. He believes that the lessons on the failings of American democracy during that era have not been fully learned, emphasizing the importance of continuing to educate future generations, including within the Japanese American community.
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