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 replay crucial testimony related to the alleged hush money scheme at the core of this historic case. The 12-person jury deliberated for around 4 1/2 hours on Wednesday without reaching a verdict. They will reconvene on Thursday. In addition to wanting to hear again from a tabloid publisher and Trump’s former lawyer and personal fixer, the jury also wanted to review at least part of the judge’s hour-long instructions aimed at guiding 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 West Bank has escalated amid the conflict in Gaza as Israel carries out raids in Palestinian towns in the region to combat militancy, resulting in the deaths of over 500 Palestinians. In the Gaza Strip, residents of the border city of Rafah witnessed heavy fighting on Wednesday. Israel’s military stated that it has taken control of the entire length of Gaza’s border with Egypt. Fighting in Rafah has forced over 1 million Palestinians to flee, seeking refuge in other war-torn areas. The United Nations has highlighted their lack of shelter, food, water, and other essentials for survival.
The US-built pier in Gaza collapsed. Here’s how we got here and what might happen next
WASHINGTON (AP) — A series of security, logistical, and weather challenges have hindered the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza through a U.S. military-built pier. The project, which cost $320 million, fell apart due to strong winds and heavy seas just over a week after becoming operational. U.S. officials have assured that the pier is being repaired and will soon be operational again. Aid groups have expressed mixed reactions, appreciating the aid while criticizing the pier as a distraction that alleviates the pressure on Israel to open more land routes. The Biden administration has clarified from the start that the pier was not 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 a court ruling that their plan to bring about change through an unofficial primary election would have challenged the government’s authority and led to a constitutional crisis. Following a 2019 protest movement that filled the city’s streets with demonstrators, authorities in Hong Kong have suppressed dissent through limited public election choices, crackdowns on media, and the security law imposed by Beijing under which the activists were convicted.
Early results in South Africa’s election put ruling ANC below 50% and short of a majority
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Initial counts in South Africa’s national election show the long-ruling African National Congress at just over 42% of the vote, raising the possibility of losing its majority for the first time since coming into power under Nelson Mandela at the end of apartheid in 1994. With less than 16% of votes counted and declared after Wednesday’s election, only a partial picture emerged. The final results of an election that could bring about significant political change in South Africa were expected to take days, with the independent electoral commission planning to release them by Sunday.
A violent, polarized Mexico goes to the polls to choose between 2 women presidential candidates
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico heads into Sunday’s election deeply divided, with friends and relatives avoiding political conversations to prevent exacerbating unbridgeable divisions. Drug cartels have fragmented the country into warring fiefdoms. The atmosphere is intensifying amid unusual heatwaves, drought, pollution, and political violence. It remains uncertain whether Mexico’s next president — with both major-party candidates being female — will be able to address the underlying violence and polarization. Soledad Echagoyen, a Mexico City doctor supporting President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s Morena party, noted the challenges in discussing politics with colleagues due to personal attacks already being prevalent.
Papua New Guinea landslide survivors slow to relocate to safer ground after hundreds buried
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Traumatized survivors of Papua New Guinea’s massive landslide are hesitant to move to safer ground as authorities prepare to use heavy machinery to clear debris, risking another landslide. Up to 8,000 individuals may need evacuation as the area where the collapse occurred last week becomes increasingly unstable. However, only 700 people have agreed to leave, with reluctance stemming from attachments to their homes and cultural sensitivities about moving to someone else’s land in an area historically marked by tribal conflicts.
A nurse honored for compassion is dismissed after referring to Gaza ‘genocide’ in speech
NEW YORK (AP) — A nurse was terminated by a New York City hospital following comments characterizing Israel’s conflict in Gaza as “genocide” during an acceptance speech for an award. Hesen Jabr was recognized by NYU Langone Health for her compassionate care for mothers who had suffered infant losses when she made the remarks connecting her work to the suffering of Gazan mothers. Jabr was fired upon returning to work the next day, with a spokesperson for NYU Langone mentioning discomfort among some colleagues due to her statements.
At 100, this veteran asserts that the ‘greatest generation’ label is fitting ‘because we saved the world.’
HELEN, Ga. (AP) — Andy Negra Jr. proudly identifies as one of the few remaining members of the “Greatest Generation.” The World War II veteran, residing in Helen, Georgia, recently turned 100. He served as part of the 128th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Armored Division, landing on Utah Beach in Normandy in July 18, 1944. He also participated in the battle to recapture the strategic French port city of Brest and served during the Occupation of Germany. For the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, he plans to visit the location 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, during World War II, branded as enemies, has deeply affected and united the Japanese American community over the years. For George Takei, known for his role as Hikaru Sulu on the USS Enterprise in the “Star Trek” series, it is a story he aims to recount at every available opportunity. Takei recently released a new picture book detailing his family’s wartime experiences, titled “My Lost Freedom.” He expressed concerns that the lessons about the failures of American democracy have yet to be fully grasped, even within the Japanese American community and especially among younger generations.
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