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 a review of crucial testimony related to the alleged hush money scheme central to the historic case. On Wednesday, the 12-person jury deliberated for about 4 1/2 hours without reaching a verdict. They will reconvene on Thursday. In addition to revisiting testimony from a tabloid publisher and Trump’s former lawyer and personal fixer, the jury also asked to revisit at least some of the judge’s hour-long instructions designed to guide them on the law.
Israel says it has gained 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 strategic corridor along the length of Gaza’s border with Egypt. This capture on Wednesday provides Israel with control over a strip of land that is reportedly filled with smuggling tunnels that support the militant Hamas group. However, it may complicate relations with Egypt, which has expressed concern about an increase in Israeli troops in the area. This development comes as Israel has intensified its presence in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. A senior Israeli official has warned that the conflict could extend through the end of the year.
The US-built pier in Gaza has collapsed. Here’s the background and potential next steps
WASHINGTON (AP) — A series of security, logistical, and weather-related issues have impacted the plan to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza through a US 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. While the pier is being repaired and will soon be operational again according to US officials, aid groups have mixed reactions. They welcome the aid but view the pier as a distraction that relieves pressure on 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) — Fourteen pro-democracy activists have been found guilty in Hong Kong’s biggest national security case, in which the court ruled that their plan to bring about change through an unofficial primary election would have undermined the government’s authority and caused a constitutional crisis. Following a 2019 protest movement that filled the city’s streets with demonstrators, authorities in Hong Kong have largely silenced dissent through restrictions on public choice in elections, crackdowns on media, and the imposition of a security law by Beijing, under which the activists were convicted.
To recuse or refuse? A look at Supreme Court justices’ decisions on whether to step aside in cases
WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Samuel Alito’s decision not to recuse himself from two high-profile Supreme Court cases has shed light on the opaque process by 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 controversy surrounding flags flown over his homes. Alito clarified on Wednesday that his wife was responsible for the flags, similar to those carried by rioters at the Capitol in January 2021. In letters to Congress members, Alito stated that his impartiality could not reasonably be questioned. While this explanation may not satisfy Democratic critics, they have limited options for recourse.
A divided, violent Mexico prepares to choose between two female presidential candidates
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico heads into Sunday’s election deeply divided, with friends and family members avoiding political discussions over fears of worsening irreparable divides. The country is plagued by warring drug cartels that have divided it into competing fiefdoms. Additionally, Mexico is experiencing a wave of extreme heat, drought, pollution, and political violence. The next president of Mexico, both major-party candidates being female, will face the challenge of reducing violence and polarization in the country. A supporter of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s Morena party in Mexico City highlighted the difficulty of discussing politics with colleagues due to personal attacks that have already occurred.
Papua New Guinea landslide survivors hesitant to relocate to safer ground after hundreds were buried
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Traumatized survivors of a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea are reluctant to move to safer ground as authorities prepare to use heavy machinery to clear debris, risking triggering another landslide. As many as 8,000 individuals may need to be evacuated as the area where the collapse occurred last week has become increasingly unstable. However, only 700 people have agreed to leave, as residents are hesitant to abandon their homes. Cultural considerations and concerns about moving onto others’ land, combined with a history of tribal warfare in the area, contribute to the survivors’ hesitance.
A nurse recognized for compassion is terminated after referring to Gaza as a ‘genocide’ during a speech
NEW YORK (AP) — A nurse at a New York City hospital was fired after describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as a “genocide” during an acceptance speech for an award. Hesen Jabr, who was being honored by NYU Langone Health for her work with mothers who had lost babies, drew parallels between her experiences and the suffering of mothers in Gaza. Following her comments, in which she stated that Palestinian women are enduring unimaginable losses during the current conflict in Gaza, Jabr was dismissed when she reported for duty next. A spokesperson for NYU Langone cited discomfort among Jabr’s colleagues as one reason for her termination.
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 himself as one of the last members of what is known as the “Greatest Generation.” The World War II veteran, residing in Helen, Georgia, recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Negra was part of the 128th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Armored Division, and participated in the D-Day invasion and the Battle of Brest. He served during the Occupation of Germany as well. Despite his age, Negra plans to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion by visiting the location where he survived an attack by German planes.
‘Star Trek’ actor George Takei remains committed to sharing his Japanese American story
TOKYO (AP) — The incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans, including children, who were labeled as enemies during World War II, has had a lasting impact on the Japanese American community. George Takei, best known for his portrayal of Hikaru Sulu on the USS Enterprise in the “Star Trek” franchise, is determined to continue sharing his family’s experience during the war. Takei recently released a picture book titled “My Lost Freedom” detailing his family’s wartime ordeal. He believes that the lessons about the failures of American democracy during that time have not been fully learned, particularly among Japanese Americans and younger generations.
