Jurors in Trump’s hush money trial zero in on testimony of key witnesses as deliberations resume
NEW YORK (AP) — The jury in former President Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial is set to resume deliberations after requesting to hear potentially crucial testimony about the alleged scheme at the center of the historic case. The 12-person jury deliberated for 4 1/2 hours on Wednesday without reaching a verdict and will reconvene on Thursday. The jury asked to rehear testimony from a tabloid publisher and Trump’s former lawyer and personal fixer. They also requested to review at least part of the judge’s instructions to them. Trump is facing 34 counts of falsifying business records at his company. The presumed 2024 Republican presidential nominee maintains his innocence.
The Latest | 2 soldiers are killed in a West Bank car-ramming attack, Israeli military says
The Israeli military has reported that two soldiers lost their lives in a car-ramming attack in the occupied West Bank. Violence in the West Bank has escalated amidst the conflict in Gaza, with Israel carrying out raids on Palestinian towns in the region to combat militancy, resulting in the deaths of over 500 Palestinians. Residents of Rafah in the Gaza Strip have reported heavy fighting on Wednesday. The Israeli military announced that they have taken control of the entire length of Gaza’s border with Egypt. The conflict in Rafah has forced more than 1 million Palestinians to seek refuge in other war-torn areas, lacking essential resources for survival according to the United Nations.
The US-built pier in Gaza broke apart. Here’s how we got here and what might be next
WASHINGTON (AP) — A series of security, logistical, and weather-related issues have hindered the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to Gaza through a pier built by the US military. The project, which broke apart due to strong winds and heavy seas shortly after becoming operational, has faced criticism for not meeting expectations or justifying its $320 million cost. US officials have stated that repairs are underway for the pier to be reinstated and operational again soon. While aid groups welcome the assistance, they view the pier as a distraction that could reduce the pressure on 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) — In Hong Kong’s largest national security case, fourteen pro-democracy activists have been found guilty by a court that determined their plan to effect change through an informal primary election would have challenged the government’s authority and sparked a constitutional crisis. Following the 2019 protest movement that saw mass demonstrations across the city, authorities have significantly curtailed dissent in Hong Kong 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.
Early results in South Africa’s election put ruling ANC below 50% and short of a majority
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Initial vote counts in South Africa’s national election show the long-standing African National Congress polling just over 42% of the vote, raising the possibility that it may lose its majority for the first time since Nelson Mandela’s presidency began in 1994. With only a small percentage of votes counted and announced after Wednesday’s election, the final results are expected to take several days. The election could bring about significant political change in South Africa’s young democracy. The independent electoral commission has indicated that the final results will be disclosed 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 family members avoiding political discussions in fear of exacerbating existing divides. The country has been fragmented by drug cartels, resulting in a collection of warring territories. Mexico is experiencing a rise in temperature, drought, pollution, and political violence. It remains uncertain whether the next president of Mexico, both major-party candidates being female, will be able to address the underlying violence and polarization. A supporter of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s Morena party in Mexico City mentioned that discussing politics has led to personal attacks.
Lab-grown meat isn’t on store shelves yet, but some states have already banned it
Lab-grown meat is not currently available for purchase in US grocery stores or restaurants. Some lawmakers are advocating to permanently ban it. Recently, Florida and Arizona passed laws banning the sale of lab-grown meat and seafood, which is cultivated from animal cells. Iowa also signed a bill preventing schools from procuring lab-grown meat. Efforts at the federal level are also underway to restrict its sale. The future of these bans remains uncertain, as some lab-grown meat companies are considering legal action, and some states have paused proposed bans due to concerns about consumer choice. Lab-grown meat was first approved for sale in the US one year ago.
Papua New Guinea landslide survivors slow to move to safer ground after hundreds buried
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Survivors of the massive landslide in Papua New Guinea are hesitating to relocate to safer areas as authorities plan to use heavy equipment to clear debris, risking another landslide. Up to 8,000 individuals may need to be evacuated as the area where the collapse occurred remains unstable. However, only 700 people have agreed to leave as cultural sensitivities and reluctance to leave homes are obstacles to relocation. Tribal disputes in the area have further complicated the evacuation process.
A nurse honored for compassion is fired after referring to Gaza ‘genocide’ in speech
NEW YORK (AP) — A nurse was terminated from a New York City hospital after describing Israel’s conflict in Gaza as a “genocide” while accepting an award. Hesen Jabr was recognized by NYU Langone Health for her compassion in caring for mothers who had lost infants when she drew parallels between her work and the suffering of mothers in Gaza. Following her speech where she noted that Palestinian women are facing immense losses “during the current genocide in Gaza”, Jabr was dismissed when she returned to work. A spokesperson for NYU Langone Health mentioned that some of Jabr’s colleagues were distressed by her remarks.
At 100, this vet says the ‘greatest generation’ moniker fits ‘because we saved the world’
HELEN, Ga. (AP) — Andy Negra Jr. proudly identifies as part of the “Greatest Generation.” The World War II veteran, residing in Helen, Georgia, recently celebrated his 100th birthday. He served in the 128th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Armored Division, and participated in the D-Day invasion on Utah Beach in Normandy, among other significant battles. Negra reflects on his wartime experiences and plans to visit the site where he survived an attack by German planes during the D-Day anniversary.
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