Guilty: Trump becomes first former US president convicted of felony crimes
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump made history by becoming the first former president of the United States to be convicted of felony crimes. A New York jury found him guilty on all 34 charges related to a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who claimed to have had a sexual encounter with him. Trump remained stoic as the verdict was announced, while cheers from the street could be heard in the courthouse. He is set to be sentenced on July 11, just before the Republican National Convention. Prosecutors in Manhattan have not indicated whether they will seek prison time for Trump.
The verdict: Inside the courtroom as Donald Trump learns of his conviction
NEW YORK (AP) — A pivotal moment occurred during Donald Trump’s criminal trial just as everyone was preparing to leave for the day. The judge had already mentioned that the jury would be sent home for the night when a surprise note arrived indicating that a verdict had been reached. The courtroom filled with tension as reporters, lawyers, and spectators awaited the jury’s decision. The room fell silent as the jury entered and the foreperson announced the guilty verdict on the first count of the indictment, involving falsifying business records. Trump later denounced the trial as “rigged” and maintained his innocence.
Republican lawmakers react with outrage to Trump’s conviction and come to his defense
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican lawmakers have expressed outrage over the felony conviction of former President Donald Trump. The New York jury’s decision to convict Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records in relation to the 2016 election prompted a swift response from Republicans. Many rushed to defend Trump, questioning the fairness of the trial. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it a “shameful day,” while Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance labeled the verdict a “disgrace to the judicial system.” Some Republicans suggested that the trial could actually work in Trump’s favor as he campaigns for the White House.
Key points about Donald Trump’s conviction in the hush money trial
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts marks the conclusion of his highly-publicized hush money trial, but the legal battle is far from over. The sentencing phase lies ahead, with the possibility of a prison sentence, the likelihood of an extensive appeals process, and ongoing criminal cases to address. Despite the guilty verdict, Trump vehemently denies any wrongdoing and has decried the trial as a “disgrace.” The Manhattan jury deliberated for over nine hours before reaching a decision.
Roberts declines Senate Democrats’ request to discuss Supreme Court ethics and Alito flag controversy
WASHINGTON (AP) — Chief Justice John Roberts has turned down an invitation from Democratic senators to discuss Supreme Court ethics and the flags flown outside Justice Samuel Alito’s residences. Roberts’ response came in a letter to the senators, following Alito’s rejection of demands for recusal from cases involving Trump and the January 6 rioters due to the flags. Alito clarified that the flags flown by his wife at their homes do not warrant his recusal from cases.
US and Britain target Houthi rebel sites in Yemen following shipping attacks
WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and Britain have carried out strikes on 13 Houthi targets in Yemen after a spike in attacks on ships by the Iran-backed militia group in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. American and British aircraft and U.S. ships targeted various underground facilities, missile launchers, command sites, and other Houthi assets. The operation aimed to neutralize threats posed by the rebels to American and coalition forces in the region.
Biden authorizes limited use of US arms by Ukraine in strikes on Russian territory
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has approved Ukraine’s use of American weaponry to defend against attacks originating from Russian territory, specifically allowing strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The policy prohibiting offensive use of American-provided weapons by Ukraine remains in place. Ukrainian officials had requested authorization to use U.S. arms to protect against Russian aggression.
Biden finalizing plans for migrant restrictions as part of US-Mexico border crackdown
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is nearing completion of a plan to tighten border controls along the U.S.-Mexico border, which would deny asylum requests and automatically reject entry once a daily threshold of encounters with border officials is exceeded. President Biden is expected to sign an executive order to this effect soon. The move comes in response to a recent spike in illegal crossings, with border security remaining a significant issue in the upcoming election.
The Latest | Slovenia moves to recognize Palestinian state as Israel fights in Rafah
Slovenia’s government has approved a motion to recognize a Palestinian state, following similar steps by Spain, Norway, and Ireland. Israel has condemned these recognitions. In Gaza, heavy fighting has been reported in the border city of Rafah as Israeli forces expand their offensive in the region. The escalation in violence suggests ongoing challenges in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Bruhat Soma wins Scripps National Spelling Bee title undefeated in tiebreaker
OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — Bruhat Soma emerged victorious in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, spelling 29 words correctly in a tiebreaker to secure the title. The 12-year-old seventh-grader from Tampa, Florida, showcased his spelling prowess by outperforming his competitors and clinching the championship. Soma’s win earns him a trophy and over $50,000 in cash and prizes, capping off a string of spelling triumphs.
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