Trump attempts to move on from his guilty verdict by criticizing the criminal justice system
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump tried to move past his historic criminal conviction on Friday and gather support for his presidential bid with harsh criticisms directed at the judge presiding over the case, the prosecution’s key witness, and the overall criminal justice system. Speaking from his namesake tower in Manhattan in a symbolic return to the campaign trail, the presumptive Republican nominee delivered a message intended for his most loyal followers. Defiant as always, he baselessly claimed that the verdict was manipulated by political motives.
Answers to queries about Donald Trump’s groundbreaking hush money trial conviction
NEW YORK (AP) — The initial criminal conviction of a former U.S. president raises numerous legal and political questions: Will Donald Trump serve time in jail? Can he pardon himself? How will this impact the upcoming election? Trump was found guilty by a Manhattan jury on Thursday of 34 felony charges related to a payment scheme during his 2016 campaign to silence a porn actress. It remains uncertain whether he will be incarcerated, as this decision lies with the judge. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the charges, declined to mention whether prison time would be sought.
Trump now carries the weight of a criminal conviction. Will this matter to voters?
WASHINGTON (AP) — In 2016, Donald Trump famously claimed he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue without losing supporters. Time has shown the unwavering loyalty of his base. However, he is now the first president in history to be convicted of felonies. Will this impact the election in November? Following the damning verdict in Manhattan, Republicans overall stood by him. Yet, the nation faces uncharted territory. Will Americans see Trump as the figure in his official presidential portrait or the one in a mugshot? This is a choice they have not encountered before.
Biden outlines a 3-part hostage agreement to de-escalate the Israel-Hamas conflict
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has presented a three-stage agreement proposed by Israel to Hamas militants, aimed at securing the release of remaining hostages in Gaza and potentially ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Biden also stated that Hamas is currently incapable of launching another large-scale attack on Israel. He urged both Israelis and Hamas to reach an agreement for the release of hostages and an extended cease-fire. The proposal, according to the Democratic president, serves as a pathway to a lasting cease-fire and the release of all hostages. One phase of the agreement involves commencing major reconstruction efforts in Gaza. As reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of 36,000 Palestinians.
Israel confirms military presence in central Rafah as offensive in southern Gaza city expands
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military has verified that its forces are engaged in operations in central areas of Rafah as part of an extended offensive in the southern Gaza city. In a statement on Friday, the military announced that its troops in central Rafah had uncovered Hamas rocket launchers and tunnels, and dismantled a weapons storage facility of the group. The exact location within central Rafah where the operations are ongoing was not specified, but prior statements and eyewitness reports have indicated raids in the Shaboura refugee camp and other nearby sites close to the city center. Over 1 million Palestinians have fled the city since the assault began, scattering throughout southern and central Gaza.
Florida sheriff’s office terminates deputy who fatally shot airman at residence
A Florida sheriff dismissed a deputy on Friday who fatally shot an airman at his home while the airman held a handgun pointed towards the ground. The sheriff stated that the deputy’s life was not in danger, and he should not have discharged his weapon. The Okaloosa County Sheriff fired Deputy Eddie Duran, who shot Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3 after responding to a domestic violence call and finding Fortson at his apartment door with a gun pointed downward. Duran fired immediately, without providing any warning.
Mexico’s drug cartels and gangs appear to have a broader influence in Sunday’s elections than previously observed
COTIJA, Mexico (AP) — Mexico’s drug cartels and gangs seem to be playing a larger role in the upcoming elections on Sunday, which will determine the presidency, nine governorships, and approximately 19,000 other local positions. These powerful cartels have a history of carrying out targeted assassinations against mayoral and other local candidates who threaten their authority. In Mexico, gangs rely on controlling local police chiefs and profiting from municipal budgets, while showing less interest in national politics. However, leading up to the Sunday vote, gangs have increasingly resorted to armed attacks at campaign rallies, destroying ballots, or obstructing the setup of polling stations — even attempting to influence voters through banners.
Berlin permits Ukraine to utilize German weapons against targets in Russia after the U.S. also relaxes its stance
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Germany has joined the United States in granting Ukraine the authorization to target certain locations on Russian soil with the long-range weapons they are being supplied with. This policy shift on Friday comes at a critical juncture as Ukrainian forces face losses in the conflict. Ukrainian officials have expressed frustration over limitations on the use of Western weapons, particularly as the Kharkiv border region has been under heavy attack by Russia this month. Both Germany and the U.S. specifically allowed defense of Kharkiv, which is only 20 kilometers from Russia’s border. Beyond enhancing protection for Kharkiv, it remains uncertain how the easing of restrictions will impact the direction of the ongoing conflict.
Marian Robinson, mother of Michelle Obama, passes away at 86
WASHINGTON (AP) — Marian Shields Robinson, mother of Michelle Obama, has passed away at the age of 86. Mrs. Robinson, who had resided with the first family in the White House during son-in-law Barack Obama’s presidency, was a beloved figure. Her death was announced on Friday by Michelle Obama and other relatives in a statement that praised her extraordinary life and character.
Ohio explosion caused by cut gas line believed to be turned off, investigators report
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) — The National Transportation Safety Board disclosed that a work crew unintentionally severed a pressurized gas line while clearing out the basement of an Ohio building, leading to a deadly explosion this week. Initial investigation findings indicate that workers were aware of a problem when making the third cut, which prompted them to pull the fire alarm and evacuate people. Investigators are now working to determine why the gas line was pressurized. The explosion on Tuesday resulted in significant damage to the ground floor of Realty Tower, claiming the life of a bank employee and injuring several others.
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